NBA Free Agency for 2011
This off-season has been a rather tumultuous one for the National Basketball Association. After teams had prepared for years to sign big-name free agents, the three most sought after agents pooled together and decided to play for one team, the Miami Heat.
This leaves a lot of cap space for teams who have been carefully dumping salaries in preparation for 2010. This means that transitively, certain teams will have serious money to spend in the free agent market of 2011as well. Here are the top free agents that are to be available at that time:
Carmelo Anthony: The Nuggets forward is easily considered the biggest prize of the 2011 free agency market. Teams like the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards are already planning to keep salary space available to offer the Syracuse alum a maximum offer.
The Nuggets are keen on retaining their star player, who averaged 28.2 points per game last season, and have offered him a long term extension. If Anthony takes the extension, look for another top agent to perhaps join him in Denver. If he opts out of it, expect a big Denver trade involving him before the February deadline.
Tim Duncan: It’s impossible to imagine the 34-year-old in anything other than a San Antonio Spurs jersey, but the possibility will exist next summer. Duncan remains one of the best big men in the NBA despite his age and will be sought out by many teams. Realistically, Duncan will most likely sign with the Spurs to finish his career out in the black and silver that has become synonymous with his name.
Mo Williams: Scarily enough for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mo Williams is perhaps the best player on the roster. The Cavaliers don’t seem to be able to find anyone to really bolster their line-up so the pressure is going to fall heavily on Mo Williams.
The extra opportunities will probably help Williams out in the long run. If the Cavaliers have a poor year but he scores a lot due to carrying the brunt of the offensive labour, he can jump ship and get an overvalued contract. If Cleveland somehow does well and fields a contender, he can remain and will probably receive a nice deal to reward his loyalty.
Nene Hilario: Nene’s career with the Denver Nuggets has been plagued by injuries, but he is still one of the most intriguing big men in the NBA. Hilario is both quick and physical and provides a lot of trouble for down-low coverage. Last season he played every regular season game, so his health seems to be stabilizing.
Also, at only 27, Hilario is already an eight-year league veteran and could still improve as a player. He has the option to terminate his contract and become a free agent next summer, which would mean he gives up a whopping $11.6 million.
If he does enter free agency, Hilario can earn more, but may have to settle for an overall worse team than the Nuggets. If Anthony stays, Hilario will most likely do the same. If Anthony bails out on Denver, Hilario will probably do so as well.
David West: The New Orleans Hornets has been obsessively slashing their salary cap, perhaps in hope of appeasing 2012 free agent Chris Paul with some big signings next season and a larger deal for him.
As West’s contract actually declines that season he would be wise to opt out. The Hornets are not going to offer much for the 30-year-old with their current spending ways. For security and a long-term deal West would have to find himself a new home away from New Orleans.
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