2012 NBA Free Agency: Veteran Free Agents Who Are Not Worth Teams' Time

An aging player cannot perform in the same way that he did a few seasons ago. 

This is an inevitable truth that NBA teams seem to forget during the free-agency period. 

Many teams will pick up a veteran player in hopes of getting a few more good years out of him. 

Sometimes it works. Most of the time it doesn’t work. 

Here a few experienced but aging free agents that teams should think twice on before pickup up that respective player. 

Ray Allen, Boston Celtics

Before all the Boston fans invade my house with pitchforks and homemade signs, I ask that you hear me out. I’m not saying that Ray Allen is bad. 

I have nothing but respect for what the sharpshooter has done in his 16-year career. 

But age is creeping up on Allen, and injuries pose a threat to any potential team looking to take a chance on him.

He has a few seasons still left in the tank, but there are better and younger options out there. Allen commands a salary of $10 million. Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Hornets only requires a $5.1 million qualifying offer, and would be able to solidify a team for a longer period of time. 

A team can pick up O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies at a $7.4 million qualifying offer, or Nick Young at $3.7 million. How about Landry Fields at only $800,000? 

The point is, Allen only has a few good years left in him and a franchise can pick up a long-term shooting guard for much less. 

Elton Brand, Philadelphia 76ers ($18.2 Million ETO) 

Brand is averaging 18.3 career points and 9.4 career rebounds per game. This season, though, he only averaged 11 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. 

At 33 years old, this is not the same player you would like to remember. 

Since arriving in Philadelphia, Brand has reached career lows in points, rebounds, blocks, free-throw percentage and minutes per game. 

A career resurgence would be ludicrous. 

At a $17.1 million salary, teams would be smart to forget about the good old days and pass on Brand. 

Grant Hill, Phoenix Suns

After 16 years in the NBA, Grant is nearing the end of his career. Maybe he can sign with a contender and provide veteran leadership down the stretch, but no other team should sign him. 

I love Grant Hill as a player, but the hype from earlier in his career may dupe some team into making a regrettable decision. 

At $6.5 million, there are better players available.

Chase Budinger can develop into a solid player and is only valued at $900,000. Portland Trail Blazer Nic Batum has a qualifying offer of only $3.2 million. 

Hill played well down the stretch for Phoenix, but teams would be foolish to look at that sample size and offer Hill a large contract. 

His 10.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game are both career lows. 

Teams would be smart to sign a younger and fresher player.