2008 NBA Free Agency: Baron Davis To L.A.?

The free agency market is the most important aspect to the offseason since a team can get mostly proven NBA talent. The draft is where you get young talent who needs to develop. Getting a key free agent can make a team go from watching the playoffs to making a run at a title.

Gilbert Arenas looks like he will get a $130 million contract with the Wizards (which is ridiculous), Elton Brand said he will stay a Clipper, and Antawn Jamison likes D.C. and the team too much to leave.

This year's market has some big names and some sleepers out there, and I am going to take a look at the latest buzz and predictions.

Baron Davis PG - Davis is a 20-point and eight-assist player who throughout his career has been one of the best guards in the game. Unfortunately his knee has held him back for many years, but last season he remained healthy and has shown he is in his prime right now.

He has opted out Golden State and will be looking at another team to sign with. He and Don Nelson do not get along and the team is showing they want to keep Monta Ellis as a long-term player.

The Los Angeles Clippers are the favorite to get Davis. He is from L.A., where he played college ball at UCLA and is a rising director in the film business. L.A. is a perfect fit for him to possibly end his career.

Elton Brand looks like he will re-sign, and if they can get Davis it will move them into the playoffs. Davis, Eric Gordon (or if they re-sign Corey Maggette), Al Thornton, Brand, and Chris Kaman will be a really solid line up. They also have a deep bench, which would put them as, in my opinion, a top-five team in the West.

Pat Riley has also shown interest in Davis. A back court with Davis and Wade will be a threat in the East, and since he is a free agent they would not have to trade Shawn Marion for him. A line up with Davis, Wade, Marion, Beasley, and Alonzo Mourning would definitely have the Heat as a favorite to win the East.

Corey Maggette SG - A 20-point, consistent player who really gets no buzz around the league. He and coach Dunleavy never got along, which is why I believe he is on the move.

The Orlando Magic and Maggette have already been talking, and I feel this is the best spot for him. The Magic need a shooting guard and Maggette needs a team where he can be recognized as a legit player. They are a perfect fit, and it would be a surprise to me if he is not wearing a Magic jersey in the fall.

The Phoenix Suns have also been looking at acquiring Maggette. A possibility is with a sign-and-trade, which would send Barbosa to L.A. I would not see Maggette wanting this to happen since he most likely will be a sixth man behind Raja Bell.

Josh Smith SF/PF - Smith has really progressed in the league since coming out of high school. He is looking like he can become one of the great defenders in the NBA. The Hawks are showing progression and he is a key piece to them. They would be willing to match any offer for him, since he is a restricted free agent.

The 76ers have been chasing Smith, and with a large cap space it is possible they could offer him something too large for the Hawks to match. The 76ers are a rising young team and with a dominant defender like Smith, the 76ers would have the most athletic line up in the NBA.

The Hawks are in a bad situation because they will eventually have to keep Joe Johnson and Al Horford. If the 76ers make a large enough offer, the Hawks would have to let Smith go. With Smith I would favor the 76ers in the upcoming years to be a top team.

Monta Ellis PG/SG - The Warriors will be willing to match any offer for their young star, but anything is possible. Teams who will make a run at Ellis are both the Knicks and Heat.  

With Don Nelson getting near the end of his coaching career, Ellis may feel Mike D'Antoni is a long-term answer for him. He would flourish under his system. A possible sign-and-trade scenario could happen.

Ellis stated he would be interested in Miami, but Riley seems like he is not interested in a sign-and-trade scenario.

DeSagana Diop C - At the age of 25 and being a lengthy defender, Diop is a solid player to pick up. He does the dirty work, which may land him with a long-term deal.

He already has stated he wanted to return to the Mavericks, and I see that as the best scenario, but the Miami Heat would be a great fit for him. He can still learn from Zo and have a bigger role in Miami's future. They are in need of a center and Diop is the best available free agent.

Ben Gordon SG - He is still one of the best shooters in the game, and has shown he is a better player coming off the bench. The Bulls are loaded in the back court, which is why I believe they will keep Luol Deng and part ways with Gordon.

The 76ers need a fill as a SG and Gordon would be perfect. He can spread the floor and run with the athletic lineup. I do not see a better situation for him. The 76ers traded Kyle Korver and have been missing that deep threat, which is why Gordon and the 76ers should get talking on a contract right now.

Shaun Livingston PG - He may never be himself after his tragic injury that still gives me chills, but some GMs have to take a chance on him.

Before his injury he was showing strides to reach his potential. After a full year of rehab I think he can get back to his old form. It comes down to his mentality on whether or not he can.

A good fit for him would be the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are expected to keep Delonte West, which would allow Livingston to come off the bench and get back into the game.

Michael Pietrus SF - A couple of years ago he was really impressive. Nelson kept him buried on the bench last year for some reason, even though whenever he played he gave them production.

He is a defensive threat, which is why a team will sign him to a long-term deal. The Nuggets and Suns are the two favorites.

The Nuggets need any kind of help in defense and Pietrus can give them this. He can fit into a role of coming off the bench and giving them a well-needed boost.

Grant Hill struggles to keep healthy and to have a back up like Pietrus will be a huge thing for them. GM Steve Kerr is trying to give the Suns a defensive mind set, and no better way than to get Pietrus in the lineup.

Sleepers:

Sebastian Telfair PG - One of the biggest busts and reasons why an age limit was put in the NBA, but last year with the Wolves had a solid season. He was a consistent player who was able to create shots for his teammates.

Pat Riley likes him as a back up, but he grew up in N.Y. and will probably end up with the Knicks. There already have been talks of this, and I feel D'Antoni will like Telfair. He cannot shoot, but can still run an offense and create shots for his teammates.

Gerald Green SF - He can shoot and can jump out of the building, but his character issues and inconsistency have left him jobless for a while. Some one should give him a chance, and the Spurs could be this team.

Greg Popovich will keep any player in line. Green can come off the bench and add youth with depth to the roster.

Last but not least...Kwame Brown C - I know I know, but listen for a second. He had a decent season a couple of years ago. He still has so much potential and needs the right team for him to live up to this. He also needs an owner or GM to get his head straight.

The Heat, once again, might look at him. Pat Riley will make sure he gets his work in and Brown will be given an opportunity to show something to his critics.

The Detroit Pistons may take a look at Brown since they need a back up at center. Dumars will also make sure Brown gets his work in. He can learn from the veterans and just let the game come to him. No pressure will be put on him to be a dominant big man in Detroit.