2010 NBA Free Agency: Top Five Restricted Free Agents To Watch

Free agency is just days away and everybody is watching the big names.

LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and so many more have stolen the headlines.

But what about those who may not have as much choice in where they go?

For certain NBA players, there is a year of restricted free agency.

These players are young, oftentimes former first-round picks, and hungry for more playing time.

A restricted free agent is given a qualifying offer from their team. From that point, any offer that player receives during free agency is subject to their current team's right of first refusal. The team is given seven days to mull over the offer sheet the respective player chooses to sign, with the option to match it.

A lot of potential restricted free agents exist, but only a few may be lucky enough to walk free.

If the team does not give a qualifying offer by June 30, that player becomes unrestricted.

The following players have already garnered a qualifying offer or are highly expected to, but don't be surprised to see teams still vying for their services.

These are the top five restricted free agents.

Restricted Free Agents That Just Missed the Cut

There are many restricted free agents this season that could get a sniff of big money that aren't featured on this list.

Kyle Lowry, Houston Rockets:

A small but solid point guard, Lowry could make some team very happy by coming in to contribute with his ability to run a team.

He may not be the best shooter, but he can find the open man, handle the ball well, and play solid defense.

Ronnie Brewer, Memphis Grizzlies:

A strong defender and improving scorer, Brewer could find himself a lot of suitors this offseason.

He fits as a backup small forward but could be a defensive specialist with his ability to swipe the ball from opponents.

He can give enough points to balance out him being on the floor and has decent passing ability.

Wesley Matthews, Utah Jazz:

A very good defender who knows how to attack the basket, Matthews was a solid undrafted gem discovered by Utah.

He could be helpful to a team looking for an extra shooting guard.

He can shoot from long range and be a great complement off the bench, or start, depending on who is around.

Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers:

The young two-time champion from the Lakers may be the most likely restricted FA to leave his team.

He is a solid backup point guard who has shown flashes of brilliance.

He has also shown inconsistency, as manifested by being no more than a backup in his career.

At age 23, he may be worth the gamble somewhere.

Will Bynum, Detroit Pistons:

The fiery backup guard for the Detroit Pistons should get some looks his way.

He's not the greatest shooter, but he provides a great ability to get to the net as well as instant energy off the bench.

He was injured last season with two sprained ankles in an inconsistent year.

Bynum needs to find more of an identity with his point guard abilities, but could be a good player to take a chance on for a cheap price.

No. 5: Anthony Morrow

Anthony Morrow emerged out of nowhere in 2008-09 to become one of the more exciting players to watch in the NBA.

Morrow has shown an incredible shooting range, including a 46 percent mark from three-point range for his career, and a never say die attitude.

After going undrafted, he has worked extremely hard to get to this point.

Currently, Morrow is in the perfect system for his ability.

With Don Nelson's style of play, he is able to roam free and take advantage of numerous offensive possessions.

But that's not the main reason he has become such a solid player.

Morrow knows how to find the ball.

He is a good at getting himself open, grabs rebounds well for a guard, and has a quick release.

He needs to improve certain parts of his game, but he has shown a willingness to learn.

Possible suitors include the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Phoenix Suns.

Sure, the names above are the big ones, and Morrow will be one of the last players on their minds, but don't be surprised to see these teams go after someone of his ability.

For the Knicks, he fits in Mike D'Antoni's system as a sharpshooter from long range and can run the floor well on the break.

He would be a great backup guard to accompany whoever they bring in.

The Heat could very well need another backup SG after all is said and done with free agency.

If they bring in two big names, they should have just enough left to bring in one more guy. Morrow would fit that spot nicely.

The Bulls, much like the Heat, have plenty of cap room and may have a tiny bit left for another addition.

A consistent three-point shooter has become an important staple on many NBA rosters.

The Phoenix Suns offense could use an influx of young shooters.

They have solid group of veterans, but the clock is ticking. With a young Morrow, their shooting guard for the future could be groomed.

In the end, most expect Golden State to keep Morrow, but don't be so sure.

The team is stocked up in the backcourt and Morrow may be too much in the end.

They'll extend the qualifying offer, but if they decide to move ahead with Monta Ellis, Morrow may want to look for more options.

No. 4: J.J Redick

J.J. Redick has already received his qualifying offer for 2010.

The 26-year-old from Duke had a rough start to his NBA career.

A DUI, back injury, and an unwarranted king of the world attitude seemed to have him on track to be a flame-out by year three.

Instead Redick was able to turn himself around and work hard to contribute to the Orlando Magic.

Redick's defense became acceptable, his ability to hit the three became valuable, and he was no longer a detriment to the team.

Now that he finds himself a restricted free agent, he is ready to earn his second NBA contract.

Redick averaged 22 minutes per game last season and played in all 82 games for the first time in his career.

His 40.5 percent three-point tally was one of the best in the NBA, and he upped that to 43 percent for the playoffs.

Teams in the NBA love sharpshooters, especially ones that show the ability to play some defense.

Potential suitors include the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics.

For the Knicks, Redick would fit in perfectly with D'Antoni's system as a three-point shooter on the break.

Just like the Knicks, the Suns would be a similar fit for Redick.

He would be an extra sharpshooter to run with Steve Nash and Goran Dragic.

With aging players on that roster, a future Redick/Dragic tandem could be something to watch out for.

As for the Celtics, if Ray Allen decides to bolt, look out for Redick.

The shooter would be a nice fill-in for Allen and perhaps provide more than Allen. He has a quick release, young legs, and continues to improve.

Expect Redick to stay with the Magic in the end, but for certain teams to inquire about his services.

He has stated a desire to return and the Magic don't let restricted free agents leave too often.

No. 3: Tyrus Thomas

Tyrus Thomas has already received his qualifying offer from the Charlotte Bobcats.

This puts him officially in the restricted free agent category.

Thomas, the fourth pick in the 2006 draft, has had a mediocre start to his career.

He was suspended a couple times for detrimental behavior, and never seemed to leave a footprint in Chicago.

Thomas never emerged as the great big man the Chicago Bulls envisioned and lost his starting spot last season to Taj Gibson while injured.

From there, he was shipped off to Charlotte.

He showed a renewed sense of self under coach Larry Brown and his game continued to improve.

Thomas is athletic, a solid blocker, and a decent rebounder.

He goes through spurts where he scores consistently in double digits and then disappears for weeks.

If he could hone those skills to a true consistent level, he may live up to his draft billing.

Potential suitors include the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat.

Denver has been rumored since February to want Thomas.

They missed out at the trade deadline, but have some ammo to go after him.

With an aging frontcourt they would love to sign and trade for Thomas's skills.

Miami would look to a player like Thomas to finish off a great free agent run.

With a need for a true big man, he could be the answer if Chris Bosh doesn't head to the beach.

Thomas would provide a nice complement to the team and they have enough cash to get him there.

In the end, expect Thomas to stay in Charlotte.

The over $6 million qualifying offer showed they are already willing to pay to keep him around.

Plus, he has shown a desire to continue learning under Brown and stay in one spot.

No. 2: Luis Scola

Luis Scola, at age 30, is one of, if not the, oldest restricted free agents on the market.

With only three years of pro experience, he remains on the restricted list, despite being a 2002 draft pick.

Because of his age, he may not be the top restricted free agent, but he definitely produces.

Last season, Scola averaged 16.2 PPG with 8.6 RPG.

At 6'9'', Scola shows a relentless style of play that can only help his team.

He is an offensive force who attacks the basket well and has solid moves inside.

His defense is a little suspect, but has improved since he first entered the league.

Scola could probably start on most NBA rosters and should be an interesting name to watch.

Potential suitors include the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Toronto Raptors.

Scola has a unique skill set that could be valuable to a variety of squads.

He is comparable to David Lee and could fit next to any big free agents.

After Amar'e Stoudemire and Chris Bosh, the big men class has some openings; Lee and Scola could be those guys.

If the Knicks don't re-sign Lee and can finagle Scola away from Houston, he would be great to go with whoever they bring in.

The Timberwolves could use him as the perfect power forward to join their squad with his inside presence.

With trade rumors around Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, either leaving could open up the door for Scola to be had.

With Chris Bosh all but gone, Scola could fill the power forward spot that is about to have a gaping hole in Toronto.

He can bring his scoring and rebounding to the squad, and help start a new era of Raptors basketball.

Many other teams will be vying for his services as well, but Rockets GM Daryl Morey has said he refuses to let him go.

If Scola gets too large of an offer, the Rockets may not have a choice but to wave goodbye.

No. 1: Rudy Gay

Rudy Gay could potentially get himself a max deal this offseason.

He is by far the top restricted free agent, and will be unlikely to stick around Memphis due to the attention he will receive.

Gay is an explosive finisher who averaged 19.6 PPG last season.

He added in almost 6 RPG and had a relatively consistent year.

He will always be able to score, despite a mediocre shooting ability from beyond 18 feet.

If he chooses his shots more wisely, he could become a consistent 20 PPG scorer like he was in 2007-08.

When teams begin to miss out on LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Joe Johnson, his name will be next on the list.

Gay will bring excitement to whatever team he ends up on.

He can jump over most defenders and has solid length.

He is only 23 years old, and, even with his numbers, many feel he is still short of his potential.

Someone will give him a shot to be the face of their franchise.

Possible suitors include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and a lot of others.

Whoever misses out on Lebron, Wade, and Johnson will find themselves scrambling to catch up.

Not wanting to be embarrassed in front of their fanbases, Gay will get a lot of money to lead a team.

It's doubtful that he will be a complementary piece to any of the big names.

While Memphis may try to match anything he gets, a max deal would be too much.

Don't be surprised to see a sign and trade worked out by whoever truly wants him in the end.

The Grizzlies have something good in Gay, but still have decent young guards and forwards to help fill in for his loss.