NBA Summer of 2010: Top 10 Free Agents and Where They Will Be Next Year

The fact that Lebron James has been eliminated from the NBA playoffs leads us to ask what will happen in the free agent market this summer. The summer of 2010 free agent market features more talent than any other free agent class in the history of the NBA. After the summer of 2010 the rosters within the NBA could be transformed. Teams have been saving cap room to use it during the summer of 2010, and for good reason. The free agent class is loaded with talent.

10. Rudy Gay

A rising star who may be looking to play for a contender. Gay is a high-flying guard who can finish on the inside and outside. Gay could be a possible suit to any team looking for a companion to suit a strong low post scorer. Rudy Gay is a restricted free agent, meaning that any contract he is offered can be matched by Memphis. Therefore Rudy Gay will most likely end up in Memphis, but he will definitely test the free agent waters. Possible Destinations: Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets

9. Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce is an aging star who is looking to end his career where it began, in Boston. Pierce can be an assassin at times and is always a lock-down defender. Pierce has no reason to leave Boston, especially after de-throwning the King in the playoffs. Pierce stays in Boston and continues to play with Rondo, Allen and Garnett. Possible Destination: Boston

8. Yao Ming

Yao Ming has been a big disappointment this season to Houston Rocket fans. He has been sidelined all season with an injury and has not been able to play in his contract year. This definitely hurt his value as a player. The fact that he is so injury prone will make it hard for him to sign with anyone except the Rockets. Yet if Houston offers Ming a subpar contract that Yao Ming might take his losses and opt to play elsewhere. Possible Destination: Houston Rockets

7. Carlos Boozer

Boozer, who is in the same situation as Joe Johnson, could land a big contract if he waits it out in free agency. There is no chance the Jazz will sign back Boozer due to their financial situation. This leaves him as the only free agent that has no chance of signing back with their former team. Boozer could land as a complement to a player like Wade, James or Johnson. Boozer will fill in a spot on a team that was not able to sign Stoudemire or Bosh. Possible Destinations: Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks

6. Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson is a player that could land a big contract if he is patient. The teams that miss out on James and Wade could be looking for a scoring threat in Johnson. He is a versatile scorer and can beat the defense in many ways. One of the most underrated scorers in the league would thrive in a city like New York or Chicago. Possible Destinations: Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls

5. Dirk Nowitzki

Even though the Mavs have been a disappointment in the playoffs the past few seasons, it is hard to see Dirk sign with anyone else. Nowitzki has been in Dallas his whole career, has a contending team, and does not seem to fit in any other type of offense. It is safe to say Nowitzki will be back in Dallas at the start of the 2010-2011 NBA season.

4. Amare Stoudemire

After being a part of a big surprise in Phoenix this season, it is hard to see Amare Stoudemire leaving. Stoudemire has played with Phoenix his whole career and thrives in their unique style of play. But Amare has empahsized his desire to play elsewhere and be traded. Stoudemire has been very intrested in playing in Miami and could also want to play for the Bulls. Possible Destinations: Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks

3. Chris Bosh

The Toronto Raptors have a very small chance at resigning their superstar. Yet Bosh and the Raptors are on good terms and the Raptors could sign and trade Bosh to a team with no caproom to sign Bosh in free agency. This will benefit both sides and make it easy for Bosh to be picked up by a contender. Possible Destinations: Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets

2. Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade, like Lebron James, has to make a decision this summer. Wade has to decide whether to stay put in Miami or head to a big market city. Wade will be wanted by all the teams that miss out on James. Possible Destinations: MIami Heat, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls

1. Lebron James

This is a no-brainer, Lebron is hands down the best player in this free agent class. The only person who could possibly contend for the number 1 spot would be Kobe Bryant who signed an extension with the Lakers. Possible Destinations:Cleveland Cavaliers , New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Chicago Bulls