Setting the Market for Deron Williams and the NBA's Top Free Agents
It wouldn't be an NBA offseason without an intriguing free-agent market to keep fans on the edges of their seats.
With Dwight Howard under Orlando's control for another season, the attention has shifted to Deron Williams' plans. The Brooklyn Nets acquired Williams a season-and-a-half ago with hopes of eventually pairing him with another superstar, ideally Howard.
For his part, Williams is interested in an opportunity to win and appears interested in potentially returning to the Nets. The franchise may be headed in the right direction for the first time in a long time, and Williams would be the centerpiece of its rebirth in Brooklyn.
The Dallas Mavericks are poised to make things interesting, though. While they may not have amazing chances of landing Williams, it will at least infuse the situation with some dramatic uncertainty.
Will other star free agents be in such high demand?
Perhaps not.
Many of them are restricted free agents, meaning their current teams can hold on to them simply by matching other offers. Others are older veterans, unlikely to change scenery at this stage in their careers.
Eric Gordon–SG, New Orleans Hornets (Restricted)
Though the Hornets didn't finalize an extension with Gordon, it's hard to imagine this franchise letting him go unless he's really determined to leave. Gordon was the primary acquisition when New Orleans agreed to part ways with Chris Paul, and he's the presumptive cornerstone of a massive rebuilding project.
If Gordon goes anywhere, it will probably be by sign-and-trade, since the Hornets can match any offers made by other suitors in free agency. The Pacers have apparently indicated interest in Gordon, but it would probably take some combination of at least Paul George and former Hornet Darren Collison to make something happen there.
Tim Duncan–F/C, San Antonio Spurs (Unrestricted)
The Big Fundamental may technically be a big-time free agent, but don't waste any time speculating about where he'll be going. If he doesn't retire, he'll stay in San Antonio for another year or two. Leaving the Spurs would tarnish a world-class image and make absolutely no sense given the franchise's continued success.
Kevin Garnett–F/C, Boston Celtics (Unrestricted)
Odds are that Garnett returns to the Celtics on a more reasonably priced deal. Boston needs his size, and there just aren't that many comparable alternatives. Garnett might opt to look elsewhere if he thinks it would improve his title chances, but he and Doc Rivers have made an awfully good team.
At least one report has suggested that the Brooklyn Nets could target Garnett, but it reasons that a lot of things would first have to happen before KG felt comfortable going into an otherwise uncertain situation.
Steve Nash–PG, Phoenix Suns (Unrestricted)
We know there's still a chance Nash could remain in Phoenix, especially if the Suns can make separate roster improvements of any significance. We also know Amar'e Stoudemire, for one, would love to see him join the New York Knicks.
Nash will also be linked to just about every contender, including the Miami Heat given its relative weakness at the point. Of course, there's also a chance Nash could return to the Dallas Mavericks–especially if Deron Williams remains with the Nets.
Roy Hibbert–C, Indiana Pacers (Restricted)
Teams with cap space could make it expensive for Indiana to keep their young All-Star center, but they'll almost certainly do whatever it takes to keep him–especially after this year's successful postseason run.
Jeremy Lin–PG, New York Knicks (Restricted)
There may be a few teams angling to make a run at Lin's services, but all signs out of New York are that he'll be staying in a Knicks uniform.
It's virtually inconceivable that the Knicks would allow such a talented player and fan favorite to leave. Unless the Knicks go after Steve Nash, Lin is also the best available point guard–it doesn't hurt that he's young and bound to get even better.
Brook Lopez—Brooklyn Nets (Restricted)
Conventional wisdom might suggest the Nets match any offers Lopez receives, but who knows what this franchise is planning to do? Chances are the Nets hold on to him, but that doesn't mean he'll be in a Nets uniform for much longer–he could still be packaged in an attempt to finally pry Dwight Howard away from the Orlando Magic.
