11. Brandon Jennings [R] (Point Guard, Milwaukee Bucks)
We are still trying to figure out how good of a floor general Jennings is. He is the epitome of a feast-or-famine player and may end up getting squeezed. During four years in Milwaukee, Jennings’ teams have made two playoff appearances (good), but “Young Money” (his back tattoo) has shot just 39 percent from the field over his career (not good). He, Teague and Jose Calderon are probably the top point guards on the market. JULY 1 UPDATE: Bucks GM John Hammond says team intends to match any offer. We’ll see about that. July 2 UPDATE: Jennings has given the Bucks a number, Yahoo reports.
12. Paul Millsap (Power Forward, Utah Jazz)
Millsap has been one of the NBA’s more solid power forwards for quite a few years. Backing up Carlos Boozer and sharing time with Derrick Favors in Utah kept his minutes somewhat low. In 30 minutes per game this past season, his 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds paid huge dividends. Now it is his turn to collect. He will either leave Utah for greener pastures and make some GM look smart, or stay with the Jazz if the price is right for both sides. JULY 2 UPDATE: Has already met with Jazz once (no offer was made), and another meeting is planned. But like Jefferson, his jersey is on sale at 80 percent off.
13. Tony Allen (Shooting Guard, Memphis Grizzlies)
Always a virtuoso on the defensive end and got Sheridan’s DPOY vote, but let’s note that Allen has quietly developed an effective offensive repertoire. Not many guards in the league are better at slashing and finishing in traffic, especially not any of the few who are nearly as effective at guarding the perimeter. Could be Exhibit A in the “defenders get paid” new economy. Big sign-and-trade candidate if he is made a monster offer the Grizzlies can’t swallow. JULY 2: On the FA tour. Clippers, Grizzlies, Bucks, Mavericks, Pacers, Knicks among teams interested.
14. Andrew Bynum (Center, Philadelphia 76ers)
Despite not playing a single game for the Philadelphia 76ers this past season, Bynum is going to get paid by someone. If he can get right—and yes, it is a big “if”—he is arguably a better two-way player than Howard. The real question is not where Bynum will land (it’s anyone’s guess), but how much guaranteed money he will get. Let’s not forget that he was a starter in the 2012 All-Star Game. JULY 1 UPDATE — Agent David Lee said Mavericks were among several teams that called to express interest after 12;01 a.m. EST. Somebody’s backup plan if they miss out on Howard.
15. O.J. Mayo (Shooting Guard, Dallas Mavericks)
One of the more respectable rookie campaigns in recent history has become a distant memory, just like the above-average expectations of Mayo being a no-brainer prolific scorer in the NBA. One of our personal favorites, Mayo will likely end up with the highest bidder that promises him a starting role, because he feels he has been miscast as a reserve in the NBA. We agree. Best served by playing with a post-up big and playmaking point guard. JULY 2 UPDATE: Wolves interested; Mavs would like to sign-and-trade him to Clippers. Having lunch Tuesday with Doc Rivers.
16. Jarrett Jack (Point Guard, Golden State Warriors)
After finishing third in the league in Sixth Man voting, Jack played an integral role in the Dubs’ first playoff series win since 2007. Showed combo guard ability and made big shots all season long. Jack can fairly hope for a $5-$7 million payday from a team looking for a solid point guard. He probably deserves more. Depends how GMs feel about him. Could be a value signing as $7-$8 million per. JULY 2 UPDATE — Has spoken with Warriors, Mavericks and Nuggets. Luxury tax a concern in GS, but keeping Jack a higher priority than keeping Carl Landry.
17. J.J. Hickson (Power Forward/Center, Portland Trail Blazers)
Hickson can easily be the “next” Andray Blatche—the type of player who rewards a GM’s gamble on him despite seeming to lose his hunger. Coming off by far his best season, Hickson’s 40 double-doubles could earn him a $10 million salary, although we are not counting on that. Bigs tend to get overpaid, though, so it would not a total shock. He appeared as “center” in many box scores, and need we repeat the point about centers? JULY 2 — All quiet on Hickson news front. Another Dwight domino.
18. Andrei Kirilenko, (Power Forward, Minnesota)
Opted out of a guaranteed $10.2 million on Saturday — two days before the start of free agency — because at 32 he wants a one more long-term deal that will keep him in the NBA for three or four more years. He is no longer the 5X5 guy he was back in his Utah days but is a smart and savvy player who is effective on both ends. His free agency increases the chance that someone backloads a poison pill offer to Pekovic. JULY 2 UPDATE — Wants a 3-4 year deal. Has ruled out Heat and Thunder because LBJ and KD play his position.
19. J.R.
Smith (Shooting Guard, New York Knicks)
Seemed destined to end up with a $8-million-per-year paycheck from some team looking for a prolific scorer, but his poor playoff performance against Indiana and the attention paid to his nightlife activities may have adversely affected his market value to the point where the Knicks can pay him closer to what he is really worth—$5 million. Early word suggests that the Milwaukee Bucks are interested, so we will see. JULY 1 UPDATE: AFter Knicks drafted Tim Hardaway Jr., Smith tweeted to Knicks fans “It was fun while it lasted.”
20. Jose Calderon (Point Guard, Detroit Pistons)
Was one of the game’s best in assist-to-turnover ratio just a few short years ago. Still a capable backup point guard, but at 31 won’t sniff anywhere near the $12 million he made this past season from Toronto and (after being traded) Detroit. Calderon is arguably the best floor general on the market, so it will be interesting to see how much love he gets once he is free.
JULY 2 UPDATED: Drawing interest from Mavs, Rockets, Pistons, Hawks and Knicks.
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