NBA Free Agents 2011: Marc Gasol and Restricted Free Agents Worth Pursuing

The restricted free agent market certainly has some value in this upcoming and abbreviated player signing period.

Marc Gasol is among the best available in the free agent market. The Memphis big man is very coveted around the league because of his wide body, age (26) and overall skill level.

Memphis is willing to go all out to retain him and I think they will match any offer he receives. The Grizzlies are intent upon keeping their young core together. They made an impressive playoff run and hope to build on that success this season. They realize how big a role Gasol plays in those plans.

These other four restricted free agents round out the top five:

Arron Afflalo

Afflalo's name has been floated in association with the Chicago Bulls and their vacancy at the shooting guard spot. It is unlikely the Nuggets will invest the money and years required to retain Afflalo.

The Bulls seem like a likely landing spot for the underrated all-around UCLA product. Afflalo would represent a massive upgrade at shooting guard for the Bulls.

Nick Young

The Wizards' leading scorer from last year, Young really came in to his own in 2010-2011. He averaged 17.4 points per game and could command a nice payday because of his age (26) and his production. Just about every available two-guard in the NBA will have his name mentioned in association with Chicago, but Young is probably too expensive for the Bulls.

Young could return to Washington to keep their young backcourt together. He and John Wall are not bad backcourt building blocks.

Marcus Thornton

Thornton was on fire during the last 20 games with the Kings when they finally inserted him into the starting lineup. The Kings seem very interested in matching any offer they get for him. That could scare teams away, especially since Thornton had such a short period of time performing at a high level.

He is only 24 years old, but the Kings probably win out and match any offer above the qualifying offer.

Rodney Stuckey

Stuckey's name has not come up a lot in free agent talks, but he is still a quality combo guard. It is unlikely he returns to Detroit, who will be looking to clear the way for Brandon Knight.

Stuckey could land in Dallas, with the Lakers or elsewhere. Stuckey is a dependable scorer and secondary ball-handler who will definitely draw some interest.