A few weeks into NBA free agency, nearly every major free agent has agreed to a new deal. There have been some great stories (Deandre Jordan flip flopping) some big deals with new teams (Lamarcus Aldridge to the Spurs) and many players resigning with their old teams (Marc Gasol, Tim Duncan, Dwyane Wade). While most free agents have found a new deal, there are many still out there looking for a team to join. Teams that are looking to round out their roster have many players to choose from over the summer. However, just like it always is many players will have to wait a long time, maybe even forever to come back to the NBA.
Free Agents Who Could Sign for More Than the Minimum
1. Tristan Thompson-A restricted free agent who is almost certainly coming back to Cleveland, but they have not been able to agree on a deal. Sometime in the next couple of months he will sign a new deal with the Cavaliers though and return to a team headed back to the championship.
2. Javale McGee-has showed a lot of skill in the past, but injuries the last couple of years limited him a lot. Was forgotten after getting traded last season, but if he shows maturity should get a nice deal with incentives.
3. Tyler Hansbrough-He was one of the greatest college players, but his NBA career has not gone nearly as well. After spending some time in Toronto, he could be a great addition to a team looking for a backup big man. His hard work and talent could translate well for a low price. (signed for minimum with Charlotte Hornets)
4. JR Smith-After a poor Finals performance Smith could be looking for a new team. Cleveland is reportedly still interested in bringing him back, but with his inconsistency maybe they shouldn't.
5. Tayshaun Prince-A longtime veteran and NBA champion, Prince would be a good veteran presence off the bench for a playoff team.
6. Matthew Dellavadova-After becoming a star due to his early Finals performance he will likely get a nice pay raise and if the Cavaliers can't give it to him, will take his talents somewhere else.
7. Kevin Seraphin-Has proven to be a good backup big man. Could fill a need for a few teams still looking to fill that position.
8. Norris Cole-He is a restricted free agent who is also a two time champion already in his young career (thanks to being drafted by Miami). He is a top backup point guard in this league and will find a team sooner rather than later.
9. Carlos Boozer-He has been on the decline the last few years especially after a lone disappointing season for the Lakers this past year, but could still be a veteran presence with scoring potential.
10. Glen Davis-If he doesn't return to the Clippers, he will have to find another team to provide a similar role. Doc Rivers trusted him more than any other big man off the bench last season.
Free Agents worth signing for the minimum
1. Jason Maxiell-still waiting for him to be what we though he could be
2. Michael Beasley-same with him, except he has shown flashes of greatness in small doses
3. Landry Fields- Was a top young man signed a long contract and disappeared, but maybe he will be back again? Just not in Toronto.
4. Donald Sloan-Helped the Pacers last year with Paul George out.
5. Reggie Evans-still one of the best rebounders and a good bench player
6. Darrell Arthur- A young big man will likely return to Denver, he has some high potential
7. Ish Smith-He is bouncing around the league, but worth taking a flyer on
8. Pablo Prigioni-Just got traded and then waived, still a good bench point guard at the end of his career (signed by the Clippers to be the third string point guard)
9. Emeka Okafor-was teamless last year recovering from injury. Needs a career revival and might be worth it, ten years ago he was the one of the best young players in the league.
10. Dorell Wright-Still looking to break through even in the latter of his career.
These guys should just retire now (like Shawn Marion did)
1. Elton Brand-made it a long time in the league, sadly it near the end
2. Jason Terry-Will probably return to the Rockets, but after that should retire
3. Jason Richardson-the last few years have been injury filled, but still had a nice career.
4. Hedo Turkoglu-Made some good money and played well, it is over for him though
5. Dahntay Jones-Lucky to get a gig last year, won't be so lucky next year
6. Nazr Mohammed-somehow made it this long, won't be surprised if he keeps going forever
7. Earl Barron-Only 34 but worth checking out His life and career
8. Andre Miller-Has made it far, had a great career and will always be a great passer
9. Willie Green-extended his career longer than most would think, great teammate.
10. Greg Oden-former number one pick plays less NBA games than Smush Parker. Injuries are tough
Oh he is a free agent, who is he?
1. Jerome Jordan
2. Ohnjen Kuzmic-He just won a ring, how many people knew that? (signed to play in Greece)
3. Ian Clark
4. Vander Blue
5. Travis Wear
6. Shayne Wittington
7. Arinze Onuako
8. Robbie Hummel
9. Henry Sims
Maybe He should play in Europe
1. Jeff Taylor (signed to play in Europe)
2. Greg Smith
3. Bernard James
4. John Lucas III
5. Ekpe Udoh (signed to play in Turkey)
6. Jimmer Fredette (signed with the Spurs)
7. Ryan Hollins
8. Jeff Ayres
9. Will Bynum
10. Jeff Withey
The Rest of 'Em
1. Glenn Robinson III-Has not lived up to the family name so far (signed with Pacers)
2. Rasual Butler-has put together a nice long career, might be done though
3. Chuck Hayes-will always be known as the midget center
4. Kendrick Perkins-he did play in the finals last year, but doesn't have much to give (signed for the minimum with New Orleans Pelicans)
5. Lester Hudson-from NBA to China and back. the pattern might continue
6. Chris Copeland-Has some talent, but maybe not enough (reportedly signed with Milwaukee Bucks)
7. Greg Stiemsma-has been a solid backup center at times, many teams already though so that limits him to where he can go next
There are a few other free agents out there, but this covers the large majority of them. It will be interesting to see where everyone else ends up by the start of the season. The question that will likely continue to be asked until the beginning of the season though is... What about Andrew Bynum?
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