With the NBA Finals in full swing, there are only two teams left competing to be crowned champions. The other 28 teams have turned their focus to the off-season Most front offices are evaluating potential draft prospects and free agents. This years free agent class has potential to be filled with talent. Not only are there some big name stars, but there are also plenty of players that can help a team win games. With the off-season rapidly approaching let's take a look at some of the top free agents available.
1. LeBron James – Miami Heat
After a very successful reign with the Miami Heat, the King has the opportunity to become a free agent once again. LeBron has an early termination option on his contract, which would allow him to opt out of his final year. LeBron has remained very hush on what he plans to do this off-season regarding his contract and no one is quite sure what to expect. The general consensus is that he will elect to stay in Miami, especially if they manage to win their third straight championship.
2. Carmelo Anthony – New York Knicks
Anthony announced he would opt out of his final year and enter the free agent market, making him the best player currently available. While the Knicks had a miserable season, Carmelo had a very impressive showing, one that saw him average 27 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. While Melo has not complete ruled out returning to New York, there seems to be many more attractive destinations available to him.
3. Dwyane Wade – Miami Heat
Like his teammate LeBron, Wade has an early termination option on his contract. Unlike LeBron, it seems certain that the lifetime Heat player would elect to go anywhere else. After an injury plagued season that saw him appear in only 54 regular season games, Wade has looked fresh and dominant in the playoffs. When healthy, Wade is one of the best players on the planet and he would certainly have plenty of suitors if he decided to move on from Miami.
4. Dirk Nowitzki – Dallas Mavericks
Dirk had an excellent season this past year, bouncing back from a down season the year before. Dirk averaged 21 points and six rebounds and was named to the all-star team. Despite being an unrestricted free agent, it seems very improbable that the life time Maverick would play with any other team. Despite his advanced age Dirk appears more than capable of leading the Mavericks to a few more playoff appearances.
5. Chris Bosh – Miami Heat
While Bosh's number have been down since his time in Toronto, he has been a major factor in the Heat's success. One of the more underrated players in the league, Bosh can stretch the floor and make an impact on the defensive end. Bosh also has an early termination option on his contract and could become a free agent after this season. Much like LeBron, Bosh has been very quite on his future plans. However, it appears very unlikely that the big three would want to break up if they win a third championship.
6. Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs
The Big Fundamental has a player option on his contract, although it is hard to imagine he would ever elect to leave San Antonio. Duncan has been the model of consistency and has been exceptional in the playoffs so far. Duncan is more likely to retire at the end of the season than become a free agent. The result of the Finals will likely play a large role in Duncan's decision this off-season
7. Eric Bledsoe – Phoenix Suns
After spending the first three years of his career with the Clippers, Bledsoe had a breakout year with the Suns. An injured knee limited his appearances during the season but in 43 games Bledsoe averaged 17 points, five assists, and five rebounds. At only 24 years old Bledsoe is one of the youngest players available on the open market and looks to be one of the hottest commodities. He is a restricted free agent, meaning the Suns can match any offer he receives. The Suns haven't given any indication they would let Bledsoe walk, but nonetheless he is sure to receive a max contract this off-season
8. Luol Deng – Cleveland Cavaliers
Deng was in the middle of a career season with the Bulls when he was traded to the Cavaliers. After arriving in Cleveland Deng regressed considerably. Despite his struggles, Deng is one of the best free agents available largely due to his versatility. As an unrestricted free agent, Deng can sign anywhere and provide an immediate impact. Deng holds career averages of 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists. At 29 years old he still has plenty left in the tank and could immediate add some defense and play making to the wing.
9. Kyle Lowry – Toronto Raptors
Lowry had a breakout year this past season as he led the Raptors to the playoffs. Averaging 18 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, Lowry emerged as one of the better point guards in the NBA this past season and has an unrestricted free agent he should get plenty of offers. At 28 years old Lowry is still in his prime and has a great season to build on. Lowry has given little indication on where he plans to sign this off-season but he should have plenty of suitors.
10. Rudy Gay – Sacramento Kings
Gay has a $19 million player option on his contract, and it's hard to imagine he would give that up. Gay had a rough start to the season as he was shooting 38 percent from the field and the Raptors were in the cellar of the East. But then a trade to Sacramento saved his season as he improved drastically. In 55 games with the Kings, Gay averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists, and shot 48 percent from the field. While Gay has earned a bad reputation as a “chucker” he would add instant offense to a team. It's unclear what Gay plans to do this off-season but at 27 years old he still has plenty to offer a team.
11. Lance Stephenson – Indiana Pacers
Stephenson had a breakout year for the Pacers as he averaged 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. His improved play should pay off in a big way as he is an unrestricted free agent and is set to make a lot of money this off-season Unfortunately, Lance's on court antics may have hurt his value as it is turning some teams away. Nonetheless, at 23 years old Lance can bring plenty of versatility and defense to a team. Plus, he is only just reaching his prime, ensuring his best days of basketball are still ahead of him.
12. Zach Randolph – Memphis Grizzlies
Since joining the Grizzlies, Randolph has been part of the staple ground and pound style Memphis plays. Randolph had an excellent season this year averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds and two assists per game. He currently has a play option on his contract, which means he could opt out if he decides too. However, Randolph would be turning down a lot of money if he decided to opt out. Plus, he has expressed a lot of interest in staying in Memphis.
13. Pau Gasol – Los Angeles Lakers
Gasol is once again a free agent and proved that he still has plenty left to offer a team. He averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists per game this past season. He did only appear in 60 games due to injuries, and it seems as if the 33 year will have to deal with them for the remainder of his career. Despite his advanced age and injury concerns Gasol brings a lot to the table and as an unrestricted free agent he has the freedom to sign wherever he chooses.
14. Isaiah Thomas – Sacramento Kings
A “Mr. Irrelevant”, Thomas has made the most of his opportunities and emerged as a potential all-star for the Kings. Coming off a season which he averaged 20 points, six assists, and three rebounds, Thomas appears ready to make some big money this off-season Despite his small stature (5'9”) and limited defensive potential, Thomas can provide a team with instant offense. It would be very surprising to see the Kings let Isaiah walk, however; with the looming player option of Rudy Gay, the Kings could be strapped financially.
15. Greg Monroe – Detroit Pistons
Since being drafted by the Pistons, Monroe has been one of the better and most underrated big men in the NBA. Throughout his four years as a pro he has averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game. As a restricted free agent this summer, and one of the few, young big men available in free agency, Monroe is set to field plenty of offers. Monroe is very gifted offensively, but has reached a plateau in his production. It is unclear if Monroe can still grow as a player or if he has hit his peak. The Pitons are a mess right now and it's anyone's guys on if they plan on matching any offers Monroe receives.
16. Gordon Hayward – Utah Jazz
Hayward is another young and talented restricted free agent this summer. Gordon is coming off a career year which saw him average 15 points, five assists, and five rebounds. The 6'8” small forward is a very versatile player who appears to be just reaching his prime. As a restricted free agent the Jazz have the ability to match any offer he receives, however; there will be many suitors and it is unclear if the Jazz plan on having Hayward in their long term plans.
17. Trevor Ariza – Washington Wizards
Ariza is in his ninth year as a pro but is only 28 years old. After bouncing around the league Ariza emerged as a key starter for the Wizards this past season. Ariza averaged career bests in nearly every category as he finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists per game. Ariza is also a great defender as he has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. His valuable asset may be his three point range as he shot 40 percent from behind the arc. As an unrestricted free agent Ariza will bring a veteran presence, plus a well rounded game to whatever team he signs with.
18. Marcin Gortat – Washington Wizards
Gortat is another player to emerge for the Wizards this year. He had a bounce back year this season averaging 13 points and nine rebounds per game. Gortat is 30 years old, but doesn't have the normal wear and tear that most centers have. He only missed one game this season and has proven that he can stay healthy. With a lack of quality centers in the NBA, Gortat is set to have plenty of offers this off-season
19. Paul Pierce – Brooklyn Nets
After a ultimately disappointing season with the Nets, Pierce is an unrestricted free agent this off-season and has the freedom to sign where he wants. Despite his advanced age, Pierce can still contribute to a team. While he won't be an all-star, the 13 points and four rebounds he averaged this past season would be a welcome contribution to a number of teams. While not the flashiest of signings, Pierce can still provide a team with some veteran leadership and offense.
20. Nick Young – Los Angeles Lakers
What was a disastrous season for the Lakers was a very successful season for Nick Young. With the numerous injuries and all together lack of talent, Young was able free reign in Los Angeles. Young averaged a very inefficient 18 points per game on 43 percent shooting. Despite the rather inflated numbers, Young can be a valuable player to the right team. He provides instant offense and is never lacking in confidence. With a player option on his contract, Young could take advantage of his breakout season and cash in on the open market.