NBA Free Agency: Carmelo Anthony and the Top 10 Free Agents of 2011

The long-awaited summer of 2010 in the NBA is over, but there are still big decisions to be made in the coming summer.

Everyone's attention seems to be focused on one player.  Carmelo Anthony, who will become an unrestricted free agent if he stays in Denver following the February trade deadline, has been in countless rumors lately.

However there are quality impact players that will become available aside from Anthony.  Many of these players can make bad teams good and good teams great.

10. Caron Butler

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - APRIL 27: Caron Butler #4 of the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 27, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Status - Unrestricted

A knee injury has sidelined him for the remainder of the season, but Butler is clearly an impact player.  He's proven in Dallas that he can fit into a supporting role yet still be effective.  He was averaging 15 points per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting behind the arc before he went down with an injury.

Butler would be effective on most rosters, but he could play an important role on a championship contender next season (if he leaves Dallas).  Think the Lakers wouldn't mind having him?

9. Mo Williams

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - MAY 01: Mo Williams #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers gets in for a dunk past Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 1, 2010 in Cleveland,

Status - Unrestricted with an Early Termination Option

An All-Star two seasons ago, Mo Williams has seen a massive drop in production since then.  He's shooting 38 percent from the floor this season and only scoring 14 points per game on a Cleveland team lacking talent.

However Williams has been fairly effective at times during his career.  He's generally a good 3-point shooter (although this year he's connecting on only 27 percent of his attempts) and a solid floor general.

There is definitely a market for Williams (albeit a small one), who will be looking to leave the Cavs as soon as possible.  

8. Marc Gasol

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 02: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts after committing a foul against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on January 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Grizzlies defeated the Lakers

Staus - Restricted

A down-year in Memphis has definitely lowered Gasol's stock, but he still a very talented player.  One of Gasol's strengths is shot-blocking.  He's averaging 1.7 blocks per game thus far this season.

The NBA's weakest position by far is the center position.  There would definitely be a market for Gasol this summer if he decides to leave Memphis and the Grizzlies don't try to retain him.  His skills could make a good team a playoff contender (i.e. New York, Oklahoma City, etc.).

7. Jason Richardson

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 24: Jason Richardson #23 of the Orlando Magic attempts a shot over Tracy McGrady #1 of the Detroit Pistons during the game at Amway Arena on January 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Status - Unrestricted

An explosive offensive player, Richardson has played for four different NBA teams in his career.  He's become a deadly three-point shooter, averaging 2.4 per game this season.  

Although it's unlikely Richardson would leave a contender like Orlando, he could find a new home with ease this summer.  A good fit for him would be the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago has skill at every position besides at shooting guard.  Richardson could step in and become the scoring punch the Bulls need at the two-spot to get to the next level.

6. Ray Allen

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 28: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics attempts a three point shot over Vince Carter #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on January 28, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Celtics 88-71. NO

Status - Unrestricted

One of the greatest shooters of all-time, Ray Allen is having an incredibly efficient season from both the field and the foul line.  

Look at these percentages: 50.2 FG%, 45.5 3P%, and 85.5 FT%

At 35, Ray Allen is still playing at a very high level.  Not to mention he's one of the most clutch players in the league today.   

The aforementioned Chicago Bulls would love to have a sharpshooter like Allen starting on their roster, but there's little chance Ray leaves the Celtics, who give him a much better shot at another title.

5. Wilson Chandler

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 14: Wilson Chandler #21 of the New York Knicks dribbles against the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on January 14, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or usi

Status - Restricted

His mature demeanor makes people forget that this is only Chandler's fourth season in the league.  His current season averages of 16.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, and 1.4 bpg are all career highs.

Chandler's become a true all-around offensive player.  He can shoot the three, the mid range jumper, attack the basket, and draw key fouls.  

Will the Thrill has also hit some big shots for the Knicks this season during their resurgence back towards the top of the NBA.

4. Aaron Brooks

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 10: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets celebrates his three point shot in the second half against the Boston Celtics on January 10, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Rockets defeated the Celtics 108-102. NOTE T

Status - Restricted

The NBA's Most Improved Player last season, Brooks has been hit hard by injuries this season.  He's only started seven games so far and his scoring averaged has gone down from 19.6 ppg last season to 12.2 this season.

Brooks has also seemingly lost his shooting stroke.  He's making 36 percent of his shots from the field and only 30 percent of his three-pointers.  

It's clear this is a lost season for Brooks, who will be much better next year when he's healthy.  It's unlikely Houston will let him go, due to his success last year when he was healthy, but Brooks wouldn't have trouble finding a new home.

3. David West

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 26: David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets dunks the ball over Marvin Williams #24 of the Atlanta Hawks at the New Orleans Arena on December 26, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Status - Unrestricted with an Early Termination Option

An under appreciated star in New Orleans, David West has been very solid throughout his career.  He's a major impact player and has proven himself to be willing and able to take and make big shots.

Although West has played his entire career with the Hornets, he could be looking to make a move to a contender this off season.  There are plenty of teams who'd love to have West's skill set on their roster.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in dire need of some skilled big men and West would be a great fit.

2. Zach Randolph

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 6: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots over Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers on November 6, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 114-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Status - Unrestriced

A move to Memphis turned out to be a great idea for Randolph, who earned his first All-Star selection last season.  

This season, Randolph has taken his rebounding to the next level, averaging a career-high 13.2 boards per contest.  Zach's one of the few NBA players to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game this season.  

A seasoned veteran, Randolph would make a strong addition to any team in the league.  

1. Carmelo Anthony

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on as he warms up for the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USE

Status - Unrestricted

You knew this was coming.  Anthony has been in the news a ridiculous amount as of late, and there seems to be no end to the rumors.  First it was New Jersey, now that's off (or so we think).  Now its New York, but they're not able to offer Denver enough talent in return.  

It's very likely that Carmelo ends the season in Denver and enters the free agent pool this summer.  He's obviously an elite talent.  He's a guy who can shoot from anywhere on the floor but also put his head down and get to the rim at will.

He could end up on a variety of different teams.  Chicago, New York, Los Angeles (Clippers), and more could all make a move to sign him.

However its also possible Carmelo realizes the talent he has in front of him with the Nuggets and remains in Denver.