We are past the point in the off
season where the stars are debating what team to play for next season (for the
most part). Now is the time that role players that could be key in a playoff
run are doing the same. But the news isn't as publicized.
So I will give an update on many
of the top remaining free agents and where they might end up. Starting in alphabetical
order.
Gilbert Arenas
The only team Arenas has really
been linked to is the Lakers. It is hard to imagine that he won't play next
season. Some team somewhere can use a backup point guard. Arenas still has a
little left in the tank.
Leandro Barbosa
Reports point to him not
returning to the Pacers. The Timberwolves have popped up as a possible dark
horse team. Again, someone will eventually pick up Barbosa. He is still an
above average shooter. Among various other vets, Barbosa has been linked to the
Bulls. Don't expect him to be in Chi-Town, as he is likely near the mid-pack of
their list.
Matt Barnes
Barnes might be the top forward
left. The defensive specialist has been linked to.....well.....nobody. Again, I
do not understand why teams refuse to go after these veterans. Maybe there are
talks under the table that we are not hearing. But if Barnes does go anywhere,
it is likely he returns to the Lakers.
Mike Bibby
The Knicks will likely bring back
the guard. Plain and simple, Bibby is pretty much washed up.
Baron Davis
Davis, coming off a torn ACL,
says he has no plans to retire. He was playing well with the Knicks last season
before the injury. Hasn't been linked to a team yet, but someone will surface
soon enough.
Carlos Delfino
Delfino said he hopes to return
to Bucks, but the Pacers and Celtics have showed interest in him. Injury issues
supposedly scare some teams away.
Keyon Dooling
Dooling will likely re-sign with
the Celt's to pad their backcourt.
Derek Fisher
Fisher has been linked to plenty
of teams. Cavs, Bulls, Nets, Thunder, Mavs, Knicks. All reported to be
interested in Fisher. He would be a good veteran to have in the locker room and
can still do a thing or two on the court.
Jonny Flynn
Lakers, Trail Blazers, Suns,
Raptors, Bulls, Nets, and Cavs have all been reported to have interest in the
young guard. Still just 23, Flynn has a lot of room to grow.
Randy Foye
Foye is reportedly drawing
interest from the Mavericks, Rockets, Knicks, Hawks, Suns and Bucks. A good shooter;
he can spread the floor too.
Josh Howard
Howard is drawing interest from
the Mavericks, Jazz, Lakers, Nets, Spurs and Celtics. There was a time when Howard was one of the best forwards in the league. But now just a good vet.
Juwan Howard
Howard will likely retire. Says he still wants to play, but he'd be better off coaching or something in the area.
Yi Jianlian
Yi has drawn more interest from Euro teams than the NBA, but says he is focused on staying in the NBA.
Carl Landry
The Bobcats are attempting to acquire Landry in a sign-and-trade with the Bobcats. If not, the T'Wolves and Warriors have shown interest.
John Lucas III
Lucas can end up with Miami or Toronto. Miami would be a good place if he wants to win. Toronto is he likes hockey.
Kenyon Martin
Martin, one of the best remaining FAs has gotten interest from the Warriors. Won't be a surprise if they pick him up.
Jodie Meeks
The Grizzlies and Lakers have shown interest. He is a talented spot-up shooter who can fit in with just about any team.
CJ Miles
Miles, who has been in the league 7 years but is still only 25, visited with the Mavs recently.
Anthony Parker
Parker officially announced his retirement around the end of June.
Michael Redd
The Cavs, Suns, and Bulls have shown heavy interest in Redd. Formerly one of the best shooters in the league, Redd can still spot up.
Brandon Rush
Rush hopes to be signed to an offer sheet by the Lakers, who he recently worked out with.
Brain Scalabrine
Scal says he will play until the kick him out. Possible he returns with Bulls. He is a great locker room guy.
Ben Wallace
If Wallace returns, it is likely he does so with the Pistons.
Delonte West
Mavs and Bulls are West's likely destinations. Still a crafty player.
Many of the teams that are showing interest are doing nothing other than that. Showing interest. They will likely not sign that player.
There are still plenty of vets left that can be important to a team.
If there are any players you would like to know about, contact on Twitter.
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