2011 NBA Free Agency: 8 Teams That Must Be Aggressive This Offseason

Year after year, lottery-bound teams miss out on free agents who can affect their future well being. The majority of rebuilding teams dislike taking chances on aging, unproven or injured free agents. This year’s class is littered with all three; thus it is essential that rebuilding small-market teams incessantly pursue this year’s bargains.

Two players have been selected as prime targets for each of the following teams.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Michael Redd: Over the past three seasons, Redd has been crippled by knee and smaller, nagging injuries, which have derailed his career. However, Redd is a proven player who, when healthy, can put up great numbers. Although Redd will likely never play at his 2007-2008 level, he can be great contributor off the bench.

Redd will be 32 years old next season. At this point in his career, he is more interested in playing time and winning than money. The Timberwolves can offer Redd a one-year deal for about $1 million and lots of playing time, due to their lack of depth at the shooting guard position. If Redd plays well, he can be moved to a contender for a young role player or an expiring contract and a draft pick or two.

Carlos Arroyo: Arroyo can be added to the Timberwolves as their third option at point guard. He is there for depth more than anything else. If a team is in need of a backup point guard at the deadline, the T-Wolves can shop him and maybe get back a second-round pick. But for a third-string point who was signed to a one-year contract at about half a million—that’s as good as it gets.

7. Utah Jazz

Anthony Parker: Parker is an aging veteran who can help Alec Burk come into his own this season. With little depth at the shooting guard position and cap room, the Jazz would offer Parker plenty of playing time and a good contract. Utah can offer a one-year deal worth about 1.5 million, which is significantly higher than say, the Boston Celtics, LA Lakers or NY Knicks can offer.

Further, Parker brings a high value because of his basketball IQ, shooting ability and defense. By convincing Parker to go to Utah, both parties benefit. The Jazz might even be able to persuade a desperate team to take him for a decent draft pick and a young player.

Sebastian Telfair: Telfair has had a tough go at it in the NBA. Once full of potential and athleticism, Telfair is now an OK backup point guard. However, a change of scenery with a move to Utah might prove beneficial to Telfair. Telfair is accustomed to structured playing still, which he did not have the luxury of in Minnesota. In Utah, he might be ready for a breakout season.

Telfair will never be a star, but he can be a wonderful addition to any bench. If Telfair is offered a deal worth about $1.5 million over two seasons he likely will not refuse—as long as he is guaranteed playing time. Furthermore, if a team like the Blazers, Spurs or Knicks call, Telfair can get the Jazz some interesting trade offers.

6. Los Angeles Clippers

Mike Dunleavy: Dunleavy is a proven professional. He’s averaged 12 points and nearly five rebounds per game over the course of his career. The Clippers would like to get to the next level quickly and desperately need better production from the shooting guard and small forward spots when the starters are not on the floor, Dunleavy fills all of their needs from this standpoint.

Further, Dunleavy would come at a bargain price. Surely Dunleavy can be swayed into signing with the Clippers with a two-year deal at about $3.5 million per year. This gives the Clippers the option to trade him if the season doesn’t go to well or keep his as one of the main options off the bench if the team is ready for a playoff push.

Delonte West: Combo guard. Read the above. Offer: two-year contract at $2.5 million per year.

5. Washington Wizards

T.J. Ford: Ford is a great point guard. Unfortunately for him, he has not had the luxury of stable playing time and is often injured. The Wizards badly need a quality backup at the point guard position, and Ford might be the perfect fit for Flip Saunders. The Wizards might steal Ford for about $2 million a year over two years. Moreover, if any teams come calling at the deadline (e.g. Heat, Knicks, Spurs and Lakers) the Wizards can squeeze every last drop of value out of Ford.

Rasual Butler: Butler’s had a fine career that he is now trying to salvage. The Wizards can use Butler off the bench and see how he performs. If Butler is able to consistently play at a high level, he can be traded. If not, he can be waived. Butler will likely sign a one-year deal for about $250,000.

4. Sacramento Kings

Mike Bibby: Bibby would like to win a championship before riding into the sunset. The problem is that none of the major contenders are willing to offer Bibby a contract. By signing with the Kings, he can get adequate playing time as the backup point guard and can serve as a mentor to the young guys on the team.

If Bibby performs well, he can be traded to a team in need. If not, he can stay in Sacramento and mentor the youngsters. The Kings have nothing to lose in this scenario because Bibby would sell a few seats, can be traded or can stay back and help the team, all for about $500,000.

Peja Stojakovic: Although Stojakovic might be set to retire. If he is indeed giving it one last go, the Kings should pounce on him. See above for reasons. (Minus the championship.)

4. Toronto Raptors

Yi Jianlian: The Raptors need to add depth, size and talent at the power forward and small forward positions, and Jianlian gives them all three. Jianlian has through-the-roof potential. Whether he will reach his potential is a big question mark.

Over the course of his four-year career Jianlian has battled injuries that have prevented him from further excelling. If the Raptors can get Jianlian for about $3.5 million over two years, and he can stay healthy, the Raptors could make the steal of the market. Jianlian can either later be traded or kept to grow with the team.

Reggie Williams: Williams is among the biggest victims of lack of playing time in all of the NBA.  Williams can play the small forward and shooting guard positions and can be an explosive threat off the bench. If guaranteed playing time, Williams would be willing to sign with Toronto. At about two years and $3 million per year, Williams can be a steal for the Toronto Raptors.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Kwame Brown: The Cavaliers are desperate for size, and at 6’11" and 275 pounds, Brown has plenty to offer. Coming off one of his better seasons in the NBA, Brown will undoubtedly receive a raise. However, it will not be a very big raise. Brown would sign with the Cavaliers for a two-year contract worth about $1 million per year.

With the playing time he will have in Cleveland, it is hard to imagine Brown producing below this year's clip. Thus, Brown will likely be traded to a team that needs a big body, and the Cavs can get some pieces in return.

Josh McRoberts: McRoberts is another victim of lack of minutes on the hardwood. McRoberts can score down low, has a midrange jumper, rebounds well and passes incredibly for a guy his height. If given the playing time, McRoberts can be a quality power forward and would give the Cavaliers some additional size. At about $2 million per year over two years, McRoberts is a bargain.

1. Charlotte Bobcats

Josh Howard: Over the past two seasons, Howard has been dismantled by injuries. However, when healthy, Howard has shown he can still play on both ends of the floor. If the Bobcats offer Howard a one-year contract worth about $1 million, he will be hard-pressed to find a better deal along with lots of playing time. Howard can serve as a rental for the rebuilding Bobcats, which can likely ship him out by the deadline for at least a draft pick and a youngster if he is healthy.

Troy Murphy: See above.

Summary

Lottery-bound teams need to realize they will never be able to rebuild by signing big-name free agents and then standing pat during free agency. By buying low and selling high on the aforementioned players, the teams have nothing to lose but a lot to gain. Thus, this offseason the front offices for these teams need to get to work during the free-agency period and cash in on a bargain or two.