Biggest Storylines Of NBA Free Agency

NBA free agency kicked off yesterday with not much truly happening. The Los Angeles Clippers dished out over $100 million to secure their star point guard Chris Paul. But there are still a lot of things up in the air. What do you think your team will do? I have composed some of the biggest story-lines of what could be one of the most bizarre free agent periods that we have ever seen.

The Summer of the Big Men

Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum, Josh Smith and even Greg Oden are prize possessions of the free agency period. I’ll start with Oden. Greg Oden hasn’t played since 2009, so it’s pretty interesting that teams are still interested. Some of the teams interested in the 7 footer are the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. I think that Oden could be a valuable asset to a team if he can prove to stay healthy. You can’t teach height and Oden drew the short end of the straw with his injuries. Josh Smith is most likely ranked third out of the names listed but in my opinion he is the most proven and the most consistent. Smith has made a career grabbing rebounds, and making some of the sickest slams in recent memory. Smith has already met with the Detroit Pistons and it seems like the Houston Rockets could be a team that is interested in Smith.

Okay on to the big names on the list. Andrew Bynum has to be one of the most frustrating players in the history of the NBA. Bynum was a part of the Dwight Howard trade that sent Howard to the Lakers. Bynum was traded to the 76ers. Bynum didn’t even play last season, but he was one of the most dominant big men in the NBA. I think in one of the most bizarre stories that could develop is that Bynum could end up coming back to the Lakers. Other teams that seam to be interested are the Mavericks, Heat and Spurs. The biggest name in the free agent pool is Dwight Howard. Howard had a highly criticized first season under Mike D’Antoni. Dwight didn’t fit in the system, but Howard doesn’t want to be the one to get his coach fired. Nonetheless I believe that the Lakers are going to make a full court press to get Howard back. Houston seems to be another suitor for Howard that could be interesting. Houston is looking to bring Howard and Josh Smith to their front court because they are such good friends. It’s going to be really interesting couple of weeks.

Need A Sixth Man, Take Your Pick

I personally find this years free agent class full of 6th men who could possibly have a chance at finding a job either as a starter or they become scrambled, each going to a different team. Kevin Martin, J.R. Smith and Manu Ginobili lead the pack. Do you really think the Spurs could let Manu go? Does J.R. Smith get a starting job? Can Kevin Martin prove his worth after a disappointing season in Oklahoma City? There are also other potential 6th men that are available. Nate Robinson proved himself in the playoffs and could really help a team. O.J. Mayo would love to prove himself with a hefty payday. I think Jarrett Jack should be one of the quickest free agents nabbed by a team because he has proven himself as an excellent backup and he is a great 6th man. J.J. Redick and Chase Budinger could be interesting pieces as well.

This is going to be such an entertaining summer full of trades, bizarre signings and hopefully someone will build a team that can beat the Heat.

Who do you hope your team signs? Would you take Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum on your team? Let me know what you think!