2010 NBA Free Agency Preview

1.) LeBron James

Not a lot of people predicted that LeBron would even contemplate leaving Cleveland years ago, but sure enough, here we are, and the Cavs do not even look like the favorites to land the two-time MVP. LeBron’s talent alone will be enough to make him the biggest free agent prize, but the influence he has on a number of other players is also very enticing. Whatever team is able to land James could possibly improve themselves in multiple areas with possible additions like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh along with James to create their own All-Star team. The frontrunners in the LeBron sweepstakes look to be Chicago, Cleveland, and Miami, but watch out for for any team with the salary cap to sign him; you might just see a under-the-radar team make a move.

2.) Dwyane Wade

Wade has been a unique player in free agency this summer, as he is one of the only players to actually recruit for his team more than listening to offers from other teams. Wade has spent a lot of time trying to convince James and Bosh to pack up and play down in Miami with him, which is a luxury for Pat Riley, who can not talk to any free agents until July 1st. Great weather is an incentive but having the “Biggest Three” for a team that could be the best of all-time could be too good of an opportunity to pass up. If Wade is not able to sway James and Bosh, he could look at a number of other players to play in Miami like Boozer and Stoudemire. Wade is able to talk players into playing with him easier than any other player this offseason because of the championship ring that he has, something which none of the top free agents have. In the unlikely event Wade were to leave Miami, he could look to a big market team with enough money to bring another major player and still allow Wade to be the star. Miami is the huge favorite to keep Wade by a large margin, but if he does go, New Jersey and New York could also attempt to keep Wade happy and give him a shot at another title.

3.) Chris Bosh

Bosh has become to LeBron as much as Robin is to Batman. Bosh has pretty much made it clear he wants to go wherever LeBron goes, and might even take a pay cut to make it happen. Bosh has made it clear that he does not want to go back to Toronto, and if he is going to decide to follow one particular player, LeBron would be the guy to go with. Bosh is one of the top big men in the game today and would be a legitimate talent in the front court, something Lebron has not really had in his career. If there is a situation where Bosh cannot join LeBron, look for him to end up in Miami to team up with Wade and attempt to bring a title back to Miami. The frontrunners in landing Bosh are Chicago, Miami, and New York.

4.) Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk made this list just recently by opting out of his current contract with the Mavs, but do not be surprised if he goes right back to Dallas. At the age of 32, Dirk still has talent but teams will be a little more concerned on how long that talent will stick around. Not a lot of teams have mentioned his name when talking about the players they would like to sign. Dirk could go to one of the big spending teams like New York or New Jersey if they are not able to sign James, Bosh, or Wade. Any other year, Nowitzki would highlight a free agency class, but with all the talent in the market, he has become a fallback guy to a majority of teams. The main teams looking at Dirk are Dallas, New York, and depending on the outcome of the first three players, possibly Miami and New Jersey.

5.) Amar’e Stoudemire

Stoudemire has officially opted out of his contract with the Suns and will become an unrestricted free agent. Although Nash has been a great teammate using the pick and roll to perfection with Amar’e, the constant trade rumors have given Amar’e the feeling that he is not wanted. It could be possible that Stoudemire joins his old coach, Mike D’ Antoni, and the New York Knicks. Stoudemire would look for another big player to help the push towards a championship, but his talent will be an asset to any team that lands him regardless. Top teams to land Amar’e are New York and Miami.

6.) Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson was regarded as a top five free agent this offseason until his performance in the postseason dropped his stock. Johnson is one of the best shooters available and can still at an All-Star caliber level with the right team. He has the ability to take over a game and could be a great complimentary piece to a LeBron or a Wade if he were to pair with one of them. Johnson can also become the go-to guy and add some front court talent like Stoudemire or Boozer to help out. If Johnson decides to leave Atlanta, expect him to draw major attention from New York, Chicago, and New Jersey to pair up with another free agent.

7.) Carlos Boozer

Boozer is another talented big man available this summer. The Utah Jazz have pretty much made it clear they are not looking to re-sign Boozer, so odds are he will have a new home next year. Boozer is very talented offensively, but his lack of defense hurts his free agent stock this summer with some of the big spending teams. The big three could ultimately decide where Boozer will end up next season depending on who goes where and how much money is left to be spent. He has made it clear he wants to win a ring and is looking for a team with that same passion. Expect Miami to make a push for him if they can only land Wade, but Boozer will end up being a fallback guy to Bosh and Stoudemire. If not Miami, look for Chicago or New Jersey to make a move to acquire the talented big man.

8.) Rudy Gay

Rudy Gay had a weak season two years ago, which caused Memphis to prepare for his departure. Now after last season, they are begging to bring him back. Gay is a young potential star that has a lot of intangibles in his game. He is very athletic and has the ability to be a solid compliment to a Chris Bosh or Amar’e Stoudemire. Gay might have to sit back and wait and see where players end up, but after some of the signings, he could improve his pay day by going to a team that was not able to land a max free agent. Expect Rudy Gay to find a home in either Washington, Minnesota, or with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers will be looking to bring in a major talent to start building around Blake Griffin.

9.) David Lee

David Lee has one of the more unique situations in this year’s free agent market. Lee has been one of the only bright spots on the Knicks roster, and even made the All-Star Game last year. His numbers were quite impressive, averaging 20 points and 11 boards last season. Unfortunately, teams are afraid to pull the trigger on Lee with a big contract as they are still unsure if he can perform at the level he has consistently. Lee could be a quality pickup to a team that decides to take the chance, but he might not sign until some of the big names come off the board. This will give him some leverage with the teams that missed out on any big free agents, including his former team. Look for Houston and Oklahoma City to be interested in his services, and if the Knicks miss out on the other players, they could make a push to get Lee back and give him the pay day he deserves.

10.) Paul Pierce

Pierce has recently announced that he will be opting out of his current contract and become a free agent. The purpose of this move could be to beat out the collective bargaining agreemant coming after next season. This move will pay Pierce more money over the long haul instead of finishing out his current contract and missing out on some big time money. It’s difficult to see Pierce leaving the team he has been with his whole career, but stranger things have happened. Even though he is 32 years old, he still believes he has a lot left in the tank and can offer All-Star talent to one of the major players in free agency. If Pierce were to leave the Celtics, which is a big stretch, there could be some interest from New Jersey, Minnesota, and Washington.