The Biggest Moves in the 2009 NBA Free Agency Period

Ryan P

Contributor Written on July 15, 2009

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 holds the Larry O'Brien trophy and waves to the crowd from the top of a double decker bus at the start of the Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship victory parade outside the Staples Center on June 17, 2009 in Los

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

The 2009 NBA free-agency period has been a good one thus far.

Many people overlooked this year's free agents because of the massive group that looms in 2010. There is still time for some more signings, and there are some good players available.

This slide show recaps what has happened so far.

Many people overlooked this year's free agents because of the massive group that looms in 2010. There is still time for some more signings, and there are some good players available.

This slide show recaps what has happened so far.

Shaq Moves to Cleveland

DENVER - FEBRUARY 20: (L-R) LeBron James #23 and Shaquille O'Neal #32 of the Eastern Conference All-Stars smile on the bench in the final moments of the East's win over the Western Conference All-Stars the 54th All-Star Game, part of 2005 NBA All-Star W

Shaquille O' Neal helped Kobe get three rings, Dwyane Wade one ring, and now, will he get one for LeBron James?

More importantly, will he be healthy enough to come through with yet another title?

One thing is for sure: LeBron will make things easier for the "Original Superman."

Where Will Hedo Go?

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 11: Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic runs up court in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 11, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

The picture above is Hedo Turkoglu sticking out his tongue as he runs from Portland to Toronto.

When it looked like that final piece was in place for the Blazers, he ran away when they weren't looking.

"The Turkish Jordan" had a verbal agreement with Portland, but at the last minute decided to go to Toronto for its global appeal.

Hey, I would, too.

Welcome to L.A.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers hugs Ron Artest #96 of the Houston Rockets after the Lakers defeated the Rockets 89-70 in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center o

I guess a dinner with LeBron wasn't enough to bring Ron Artest to Cleveland. Maybe LeBron didn't pay for the meal...

Artest is definitely hungry for is a championship, and he chose the perfect place to get one.

Vince Carter

"Vince, if you want to win, you have to try."

These are the words spoken by every head coach who has had Vince Carter on his team. He has all the talent in the world, but zero dedication.

Orlando gave up some good young talent and a proven point guard to get Carter. One thing he will do is score 20 points, just not every night.

Rasheed Wallace

Are the Celtics still the team to beat in the East?

Well, they added some good experience with Rasheed Wallace. They get a guy who's been to quite a few Conference Finals and has a ring to show for it.

He's a good player...if he can stay out of foul trouble.

The Answer in Dallas?

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Shawn Marion #31 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 16, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees th

As Shawn Marion keeps moving from team to team, the bus has now stopped in Dallas. He was part of a very complex deal and will try to help Dirk get his title.

The question is, will Dallas run that fast-break offense that he so desperately wants?

Detroit Splash

CHICAGO - MARCH 06: Charlie Villanueva #31 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after he didn't get a call on an offensive play which he thought he was fouled on in the first quarter as Ben Gordon #7 of the Chicago Bulls looks on at the United Center on March 6

Is that dominant Detroit team back?

Well, they're on the right track. They added some young size and a mystery man to help that happen.

Ben Gordon was unstoppable in the first round of the playoffs, but can he play like that on a consistent basis?

Charlie Villanueva has shown flashes of greatness, but can he stay healthy?

Gor...who?

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a shot over Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Marcin Gortat: A well-respected backup who gets little to no minutes, but blocked LeBron twice in the NBA playoffs.

He has size and promise, but for $34 million?

Maybe on a team that will give the man playing time, but Orlando did not need to match that offer if you ask me.

The man bashes the head coach and tells the media he doesn't want to be there. Let him be free!

Ariza to Houston

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: Trevor Ariza #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to move the ball against the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Lakers won 99-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

After the two faces of the franchise, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, went down with injury for the Houston Rockets...the team played better.

Now the Rockets add Trevor Ariza, who just came off a fantastic playoff run with the Lakers. It was a good signing, but the biggest question in Houston: Is Yao's career over?

Begin Slideshow

That's the end of this slideshow, here are a few more you might like...

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Orlando Magic Week Five Preview: Dwight Howard and the Road Warriors

Orlando gets a bit of a break after a busy schedule last week. In the process, the Magic have stepped up and now sit atop the Eastern Conference standings with the Boston Celtics at 14-4...

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written on July 15, 2009 Rankings/List

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