Which top NBA free agent should your team target

With most NBA teams on vacation it’s time for general managers from around the league to make a play at improving the teams roster. While many teams are and will be over the cap for years to come the next couple of years are sure to be fun. The next two years will find players like Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and more. Selecting the right free agent can boost your teams chances at contending for titles for years to come. So it’s time to look at some players who will be available this free agency period.

Chris Paul

Chris Paul is certainly one of the top point guards in the NBA. He has the ability to score, set up teammates, and finish games. While most of his numbers were down last season with the L.A. Clippers, Chris Paul still lead his team to the playoffs and thought to be a favorite to make it to the finals out of the west. So where will Chris Paul go? I believe that he will resign with the Clippers. The L.A. Clippers will have some free money to invest in a shooter or two. With the right coach this will continue to be one of the top teams in the west.

But if he decides to leave the Clippers, there are still some good destinations to choose from. There is the Dallas Mavericks who have enough cash for both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. The three could make a deep run in the playoffs with their skill sets.

After a season filled with injuries and unanswered questions Dwight Howard is still one of the top rated centers in the NBA. Howard’s points per game and rebounds per game took a small dip, but could improve depending on which team he decides to sign with. If the Lakers are willing to trade Pau Gasol, they could resign Dwight Howard and also add a shooter or two around him.

If he decides to leave Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas have the best chances of landing him. I believe that Chris Paul and Dwight Howard are almost like a package deal. If either player leaves L.A. it would have to be for the same destination for the two to have a chance of winning.

Al Jefferson

Some people may not be familiar with Al Jefferson, but he is like the poor man’s version of Dwight Howard. The two have very similar numbers although Howard is a better shot blocker. Jefferson may be looking to follow in the footsteps of other former Jazz players and test out the free agent market to find a home. For a team who feels that they may not be in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, Jefferson would be a good addition for a team looking for a potential 20pt. 10reb. guy.

If he decides to leave the Utah Jazz, the Atlanta Hawks may be a good choice for the big man. If the Hawks are unable to resign Josh Smith, Al Jefferson will give the team a top big man to battle teams like the Bulls Noah and the Pacers Hibbert. He could also give a try with a couple of bottom feeders in the eastern conference like the Wizards or the Cavaliers. The Cavs have the top pick in the draft as well as three other picks in this years up coming draft, a great young point guard in Kyrie Irving, and a strong need for a big man. Jefferson could also land in Dallas if the Mavericks are unable to land Dwight Howard.

Josh Smith

In my opinion Josh Smith is the second most dynamic player in the NBA. He could play all 5 positions on the court, and with the right coach could elevate his game in the future. He can rebound, score, handle the ball, block shots, and standing at 6ft. 9in. is a match up problem for most players in the NBA. If a coach could get him to stop shooting so many three point shots and to use his god given abilities he could dominate the league next season.

With a new coaching staff in Atlanta they may look to harness his skill set. Josh Smith may find himself staying in Atlanta as he could demand a max contract and many teams may not want to dish out that that kind of salary on an unproven player. Houston could use Smith to not only help their floor spacing, but also to present opponents with match up problem. Josh Smith and Omer Asik would clog the lane on defense, and Smith would start the fast break with his ball handling. If the Pacers can not resign David West then Josh Smith could become the piece that the Pacers need to beat the Heat.

J.R. Smith

This years sixth man of the year has a player option in his contract that could see him become a free agent. With the New York Knicks falling short in the playoffs once again, J.R. Smith may want to leave the big apple for greener pastures. J.R. Smith averaged career highs in points per game(18.1) and rebounds per game(5.3) Last season with the Knicks, but struggled in the playoffs.

J.R. Smith may see fit to cash in early coming off of the best season of his career. Due to make 2.9mil. next season with the New York Knicks, there are allot of teams with enough salary car room for a good payday. The Oklahoma City Thunder may be a team seeking his services. With the loss of James Harden and Kevin Martin sure to leave via free agency, the Thunder may present the dream location if Smith wants to win.

Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum who has not played since being traded from the L.A. Lakers has allot to prove this season, but where will it be. Will the Philadelphia 76ers let Bynum walk and move forward with someone else, or give this thing another shot. Many teams may find it hard to commit to a player with a history of knee problems and a poor work ethic. Could he end up back in L.A. if Dwight Howard decides not to resign with the Lakers.

Restricted free agents

Ivan Johnson
Jeff Teague
Gerald Henderson
Byron Mullens
Omri Casspi
Wayne Ellington
Rodrigue Beaubois
Darren Collison
Timofey Mozgov
Julyan Stone
Ben Hansbrough
Tyler Hansbrough
Jeff Pendergraph
Devin Ebanks
Andrew Goudelock
Darius Morris
Robert Sacre
Austin Daye
Jon Leuer
Brandon Jennings
Chase Budinger
Nikola Pekovic
Chris Copeland
Pablo Prigioni
DeQuan Jones
Charles Jenkins
Diante Garrett
Eric Maynor
Toney Douglas
Tyreke Evans
James Johnson
Gary Neal
Garrett Temple

Unrestricted free agents

Devin Harris
Dahntay Jones
Kyle Korver
Zaza Pachulia
Johan Petro
Josh Smith
Anthony Tolliver
Chris Wilcox
Andray Blatche
Keith Bogans
Jerry Stackhouse
C.J. Watson (P)
DeSagana Diop
Ben Gordon (P)
Josh McRoberts
Jannero Pargo
Reggie Williams
Marco Belinelli
Daequan Cook
Nazr Mohammed
Vladimir Radmanovic
Nate Robinson
Daniel Gibson
Shaun Livingston
Marreese Speights (P)
Luke Walton
Elton Brand
Mike James
Chris Kaman
Shawn Marion (ETO)
O.J. Mayo (P)
Anthony Morrow
Brandan Wright
Corey Brewer
Andre Iguodala (ETO)
Will Bynum
Jose Calderon
Corey Maggette
Jason Maxiell
Charlie Villanueva (P)
Andris Biedrins (ETO)
Jarrett Jack
Richard Jefferson (P)
Carl Landry (P)
Brandon Rush (P)
Francisco Garcia (T)
D.J. Augustin
David West
Sam Young
Matt Barnes
Chauncey Billups
Ryan Hollins
Lamar Odom
Chris Paul
Ronny Turiaf
Earl Clark
Dwight Howard
Antawn Jamison
Jodie Meeks (T)
Metta World Peace (ETO)
Tony Allen
Jerryd Bayless (P)
Keyon Dooling
Ray Allen (P)
Chris Andersen
Mario Chalmers (T)
Juwan Howard
James Jones (P)
Rashard Lewis (P)
Samuel Dalembert
Marquis Daniels
Mike Dunleavy
Monta Ellis (P)
Joel Przybilla
J.J. Redick
Dante Cunningham (T)
Andrei Kirilenko (P)
Al-Farouq Aminu
Lou Amundson
Xavier Henry
Roger Mason Jr.
Jason Smith (T)
Earl Barron
Kenyon Martin
Quentin Richardson
J.R. Smith (P)
Ronnie Brewer
Derek Fisher
Kevin Martin
Hedo Turkoglu (ETO)
Beno Udrih
Kwame Brown (P)
Andrew Bynum
Royal Ivey
Damien Wilkins
Dorell Wright
Nick Young
Wesley Johnson
Jermaine O'Neal
Luke Babbitt
J.J. Hickson
Nolan Smith
Elliot Williams
Cole Aldrich
DeJuan Blair
Boris Diaw (P)
Manu Ginobili
Patrick Mills (P)
Tracy McGrady
Tiago Splitter
Alan Anderson
Aaron Gray (P)
Linas Kleiza (P)
Mickael Pietrus
Sebastian Telfair
DeMarre Carroll
Randy Foye
Al Jefferson
Paul Millsap
Jamaal Tinsley
Earl Watson
Marvin Williams (ETO)
Mo Williams
Trevor Ariza (P)
Leandro Barbosa
Jason Collins
Cartier Martin
Emeka Okafor (ETO)
A.J. Price
Martell Webster

ETO = Early Termination Option; P = Player Option; T = Team Option