NBA Free Agents 2012: Veterans Who Will Take Pay Cuts to Win a Ring
When an NBA player reaches a certain point in his career, the pursuit to win a championship rises to the forefront when picking a new team as a free agent.
We've seen it happen with guys like Shane Battier in Miami; we saw it a long time ago when Gary Payton and Karl Malone each signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
And it's not a pattern that is going to change at any point in the near future.
There will be an interesting mix of talent available on the free-agent market, and a handful of playoff teams that narrowly miss out on this year's championship will likely be looking to add some additional support once the offseason arrives.
Ray Allen, Shooting Guard
There is growing speculation that the Celtics won't look to re-sign Allen after the season concludes, but that wouldn't necessarily be the worst-case scenario for the sharpshooter.
He's already won a ring during his tenure in Boston, and Allen will likely head to another club that has a more realistic chance of winning it all next season.
With Kevin Garnett's contract also set to expire at season's end, the Celtics will look to surround Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo with youthful pieces.
Allen could make for a very big addition to a contender's bench as the sixth man.
Prediction: Chicago Bulls
Chauncey Billups, Point Guard
Billups has unfortunately been an afterthought since tearing his Achilles tendon earlier this season, and it's too bad considering how sorely the Clippers have missed him.
He was not happy about being a victim of the amnesty clause before the season began, and he told Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski that he sought to control his own destiny prior to being claimed by Los Angeles.
Billups told Yahoo! Sports he has zero plans to retire, and it would be a huge surprise if he doesn't go to a point guard-needy team that has a strong chance to win it all.
Prediction: Miami Heat
Tracy McGrady, Guard/Forward
It was interesting that McGrady chose to join Atlanta in the offseason, but perhaps he didn't have a more desirable contract offer than the one the Hawks presented.
As a player who has battled chronic knee and leg concerns, McGrady is a gamble. Still, several contending teams should be intrigued by his size on the wing, despite the fact that he can't handle heavy minutes.
He's a good guy to have in the locker room, and as long as his role is clearly defined, this is a player who can definitely help in the right situation.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
Andre Miller, Point Guard
Miller is an incredibly durable player who doesn't get the credit he deserves, and he's still a very productive player at this point in his career.
He can start or come off the bench regardless of where he lands, and Miller remains the top dog when discussing point guards who can lob it up to a big man near the rim.
After being traded to Denver before the season started, Miller is likely to be eagerly awaiting free agency, where he'll have the choice to go to a perennial contender.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
