NBA Free Agency: 10 2013 Free Agents Teams Need to Lock Up Now
If the 2012 NBA free agency period has taught us anything, it's that 1) loyalty is overrated and 2) patience isn't always a virtue.
The latter lesson is the most important, because standing idly by, allowing a player to explore the open market, can be detrimental.
Look at what happened with Jeremy Lin, the Knicks prized point guard. They could have tried to negotiate a deal with him earlier—though not before the end of the season—but opted to let him set his own price, which became one they ultimately wouldn't match.
And look at Nicolas Batum and Eric Gordon. The Blazers and Hornets retained their respective cornerstones, but they were forced to pay top dollar to do so. Both organizations could have saved millions by negotiating deals sooner.
With regards to 2013 free agency, it's best for incumbent teams act quickly, foregoing the free agent process altogether if possible.
Otherwise, they stand to come out the other side of next summer with empty pockets or worse—empty handed.
Honorable Mention: Chris Paul
1 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Unrestricted
The Clippers would love—and have already attempted—to lock down Chris Paul before next summer, but it's simply not an option.
Paul turned down a three-year, $60 million extension from Los Angeles earlier this summer, but it's nothing personal—though I'm not sure how partial the point guard is to owner Donald Sterling's Grease Lightening hairdo.
All John Travolta jokes aside, Paul simply stands to make more money by waiting. The Clippers can sign him for five-years and upwards of $100 million next summer, which is a boatload more money than they're able to offer now.
Los Angeles was incredibly smart to take a shot, as it would have saved Mr. Sterling millions and locked down the team's playoff ticket for an extra 36 months.
But Paul was smarter to decline.
Dwight Howard, C, Los Angeles
2 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Unrestricted
It's finally over! Or rather, perhaps it's just beginning.
According to an ESPN report, Dwight Howard is well on his way to becoming a member of the Lakers.
While such a deal comes as great news at first glance, the real work begins now for Los Angeles.
Howard did not agree to sign an extension as part of the deal, and now the Lakers are tasked with ensuring they aren't essentially renting the big man. And what better way to secure his future with the team then by convincing him to sign now?
Sure, Howard has publicly stated there's only one team he was willing to sign a contract extension with, but that can't stop the Lakers. The Mavericks will be waiting with open arms for the perennial All-Star next summer, as will a bevy of other teams.
Kobe Bryant has to find a way to get Superman to embrace Tinseltown, because Los Angeles needs to lock up Howard now, or risk losing him for nothing later.
Andrew Bynum, C, Philadelphia 76ers
3 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Unrestricted
Dwight Howard is headed to Los Angeles, which means Andrew Bynum is headed to Philadelphia. And the Sixers must ensure it stays that way.
Philadelphia finally managed to trade Andre Iguodala, but if they don't re-sign Bynum, his departure will have been in vain.
The Sixers are taking a gamble here. They already boast the likes of Kwame Brown and Spencer Hawes, and Bynum's presence now creates a log jam at the center position.
Though Bynum is the type of dominant big man a team can build around Philadelphia has to convince him its worth staying before the building can begin.
If the Sixers newest big man hits the free agent market next summer, he's liable to explore greener pastures and sign a lucrative deal elsewhere.
Swaying Bynum with the intriguing art of Bird Rights now, though, ensures they won't have to jeopardize his future with the team later.
Brandon Jennings, PG, Milwaukee Bucks
4 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Restricted
Say what you will about Brandon Jennings, but the man can score.
As similar as Jennings is to Monta Ellis, their pairing just makes sense.
Having two high-octane scorers with a penchant for clairvoyant passing displays really opens up the floor for a team's front line. And isn't their a reason Milwaukee paid handsomely to retain Ersan Ilyasova's services?
Sure, it's going to be expensive, but the Bucks aren't going to return to a Ray Allen-era-like form without spending. They made a smart move hanging on to Ilyasova, but now it's time for them to get smarter, and convince Jennings to sign a new pact.
Milwaukee shouldn't run the risk of their star point guard signing an offer sheet next summer. The team can match, but why not show some good faith and simply offer the contract it knows it's going to be forced to offer eventually anyway?
Remember, patience and restraint can be a franchise's great enemy in free agency. And that's why there's nothing for the Bucks to gain by letting Jennings' situation play out.
Al Jefferson, C, Utah Jazz
5 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Unrestricted
Al Jefferson makes up exactly half of one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourt duos, and while Paul Millsap may be expendable, the Jazz cannot afford to let Jefferson walk.
Jefferson's two-way impact is vastly underrated. He's a 20 and 10 guy in the right situation, and a deft shot-blocker to boot. And after Deron Williams' departure, the big man emerged as a leader, someone for his teammates to lean on and look toward for guidance.
Why would Utah want to allow a glue guy such a Jefferson the opportunity to explore other options? Absolutely no good can come of it.
So, while the Jazz are the epitome of a shrewdly managed franchise (Enes Kanter or not), it's time they break open their piggy bank; centers like Jefferson don't come cheap.
And more importantly, they don't come around very often either.
Ty Lawson, PG, Denver Nuggets
6 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Restricted
Ty Lawson appears to be ready to do what Carmelo Anthony wasn't two years ago—sign a long-term extension in Denver.
That said, the Nuggets cannot afford to play this situation aloof. Lawson has developed into one of the league's premiere floor generals. His ability to take control of the offense is admirable, his scoring prowess is invaluable and his commitment to defense can be described as nothing less than diligent.
There are plenty of teams who would kill to land Lawson's services, and who are more than willing to pony up an ample amount cash to do so. While the Nuggets will have the right to match any offer that could come his way next summer, allowing him to ink an offer sheet is an unnecessary risk.
Denver isn't exactly known for its tendency to overpay, so what if another franchise offers a deal the Nuggets don't feel justified in matching? Or better yet, what if Lawson goes all Eric Gordon and throws an essential temper-tantrum because Denver didn't handle his contract situation better?
The Nuggets shouldn't allow it to get to that point, though. They need to lock Lawson up now, so that they can reap the benefits of his inevitable stardom later.
James Harden, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
7 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Restricted
According to Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick, James Harden is "pretty, a hundred percent" sure that he'll re-sign with Oklahoma City.
That tells me two things: 1) Harden needs to re-familiarize himself with the concept of definitiveness, and 2) the Thunder must act now.
Harden wants to come back, Kevin Durant wants him back and all of Oklahoma City wants him back. So, Sam Presti and company, ensure you get him back.
Obviously, there are certain financial obstacles that come into play here. As loyal as the Thunder's fanbase is, Oklahoma City hardly boasts the capital the Knicks or Lakers do.
But what exactly is the alternative? Trading away a high-scoring, two-way combo guard for a slew of incompetent role players or another expensive star? Letting him walk away for nothing next summer? No, none of those are options.
The Thunder must re-sign Harden now, and worry about the dollars and cents of it all later. His value—poor Finals display aside—isn't going to diminish; the ante is only going to be upped.
Oklahoma City has a great thing going, and if it isn't broke you're not supposed to fix it.
So, why on earth would the Thunder dismantle it?
Taj Gibson, F, Chicago Bulls
8 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Restricted
Think of Taj Gibson as a younger version of Carlos Boozer, but with more athleticism to his name and the luxury of a defensive conscience.
The Bulls are one of the NBA's luxury tax-paying teams, and while it may hurt to open their wallet for Mr. Gibson, it has to be done.
Short of Boozer having a career year, Chicago is going to amnesty him next summer; one way or another, the overpaid forward will be shown the door at some point.
Luckily for the Bulls, though, they have a budding replacement, with a more well-rounded potential—the kind that compliments Derrick Rose's ball-dominance much better—in Gibson.
Waiting to pursue him isn't going to do any good; the longer Gibson remains unsigned, the more expensive he'll become, especially next summer, when athletic fiends such as himself command top dollar.
Chicago needs to do itself a favor and lock him up now, or risk overpaying, or downright losing him, via free agency.
Monta Ellis, SG, Milwaukee Bucks
9 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Unrestricted (Early Termination Option)
The Bucks acquired Monta Ellis for a reason, and the optimist in me is assuming it wasn't to merely rent his service for 18 months.
Ellis can become an unrestricted free agent if he wants to next summer, and given the current market for volume combo guards with sound passing abilities, he'll want to.
But Milwaukee can ensure it doesn't get that far by locking him down now. If he hits the open market, there will be a team that throws a max deal his way, and the Bucks won't have the right to match.
But they have the right to set his market value now. Perhaps they can work out an extension that pays Ellis less than the maximum salary allowed, thereby solidifying the future of their backcourt while saving a few bucks.
Ellis is a star in his own right, and his presence only increases Milwaukee's chances of retaining Brandon Jennings. So, even if there is no discount to be taken advantage of, the Bucks have to cut out the middle man in free agency and extend Ellis now.
Unless, of course, they're committed to losing.
Josh Smith, PF, Atlanta Hawks
10 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Unrestricted
It's awesome that Josh Smith is now excited to be a member of the Hawks, but do you know what would make it even better for Atlanta?
Ensuring he'll be around beyond next season.
Smith is an incredibly explosive player on both ends of the floor. He can score from anywhere on the court, is one of the best rim-rockers in the game and has the defensive anticipation to rival Dwight Howard.
Speaking of Howard, the Hawks, even after re-signing Smith, have the opportunity to be major players in the free-agent market next summer. His presence could prove important during that stretch, as Atlanta can point in his direction as they wine and dine some of next summer's finest.
It's also worth noting that Smith is good friends with Howard, and could be just the A-list ticket the Hawks need to convince the big man—should he reach free agency—a homecoming of sorts is in his best interests.
Just as re-signing Smith now is in Atlanta's best interests.
Serge Ibaka, PF, Oklahoma City Thunder
11 of 112013 Free Agency Status: Restricted
It will certainly prove costly, but the Thunder must find a way to retain both James Harden and Serge Ibaka.
Ibaka is Oklahoma City's heart and soul on the defensive end. He swats away shots with ease, is a solid passing lane defender and maintains a sense of lead-by-example attitude, which prevents the Thunder from becoming too lackadaisical away from offense.
But while Oklahoma City can opt to wait until next summer, and simply match any offer the restricted free agent receives, such tactics would pose an unnecessary risk.
Why wait on locking down a star-caliber defender with a constantly evolving offensive game? Why leave any aspect of Ibaka's future—even if it is within restricted free agency—to chance?
The Thunder are title contenders with Ibaka down on the block and manning the paint. Failure to re-sign him now, though, could jeopardize that reality for years to come.
