The NBA free agency kicked off on draft night when OJ Mayo went to the Grizzlies and Kevin Love with Mike Miller went to the Timberwolves. Even the day before Yi Jianlian of the Bucks and Richard Jefferson of the Nets swapped teams.
Since then big deals have been happening as teams are looking to win now with their rosters.
Baron Davis and Marcus Camby are Clippers, Elton Brand is a 76er, and Ron Artest is a Rocket. All of these moves, with other big moves this offseason, are making teams go from good to contenders.
So who is next to go?
Luol Deng is near a $70 million contract with the Bulls, which means Ben Gordon could be on his way out.
The Bulls loaded back court and really not having any cap space left will have Gordon on the move.
Gordon is a streaky shooter, but when he gets going he gets going. He was more effective coming off the bench, but he wants to try to get a starting job. Kirk Hinrich will most likely be moved from a point guard to shooting guard with Derrick Rose coming in, leaving Gordon out.
The Bulls are left to a decision to sign and trade Gordon. They would like to keep Gordon in the front office and trade Larry Hughes, but that cannot happen.
The possible trading destinations for Gordon are the Jazz, Cavaliers, and Philadelphia.
The Jazz with Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Coach Jerry Sloan have them as a top four team in the West. Corey Brewer did a great job as a defender and Kyle Korver did a great job coming off the bench, but getting a player in Gordon can really be effective in a pick and roll system.
The Jazz could add depth and be an effective team with Gordon. A possible trade scenario is the Bulls signing Gordon and trading him for Matt Harprings large expiring contract and a second round pick.
The Bulls get a small forward who can add depth and be an effective shooter behind Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni.
Delonte West is a player who has been unappreciated since he was at St Joes. He was overshadowed by Jameer Nelson and when he got to the league was never given a full opportunity to show what he had.
The Cleveland Cavaliers picking him up let West show his talent. He was the enforcer next to LeBron as a point guard. Only problem is that the Cavaliers are not near a deal and one of West's friend was reported saying he was not that excited playing next to LeBron James.
The Miami Heat has expressed interest, which is where I think he will land. Mario Chalmers needs to grow as a player and the Heat need a proven point guard.
West can set up Dwayne Wade, Michael Beasley, and Shawn Marion, but can also be an effective scorer.
Cleveland is an ideal fit, but if they do not look like they can keep him happy. He wants a contract like Daniel Gibson, which the Cavs are unlikely to do.
Josh Smith is the biggest free agent on the market. Since the season ended I believed Smith was on his way out. He did not get along with Mike Woodson and the organization and they were not too happy about his attitude.
The Clippers, Warriors, and 76ers, before they made their big moves and spent their money, were interested in Smith. He lucked out. Now the Memphis Grizzlies are the only real team with cap space, but I do not believe they will make the push to get him.
5 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Dallas Wilson 11 months ago
The Denver Nuggets need to make a move.
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Monty Singh 11 months ago
They have been trying to shop AI and Nene but no buyers. AI to the bulls was discussed but Nuggets may not getting anything done until September. They need a new coach too
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Dallas Wilson 11 months ago
Why Nene? Hes bettr than Martin when healthy.
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Monty Singh 11 months ago
Martin has a huge contract that no other team wants to touch
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Michael McGowan 11 months ago
Good stuff man, real good stuff!!!!
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