NBA Free Agency: The Top 10 Remaining, Predicting Their Destinations

With all major free agents signed, sealed, and delivered to their new teams, the 2010 NBA free-agent market seemingly has a dearth of talent available for teams with cap room remaining.

All players remaining are, at best, fringe starters or, at worst, Brian Scalabrine.

However, despite the lack of talent remaining for the 2010 free-agent crop, the list is not without big names—as former superstars Shaquille O'Neal, Tracy McGrady, and Allen Iverson prove.

Despite the three's utter depletion of skills, the rumor mill is still constantly buzzing because of the players' name value.

All three have been linked to the Lakers, Heat, and Celtics as possible additions for a championship run.

While these former superstars try to catch lightning in a bottle and recapture their old magic, one true question remains: Are these big-named free agents actually the best available?

And if so, where are they headed?

Well, that's why I'm here.

Here are the rankings of the Top 10 free agents left on the market, and predictions for their destinations.

10. Kwame Brown, PF/C, Detroit Pistons

The enigmatic former No. 1 overall pick and beneficiary of millions of dollars in bad contracts seems destined to find his rightful place as a veteran's minimum player.

Following years of general managers throughout the league falling in love with Brown's potential—like women fall for the good-looking bad boy with a "good heart"—the NBA finally seems ready to move on and marry the not-so-good-looking accountant who will always be there for them (think Udonis Haslem).

Regardless, somewhere out there is another woman (general manager)—worn down by the rigors of life with tons of baggage and two kids (bad contracts)—who looks at Kwame and sees someone who can step into her household (team) and provide a solid, yet completely unspectacular paycheck (performance).

And Kwame—realizing he's been given one final chance by the one woman (general manager) on Earth who still believes in him—will step in admirably by paying the bills (grabbing rebounds) and being a father to her two kids (playing tough defense against opposing big men).

Predicted Destination: Detroit Pistons

9. Earl Watson, PG, Indiana Pacers

Once a blazing-fast, yet uncontrollable lightning rod off the bench, the 31-year-old Watson has grown into a slower, yet controlled player who is a nearly prototypical backup point guard (distributor, above-average outside shooter, and adept defensively).

The problem, with Watson being a player deserving of a contract well above minimum salary, is that many teams don't have the need and/or money for the former UCLA Bruin.

Had the Toronto Raptors been able to rid themselves of Jose Calderon's fat contract, they would have had both the need and available cash for a run at Watson. However, when Bobcats management pulled out of the proposed deal, Toronto pulled out of the Earl Watson running.

With the Indiana Pacers having both one roster spot available and a glaring need at the point guard position, all signs should point to Watson re-upping with his former team. However, there has been absolutely no "Watson to the Pacers" talk and the team seems satisfied moving on without him.

That leaves just one true possibility for Watson: the Miami Heat. While Miami only has room for veterans-minimum players, the team provides one thing almost no other team can—a starting spot on a championship favorite. If Watson plays well and meshes with the Super Best Friends Club, he could position himself for a nice pay raise in the summer of 2011.

If not, I'm sure pawning a championship ring can net him a pretty penny.

Predicted Destination: Miami Heat

8. Rasual Butler, SF, Los Angeles Clippers

One of the most underrated players in the NBA, Butler provides any potential team with a dead-eye three-point shooter, an above-average defender, and a great locker-room presence.

Butler provides versatility as well, being able to guard both the two-guards and swingmen.

The only problem with Butler is he's just as underrated in NBA circles as he is with the general populous.

Because of that, Butler fits perfectly with any contender looking to acquire a contributor on the cheap.

However, with almost all contenders having no money to spend, Butler's future destinations whittle down to one place: Chicago. With the Bulls, he can provide the spot-up shooter Chicago thought they were getting with J.J. Redick and fill a glaring need for a guard/forward.

All in all, it's a perfect fit.

Predicted Destination: Chicago Bulls (three-years, $8 million)

7. Will Bynum, PG/SG, Detroit Pistons (Restricted Free Agent)

After being undrafted in the 2005 NBA Draft and failing in his cup of tea with the Warriors in the 2005-2006 season, Will Bynum's NBA dreams seemed dashed.

Four years and one breakout season later, Will Bynum has become an integral part of the Detroit Pistons' rotation—one the team can ill-afford to lose.

And, while all signs point to Bynum coming back, the Cleveland Cavaliers seem hellbent on making it as expensive as humanly possible.

Armed with cap space and a rabid fan base, Cleveland seems to think Bynum is a perfect bench fit for the post-LeBron Cavs.

Either that or the Cavs front office is desperate to make headlines not involving burning jerseys in effigy or childhood heroes leaving.

Regardless, look for the Pistons to match any offer sheet Bynum signs.

Predicted Destination: Detroit Pistons

6. Allen Iverson, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers

I truly question Iverson's motivation to make yet another ill-fated "comeback."

Iverson is no longer the cocky, "me against the world" superstar with limitless potential we saw crossover Michael Jordan.

Instead, Iverson is a 35-year-old cocky, "me against the world" former superstar who seems more interested in partying in Atlanta nightclubs than making adaptations to his game for late-career success. Or, for that matter, tending to his "sick" daughter.

Regardless, when Allen took to his Twitter account to announce his intention to play next season, the media began buzzing.

"Could Iverson head to Miami for a run at a title? Or to L.A. to team with Kobe? What about in Cleveland as a LeBron replacement?"

And, much like what NFL teams did with notorious diva wide receiver Terrell Owens this offseason, NBA teams made their intentions clear with Iverson: Thanks, but no thanks.

It's possible that a team gives Iverson a chance simply for a ticket sales boosting mechanism like Memphis did last season, however, one has to wonder how much clout Iverson has with the average NBA fan anymore.

In an offseason where players are sacrificing money, reputations, and legacies for a chance at a NBA championship, it only seems appropriate for one of the most selfish players in NBA history to bow out of the game for good.

Predicted Destination: None.

5. Shannon Brown, SG, Los Angeles Lakers

For weeks we have heard that Shannon Brown resigning with the Lakers was a foregone conclusion.

Well, weeks have gone by, no hard numbers have been met, and Brown is still somehow on the free-agent market.

Anyone with an I.Q. over five can conclude this means that the Lakers couldn't give two damns whether Brown is in a Laker uniform next season.

And, really, with many Laker fans questioning the efficiency of the human pogo stick, Lakers management may have realized something the fans have known all along: Brown is an overrated, one-dimensional player.

Brown's one dimension lights up crowds, teammates, and Sportscenter's "Top 10 Plays," but does it really result in any wins?

With Brown commanding a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract the Lakers could have given another team an opportunity to find out.

However, with no other rumors floating, I'm sticking with the Lakers as most probable destination.

Predicted Destination: Los Angeles Lakers

4. Louis Amundson, PF, Phoenix Suns

Amundson is my favorite player left on the free-agent market.

Tough, athletic, and versatile, Amundson seems like he could fit on any team as an Anderson Varejao-like hustler/defensive wizard/guy with crazy hair.

For some reason, it seems NBA teams feel as if Amundson's limited success so far at the NBA level is solely attributable to Phoenix's uptempo system and playing with superstar point guard Steve Nash.

I disagree.

While Amundson is undersized, he gave both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol nightmares in the post during the Western Conference Finals.

In addition, Amundson seemed on the precipice of a breakout toward the end of last season—improving his entire stat-line during the end of the 2009-2010 season.

The team which signs Amundson is also going to get a player motivated by the lack of a serious contract offer from the Suns.

A player who is motivated, versatile, tough, athletic, and team oriented seems like a hell of a player to let wallow away on the free-agent market.

Look for an enterprising team with a smart front office to take advantage and sign Amundson to a below market value contract

Predicted Destination: Oklahoma City Thunder

3. Josh Howard, SG/SF, Washington Wizards

Three years ago, Josh Howard was an up-and-coming star who made the 2007 Western Conference All-Star team.

Now, following a precipitous fall which made him so expendable that he was simply known as "Josh Howard's expiring contract" following his trade to the Wizards, Howard is now a 30-year-old guard with a reputation as a headcase, declining skills, and bad knees—or, as it's otherwise known, a big bowl of crap stew.

Regardless, teams look at Howard and still see a potential resurgence to his 2006-2008 level. I just don't see it.

Howard's me-first attitude makes him a must-avoid for any contender, his lack of explosive scoring prowess makes him undesirable for a team looking for a sixth man, and his balky knees make him questionable at best defensively.

Look for Howard to re-up with the talent-starved Wizards on a three-year deal that makes me scratch my head.

Predicted Destination: Washington Wizards

2. Tracy McGrady, SG/SF, New York Knicks

Following a less-than-stellar 24 game stint with the New York Knicks, McGrady entered the free agency period with more questions than answers.

However, with top free agents either staying put or "taking their talents to South Beach," McGrady quickly became one of the biggest names on a wide-open market.

Rumors had T-Mac headed anywhere from Los Angeles to Miami and everywhere in between.

While I felt that all "McGrady to the Lakers/Heat" were generated for headline buzz only, the suitors seem to have whittled down to two major media markets: Chicago and Los Angeles (Clippers).

And, in reality, both teams are incredibly similar.

The Bulls have burgeoning star in Derrick Rose, an All-Star in Carlos Boozer, and a supporting cast full of young, versatile players who fit specific roles.

The Clippers have an assumed burgeoning star in 2009 No. 1 Draft pick Blake Griffin, two All-Stars in Baron Davis and Chris Kaman, and a great mix of veteran and young pieces.

The only real question for McGrady is which team offers him the best chance at reclaiming his former glory?

And, with the Los Angeles Clippers franchise being, well, the Clippers, the answer seems obvious.

Predicted Destination: Chicago Bulls

1. Shaquille O'Neal, C, Cleveland Cavaliers

Despite my contention that Shaq should hang up his humongous sneakers, "The Diesel" seems hellbent on playing another two seasons.

And there is no doubt, as many readers pointed out, that Shaq can still contribute as a top 10 center at the NBA level.

However, as pointed out in the aforementioned article, every overture Shaq's management team made to contenders was rebuffed.

Perhaps O'Neal's public ruffling of feathers over the years has finally caught up to him. Or perhaps teams simply don't know how much a 38-year-old center with years of pounding has left in the tank.

Regardless, you know it's not a good sign for your career when not even the Atlanta Hawks have interest in your services.

So here we are with Shaq requesting two years and the NBA hesitant to even give him one.

At a crossroad at the end of his career, will O'Neal suck up his pride and accept a one year offer?

Because if he does, there's one perfect fit for Shaq: the Boston Celtics.

With a team full of veterans desperate to thwart the Super Best Friends Club's Eastern Conference dethronement, a team with a center whose knees paint an uncertain 2010-2011 picture, and a team that is the direct rival of Kobe Bryant, the Celtics have everything Shaq could want in a potential suitor.

But the Celtics are only willing to work at their price.

Basically, Shaq's offseason comes down to a decision every athlete faces every day: money (second-rate contender hoping for a spark), pride (retirement), or winning (Celtics)?

I say Shaq chooses winning.

Predicted Destination: Boston Celtics