Age: 25 | Height: 6-8Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Cavaliers
2009-10 Stats: 29.9 pt | 7.3 reb | 8.5 ast
Status: 2010-11 player option for $17.1 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
LeBron may not be clutch on the level of a Dwyane Wade or Kobe Bryant come playoff time, but he's still the best player in the NBA in video game terms. When Miami made the trade for Antoine, J-Will and Posey it was said that Miami would win the title if the NBA were a video game - I rest my case. If Miami signs LeBron, the rest of the roster should be filled by players taking a paycut.
Age: 28 | Height: 6-4Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Heat
2009-10 Stats: 26.6 pt | 4.9 reb | 6.6 ast
Status: 2010-11 player option for $17.1 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
Wade can (and will) sign a six year contract this summer that will expire when he is 34. His fall down six times and get up seven approach to the game have made him the most explosive and popular player in the league. However, many people worry that he could become injury prone and/or less effective as he becomes more advanced in age. Injuries have derailed his career to a certain point already as an injury to his knee kept him from leading the Heat into the NBA Finals in Shaq's first season and a dislocated shoulder derailed seasons three and four. Ancient history now as Wade has recovered brilliantly from those injuries, he just needs a better supporting cast to keep him from breaking down.
Age: 25 | Height: 6-10Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Raptors
2009-10 Stats: 24.3 pt | 11 reb
Status: 2010-11 player option for $17.1 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
The best player primetime has never seen. This is what I used to think of Pau Gasol, except I used to watch Gasol because he is a Spanish (Catalan like myself) superstar. Bosh plays for the post Vince Carter Toronto Raptors and he is widely regarded as the most likely to bolt for greener pastures. His arrival would likely push Michael Beasley out the door, or possibly into the SF/PF role.
Age: 29 | Height: 7-6Experience: 8 years | '09-10 Team: Rockets
2009-10 Stats: Out with injury
Status: 2010-11 player option for $17.7 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
Most people think he will not opt out. I think he is the forgotten man in this whole "summit" idea. Being Yao's sidekick is a great business move for anyone trying to conquer the Asian market - namely LeBron and Wade. My conspiracy theory is that they all team up in Miami and we keep Beasley. They all pat themselves in the bag for taking paycuts and laugh their way to the bank with all the extra endorsement money.
Age: 31 | Height: 7-0Experience: 12 years | '09-10 Team: Mavericks
2009-10 Stats: 24.8 pt | 7.6 reb
Status: 2010-11 player option for $21.5 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
A great player who would certainly make the team better, but I don't get excited by it probably because I tend to be in favor of employing the younger, more athletic, cheaper version in Michael Beasley. Nowitzki is great and probably has four more great years left in him and it looks like Michael is not likely to be a part of our franchise for much longer one way or another, but I think seeing Dirk take his place would just be annoying.
Age: 29 | Height: 6-8Experience: 9 years | '09-10 Team: Hawks
2009-10 Stats: 21.2 pt | 4.6 reb | 4.9 ast
Status: Unrestricted free agent
A great "Plan B" includes giving Joe Johnson close to max money (in case LeBron won't sign). Johnson at times looks like a dominant player, but if we get mad at Beasley for being inconsistent this is not the way to go. I am all for it and think he will be better than Eddie Jones or Caron Butler were for the team, but I am just warning people, he does disappear.
Age: 27 | Height: 6-10Experience: 8 years | '09-10 Team: Suns
2009-10 Stats: 22.9 pt | 8.8 reb
Status: 2010-11 player option for $17.7 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
Another great "Plan B" is giving Amar'e close to max money (in case Chris Bosh won't sign). Amar'e at times looks like a dominant players but if we get mad at Beasley for not playing defense this is not the way to go. I am all for it and think he will be better than Lamar Odom or Udonis Haslem were for the team, but I am just warning people, he does take plays off. Him and Joe Johnson played together on the Suns and some have them reuniting somewhere... they would be great on a video game, which means surefire NBA title in my book. If you haven't caught on by now, I think dumping Michael Beasley should be nothing more than a last resort. If these free agents want to win NBA titles they should take a little less to keep the kid around.
Age: 28 | Height: 6-9Experience: 8 years | '09-10 Team: Jazz
2009-10 Stats: 19.6 pt | 11.3 reb
Status: Unrestricted free agent
A real post up threat. Too undersized to play center, so Michael Beasley would have to be dealt or become more of a SF/PF. I am higher on his game than most and believe Riley is higher on him than even I am. Boozer is a throwback PF with a true back to the basket game and that equals wins in the Heat culture.
9. RUDY GAY, SF
Age: 23 | Height: 6-9Experience: 4 years | '09-10 Team: Grizzlies
2009-10 Stats: 19.7 pt | 6 reb
Status: Restricted free agent ($4.4 million qualifying offer)
Many feel like the restricted free agents will be off-limits. I think it is just a matter of waiting for LeBron and Joe Johnson to make up their minds. After that waiting a week is not a big deal, in my opinion since the reward would outweigh the risk of losing out on some middle tier free agents.
Age: 32 | Height: 6-6Experience: 12 years | '09-10 Team: Celtics
2009-10 Stats: 18.2 pt | 4.4 reb
Status: 2010-11 player option (early termination) for $21.5 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
I don't even wanna talk about this actress.
Age: 26 | Height: 6-9Experience: 5 years | '09-10 Team: Knicks
2009-10 Stats: 20.4 pt | 11.9 reb
Status: Unrestricted free agent
His numbers would suggest he is a max free agent, but those who watch him seem to be less impressed. His All-Star game appearance seemed to be as out of place as Dan Uggla of the Marlins when he kept botching plays on the field. It was not Uggla's first All-Star game, but it might be his last. I feel like it could be the same for Lee as he seems to have reached his ceiling. I might be missing something, but I hear his defense would not help people forget Michael Beasley. Yes, I will continue to bring up Beasley whenever I entertain the thought of a Power Forward.
Age: 26 | Height: 6-8Experience: 4 years | '09-10 Team: Olympiakos (Greece)
2007-08 Stats: 11.8 pt | 4.9 reb
Status: Restricted free agent (Hawks; $4.8 million qualifying offer)
Another restricted free agent. His all around game and defensive disposition make him a great fit for the Heat, especially if Dorell Wright is brought back. A solid option that could be pursued if Joe Johnson is retained by Atlanta. He would be a defensive stopper, which is a very underrated role in a championship team.
Age: 34 | Height: 6-5Experience: 14 years | '09-10 Team: Celtics
2009-10 Stats: 16.2 pt | .361 3P%
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The Celtics were crazy in entertaining trading him. Miami would love to have him, but there is no way Wade moves to the point guard position full time. This three point specialist is probably not looking for a back up role, but it will be interesting to see if he stays with the Celtics.
Age: 29 | Height: 6-9Experience: 3 years | '09-10 Team: Rockets
2009-10 Stats: 16.1 pt | 8.8 reb
Status: Restricted free agent ($4.1 million qualifying offer)
A poor man's David Lee is what his numbers would suggest. I actually think he is an even better player, but he is older and will have to settle for a much smaller contract and role on a team. Miami is not likely to invest a lot of energy on him, but he could be a great option for mid-level type money as he is more than capable of playing extended minutes at the center position, which bodes well for, you guessed it, Michael Beasley.
Age: 23 | Height: 6-9Experience: 4 years | '09-10 Team: Bulls/Bobcats
2009-10 Stats: 9.2 pt | 6.3 reb | 1.6 blk
Status: Restricted free agent ($6.2 million qualifying offer)
Another restricted free agent which could be an option after the top guys are off the board. Signing him would open up a strange scenario where both Michael Beasley and Udonis Haslem are brought back and they both get benched for 'Captain Grit'. As crazy as it sounds, I prefer this idea to signing Amar'e Stoudemire and getting rid of Beasley and UD. The message boards would go crazy with two knuckleheads and UD fighting for playing time, but I think we would have two young guys that have a chance to become elite and Thomas could play some back up center with his ability to protect the rim.
Age: 30 | Height: 6-7Experience: 8 years | '09-10 Team: Bulls/Bucks
2009-10 Stats: 15.1 pt | .382 3P%
Status: 2010-11 player option for $5.8 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
The former University of Miami forward is a great fit for this team and another possible upgrade for the Small Forward position. As I head this far down the list I start to see that there is no way Miami is not a 50 win team next season. There are just too many options.
Age: 30 | Height: 7-0Experience: 9 years | '09-10 Team: Wizards/Mavericks
2009-10 Stats: 9.3 pt | 9.5 reb | 2.1 blk
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The best of the true centers in this market. Not many will be jumping for joy if he signs on, but he is an upgrade.
Age: 25 | Height: 6-1Experience: 5 years | '09-10 Team: Bobcats
2009-10 Stats: 12.1 pt | 5.5 ast
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Age: 29 | Height: 6-7Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Mavericks/Wizards
2009-10 Stats: 12.7 pt | 3.6 reb
Status: 2010-11 team option for $11.8 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
Age: 38 | Height: 7-1Experience: 18 years | '09-10 Team: Cavaliers
2009-10 Stats: 12 pt | 6.7 reb
Status: Unrestricted free agent
When Shaq was traded to Miami, the thinking was that his career would be extended and he could compete for multiple title in order to improve his hall of fame credentials. Well, at least he extended his career and got one title before he bolted for supposedly greener pastures. He seems to have burned this bridge, but he could be a low cost option as he attempts to add a few more chapters to his legacy.
Age: 24 | Height: 6-7Experience: 4 years | '09-10 Team: Jazz/Grizzlies
2009-10 Stats: 8.8 pt | 1.6 stl
Status: Restricted free agent ($3.8 million qualifying offer)
A restricted free agent that does not figure to get much action on the open market. He is a good defender with a limited offensive arsenal. After spending a first round pick in trading for him, you would have to think the Grizzlies intend to keep him, but you never know.
Age: 30 | Height: 6-7Experience: 9 years | '09-10 Team: Spurs
2009-10 Stats: 12.3 pt | 4.4 reb
Status: 2010-11 player option for $15.2 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
RJ could chose to opt out if he believes some team will give him a long term deal at above the midlevel. His season with the Spurs hardly inspires confidence that he could be a part of a dynastic team.
Age: 31 | Height: 6-11Experience: 14 years | '09-10 Team: Heat
2009-10 Stats: 13.8 pt | 7.1 reb
Status: Unrestricted free agent
I am higher on him than most. He can still play some D and provide some scoring. Miami has gotten close to nothing in the playoffs from him, but this is a guy that still has five more years in his tank in spite of what you may have heard.
Age: 30 | Height: 6-8Experience: 10 years | '09-10 Team: Wizards
2009-10 Stats: 10.6 pt | 6.3 reb | 3.7 ast
Status: Unrestricted free agent
A former target of Pat Riley's. I wouldn't be too surprised if he was an option. He can shoot the ball, pass it and rebound it with the best of them. He may be another guy who could share the small forward position with Dorell.
Age: 24 | Height: 6-9
Experience: 5 years | '09-10 Team: Heat
2009-10 Stats: 5 pt | 3.8 reb
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Dorell is a player that has never reached the level that was expected. He was being compared to Tracy McGrady when he was drafted out of prep school and now that he has finally righted his jumpshot seems to be ready for an increased role. A great low cost option who could start in the right situation.
Age: 25 | Height: 5-9Experience: 5 years | '09-10 Team: Knicks/Celtics
2009-10 Stats: 10.3 pt | .389 3P%
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Pat Riley does not like tiny players and especially ones that do not know how to run the point. While he is lightning in a bottle and has great ability on the defensive end, he does not seem to fit the mold.
27. ALLEN IVERSON, SG
Age: 33 | Height: 6-0
Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Grizzlies/Sixers
Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Grizzlies/Sixers
2009-10 Stats: 14.8 pt | 4.0 ast
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Hardly showed much professionalism in his last season in the NBA. He could talk himself into a minimum salary deal with a contender.
Age: 30 | Height: 6-3Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Blazers/Clippers
2009-10 Stats: 7 pt | 4.5 ast | .388 3P%
Status: Unrestricted free agent
A solid all-around point guard who can shoot the three. A Miami native who seems destined to play for the Heat. It is doubtful that Miami spends more than $3 million in cap space to add him now.
Age: 22 | Height: 6-9Experience: 5 years | '09-10 Team: Raptors
2009-10 Stats: 5.5 pt | 4.8 reb
Status: Unrestricted free agent
An underrated player who is still only 22. Another option to pair with Udonis and Michael Beasley. He is also undersized but is a much more dynamic rebounder and defender than the guys on the squad. He is a perfect fit, albeit another undersized one. Could be a name to watch should Miami not land a big name Power Forward.
Age: 24 | Height: 6-5Experience: 2 years | '09-10 Team: Warriors
2009-10 Stats: 13.2 pt | .454 3P%
Status: Restricted free agent ($1 million qualifying offer)
A former Heat summer leaguer who has really shined in Golden State. A really underrated free agent as he is still young and can really shoot the ball. A future 6th man of the year. Even though he is a shooting guard, he could be worth an offer sheet. Golden State will probably match, so it is possible that he decides to play on a one year deal rather than risk being stuck there. Maybe he likes it there, they let him shoot at will.
Age: 29 | Height: 6-8Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Heat
2009-10 Stats: 9.7 pt | 8 reb
Status: Unrestricted free agent
A player who has no more value around the league than Michael Beasley, but you wouldn't know it if you read Ira Winderman's blog. I actually like the player, but I am not enough of a "Homer" to ignore the size disadvantage and limited offensive arsenal at his disposal. If he returns to the team it could be a sign that things went terribly wrong this off-season.
Age: 26 | Height: 6-11Experience: 5 years | '09-10 Team: Suns
2009-10 Stats: 11.2 pt | 5.3 reb | .436 3P%
Status: 2010-11 player option for $2.1 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
He is what Mark Blount showed flashes of being. A center who can really stretch the floor with his shooting. A poor man's Sam Perkins in everything but the outside shot. It is really a smooth stroke as opposed to Sam's line drive.
33. RANDY FOYE, SG
Age: 26 | Height: 6-4Experience: 4 years | '09-10 Team: Wizards
2009-10 Stats: 10.1 pt | 3.3 ast
Status: Restricted free agent ($4.8 million qualifying offer)
A restricted free agent that many view as a possible backcourt partner for Wade. If you wanna talk about disappointing lottery picks, look no further. Foye is a combo guard who was traded on draft day for Brandon Roy. With the arrival of John Wall imminent Washington may only restrict his departure to facilitate a trade. Washington is thought to be interested in Michael Beasley, while Miami may want to balance their roster. A questionable idea, but one that has legs.
Experience: 12 years | '09-10 Team: Rockets/Knicks
2009-10 Stats: 8.2 pt | 3.1 reb | 3.3 ast
Status: Unrestricted free agent
No longer the star he once was, this is a player who much like Grant Hill, will be able to extend his career if he learns to accept his limitations. While the first option would be to add an All-Star in his prime, McGrady is still technically an All-Star in only in popularity.
Age: 30 | Height: 6-9Experience: 12 years | '09-10 Team: Knicks
2009-10 Stats: 17.7 pt | 5.6 reb
Status: Unrestricted free agent
A volume scorer who does not rebound. A poor man's Michael Beasley? Not a fit, because he never cared about anything but putting the ball in the basket. Mike at least seems to be trying to become a true star in this league.
Age: 29 | Height: 6-5Experience: 8 years | '09-10 Team: Spurs
2009-10 Stats: 6.4 pt
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The guy Riley coveted before settling on James Jones. A solid swingman off the bench, but this off-season is about much more than minor upgrades.
Age: 30 | Height: 6-7Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Magic
2009-10 Stats: 8.7 pt | 5.4 reb
Status: 2010-11 player option for $1.6 million; unrestricted free agent if option is declined
Another Dorell Wright-like option.
Age: 24 | Height: 6-0Experience: 4 years | '09-10 Team: Rockets
2009-10 Stats: 9.3 pt | 4.4 ast
Status: Restricted free agent ($3 million qualifying offer)
This point guard is not the shooter that Miami seems to covet at the point guard, but he does attack the rim relentlessly, which is another thing that the team puts a premium on. Another restricted option for later in free agency.
Age: 23 | Height: 6-2Experience: 4 years | '09-10 Team: Lakers
2009-10 Stats: 7.4 pt | .372 3P%
Status: Restricted free agent ($2.8 million qualifying offer)
The draft pick given up in the Shaq trade has become a solid point guard for the defending champs. Miami could looks at him as an upgrade at the position, but I can't imagine they could offer much more than the Lakers and seeing that he is an LA boy, they would have to kick him out in order for him to consider such a move.
The first round pick in the Shaq trade has become a solid piece of the puzzle for the Lakers. Considering he is an LA boy, he likely stays there. He is not much of an upgrade anyway.
Age: 25 | Height: 6-9Experience: 7 years | '09-10 Team: Blazers/Clippers
2009-10 Stats: 8.8 pt | .384 3P%
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The Dorell Wright of the West Coast?
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