Well, that was fast. The first time I wrote this list (last Wednesday) the top 10 included the likes of LeBron, Carmelo and Bosh—all are gone. In fact, only three of the initial group are still available. That said, there are several impact free agents left on the market.
10. Evan Turner
Age: 25
2013-14 team: Philadelphia 76ers/Indiana Pacers
Position: SG
2013-14 salary: $6,679,867
Why he’s worth a shot: He’s a former No. 2 pick who functions as a large playmaker (he’s six-foot-seven) at two-guard. He doesn’t shoot well from the field or three, though, and put up his best half-season for last year’s fast-paced 76ers team before disappearing after a trade to the Pacers. He’s not a plug-and-play guy, and will need a favourable decision to thrive—preferably alongside a sweet-shooting point.
Latest dirt: Apparently he’s getting looks from the Timberwolves and Celtics, neither of whom is likely to be in contention for a playoff spot next year. Each could kick the tires and see just how much upside Turner’s got left.
9. Jameer Nelson
Age: 32
2013-14 team: Orlando Magic
Position: PG
2013-14 salary: $8,600,000
Why he’s worth a shot: His field-goal percentage has dropped below 40 percent, but he’s still a good distributor and brings veteran leadership to the table. He has value as a high-end backup or as a mentor for a young guard looking to learn the game on the fly.
Latest dirt: After spending his entire career in Orlando, he could be heading west. The Rockets have a need at backup point after losing Jeremy Lin in a cap-clearing move. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have reportedly made contact.
8. Kris Humphries
Age: 29
2013-14 team: Boston Celtics
Position: PF
2013-14 salary: $12,000,000
Why he’s worth a shot: He’s one of the best rebounders in the league and last year put up a player efficiency rating of 18.38 (league average is 15) while playing with a mismatched hodgepodge of players in Boston after being traded from the Nets in the off-season.
Latest dirt: The only buzz right now is about who’s not interested—the Celtics and the Heat, apparently. He’ll have a new jersey next year, but it’s anyone’s guess as to the colour.
7. Ed Davis
Age: 25
2013-14 team: Memphis Grizzlies
Position: PF
2013-14 salary: $3,153,860
Why he’s worth a shot: Davis was on the verge of becoming a solid NBA starter during his last days in Toronto, and has been held back playing behind the minutes-munching frontcourt of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol in Memphis. His per-game stats from last year look rough, but at this point in his career he’s no worse than a first big off the bench. He’s still got upside, has zero off-court issues and is also going to come at a crazy-low price. Someone’s getting a steal.
Latest dirt: Other than being listed on seemingly every team’s secondary-target list, there isn’t much talk around Davis since early in free agency when the Clippers were rumoured to express interest.
6. Ray Allen
Age: 38
2013-14 team: Miami Heat
Position: SG
2013-14 salary: $3,229,050
Why he’s worth a shot: Yeah, he’s 38, but he’s one of the fittest men in the sport and he’s less than 13 months removed from this:
Latest dirt: According to Yahoo, Allen is choosing between the Cavs, the Heat… and retirement. And he’s in no rush to make the decision.
5. Shawn Marion
Age: 36
2013-14 team: Dallas Mavericks
Position: SF
2013-14 salary: $9,316,796
Why he’s worth a shot: He’s not the athletic marvel he once was, but he’s still a great wing defender who finds buckets without being an offensive focal point.
Latest dirt: With Chandler Parsons coming to Dallas for big money, he’s likely on his way out of town. The Bulls have a need at small forward, and apparently expressed interest in five guys at the start of free agency—only Marion is still available.
4. Lance Stephenson
Age: 23
2013-14 team: Indiana Pacers
Position: SG
2013-14 salary: $1,005,000
Why he’s worth a shot: He can do things few other twos can and was a significant playmaker for Indiana. He’s still incredibly young and has made major strides in several areas over the last two years. That said, he’s also been prone to bad decisions, poor shot selection and bouts of immaturity. And the latter isn’t necessarily in the distant past. Case in point:
Latest dirt: The Bulls and Mavs apparently had interest before signing Pau and Chandler Parsons, respectively. But Charlotte seems to be his most serious suitor. Even after plucking Marvin Williams off the free-agent pile, the Hornets can still offer Stephenson up to $12 million, per ESPN’s Kevin Pelton. Also:
3. Greg Monroe (Restricted)
Age: 24
2013-14 team: Detroit Pistons
Position: PF/C
2013-14 salary: $4,086,454
Why he’s worth a shot: He hasn’t shot the ball well (just a touch under 50 percent from the field last year despite the vast majority of his shots coming near the hoop), and he’s struggled the past two years finding a role alongside Andre Drummond and then both Drummond and Josh Smith. But he’s a big body, has been durable, is a good rebounder and passer, and might just be a good fit away from breaking out.
Latest dirt: There were rumours early on in free agency that Monroe had little interest in playing alongside Smith long term, but further reports have quashed them. Detroit “very, very much” wants him back.
2. Dwyane Wade
Age: 32 (spiritual age: 57)
2013-14 team: Miami Heat
Position: SG
2013-14 salary: $18,673,000
Why he’s worth a shot: He’s a three-time champion who can be the best player on the floor on any given night—when his knees are willing. But that caveat is huge. He’s playing both less and less effectively overall with each passing season.
Latest dirt: Chicago expressed interest, but Wade’s not going anywhere. All that’s remaining to be figured out are the exact parameters of his contract. Wade and Bosh each opted out of about $40 million over the next two seasons, and Bosh just re-signed with the Heat for $118 million over five years. Wade’s older and played fewer minutes last season, but how much less than that will he be willing to take with moves still to be made for the Heat?
1. Eric Bledsoe (Restricted)
Age: 24
2013-14 team: Phoenix Suns
Position: PG/SG
2013-14 salary: $2,626,473
Why he’s worth a shot: Before last season the question was “Is he a point guard?” Now it’s more like, “Who cares?” He’s undersized for a two, but that didn’t matter whatsoever as he played with Goran Dragic last year. He was a maniac on “D” and a killer on “O”, shooting 47 percent from the field while racking up points and assists. Anyone who actually earns the nickname “Mini-LeBron” deserves a shot.
Latest dirt: Lots of teams have interest, but the Suns are apparently ready to match any offer for Bledsoe—and can do so easily without approaching the upper end of the salary cap—even after they picked up Sacramento’s Isaiah Thomas.