NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Best Remaining Free Agents
After the smoke has cleared from the Dwight Howard and Olympics madness, there is still the matter of free agents finding a home before the start of the 2012 season.
The players left on the market are, at best, role-players who will end up coming off the bench. Don't sell them short, though. Every year there are at least a couple of bench players who end up playing a vital role on a playoff/championship team.
Here is a roundup of the latest rumors surrounding the top remaining free agents on the market.
Chris Andersen Playing Coy
"The Birdman" has been biding his time this offseason, just waiting to find the right team for his talents.
According to Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York, there are "some offers" on the table for Andersen, though where he wants to go remains up in the air.
"Chris Andersen has received some offers from NBA teams. He does have a favorite team he wants to play for, but his reps won't say just yet.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) August 13, 2012"
Andersen is a valuable big man off the bench as long as he is healthy. He has only played in 77 games the last two seasons, and is recovering from knee surgery that, according to Zwerling, he had over a month ago.
"Chris Andersen had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee about 4 weeks ago. Begins light training Monday. Will be fine come training camp.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) August 4, 2012"
Milwaukee Hot For Joel Przybilla
The Bucks are in an interesting situation. They had a solid season in 2011-12, winning 31 games and finishing just four games out of the playoffs. They have a lot of holes to fill, especially on the inside.
According to Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times, the Bucks are making headway on a deal with Przybilla.
"The Bucks are also in talks with unrestricted free-agent center Joel Przybilla, yet another excellent defender who played last season for the Portland Trail Blazers. According to some individuals close to negotiations, the Bucks are clearly the front-runners for his services.
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Przybilla adds nothing on offense, so he has to be a star on defense to add any kind of value to the Bucks.
Kenyon Martin Hurting Himself, But Does Have Notable Suitors
Kenyon Martin is a valuable role-player, though his production has dropped off considerably in the last two years. That being said, he still brings some explosiveness and excitement to the table under the right circumstances.
According to Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated, the Nets and Lakers appear to be in play for Martin's services.
"But sources said the 34-year-old power forward is holding up this later stage of the hiring process for frontcourt free agents, with the Lakers and the Nets among the teams he's considering and negotiation leverage seemingly gone because so many of his colleagues seem willing to take minimum deals.
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If the Lakers and Nets end up as fallback options, Martin should consider himself lucky. He may not get the money he wants, but he will be in a better position to win.
