NBA Free Agent Rumors: Restricted Free Agents That Should Return to Current Team

NBA free agency causes so many players to change cities that it is hard to keep track, but not every player would be better off with a new team.

Restricted free agents have an opportunity to sign an offer sheet with another team, but the player's current team has a chance to match the terms to keep him on the roster.

These organizations must fork up the money to keep the key players on their team.

Eric Gordon, New Orleans Hornets

Gordon only played nine games for the Hornets last season, but he showed in that short time how much the team needs him. The shooting guard averaged more than 20 points per game, a year after he scored 22.3 points per game with the Los Angeles Clippers.

He hopes to play for the Phoenix Suns, but John Reid at the Times Picayune reports that New Orleans is going to match the $58 million that was offered to him. 

The team needs Gordon to be an elite outside threat to complement first overall pick Anthony Davis. The guard was the key piece of the Chris Paul trade, and the Hornets cannot afford to lose him after only one year.

Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers

Although Nicolas Batum seems to think the Blazers will match an offer, he told David Aldridge that his first choice is to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"

I’m a restricted free agent. I know the situation. Anywhere I sign, the Blazers are going to match. But my first choice was, and is, Minnesota. That’s where I want to play and that’s where I want to put my family.

"

General manager Neil Olshey seems to be in denial, exclaiming to The Oregonian's Jason Quick, "Why wouldn't Nic want to come back here?"

Regardless, both sides seem to agree that Batum will eventually be in Portland next season. For a team currently rebuilding, keeping a 23-year-old scorer is a great decision.

Omer Asik, Chicago Bulls

The 7'0" reserve from the Bulls has signed an offer sheet with the Houston Rockets worth $25 million. While this is an expensive proposition for the team, it would be a good move for them to match.

Chicago allowed Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Watson to get away, and the Bulls are now left with a very thin bench. Asik provides insurance for a very injury-prone frontcourt. 

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported that multiple league sources believe the team will match. 

This is not the ideal situation for the Bulls, but they would definitely be a worse team without Asik and his defensive ability.

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