NBA Rumors: Nate Robinson's Best Free-Agent Destinations

Nate Robinson and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s relationship is just about over, according to Sam Amick of SI.com. It’s been inevitable for a few weeks now, but he should be a free agent in a matter of hours.

The three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion doesn’t have a ton of value left to give to teams, but there are a few destinations where he could find success with.

San Antonio Spurs

Do you remember the San Antonio Spurs? Is it possible that they make one last effort to win a NBA Title with Tim Duncan?

Yes, it is.

Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are itching closer to the end of their careers, and Tony Parker has played 10 years in the league. If any team could use some excitement off the bench, it would be the Spurs.

Robinson gives teams a spark off the bench when he is given the opportunity. Not only does the arena enjoy watching smaller athletes (5’9”) dunk, but they enjoy watching his extreme athleticism.

He is a three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion; people forget that.

He’s not going to cost much at all. If it doesn’t work out, then they could sit him on the pine. Robinson looks to be having a great time cheering on winning teams—see Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City.

Miami Heat

Gilbert Arenas is actually a decent fit for the Miami Heat, but if they don’t go that route, which is a possibility, Robinson might not be the worst addition.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade attack the rim better than anyone in the NBA. When you have a player that can stroke it from beyond the arc on the floor, it instantly opens up more lanes for James and Wade, especially in crunch time.

Putting a guy like Robinson, a career 35 percent three-point shooter, on the wing while one of those two superstars are driving would create open outside shots from Robinson.

Also, Robinson is a guy that can create a buzz in the arena while on the floor. Everyone loves to watch a little guy rise up and dunk the ball. He provides instant offense when he is given the opportunity.

Miami could cut him if it doesn’t work out or they could allow him to be on the bench, a place to which he has become accustomed in his career.

Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard is on his way out of Orlando and nothing seems like it will stop him from exiting stage left, certainly not acquiring Robinson.

However, Orlando has been a team that has been on the brink of championship success. They have made it to the NBA Finals, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers, and they also continue to be a tough out every year in the postseason.

Robinson wouldn’t make the Magic contenders by any means because they technically are already, but what he could do is give them a spark off the bench that could win them an extra playoff game or two. His size (5’9”) and extreme explosiveness creates an instant buzz in the arena that can energize or re-energize the entire team.

He proved that he was capable of sparking the team when he played for the Celtics.

Robinson seemed to gel with Glen Davis when the two were on the Celtics. With the Magic trading Brandon Bass to the Celtics for Davis, Robinson reuniting with his buddy would be great for Orlando. Davis didn’t seem like the same person after Robinson was traded last season.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals two years ago is a perfect example of why they work so well together. Davis scored 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and Robinson scored 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including making two three-pointers in a Boston victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Both players are fantastic “spark” athletes. Davis does the little things on the court that go unnoticed and Robinson energizes the crowd with his instant offensive capabilities.

Orlando would be the best destination for Robinson given his relationship with Davis.