2010 NBA Free Agency: Top 10 Destinations for Travis Outlaw

At the beginning of the 2009 season, it looked like Travis Outlaw was on his way to a big deal once free agency hit in 2010.

A regular off the Blazers' bench, Outlaw was primed to show he could be a starter somewhere else in the league. He averaged 12.8 points a game off the bench two seasons ago.

Unfortunately for Outlaw, injuries derailed his season in 2009-10. He only played 11 games for the Blazers in the first half of the season due to a foot injury before he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the deadline. He played decently well for LA, but was slowed by his injury.

The summer of 2010 looked like it would be a big pay day for Outlaw, but that probably won't happen.

So who will target the forward? Teams possibly losing small forwards, such as Memphis and Orlando, could be in line for his services.

Organizations with a lot of cap space that miss out on some of the top free agents might gun for him too.

Outlaw has a lot of options, but he probably won't make the money he thinks he deserves. Here are the top destinations for him.

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves don't have a boat load of cap space, but they could use all the help they can get.

Wesley Johnson was a great pick in the draft. Combining Johnson and Outlaw at small forward would be an effective combination at that spot for a team that desperately needs wing players.

Outlaw could also be used to back up Al Jefferson at power forward. He was used behind LaMarcus Aldridge a lot in Portland.

This pickup makes sense. Without the cap space to reel in a huge free agent, Minnesota can get a mid-level one like Outlaw.

9. Los Angeles Clippers

Outlaw was beginning to come into his own as a Clipper last season.

Although he missed a bunch of games due to his injury, he still was able to produce behind Rasual Butler.

The Clippers have big plans in free agency to bolster their already strong core. If they strike out on a top free agent small forward like Rudy Gay, Outlaw would fit in nicely.

Outlaw would also get a chance to prove that he's better than what he showed last season for the LA. With his foot fully healed, he'd be able to put up better numbers than the 9.9 points per game he scored last spring.

The Clippers might have big plans to get another top small forward, but bringing back Outlaw wouldn't be a bad choice

8. Cleveland Cavaliers

Everyday, it looks more and more like LeBron James isn't coming back to Cleveland.

Although it's almost ludicrous to compare Outlaw to James, the Cavs will have to start somewhere in search for the King's replacement.

He wouldn't put up nearly the same numbers as James, but Outlaw would fit in well with the current players on the Cavs, such as Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison.

With James likely gone and no other replacements on their current roster, the Cavs need to look somewhere for help at his spot. Outlaw could be that guy, for now.

7. Orlando Magic

If the Magic are unable to resign Matt Barnes, Outlaw could come in as compensation for the lost small forward.

Both are ranked near each other on the free agent rankings, although they may have somewhat different sets of skills.

If he goes to Orlando, Outlaw would fit in nicely in a lineup with Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson, and Dwight Howard.

The Magic might be trying to save some cap space in this year's free agency period, but signing Outlaw would be a nice replacement for Barnes.

6. Portland Trail Blazers

It worked once, why can't it work again?

Outlaw was a steady contributor for Portland before he was traded as a part of the Marcus Camby deal last season. Coming off the bench, he averaged around 13 points a game in the 07-08 and 08-09 seasons.

Outlaw would be an effective combination at small forward alongside Nicolas Batum.

Portland may have shown its feelings towards Outlaw with the trade last season, but he's proved before he can be an effective member of the Blazers.

5. Boston Celtics

If Paul Pierce jumps from Boston, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Celtics target Outlaw.

At 25, he'd fit in the Celtics' plans to rebuild towards the future. He also would work well in an offense with up-tempo point guard Rajon Rondo, whom the Celtics will try to build their franchise around if Pierce and Allen leave.

A competition between Tony Allen (if he is re-signed) and Outlaw could be an interesting one. Allen has tried to prove he's worthy of a starting position, but both players could push each other.

Even if Pierce doesn't bolt, Outlaw could provide some depth for Boston.

4. Miami Heat

If Chicago snatches up LeBron and Chris Bosh, Miami will try to counter by signing Wade and superstars like Amar'e Stoudamire and Joe Johnson.

If the Heat do that, they would be devoid of any role players on the team.

While acquiring all three would seem preposterous, it could happen. Outlaw could come in as a quality role player if the plan works, although there might not be enough cap space.

No matter who it signs, Miami doesn't have very many quality role players. Outlaw would fit into that role very smoothly.

The Heat may have huge expectations for this summer, but if those expectations aren't met, Outlaw could come to town.

3. Washington Wizards

The Wizards have their eye on the future.

Current small forwards Mike Miller and Josh Howard probably won't be in that future, and both are likely to be let go as free agents this summer.

With John Wall at the helm, the Wizards are moving towards a more up-tempo style of basketball. Outlaw could translate well into such a scheme. He'd thrive in the run-and-gun style of play that would come forth from Wall's game.

Outlaw's age would also be a huge factor. Miller and Howard are aging, while Outlaw still has a chance to improve at 25.

As the Wizards get younger, adding Outlaw could be another step in that direction.

2. New Jersey Nets

The Nets were another team that were in contention for some of the top free agents in this year's class.

But it seems that New Jersey is falling behind to organizations like Chicago and Miami when it comes to landing the top free agents.

Another team with a boat load of cap space, New Jersey could be primed to sign a top free agent like Carlos Boozer, as well as two other available players.

John Salmons is an option at shooting guard. Outlaw could be the answer at small forward.

Terrence Williams is a quality prospect from the swingman position, but Outlaw could provide the help the Nets desire right now.

While they had big plans at the beginning of free agency, the Nets might have to settle for Outlaw. That's not a particularly bad option though.

1. Memphis Grizzlies

It appears more and more likely that restricted free agent Rudy Gay is on his way out in Memphis.

Although he is not as talented as Gay, Outlaw could be a nice substitute for the Grizzlies.

Memphis is a team with a lot of talent that has a chance to break through as a dark horse in the West. Outlaw would insure the same thing with Gay gone. He'd also work well with new draft pick Xavier Henry.

The loss of Gay might hurt, but replacing him with Outlaw could be the next best thing.