A few weeks back, we took a look at the the the first batch of the biggest free agents available this summer, and today we preview the top ten. Some of these names are the ones you have grown to associate with the Class of 2010, such as LeBron, Wade, Bosh, and Amare. LayupDrill.com gives you our best bet as to where all of them will be playing next season.
10. David Lee, Knicks Power Forward
Lee is a double double machine, and while he doesn’t seem to fit Mike D’Antoni’s long term plans, he will be a great asset to a team this summer.
Likely Destinations: Cavaliers, Raptors, Grizzlies
9. Joe Johnson, Hawks Guard
In Atlanta, Joe was looked at to be “The Man”. Problem is, he isn’t. Johnson is a great scorer, and will be an excellent second option on a ballclub somewhere, but the All-Star is not the type to take over a game, or demand a double team the way a Kobe, Kevin Durant, LeBron or Dwyane Wade are.
Likely Destinations: Bulls, Knicks
8. Paul Pierce, Celtics Forward
The C’s captain has the option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, or take the player option on his current deal at 1 year and 21 million dollars. Coming off a stinging Game 7 Finals loss, many feel Pierce will opt out, only to re-up with Boston for less money, giving them the chance to sign some help.
Likely Destinations: Celtics
7. Carlos Boozer, Jazz Forward
Carlos Boozer changing teams has been a rumor for nearly as long as LayupDrill.com has been around(3 years). Truth be told, Utah has made bringing Boozer back as top priority this summer, and with other big men on the market, the potential suitors outside of the Jazz is less than what may have first been expected for Boozer’s camp.
Likely Destinations: Jazz
6. Amare Stoudemire, Suns Forward
At one point earlier this year, it looked certain Amare Stoudemire was headed out of Phoenix. After a successful run to the West Finals, things are sounding different in the dessert. Amare is coveted by many teams, and many players(LeBron) to play alongside.
Likely Destinations: Knicks, Bulls, Heat, Suns
5. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks Forward
Many teams have sent subtle feelers out to Dirk’s camp, but his opting out was merely a smokescreen. He isn’t leaving Dallas.
Likely Destination: Mavericks
4. Yao Ming, Rockets Center
The biggest(in size) potential free agent would be a big gamble for many teams, should Yao opt out of his player option for next season. Injuries have plagued Yao over the past few years, and giving a franchise center big free agent money is something most will think twice about.
Likely Destinations: Rockets
3. Chris Bosh, Raptors Forward
What we know for certain is Chris Bosh will not be back in Toronto. We also know that fellow free agents Dwyane Wade and LeBron James both want Bosh to play alongside them. In attempting to create their own “Big 3″, Bosh serves as the most dominant skilled young big man in the game, with fundamentals similar to Tim Duncan. Our best bet is Bosh sides with Wade, and heads to South Beach.
Likely Destinations: Heat, Bulls, Cavaliers, Knicks
2. Dwyane Wade, Heat Guard
The face of the Miami Heat has flirted with the idea of leaving Miami, but he’s not. In fact, Wade will be back with some help, in the form of Chris Bosh.
Likely Destination: Heat
1. LeBron James, Cavaliers Forward
Given our predictions above, the Heat will have the 2nd and 3rd best free agents on the market. We believe, somehow, someway, the Knicks wind up with number 1 and 6. The combination of LeBron and Amare in Mike D’Antoni’s system will make New York a contender instantly. They still will need some parts along the way, but attracting free agent veterans to the Garden isn’t a tough sell when you have LeBron on your side. Cleveland has been good to James, but if he really want to stay a Cavalier, he could have avoided all of this and signed a while ago.
Likely Destination: Knicks, Nets, Bulls
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