10 Potential Amnesty Casualties Who Could Be Impact Players on a New NBA Team

Back in 2005, NBA teams received luxury-tax relief as a result of the amnesty clause, but the "Allan Houston Rule" may help teams reap even bigger benefits this time around.

Previously, amnesty players only provided teams with luxury-tax relief, but in the new CBA—should we ever see one—it is believed that 75 percent of any payroll a team sheds as a result, will not count against their salary cap.

Additionally, there is also the possibility of teams getting to pocket the amnesty clause, saving it for a later date and making it a longer-term decision rather than a one-time opportunity.

Needless to say, this clause is huge for teams that have regrettable contracts on their payroll, as it gives them an out, with far-fewer repercussions than before.

While it is extremely beneficial for teams looking to shed some payroll/create some much-needed cap space, it is also useful for teams looking to add some depth to their roster on the cheap. Not all of the potential amnesty casualties are incapable; rather they are just overpaid.

The amnesty clause means that certain players will be forced out of their current homes. For some of these players, though, it is also an opportunity to find new digs, along with a more meaningful purpose.

Rashard Lewis

There is no doubt that the Orlando Magic overpaid Rashard Lewis, but unlike Gilbert Arenas, he is merely a financial liability, as opposed to a performance one as well.

The Washington Wizards will almost certainly amnesty the 13-year veteran, as his absence from the payroll creates an opportunity for them to become major players in the free agent market.

That being said, Lewis is still a competent scorer and decent rebounder, and could make a serious impact on a team looking for some offense.

Lewis averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, stats he is more than capable of reproducing, but nowhere near worth the nearly $46 million he has remaining on his contract. Being that he adds substantial size and extensive range to any rotation, he is certainly going to find a new home.

Lewis has never been incapable, just overpaid. At the right price, he will seem appealing to an array of organizations.

Metta World Peace

The Los Angeles Lakers have an array of options to amnesty, including Steve Blake, Luke Walton and the featured Metta World Peace.

Walton seems like the obvious choice, but with back injuries that have caused multiple doctors to advise him to cease playing basketball, there is a possibility the Lakers could hit the jackpot, and watch one small forward retire while amnestying the other.

Peace's effectiveness, on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, dropped off last season, making it clear he is not worth the $21 million-plus he is owed over the next three seasons.

However, while his offense was non-existent, his defense only suffered slightly, leaving hope he is still capable on that end.

Peace plays tough defense, and has the tools to guard multiple positions. There are sure to be plenty of teams who would be interested in assuming his defensive potential, along with his baggage, if the Lakers send him packing.

Mike Miller

Mike Miller's first season with the Miami Heat was everything the team didn't expect, and more. But not in a good way.

Miller was hampered by injuries and proved to be a shell of the player the Heat thought they were getting.

With Miller at age 31, Miami could decide to part ways with the veteran shooting guard and use the money to plug an actual hole at the point guard or center positions.

Miller is a good friend of LeBron James, which means the team could opt to see if the former sharp-shooter can regain some of his lost swagger. Additionally, team owner Micky Arison may not be inclined to pay a player $24 million not to play for him.

However, it must be noted that Miami did shop Miller at one point, but to no avail. The trade market for an overpriced and underperforming perimeter player will be thin, if one even exists at all. This makes Miller a viable option should the amnesty clause go into effect.

While Miller struggled last season, one cannot deny his shooting abilities. He was once a major threat to score from anywhere on the floor, and he could still help a team in need of an athlete with range.

Miller also has great size for his position, which enables him to shoot over defenders.

The shooting guard comes with a mountain of risk, but at the right price, he would prove to be worth it for a team in need of a potential offensive powerhouse. 

Brendan Haywood

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the few teams who may wind up not amnestying anyone.

Brendan Haywood is the most likely candidate, as he is due nearly $34.8 million over the next four seasons, not including the team option for $10.5 million in 2015-2016.

The backup center is clearly overpaid, but until the Mavs clear up the Tyson Chandler situation, Mark Cuban and Co. may be reluctant to rid themselves of a big man.

Even if Chandler returns, Dallas may not want to mess with their championship chemistry.

A case can also be made for Shawn Marion, as he is due over $25 million the next three years, but his perimeter defense is still incredibly effective, and once again, the Mavs may not want to mess with a good thing.

Regardless of who Dallas could wind up getting rid of, both players would draw a lot of interest from other teams. Haywood is a seven-footer who can anchor in the low post and open up the floor for his teammates. Marion is a tenacious defender, and a strong offensive threat as well.

Either player could make a significant impact on another team should Dallas cut ties with them.

Especially at a discounted rate.

Al Harrington

Al Harrington's future with the Denver Nuggets is directly related to how negotiations with Nene Hilario, Wilson Chandler, J.R. Smith and Arron Afflalo pan out.

Harrington is a fierce offensive player whose scoring abilities could be extremely coveted by a potentially decimated Nuggets team.

That being said, owner Stan Kroenke is not known for his spending prowess, and the $27.7 million remaining on Harrington's contract is not something he may embrace.

Additionally, at 31, Harrington doesn't exactly factor into the team's future. Denver is a young team and will be interested in players who won't be 33 or 34 by the time they are ready to make some serious noise. 

Should Harrington hit the open market, there are sure to be a number of teams interested in the veteran power forward.

Whether he's assuming a starting slot or coming off the bench, Harrington can provide instant offense. He has great range and isn't shy about shooting the ball.

Defense is not a strong suit of Harrington's, so he would be best suited coming off the bench on a contending team in need of an added offensive punch.

Much like Rashard Lewis, Harrington is far from incapable. He is just overpaid. 

Richard Jefferson

The San Antonio Spurs are sure to endorse being able to pocket the amnesty clause, but if forced to make a one-time only decision, Richard Jefferson will get the ax.

While Jefferson currently ensures that the Spurs are putting their most competitive product on the floor, the team is a heartbeat away from crumbling under the rigors of age.

The 31-year-old small forward, who is owed nearly $30 million over the next three seasons, is a financial burden San Antonio just cannot afford.

Jefferson's production is not completely lost, but it has dropped off substantially over the past few seasons. His 11 points per game, though, will be welcomed by a team in need of a veteran scorer. For the right price.

Currently, Jefferson's contract is far from the right price, which means it will prove extremely difficult to move him, increasing the likelihood of him becoming an amnesty casualty.

Jefferson can still help a team remain competitive, ergo the Spurs' reluctance to get rid of him while Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are still around. That being said, his ability to help a team stay in the playoff hunt does not carry the same weight his contract does.

A fresh start, and an appropriate pay grade will make for a different story. 

Richard Hamilton

While the Detroit Pistons do have Charlie Villanueva who they could cut loose, their marriage to Richard Hamilton and the $25 million he is owed over the next two years could be one they want to end more.

Hamilton arguably still holds some trade value, but the past couple seasons have been insufferable for both parties, and neither will want to prolong it more than they have to.

The 33-year-old Hamilton has become a slight liability on the defensive end, but much like Al Harrington, only more so, he provides instant offense.

Last season, the shooting guard averaged 14.1 points per game despite both aging and falling out of favor with the team.

Few teams will want to assume Hamilton's remaining earnings, but many would embrace the chance to sign him, and his deadly jump shot, outright.

Marvin Williams

The Atlanta Hawks may not be ready to give up on Marvin Williams, which means they could support a pocketing of the amnesty clause, but there is no denying their disappointment in the small forward.

Williams was drafted ahead of Chris Paul, and given how the star point guard has panned out, the Hawks missed out on an incredible opportunity.

Williams can be effective, and averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, but after six seasons in the league, his production is not worth the $23.3 million he has left on his contract.

Teams are bound to be interested in the offensive savvy Williams. He has really developed his range and shown flashes of reaching the lofty expectations that were once set for him.

Given the opportunity to sign with another team at a smaller pay scale and diminished expectations, he could absolutely thrive.

Should Williams become a casualty of the amnesty clause, he is more than likely to live up to the value of his next contract.

Brandon Roy

Brandon Roy has nearly $68 million remaining on his contract, more than $50 million of which is guaranteed, and that makes him a near lock to be sent packing.

The Portland Trail Blazers' Wesley Matthews has emerged as a starting caliber athlete, making Roy even more expendable. While the shooting guard showed flashes of the franchise savior that he was supposed to be, his knees are shot.

Roy averaged only 12.2 points and 2.7 assists per game in an injury-plagued 2010-2011 campaign, but he is a career 19 points per night scorer. He can hit from anywhere on the floor and has one of the league's quicker releases.

While Roy has severe knee issues, he is only 27, which makes him even more appealing to outside organizations. Just not $68 million worth of appealing.

Roy is overpaid. That's a fact, but he can still be a strong offensive player, and this extra time off could prove to be vital to his rehabilitation.  

Portland may hate to part ways with him, but his contract is far too lucrative to pay tax on and clogs up a more-than-excessive amount of cap space.

Teams in need of a potentially prolific scorer will give Roy a good, hard look. And given that his next contract is certainly going to be more reasonably priced than his last one, it is likely Roy lands himself a key role within another organization.

Baron Davis

With Kyrie Irving now entering the fold, it is clear that Baron Davis will be relegated to the bench, at least at some point.

Given that Davis is owed nearly $29 million over the next two seasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers would almost certainly amnesty the point guard they have little need for. At 32, Davis has fallen off his game a bit, but he remains a solid candidate to run an offense.

Last season, the point guard averaged 13.1 points and 6.7 assists per game. Davis is still agile and extremely aggressive on the offensive end. He is not afraid to shoot the ball, yet is smart enough to know when to pass it. His knack for posting-up other guards hasn't disappeared either.

Additionally, while Davis is riddled by back issues, he is no slouch on the defensive end. While he clearly lacks motivation at times, he plays tough man-to-man, and still has quick hands that poke the ball away rather often.

Despite his ability to be effective, Davis has never been more inconsistent or difficult to motivate. His production may still be impressive, but not worth $29 million. 

That being said, Davis would be a monster pick-up for a contending team in need of help at the point. Title chasing is sure to provide the motivation he needs to exert some more effort on the court.

The fact that he is bound to come at a bargain price if he hits the open market is a bonus.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.