(just imagine Vinny Del Negro is actually Doc Rivers in this picture)
We are minutes away from the feeding frenzy that is the start of the NBA free agent signing period. And several marquee names are technically available this year – whether or not they eventually call another destination home next season is questionable.
Here are the top 20 available 2013 NBA free agents.
(list will be updated as players get signed; restricted free agents marked with a R beside their name)
UPDATED: July 14th
1) Chris Paul – PG – Los Angeles Clippers – 28-years-old – last year's salary: $17.8 million
UPDATE: RE-SIGNS WITH CLIPPERS – 5 YEARS $107 MILLION
The premier point guard in the league (and third-best player, give or take), Chris Paul is the top free agent to technically hit the market this year. 'Technically', because all signs are for him stay in Clipperland.
2) Dwight Howard – C – Los Angeles Lakers – 27 – $19.5 million
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH HOUSTON – 4 YEARS $88 MILLION
There's no technicalities attached to Dwight Howard – he is definitely hitting the free agent market. When his head and body are right, he is the best big man in the league. Problem is neither have been right for a while now.
3) Josh Smith – SF/PF – Atlanta Hawks – 27 – $13.2 million
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH DETROIT – 4 YEARS $56 MILLION
The most underrated player in the league, Josh Smith brings it on both ends of the court. While he isn't going to be 'Batman' on a championship team, he could be a very good 'Robin'.
4) Andre Iguodala – SF – Denver Nuggets – 29 – $15.0 million
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH GOLDEN STATE – 4 YEARS $48 MILLION
Andre Iguodala probably isn't even suited to be Robin on a championship team, but he'd be a heck of a third option.
5) David West – PF – Indiana Pacers – 32 – $10.0 million
UPDATE: RE-SIGNS WITH PACERS – 3 YEARS $36 MILLION
David West is the rock that Indiana's franchise resurgence has been built upon. He has publicly said he wants to return to the Pacers.
6) Al Jefferson – PF/C – Utah Jazz – 28 – $15.0 million
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH CHARLOTTE – 3 YEARS $41 MILLION
One of the best big men in the League – his signing could immediately put the right team in the championship hunt.
7) Andrew Bynum – C – Philadelphia 76ers – 25 – $16.9 million
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH CLEVELAND – 2 YEARS $24.5 MILLION
Like Dwight Howard, when his mind and body are right he is one of the top players in the game. But it's been a while since Bynum has been right, too.
8) Andrei Kirilenko – SF/PF – Minnesota Timberwolves – 32 – $9.8 million
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH BROOKLYN – 2 YEARS $6.4 MILLION
AK47 came back to the NBA last season and had a stellar year for the Wolves – so stellar that he felt confident enough to opt out of his contract that would have paid him $10 million next season.
9) Paul Millsap – PF – Utah Jazz – 28 – $8.6 million
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH ATLANTA – 2 YEARS $19 MILLION
The Jazz are on the verge of losing their two-headed post monster – luckily they have Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors waiting in the wings.
10) Monta Ellis – SG – Milwaukee Bucks – 27 – $11.0 million
UPDATE SIGNS WITH DALLAS – 3 YEARS $28 MILLION
The Bucks say they plan on matching any offer Brandon Jennings gets, so it looks like Monta Ellis will be the odd man out.
Next in line:
11) Brandon Jennings (R)
12) Manu Ginobili
UPDATE: RE-SIGNS WITH SAN ANTONIO – 2 YEARS $14 MILLION
13) O.J. Mayo
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH MILWAUKEE – 3 YEARS $24 MILLION
14) Tyreke Evans (R)
UPDATE: SIGN & TRADE WITH NEW ORLEANS 4 YEARS $44 MILLION
15) Nikola Pekovic (R)
16) J.J. Redick
UPDATE: SIGN & TRADE WITH CLIPPERS – 4 YEARS $27 MILLION
17) Jeff Teague (R)
UPDATE: RE-SIGNS WITH ATLANTA – 4 YEARS $32 MILLION
18) Tony Allen
UPDATE: RE-SIGNS WITH MEMPHIS – 4 YEARS $20 MILLION
19) Jose Calderon
UPDATE: SIGNS WITH DALLAS – 4 YEARS $29 MILLION
20) J.R. Smith
UPDATE: RE-SIGNS WITH NEW YORK – 3 YEARS $17.95 MILLION
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