NBA Free Agency 2010: Dwyane Wade Tops Available Shooting Guards

Although the point guard position is fairly unexciting in the 2010 NBA free agency arena, the shooting guard position is extremely exciting—especially with players like Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson up for grabs.

The shooting guard is asked to do one thing: score points. On some occasions, he can do more than just that—he can set up plays, and essentially become the most important player on the team, even above the power forward.

This summer, many of these talented multitaskers will travel to new cities, hoping to impact new teams desperate for playoff opportunities. Some of these players will simply stay put.

Here is a list of the best shooting guards/swingmen on the market.

Dwyane Wade

Former Team: Miami Heat
Age: 28
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 220 pounds
College: Marquette
2009-10 Stats: 26.6 points and 6.5 assists per game

Dwayne Wade is an incredible shooting guard—after LeBron James, he is the most desired free agent this year.

Regardless of where he goes, Wade wants to win a championship. The All-Star guard may end up playing with LeBron James and Chris Bosh once the free agency dust settles, and the Heat could pay each of them around $15 million.

Where Wade ends up is largely contingent on where James and Bosh end up.

If the Heat do not get two other major free agents, Wade may leave for a team more likely to get to a championship—Chicago, for instance.

Prediction: Heat, Chicago Bulls

Ray Allen

Former Team: Boston Celtics
Age: 34
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 205 pounds
College: Connecticut
2009-10 Stats: 16.3 points and 2.6 assists per game

Ray Allen may be the best shooter available in free agency—the Celtics could always count on him to contribute big numbers, and he almost never miss a free throw.

The Celtics would very much like to keep Allen, and Allen would very much like to stay with the Celtics.

So Allen will be in Boston next year, yes?

Maybe not.

Allen may end up with the Cleveland Cavaliers should LeBron James choose to leave, but the deal is a long shot. Allen could also end up with the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets or Chicago Bulls.

The most reasonable assumption would be Allen stays in Boston. He's old by shooting guard standards, and has established a good reputation with the Celtics, who year after year prove they are contenders for the playoffs.

Prediction: Celtics

Kyle Korver

Former Team: Utah Jazz
Age: 29
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 212 pounds
College: Creighton
2009-10 Stats: 7.2 points per game, .536 three-point field goal percentage

Kyle Korver was the best three-point shooter in the NBA last season. Now, he's up for grabs in free agency.

Where Korver will end up is a mystery. Some possibilities for the soon-to-be Utah emigrant are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Heat could use Korver, as they need more talent to keep Dwyane Wade on the team, while the Clippers could use Korver to further their on-paper talent.

Prediction: Clippers

J.J. Redick

Former Team: Orlando Magic
Age: 26
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 190 pounds
College: Duke
2009-10 Stats: 9.6 points per game, .405 three-point field goal percentage

J.J. Redick is widely known for his great character and skill on the court. The Orlando Magic want to keep the young guard, but he may end up going to the Boston Celtics. The Atlanta Hawks were interested in Redick, but will probably no longer pursue him, as they kept Joe Johnson.

The Celtics are going to need someone to replace Ray Allen—J.J. Redick would not be a bad choice.

Predictions: Magic, Celtics

Tracy McGrady

Former Team: New York Knicks
Age: 31
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 223 pounds
2009-10 Stats: 8.2 points and 3.3 assists per game

Star Power. That's what will get veteran Tracy McGrady a decent contract this summer, even though he has been subject to injuries during the last few years.

The New York guard has expressed interest in joining the Lakers, but may end up somewhere else.

Wherever he ends up, McGrady will be a helpful bench guy, provided he stays healthy.

Predictions: Lakers, New York