Decisive December

This is going to be an exciting month for the NBA. On December 9^th free agency opens up. All of these anticipated trades and signings has me feeling like a kid on Christmas Eve. In the words of Bart Scott, “I can’t wait!” Everything is going to happen so fast. With the entire regular offseason tasks crammed into a limited time, especially the shortened training camp, teams will act fast.

Things to watch for:

Which teams will use the Amnesty Clause?

People, along with myself, were set on possibility that the Trail Blazers could use theirs on three time all-star Brandon Roy. After watching their press conference from Monday, I feel that this is something they are not willing to do just yet. They would like to see what Roy can still do on the court. This is something that only time will tell, so it looks like we’re sticking with him for now.

It is said that the amnesty will be available for a seven day period before going away until next season. There are a handful of teams that will most likely use this. Some that make sense or have been reported are Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Richard Jefferson, and past Blazer Travis Outlaw. I also know that the Suns are looking to get rid of Vince Carter – that could be trade or amnesty.

What trades will be made?

Chris Paul is going to be traded for sure. Dwight Howard is also a big name that could go. A Dwight Howard trade might not happen as quickly as a CP3 trade. Howard may not even be traded. Paul will most definitely be traded. I think that his next stop will be Golden State or Los Angeles (Clippers). The only thing here is whether the Clippers or Warriors are willing to get rid of key players without knowing that he will sign an extension. For the Warriors they would be giving up Stephen Curry. The Hornets would like to get Eric Gordon from the Clippers but they do not want to involve him. I say that the Warriors will succeed in making a deal; this would then improve their chances of signing a big name center (Tyson Chandler or Nene) to play alongside him.

I am not sure where Howard may go. The Lakers will not get both Paul and Howard, but will they go for just one is something that people may want to keep an eye on. If the New Jersey Nets cannot sign Nene then I see them going after Howard. Why they are going after a center when they have Brooke Lopez kind of boggles my mind. I would think that they would try to fill other positions of need, but who knows.

As for the Blazers, I don’t think they are making any more moves through trades. They feel comfortable with the moves they were able to make during draft day.

Who is going where in Free Agency?

This year’s free agency class is filled with solid role players that can help a team become a contender. It isn’t much star studded as last year. The free agent list will also grow with amnesty players joining the bunch. Most of the guys that are going to be there through the amnesty clause are descending players that are still on a high paid contract or guys that were simply overpaid to begin with, but can also still help a team in the right role.

The Blazers are looking to add a back-up big man. Greg Oden will also be something to look at closely. I believe that he will resign with us.

You are going to see one name after the other sign rapidly these next few days. Again, I can’t wait for this whole process to get going. This month is going to be an exciting month in sports. NFL teams are fighting for playoff spots and MLB signings are heating up. Then here comes the NBA, and it is going to hit harder than ever.