NBA Free Agents 2014: Analyzing Rumors to Cement Predictions for Top Stars
Don't be the lazy fan who turns away from NBA free agency just yet.
LeBron James and other high-profile pieces may have new contracts with franchises both old and new, but hardcore fans understand that now is the critical stretch on the market that allows teams to round out title-worthy rosters.
There are complementary pieces still out there, and two superstars, while restricted free agents, may wind up in new homes before the start of the season.
.png?w=256)
If fans thought the landscape of the NBA was finally settled, think again.
Francisco Garcia Has Options
As a versatile, rather affordable role player, 32-year-old forward Francisco Garcia is now free to make his pick of teams among those that may have an interest.
In early July, the suitors were plentiful, as Chris Haynes of Comcast SportsNet Northwest notes:
The field of suitors has likely shrunk with other dominoes in place, but the Louisville product has plenty to offer a contender one year removed from averaging 5.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in just 19.7 minutes per game—the highest average he has logged since the 2010-11 season.
According to Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune, the Utah Jazz still have an interest in another shooter, among other assets:
"The Jazz are not done making additions to their roster, a league source told The Tribune. Utah is in the market for a third point guard, and could also be looking for a shooter as well. Utah plans on making Exum its backup at the point, figuring it best to get him some experience right away.
"
Jones was quick to bring up Garcia:
Where Garcia lands truly comes down to what he values at this stage of his career. Both Sacramento and Houston will likely offer similar cash, although one can presume there is more playing time to go around in the former—and it is where he spent most of his career.
Conversely, and on paper, the Rockets give him a better shot at a title.
Let's roll with the Kings, as Garcia surely wants to be on the court and would not mind relocating to a destination his family already knows quite well. Plus, who knows? Every team has a shot at the title in the offseason.
Prediction: Garcia lands with the Kings
The Evan Turner Saga
Want to know how much of a crapshoot the NBA draft is?
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 draft is still a free agent, and really, he has received little interest on the market.
One would think that 25-year-old Evan Turner would be able to drum up some interest. There is still plenty of untapped potential if he lands in the right situation. Plus, he showed improvement in each year with Philadelphia before getting shipped to Indiana at the deadline:
| '10-'11 | PHI | 78 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 7.2 |
| '11-'12 | PHI | 65 | 5.8 | 2.8 | 9.4 |
| '12-'13 | PHI | 82 | 6.3 | 4.3 | 13.3 |
| '13-'14 | IND | 27 | 3.2 | 2.4 | 7.1 |
| '13-'14 | PHI | 54 | 6.0 | 3.7 | 17.4 |
Turner struggled to fit in with the Pacers, for which it is hard to place blame. He was given just four total minutes in the Eastern Conference Finals.
As of late, Turner's market has picked up ever so slightly, according to ESPN's Jeff Goodman:
Boston actually seems like quite the smart fit for the Ohio State product given his stock at this stage of his career. He needs to go somewhere and do some image rehab through strong play and contributions in a positive movement.
Under the watchful eye of Danny Ainge's rebuild, Turner would be billed as a key mentor for a player such as rookie Marcus Smart and also provide key minutes if Avery Bradley succumbs to injury once again—if not outright compete for Jeff Green's starting gig.
Prediction: Turner signs with the Celtics
The Uncertain Future of Greg Monroe
At just 24 years of age, former Georgetown star Greg Monroe is a budding superstar who would prove to be a critical asset for the rebuilding process in front of Stan Van Gundy in Detroit.
Instead, it appears the restricted free agent is on the block. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Monroe was almost packing his bags for Portland earlier in the offseason.
Now, NBC Sports' Jordan Schultz notes that he might be headed to the desert in exchange for another budding superstar who also happens to be restricted:
For Monroe, it is hard to know when the carousel ends, or if he truly has a spot in Detroit.
But as one can glean from his career numbers to date, Monroe thrives beneath the rim and has plenty to offer as he enters his prime years:
| '10-'11 | .551 | 7.5 | 1.3 | 9.4 |
| '11-'12 | .521 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 15.4 |
| '12-'13 | .486 | 9.6 | 3.5 | 16.0 |
| '13-'14 | .497 | 9.3 | 2.1 | 15.2 |
In other words, he is the perfect fit for Phoenix, which touts a guard-heavy attack and little to speak of beneath the basket with only Miles Plumlee penciled in as the starter.
This meshes well in all regards, as SVG has the pieces he seems to want in the paint but lacks an elite scorer. Phoenix needs bodies in that area and can sacrifice Eric Bledsoe. As an added bonus, Monroe will do nothing but improve in the Suns' system.
Prediction: Monroe winds up with the Suns
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")
