2014 Free Agency
The biggest story not being talked about this year is the upcoming NBA Free Agency. If you remember back in 2010, we witnessed the biggest free agency fiasco in the history of professional sports, that landed LeBron James and Chris Bosh in South Beach to join Dwyane Wade for 3 consecutive NBA Finals appearances. While the team isn’t necessarily young, LeBron’s been able to get the most out of his aging sidekicks. This year however, if anything remotely short of championship occurs for the Heat, this could be the last year of the Big 3 tandem; with LeBron taking his talents back to Cleveland. James still holds a big regret in his heart for leaving Cleveland without providing a single title; but has since had success in Miami winning back-to-back rings. Miami has the most Free Agents for 2014 with a total of 13 (3 shy of the entire team), which could implode this summer. Dwyane Wade has been rumored to return home and join Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls next year if Bron Bron leaves. Bosh and the others would be sprinkled out across the league.
The Los Angeles Lakers are right behind the Miami Heat with most players up for free agency with 12. Those players include Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Chris Kaman, Nick Young and others. With the departure of Dwight Howard and non-rehiring of Phil Jackson, the Lakers have virtually become a lottery team heading into the season. Kobe Bryant, at the age of 35, is coming off the worst type of surgery he could have. The Mamba hasn’t even been offered a contract extension before the season starts, which has us wondering whether Jim Buss will be looking to part ways with the most famous Los Angeles Laker of all time. While Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson aren’t working with the Lakers, we’re hoping they do right by Kobe Bryant (i.e. Krause-MJ23). Gasol’s openly said he’s ready for free agency after seeing his name in multiple trade scenarios the last 3 years; so him parting ways with the Lakers would not be a reach.
We’re going to skip over Dirk Nowitzki’s upcoming free agency, since he and (best) owner Mark Cuban have a bond together beyond basketball. The aging Dirk Nowitzki is past his prime but can still fill up the stat sheet. The Mavs have one last run with Dirk to win another title, with expiring contracts for both Vince Carter and Shawn Marion. Swing-forwards Danny Granger and Rudy Gay, who were once looked upon as franchise building players will soon be unrestricted free agents as well. While neither are capable of being a first or second options (we’re going on past history), they’ll fit in good being a third option on a contender. The two might try and cash out as well since they’re still entering the peak of their athleticism at the moment. Zach Randolph’s contract quietly expires this year as well, but he’s finally found a solidified home as a Grizzly now with the departure of (rival) coach, Lionel Hollins.
Carmelo Anthony will also be a free agent this year after his Knicks contract has an early termination option. Melo will be entering the prime of his career and will be looking for a multi-year extension as insurance in case his career is hindered. The Knicks can offer him the most money, but Amar’e Stoudemire’s contract takes up nearly half of their salary still and it doesn’t fully expire until the 2015 free agency period. We’re sure Melo’s heart is in the big apple, but he will be flirting with the possibly of purple and gold next year if the Lakers decide to part ways with the Mamba.