2011 NBA Free Agents: Nene and Other Free Agents Perfect for Contenders

The biggest free agency splashes this offseason are going to be made by teams ready to contend for the title this year.

Forget the Charlotte Bobcats or Toronto Raptors—they aren’t going to be signing anyone of note.

Teams like the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are expected to make a splash by picking up solid veteran free agents to push them over the edge and into the Finals. Sure, these guys may be taking a pay cut by signing elsewhere, but none have won a ring and all are eager to do so in the latter stages of their career.

Let’s take a look at some of these vets.

Nene

The best all-around center in the unrestricted free-agent class is going to get a lot of looks by any team in need of a big.

He also has an extreme desire to play for a winning team and wants no part of the rebuilding Nuggets.

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“It’s not about the money,” Nene said. “If I wanted to retire today I could retire because I saved my money. So right now I want to be happy and improve. That’s what I want. That’s what everybody wants. I need help. I need good players around. People say, ‘Nene, the last six years you averaged 14 points and eight or seven rebounds.’ OK, but they don’t say why.

“Right now I want to happy first. Two, I want to win. Money? Money, I am going to have because I worked and busted my butt. Money will come.”

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Nene would be make a lot of teams happy if he chose to sign with them, including the Heat, Clippers and Mavericks. Those teams are all potentially in the market for a big like him, and it would be a perfect fit.

He is definitely capable of being a key member of a championship team and I think he will be if given a chance.

Samuel Dalembert

Dalembert can be considered solid consolation prize for teams that miss out on Nene because he pretty much is a poor man’s Nene.

The Kings center knows he is due for a pay cut after making a ridiculous $13.43 million last year, and since that’s the case, he might as well join a winning team.

He also knows his value to a contender.

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"If you look at the playoffs with Dallas, you saw what Tyson Chandler did," Dalembert said, "He was basically a key ingredient for them to win a championship. And Miami didn't have somebody like that. Somebody able to stop (foes from) getting second shots and somebody able to rebound and finish. I could fill that role and be an asset for that team."

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There will be no shortage of suitors for him, and he would love to join the Heat, but is also considering the Knicks and Rockets.

His best bet is to join the Heat who will be much better off with him over Joel Anthony and the other stiffs they trotted out last year.

Jason Richardson

J-Rich is a solid two-guard that can get off his own shot and bomb away from long distance when needed. He made nearly $14.5 million dollars last year with the Magic and seems to have made enough to retire on. Would he be willing to take a pay cut to sign with another winning team?

At 30 years old, there isn’t much time for him left in this league. Chicago could offer him a mid-level exception, and he would be the best available free agent fit for their gaping hole at the two.

The Bulls need a guard with his ability and consistency to get to the next level.

I think he should take that MLE and have a chance to win multiple titles as Derrick Rose’s backcourt mate.