NBA Free Agents 2011: Thaddeus Young and Best Free Agents Under Age 26

Thaddeus Young is a name you don't hear a lot when discussions about free agents come up, but you should. This is partly because the Sixers will probably do whatever is necessary to retain the services of the 23-year-old restricted free-agent. Keeping him is vital if the team wants to finally trade Andre Iguodala.

Young belongs to a group of free agents that have yet to hit their prime. Here are the other top free agents under the age of 26: 

DeAndre Jordan, age 23

Jordan is an especially attractive free agent because he is probably the most athletic center in the NBA, aside from Dwight Howard. Last season, he averaged seven points, seven rebounds and just under two blocks per game.

Jordan could be the Clippers' or another team's center of the present and future. The Rockets would be better suited pursuing him than Nene.

Jordan would come younger and with a far higher upside. 

Jeff Green, age 25

Green could be a part of the Celtics' suddenly unclear plans for the future, or he could be a part of a trade designed to eliminate the C's rebuilding era.

He and Rajon Rondo are not strong enough to stave off a rebuilding period, so I believe Green could very well be moved in a blockbuster deal with Rondo.

He is a solid forward capable of playing the wing or the post, but he is more comfortable on the perimeter. 

Arron Afflalo, age 25

Afflalo is suddenly in high demand, and though the Nuggets would like to retain him, the price may escalate out of practicality for the Nuggets to match.

Afflalo's all-around play is a fit in Chicago, New Jersey and New Orleans. He averaged 13 points per game and shot 42 percent from the arc last season. 

Marcus Thornton, age 24

Thornton is still a bit of a wild card as he played limited minutes before being traded to the Sacramento Kings last year. When he was inserted into the starting lineup, Thornton scored over 21 points per game.

The Kings seem intent on bringing him back, but how high will they go for him?

Thornton is another good fit for the Bulls at the two-guard position.