Post by James on Nov 4, 2007 1:01:25 GMT -5
Free Agency 2010
With this years crop of free agents being described as the best ever, many are predicting a rather conservative period with over-paid players being at a minimum compared to yesteryear.
Previous years saw the likes of Nenad Kristic, Smush Parker and Nene receive maximum contracts. Obviously, the above 3 did not deserve such hefty pay-checks however if we take into account the rule which allows a team to max out one of their best players before free agency begins if they decide not to re-sign, it's obvious that the lack of un-contracted talent is scarce at the end of the season.
This season, GM's aren't looking at semi-stars or second rate youngsters. Experienced veterans, all-time greats and exciting young prospects are all on offer. Which players will receive a maximum contract? Which stars will be looking at a downgrade in cash?
Elton Brand, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki are all former legends of the league. Each are coming off maximum contracts and will probably be expecting a renewal come free agency. Elton Brand and Dirk Nowitzki were only traded from Chicago last season and didn't fetch a lot of value, so I can't see any GM paying up for another 6 year deal. Kevin Garnett included, I see these 3 'veteran's receiving a 4 year max contract.
Also on offer this season are several second tier super-stars searching for their final contract before they become seasoned roll players. Andrei Kirilenko is coming off a mediocre season with the Hawks and would love to sign with a winning team. He is only 29, yet I only see him getting a 3-4 year contract. If it's a 5 year one that he receives, don't be surprised to see it's first year begin at around $6 million.
Ex-Spur Shawn Marion has just come off a season full of expectation after being suited with Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady and Roko Ukic. The Spurs failed in their attempt to bring home a championship, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Spurs pick him back up for a slightly cheaper salary and try again. Possibly, a 4 year deal starting at $10 million might be in order.
Sacramento were furious with Jermaine O'Neal's requested contract, however don't let their reaction fool you; the Kings want JO back. O'Neal formed one of the leagues most dangerous front courts last season along with Tim Duncan and I see the Kings really wanting him back home. They only recently dealt a lot of their future picks which almost solidifies my point that they will be asking for JO to come home this off-season. A 2 year, maximum offer will most likely be the resolution.
Larry Hughes, Mike Bibby, Chauncey Billups, Stephon Marbury, Vince Carter, Marquis Daniels, Antawn Jamison, Gerald Wallace and Steve Francis are all seasoned veterans who will find their way either back on their former roster or as a large cap filler on a semi-talented team. Some 3 year contracts may be dished out, although I see 1 year, $10+ million contracts will be dished out for these guys. Expect TJ Ford, Michael Redd and the aforementioned Carter, Billups and Wallace to receive slightly better contracts than the others.
We then have 2 young studs and one intriguing player left. Expect Andrea Bargnani to be hit with a maximum contract even though he probably doesn't deserve it. Although he was a 20ppg player last year, he was on a very young team and won't replicate that unless he is the center of the offense. In saying that, he will receive a nice pay-check. Randy Foye on the other hand will get a max and very much deserves it. He has blossomed and really come on in his team at NY and they will be fighting to get him back.
The final player we end on is David Lee. He is a terrific player who plays well below his ratings. He is 27 years old which is an 'iffy' age for many GM's. Will he be graced with the max or will he go for well under his worth? Time will obviously tell, however for now, I'm going to leave that question un-answered.
With this years crop of free agents being described as the best ever, many are predicting a rather conservative period with over-paid players being at a minimum compared to yesteryear.
Previous years saw the likes of Nenad Kristic, Smush Parker and Nene receive maximum contracts. Obviously, the above 3 did not deserve such hefty pay-checks however if we take into account the rule which allows a team to max out one of their best players before free agency begins if they decide not to re-sign, it's obvious that the lack of un-contracted talent is scarce at the end of the season.
This season, GM's aren't looking at semi-stars or second rate youngsters. Experienced veterans, all-time greats and exciting young prospects are all on offer. Which players will receive a maximum contract? Which stars will be looking at a downgrade in cash?
Elton Brand, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki are all former legends of the league. Each are coming off maximum contracts and will probably be expecting a renewal come free agency. Elton Brand and Dirk Nowitzki were only traded from Chicago last season and didn't fetch a lot of value, so I can't see any GM paying up for another 6 year deal. Kevin Garnett included, I see these 3 'veteran's receiving a 4 year max contract.
Also on offer this season are several second tier super-stars searching for their final contract before they become seasoned roll players. Andrei Kirilenko is coming off a mediocre season with the Hawks and would love to sign with a winning team. He is only 29, yet I only see him getting a 3-4 year contract. If it's a 5 year one that he receives, don't be surprised to see it's first year begin at around $6 million.
Ex-Spur Shawn Marion has just come off a season full of expectation after being suited with Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady and Roko Ukic. The Spurs failed in their attempt to bring home a championship, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Spurs pick him back up for a slightly cheaper salary and try again. Possibly, a 4 year deal starting at $10 million might be in order.
Sacramento were furious with Jermaine O'Neal's requested contract, however don't let their reaction fool you; the Kings want JO back. O'Neal formed one of the leagues most dangerous front courts last season along with Tim Duncan and I see the Kings really wanting him back home. They only recently dealt a lot of their future picks which almost solidifies my point that they will be asking for JO to come home this off-season. A 2 year, maximum offer will most likely be the resolution.
Larry Hughes, Mike Bibby, Chauncey Billups, Stephon Marbury, Vince Carter, Marquis Daniels, Antawn Jamison, Gerald Wallace and Steve Francis are all seasoned veterans who will find their way either back on their former roster or as a large cap filler on a semi-talented team. Some 3 year contracts may be dished out, although I see 1 year, $10+ million contracts will be dished out for these guys. Expect TJ Ford, Michael Redd and the aforementioned Carter, Billups and Wallace to receive slightly better contracts than the others.
We then have 2 young studs and one intriguing player left. Expect Andrea Bargnani to be hit with a maximum contract even though he probably doesn't deserve it. Although he was a 20ppg player last year, he was on a very young team and won't replicate that unless he is the center of the offense. In saying that, he will receive a nice pay-check. Randy Foye on the other hand will get a max and very much deserves it. He has blossomed and really come on in his team at NY and they will be fighting to get him back.
The final player we end on is David Lee. He is a terrific player who plays well below his ratings. He is 27 years old which is an 'iffy' age for many GM's. Will he be graced with the max or will he go for well under his worth? Time will obviously tell, however for now, I'm going to leave that question un-answered.