NBA free agency began at 12:01 a.m. and they are a lot of big names out there who may be testing the open market. As we all know, next summer will feature the most wide open free agency period in the history of the league, but the summer of 2009 isn't that bad. Here is a list of some of the top names that may or may not change uniforms this offseason.
1. Kobe Bryant- Has an early termination option in his contract.
2. Carlos Boozer- Boozer has decided not to opt out of his current deal. It makes sense because he wasn't going to get the type of money he wanted on the open market. His fellow teammate, Mehmet Okur will also stick around Salt Lake City for a few more years.
3. Allen Iverson- We all saw how rocky his time in Detroit was, so there is little doubt that A.I. will end up elsewhere this offseason. He is an unrestricted free agent and almost 34 years old, so you really have to wonder if a team out there will be willing to sign him to a long term deal. Iverson can still fill it up with the best in the league. Don't forget that before the trade that sent him to Detroit, he and Carmello Anthony were both averaging better than 25 ppg in Denver.
4. Ben Gordon- The Bulls gunslinger is an unrestricted free agent and should draw some attention from teams looking for fire power at the guard position.
5. Jason Kidd- The great J-Kidd is already making headlines by heading to New York to speak with the Knicks. Mark Cuban responded to that by flying to the Big Apple to meet with Kidd personally in an attempt to keep him in big D.
6. Shawn Marion- The Matrix wasn't happy or healthy in Toronto, so he should be on the move. Marion has been one of the most productive players in the league over the last 5-10 years, and the rumor mill has him possibly reuniting with STAT and Nash in the valley of the sun. Marion is an unrestricted free agent.
7. Ron Artest- Artest was a gem in Houston this past season, leading a team that lost T-Mac and Yao Ming to injury yet again. With so much uncertainty in Rocket land, it would make good business sense to bring Artest back. He brought a toughness to the team that was lacking in years past, and had excellent chemistry with the Rockets young players.
8. Rasheed Wallace- Sheed is an X-factor. Wallace is an unrestricted free agent who is already garnering interest from Boston, San Antonio, Cleveland, and countless other clubs. I'm a big KG and Tim Duncan fan, so if he lands in either of those two places the rest of the league better take notice! No matter where Wallace ends up, the team will be an instant contender for the NBA championship. Bank on it.
9. Mike Bibby- Since Bibby arrived in Atlanta the team has been so much better it's ridiculous. The pre-Bibby Hawks barely sniffed the playoffs, but with the former Arizona Wildcat point guard leading the way, they have made the post season two straight seasons. It should be a top priority in the A to resign him! He's unrestricted by the way.
10. Hedo Turkoglu- The Magic's most versatile player is looking to get away from the Magic Kingdom. Hedo's #'s were down this past season, but his value may be higher than ever. Orlando has a good thing going with he, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard but great chemistry may not be enough to keep Turkolu happy.
Other notable free agents: Andre Miller, Grant Hill, Desmond Mason, Chris Wilcox, David Lee, Nate Robinson, Charlie Villanueva, Lamar Odom, Anderson Varejao, Eddie House
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