2011 NBA Free Agents: How Does Next Year’s Crop Compare?

The 2010 NBA Free Agent class was one of the most hyped in years and we saw why with all of the attention that it drew.  The 2011 class also features some premier talent that if those players change addresses, the balance of power in the NBA could shift again. 

Here are 10 free agents, restricted and unrestricted, that show that the depth of next year’s class is equal to, if not deeper than 2010’s.

Al Horford – Restricted Free Agent

One of the best young big men in the NBA, Al Horford becomes a restricted free agent next summer.  He is the first of three young big men that are restricted free agents in 2011. 

It would appear that Atlanta is already planning on locking up Horford for the future, but they gave a lot of money to Joe Johnson, and Jamal Crawford wants a long term deal to stay in Atlanta.  It could be interesting to see how the financial situation plays out in "Hot 'Lanta."

Marc Gasol – Restricted Free Agent

Another one of the young big men that is making name for himself, Marc Gasol will also be a restricted free agent next summer. 

It would make no sense for the Grizzlies to let him go and I don’t think that anyone expects him to, but nevertheless he is technically a free agent and is therefore on this list.

Joakim Noah – Restricted Free Agent

The last of the three young big men that are restricted free agents in 2011 is Joakim Noah.  He has gotten better each year he has played in the NBA, with the 2009-2010 season being his best.  Look for him to get even better in the 2010-2011 season, teaming up with Carlos Boozer and budding superstar point guard Derrick Rose. 

He should play his way into a nice extension with the Bulls, but with all of the noise they made last offseason, Deng’s large contract, and the looming extension for Derrick Rose, maybe the Bulls will let Noah walk.

Tim Duncan – Early Termination Option

One of the best big men of this decade has the ability to become a free agent in 2011.  It’s weird picturing him wearing something other than a San Antonio Spurs jersey.

Crazier things have happened though.  Tim Duncan may be looking for a change of scenery.

David West – Unrestricted Free Agent

David West has been an excellent power forward for the Hornets for the last seven seasons.  The former first-round pick has had his best seasons with Chris Paul, and Paul’s stay in New Orleans will most likely determine whether or not West is there as well after next summer. 

Otherwise West is an unrestricted free agent and there are many teams that could use a power forward of his caliber.

Caron Butler – Unrestricted Free Agent

Caron Butler is probably one of the more overlooked small forwards in the NBA, but he is a good one for sure.  He can score, rebound, and bring veteran leadership to any team.  He has thrived down in Dallas and they are good enough to contend for an NBA title this season. 

If that doesn’t work out, Butler could ultimately choose to play for another team that gives him a better chance at a ring. 

Carmelo Anthony – Unrestricted Free Agent

Carmelo is the prize of this 2011 class, and it appears that his relationship in Denver is getting rockier by the day. 

It seems inevitable that he is leaving, and as of right now, next summer is when it will happen.  Rumors have been circulating that he has already decided that he is going to the Knicks next season, but there are plenty of teams that would welcome him with open arms.

Jason Richardson – Unrestricted Free Agent

After being traded to Phoenix, Jason Richardson’s career thrived.  He began shooting the ball really well, especially from three-point range.  Expect many teams to call him for his services when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2011. 

He is a big shooting guard that can score at will.  He’ll turn 30 during next season, and if the Suns don’t win the NBA title then, expect Richardson to go to a championship-caliber team that needs a shooting guard.

Aaron Brooks – Restricted Free Agent

Houston’s young budding point guard is a restricted free agent next summer.  He is coming off of his best season and only figures to keep getting better.  By unloading Tracy McGrady last season, and the potential for Yao Ming’s contract to come off the books in 2011, expect Houston to retain Aaron Brooks. 

He will probably draw offers from other teams, but it seems like Houston would match any offer for their point guard.

Tony Parker – Unrestricted Free Agent

Tony Parker is another guy who has been wearing a Spurs jersey forever.  He has been rumored to be wanted by the Knicks to partner with Amar'e and Carmelo Anthony. Tony Parker will definitely test free agency because the point guard position for free agents next summer is not very deep. 

He is arguably the best one available.  San Antonio may want to go younger, especially since they have George Hill who has loads of potential, so it would be very possible that he is going to look at his free agent options long and hard.

Honorable Mention – Yao Ming – Unrestricted Free Agent

Yao Ming will be an unrestricted free agent in 2011, but that hinges upon whether or not his return from that career threatening foot injury is successful. 

He gets an honorable mention because if he becomes a free agent, then he had a good season and is looking to cash in. Otherwise he will probably retire and who knows where he will go from there.  Help promote basketball in China?