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A list of the top 2011 NBA Free Agent power forwards.
UPDATED 12/2
With the NBA Lockout coming to an end, we now know that teams can start signing free agents on December 9th. Like the NFL experienced once their lockout ended, there will be a frenzy period for teams to fill out rosters with the season tipping off on Christmas.
With the new labor agreement, there are some changes to free agency. A player can only receive a four-year maximum deal (a five-year maximum if they re-sign with their current team) and beginning in the 2013-14 season, teams will start receiving a harsher luxury tax penalty if they exceed the salary cap. Teams will now only have three days to match an offer sheet for one of their restricted free agents. Also, some names will be added to free agency after teams decide which players will be released under the one-time amnesty clause option.
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David West (UFA), Hornets.
West has decided to opt out of the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. He is coming off a season-ending ACL injury but says he is feeling healthy and will be back to full strength. Since it is a weak crop of free agents, he will get a lengthy contract from somebody and may want to bolt from New Orleans, which seems to be heading towards rebuilding mode with Chris Paul likely heading elsewhere.
Predicted Contract: 4 years, $40 million
Possible Destinations: NJ, IND, NO, GS
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Kris Humphries (UFA), Nets.
I am not sure anybody had a more active lockout than the now former Mr. Kim Kardashian. Humphries had a career best season at the perfect time; his contract year. He averaged a double-double for the first time in his career as he became the team’s starting power forward due to the trades of Troy Murphy and Derrick Favors. New Jersey does not have a lot of options at power forward, but will they be willing to sign him to the long-term extension that he is sure to be demanding?
Predicted Contract: 4 years, $30 million
Possible Destinations: NJ, IND, SAC, DEN, NO, GS, TOR
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Jeff Green (RFA), Celtics.
One would assume Boston traded for Green with the intention of keeping him for the long haul, but will they want to sign him to a long-term extension when he never truly fit in with the Celtics after the deal? Other teams will probably have interest and try to pry Green from Beantown, but Danny Ainge will have the option to match any offer sheet he signs.
Predicted Contract: Plays out final year of rookie contract
Possible Destinations: BOS, NO, DEN
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Carl Landry (UFA), Hornets.
New Orleans was Landry’s third team in the past two seasons, which is surprising since he has proven to be a valuable commodity. Expect several playoff teams to pursue Landry with a chunk of their mid-level exception since he brings great energy and scoring off the bench…unless of course Landry is in search of a starting role.
Predicted Contract: 3 years, $15 million
Possible Destinations: NO, IND, BOS, DAL, POR, DEN
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Glen Davis (UFA), Celtics.
This is just my gut feeling, but I would imagine Davis is ready for a full-time starting gig, which he will not get in Boston as long as Kevin Garnett is around. I can see Davis accepting the biggest contract from whichever team wants him to start. If not, he may have to settle for a mid-level-type deal.
Predicted Contract: 4 years, $22 million
Possible Destinations: NO, DEN, BOS, NJ, IND, POR
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Kenyon Martin (UFA), Nuggets.
Martin signed a contract to play in China this season, and there is some uncertainty as to whether or not he will be allowed to play in the NBA this season. If Martin is let out of his deal, he will be a risk for any team even thinking of signing him to a multi-year deal due to his injury history. Martin posted a career-low in points last season but can still be a solid rebounder, and is never afraid to mix it up down low. If Denver is not interested in bringing him back as a starter, he should draw interest from several teams looking to add an experienced, tough power forward.
Predicted Contract: 2 years, $7 million
Possible Destinations: DEN, NO, POR, NJ, ORL, SA
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Josh McRoberts (UFA), Pacers.
McRoberts posted career numbers as he found a regular role in Indiana this past season. McRoberts is probably nothing more than a reserve, and the Pacers could look to bring him back, but I would imagine they are looking for an upgrade alongside Tyler Hansbrough.
Predicted Contract: 3 years, $9 million
Possible Destinations: IND, DAL, NO, SA, DEN, NJ
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Jonas Jerebko (RFA), Pistons.
After a solid rookie season, Jerebko missed all of last season with a torn right Achilles’ tendon. All indications are that the Pistons have every intention to bring him back, and I doubt any team would risk pursuing a player who is coming off a serious injury.
Predicted Contract: Plays out final year of contract
Possible Destinations: DET
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Troy Murphy (UFA), Celtics.
After a decade of solid productivity, Murphy battled injury to start the 2010 season and never regained his old form after being traded to Golden State, released, and signed by Boston. I find it hard to believe that Murphy has nothing left, but his worth has taken a huge hit. He can still be a valuable player on the right team due to his ability to stretch defenses with his outside shot and should get looks from teams looking to add depth inside.
Predicted Contract: 1 year, $2 million
Possible Destinations: DEN, NO, POR, ATL, LAL
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Brandan Wright (UFA), Nets.
Can we officially label Wright as a bust? He was the eighth overall pick in the 2007 Draft but has not played more than 39 games in a single season and has career averages of 5.4 points and 3 boards per game. Expect some rebuilding team to roll the dice that he finally can stay healthy and reach his potential.
Predicted Contract: 2 years, $4 million
Possible Destinations: CLE, TOR, POR, SAC, NO, DAL, ATL
Other Free Agent Power Forwads: Jeff Adrien (UFA), Alexis Ajinca (UFA), Malik Allen (UFA), Brian Cardinal (UFA), Dante Cunningham (RFA), Ike Diogu (UFA), Joey Dorsey (UFA), Reggie Evans (UFA), Juwan Howard (UFA), Darnell Jackson (UFA), Jared Jeffries (UFA), Yi Jianlian (UFA), Leon Powe (UFA), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (RFA), Brian Scalabrine (UFA), Craig Smith (UFA), Jason Smith (UFA), Darius Songaila (UFA), Chris Wilcox (UFA), Shelden Williams (UFA)
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