Teams With Cap Space to Sign Max Free Agents
A look at some of the teams who can sign talent from the best pool of free agents available in NBA history
With another NBA season in the books, attention in the basketball world is now concentrated on 1 July's free agency period.
Commonly know as the 'Summer of Lebron', there will undoubtedly be a great deal of attention and interest focussed on the reigning two-time MVP, and where he will decide to play basketball in 2010/2011.
High Profile Names Available
With Lebron's name dominating free agency discussions it is easy to forget that almost 50 players will be able to either opt-out of the final year of their deal or become free agents as of the deadline. Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and A'amare Stoudamire may all be available to teams with sufficient cap space.
Whilst there have been rumors of a 'free agent summit' which would involve several of the more high profile free agents meeting and discussing their futures, there is anticipation from a number of the league's under performing teams that this could be their opportunity to change the face of their franchise by signing a player of talent who has established themselves as one of the best players in the league.
Eastern Conference Sides Looking to Add Talent
New York Knicks
Having spent the last two years planning for the summer of 2010, the Knicks are able to spend around $33m on two 'max' contracts. They have long targeted the likes of Lebron and Bosh to help end a spell of eight losing seasons in a row GM Donny Walsh is likely to have several scenarios in mind as to how to spend their money. The problem for the Knicks is that with only four players currently under contract for next season the signing of two maximum deals would mean filling their roster with players on the league's minimum.
Miami Heat
Team President Pat Riley's number one priority remains re-signing Allstar Dwayne Wade, but if the guard does decide to become a free agent then Miami would be able to offer two 'max' contracts to the other available talent. Wade has hinted that he wants to remain with Miami, and the ideal scenario for the team would be to offer their current player a maximum deal and also sign another maximum salary 'superstar'.
New Jersey Nets
Off the back of a league worst 12-70, the Nets are hoping to attract new talent to their team and make a return to the playoffs. Financed by the deep pockets of Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, New Jersey has around $26m to spend on free agents. Newly installed coach Avery Johnson also has the number three draft pick at his disposal and the lure of planned new arena to offer potential signings.
Chicago Bulls
Having been linked with Chicago native Dwayne Wade and more recently with Lebron James, the Bulls have $20m available to them, enough to add a single 'max' contract. Adding a top free agent to the talents of Derrick Rose, Joaquim Noah and Luol Deng, plus a new coach set to be hired, could make the Bulls an inviting option.
Washington Wizards
Provided they retain the services of Gilbert Arenas, the Washington Wizards will have around $25m in cap space to finance a re-building of their team. If Arenas is traded then it will allow the club, who also has the number one draft pick, more room to sign free agents.
Western Conference sides Looking to Add Talent
LA Clippers
With Blake Griffin set to return to action next season, and the likes of Baron Davis and Chris Kaman providing support to any players signing, the Clippers have plenty to offer. They have around $22m to spend on marquee free agents who are available, and will hope that it can be the beginning of success for the franchise.
Sacremento Kings
Not linked, as yet, with a move for one of the big name free agents, the Kings have $19m in cap space, plus the number five pick in the draft. Sacremento also boast the talents of Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans, and could add two lower paid free agents to their team in a bid to build on their promising season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
As the T-Wolves look to resurrect themselves after a poor season as the Western Conferences worst team, they have $17m to spend on free agents - though the strength of the team makes it unlikely they will obtain any of the top names. With a decent amount of cap space to use and the draft rights to guard Ricky Rubio the team from Minnesota could at least pick themselves up a couple of players to strengthen.
Source: NBA.com
With another NBA season in the books, attention in the basketball world is now concentrated on 1 July's free agency period.
Commonly know as the 'Summer of Lebron', there will undoubtedly be a great deal of attention and interest focussed on the reigning two-time MVP, and where he will decide to play basketball in 2010/2011.
High Profile Names Available
With Lebron's name dominating free agency discussions it is easy to forget that almost 50 players will be able to either opt-out of the final year of their deal or become free agents as of the deadline. Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and A'amare Stoudamire may all be available to teams with sufficient cap space.
Whilst there have been rumors of a 'free agent summit' which would involve several of the more high profile free agents meeting and discussing their futures, there is anticipation from a number of the league's under performing teams that this could be their opportunity to change the face of their franchise by signing a player of talent who has established themselves as one of the best players in the league.
Eastern Conference Sides Looking to Add Talent
New York Knicks
Having spent the last two years planning for the summer of 2010, the Knicks are able to spend around $33m on two 'max' contracts. They have long targeted the likes of Lebron and Bosh to help end a spell of eight losing seasons in a row GM Donny Walsh is likely to have several scenarios in mind as to how to spend their money. The problem for the Knicks is that with only four players currently under contract for next season the signing of two maximum deals would mean filling their roster with players on the league's minimum.
Miami Heat
Team President Pat Riley's number one priority remains re-signing Allstar Dwayne Wade, but if the guard does decide to become a free agent then Miami would be able to offer two 'max' contracts to the other available talent. Wade has hinted that he wants to remain with Miami, and the ideal scenario for the team would be to offer their current player a maximum deal and also sign another maximum salary 'superstar'.
New Jersey Nets
Off the back of a league worst 12-70, the Nets are hoping to attract new talent to their team and make a return to the playoffs. Financed by the deep pockets of Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, New Jersey has around $26m to spend on free agents. Newly installed coach Avery Johnson also has the number three draft pick at his disposal and the lure of planned new arena to offer potential signings.
Chicago Bulls
Having been linked with Chicago native Dwayne Wade and more recently with Lebron James, the Bulls have $20m available to them, enough to add a single 'max' contract. Adding a top free agent to the talents of Derrick Rose, Joaquim Noah and Luol Deng, plus a new coach set to be hired, could make the Bulls an inviting option.
Washington Wizards
Provided they retain the services of Gilbert Arenas, the Washington Wizards will have around $25m in cap space to finance a re-building of their team. If Arenas is traded then it will allow the club, who also has the number one draft pick, more room to sign free agents.
Western Conference sides Looking to Add Talent
LA Clippers
With Blake Griffin set to return to action next season, and the likes of Baron Davis and Chris Kaman providing support to any players signing, the Clippers have plenty to offer. They have around $22m to spend on marquee free agents who are available, and will hope that it can be the beginning of success for the franchise.
Sacremento Kings
Not linked, as yet, with a move for one of the big name free agents, the Kings have $19m in cap space, plus the number five pick in the draft. Sacremento also boast the talents of Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans, and could add two lower paid free agents to their team in a bid to build on their promising season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
As the T-Wolves look to resurrect themselves after a poor season as the Western Conferences worst team, they have $17m to spend on free agents - though the strength of the team makes it unlikely they will obtain any of the top names. With a decent amount of cap space to use and the draft rights to guard Ricky Rubio the team from Minnesota could at least pick themselves up a couple of players to strengthen.
Source: NBA.com