2009 Free Agent Forecast
Next Summer is going to be very interesting…
LayupDrill.com Exclusive
Many media outlets have target the summer of 2010 free agent market as “the big one.” But in all honesty, the NBA and its collective bargaining agreement have set up the market so that many of the big names that will be available will probably re-up with their current teams. Sure, there will be some that change cities, whether its for a chance to win a title, or for better off the court endorsement opportunities(i.e. Lebron). But what few have truly paid attention to was that this upcoming summer of 2009 could see more movement than 2010.
Why, you ask? Well lets look at the facts. First off, who is positioned to be major players this upcoming summer? Five teams that come to mind are the Heat, Blazers, Thunder, Grizzlies, and Pacers. Now some of those cities, and teams, are not necessarily the most desirable for potential free agents to go to, but in Miami, Portland and Indiana, you have young talented teams on the rise. Memphis has the temptation of teaming up with super guard OJ Mayo, and OKC has phenom Kevin Durant holding it down on his own right now.
With that being said, take a look at the star-studded list of stars that will be drawing offers not only from their current teams but other potential suitors as well:
1. Kobe Bryant – Lakers – Kobe, the reigning MVP, would love nothing more than to return to the Finals, this time winning it, all while capturing his 2nd consecutive MVP in a contract year. With Andrew Bynum back, and Gasol and Odom playing well, safe money says Kobe goes nowhere.
2. Ron Artest – Rockets – Ron Ron, who Houston traded for this year, also has lot to play for besides a title this season. Expect Artest to have an all star calibur season, and the Rockets will do all they can to keep their Big 3 together for years to come. Artest will get looks from LA, NY, Miami, Cleveland and Detroit as well.
3. Carlos Boozer – Jazz – Boozer, who has come into his own in Utah teamed up with Deron Williams, may be looking to play along another talented guard, but this time in South Florida. Safe money says Boozers bolts to Miami and joins D Wade, Micahel Beasley and company.
4. Shawn Marion – Heat – I think Marion may get traded before the all star break to a contending team needing extra scoring power. Its a safe bet that Marion wont sign a long term deal with the Heat. Marion may draw interest by a number of teams, including LA, NY, and Indiana.
5. Jason Kidd – Mavs – Dallas will more than likely go in a different direction long term, and not resign Kidd after this year. Will he decide to go for a 1 or 2 year deal with a contender to try to get that elusive championship? Only time will tell.
6. Allen Iverson – Pistons – AI in Detroit could possibly be a very short stay. The Pistons are in a wait-and-see approach about inking Iverson to any long term deal. They want to have room to go after the likes of Kobe Bryant, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, and eventually Lebron James/Dwayne Wade in 2010 as well. I see AI leaving Detroit after this year, and ending up a 3rd option on a loaded team(i.e Ray Allen/Celtics).
7. Grant Hill – Suns – I think Phoenix will be Grant’s last stop, and after this year, Hill wind hang it up.
8. Marvin Williams – Hawks – The former UNC standout could be a potential steal for a team if the Hawks don’t resign him. Look for Williams to have a breakout year, and attract some big money from teams this summer.
9. Paul Millsap – Jazz – Millsap, a valuable role player to the Jazz, will be coveted by many teams looking to sure up their front court. Expect him to get offers by all the usual suspects: Spurs, Jazz, Lakers, Celtics, Pistons, Cavs.
10. Channing Frye – Blazers – Frye maybe a surprise to be on this list, but the former Arizona Wildcat had a solid rookie season in New York. He got moved to Portland, and is buried behind Greg Oden and Lemarcus Aldridge in the overcrowded front court. Unless Oden remains injury plagued this year, expect Frye to head elsewhere, with Indiana and Houston being potential spots.
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