NBA Free Agency 2010: Top Destinations For Tracy McGrady

As of 12:01am this morning, Free Agency is here!

Basketball fans now must anxiously wait to see who their favorite NBA teams will acquire.

While every General Manager thinks his team will get a big-time player like Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudermire, Chris Bosh…etc. The majority of free agency will be dealing with role-players.

One role player in particular that will be the topic of much debate is Tracy McGrady.

The 13 year NBA veteran recently turned 31- years-old and finished last season playing for the New York Knicks.

T-Mac had been an All-Star player for the Houston Rockets since the 2004-2005 season, but in recent years has seen a huge drop-off in his game. Injuries plagued McGrady last seasons with the Rockets and it was time for a change.

On February 18, 2010, T-Mac was traded to the New York Knicks. T-Mac only played in 24 games last season for the Knicks.

Unfortunately, T-Mac is a risk for NBA teams because of the injuries. No player has had more injuries in the last decade other than Grant Hill. Plus his skill-set has dropped off significantly in the recent years.

There is no way T-Mac is going to make the estimated $21.1 he made in the 09-10 season. But despite the risks that come with him, he will get picked up by someone. And here is why…

What Tracy McGrady Brings

The 6’8’’ 223lb shooting guard/small forward used to be one of the best scorers in the NBA.

T-Mac is a seven time NBA All-Star and two time NBA Scoring Champion (2003-2004). During his career he has averaged 21.5 ppg, 6 rpg, and 4.7 apg.

The 31-year-old has some wear and tear on his legs after playing for 13 seasons but can still put the ball in the basket.

T-Mac will not be a starter next season but will provide some offense off the bench for whoever signs him. T-Mac will also not be one of the first players to be signed during free agency. He will be picked up by an NBA team that is looking for players to surround a big time player (Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Stoudermire).

Here are the list of possible destinations for Tracy McGrady.

Los Angeles Lakers

The current NBA Champions will not be too active this free agency period but McGrady could be one of their acquisitions. McGrady only has probably one or two seasons left in him and could help a team make a run at the NBA title. Or in the Laker's case a repeat.

The Lakers have to realize that some teams are going to go from bottom-feeders to legit competitors in a flash because of this year’s free agency. The Lakers need to reload the arsenal in order to defend their title against a team with any combination of Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Stoudermire, or Joe Johnson.

McGrady can still score when healthy. He could bring some energy off the bench. Plus he would take a huge pay cut to get a chance to win a title with Kobe and company.

Miami Heat

Pat Riley has been getting rid of players in Miami at an astonishing rate. Last time I checked the only players under contract are Mario Chalmers and Michael Beasley (for now).

If the magician Riley is able to work his magic and get Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Lebron James to sign with the Heat, Riley is going to have to put some role players around them.

That’s where T-Mac comes in. The new big three is going to need some rest, and T-Mac can give them some offense off the bench.

Similar to Lakers example, T-Mac wants to compete for a championship and would be willing to play for photo opts with the new big three in South Beach.

Orlando Magic

The Magic’s offense was their downfall against the Celtics. Vince Carter could not replace the offensive that Hedo Turkoglu had the year before.

The Magic are only a few pieces away from winning a NBA Championship and will be looking to make moves during free agency.

Why not bring back T-Mac who won two NBA scoring titles while playing in Orlando? He is also cousins with Vince Carter and when they were together in Toronto were a deadly combination.

It would be a homecoming of epic proportions.

New York Knicks

T-Mac was last seen in a New York Knicks jersey and could return to the big apple this season. He has familiarity with head coach Mike D’Antoni’s system and could flourish in it if he stays healthy.

However, only way T-Mac stays in New York is if Lebron James signs with the Knicks. D’Antoni and T-Mac didn’t always see eye to eye but I think they can learn to play nice if James is on the team.

Cleveland Cavilers

It is obvious that T-Mac has a man-crush on King James.

T-Mac as stated several times his interest in playing with LeBron and I’m convinced that wherever LeBbron goes, T-Mac will follow.

If Lebron were to decide to play overseas, T-Mac would be on Expedia.com looking for cheapest flights.

With all the Lebron talk about New York, Miami, New Jersey, and Chicago, many experts still believe that Lebron will stay in Cleveland. Maybe it’s his loyally to his hometown or the fear of becoming the most hated person in the history of Ohio.

Nonetheless, if Lebron stays in Cleveland, his going to want to compete for a championship NOW. He is going to want the Cavs to sign players that can help him win immediately, not four years down the road.

T-Mac won’t even be in the league four years from now and can help James chase after the NBA Title.

Plus McGrady can finally get out of the first round of the playoffs if he is on a team with King James.