21. J.J. Redick (Shooting Guard, Milwaukee Bucks)
One of the top catch-and-shooters in the league and a much improved defensive player, Redick was a hot commodity on the trade market this past season but will soon be known as “the player the Bucks traded Tobias Harris for.” When Redick dies, Magic GM Rob Hennigan will have his head severed, embalmed and mounted on his wall — or kept in a jar on his mantlepiece. JULY 3 UPDATE — J.J. Redick is now a member of the Los Angeles Clippers after being signed-and-trade by the Bucks in a three-team deal with the Clippers and Phoenix Suns. Redick signed a four-year deal worth $27 million.
22. Manu Ginobili (Shooting Guard, San Antonio Spurs)
Only a question of what the Spurs will pay him, and whether the amount is fair. Now 35, turned pro as a teenager. “I’ve been doing this for 16 years. At a certain point you want to go home to your people,” the Argentine Olympic gold medalist said during the Finals, when he hinted at retiring. What he is paid will affect what the Spurs can afford to pay Kawhi Leonard when his time comes. He must take a pay cut to stick around. JULY 2 UPDATE — Neither Spurs nor Manu are in a rush. Rest of league realizes he stays in S.A. or retires. JULY 3 UPDATE — As expected, Ginobili and the Spurs have come to terms on a two-year deal worth $14 million.
23. Andray Blatche (Power Forward, Brooklyn Nets)
Secretly wanted to be a starter again and may have spurned Brooklyn if another team had ponied up the cash and a starting role. Still has all of the tools that earned him a three-year, $28 million extension from Washington and still just 26. In other words, he is a very valuable commodity and has starter-type talent. JULY 1 UPDATE — Returning to Nets for one year, $1.4 million. Will back up Kevin Garnett.
24. Earl Clark (Power Forward, Los Angeles Lakers)
Still very green and somewhat inconsistent, but the 23 minutes per game he played for the Lakers this past season were by far the most of his career. He turned in 11 double-doubles and showed enough to evoke curiosity—and perhaps high hopes—from some GM looking to roll the dice with his mid-level exception. For what it’s worth, Kobe Bryant himself, who is not impressed by that many, has regularly credited Clark’s work ethic. JULY 2 UPDATE — Visiting with Cavaliers today. JULY 3 UPDATE — After meeting with the Cavs on Tuesday, Clark will meet with the team for a second consecutive day on Wednesday. JULY 4 UPDATE — Clark has agreed to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year deal worth $9 million.
25. Kevin Martin (Shooting Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder)
Failed to impress as a member of the Thunder and really hoped to return to OKC as he is still one of the top five bench scorers in the league. JULY 3 UPDATE — Martin agreed to terms with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a four-year, $28 million deal, meaning the Thunder have nothing to show for James Harden other than Jeremy Lamb, Perry Jones and rookie center Steven Adams, who was taken with the No. 12 pick OKC acquired from Houston.
26. Gerald Henderson (Shooting Guard, Charlotte Bobcats)
If he played in a bigger market, we would hear much more about him. The Bobcats cannot really afford to let talented young players go, but at 25 and just turning in 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season, the best is yet to come. Whether or not Michael Jordan’s team is willing to open the checkbook for Henderson will determine if he leaves. JULY 2 UPDATE — Yahoo says ‘Cats motivated to re-sign him and Josh McRoberts. JULY 5 UPDATE: McRoberts re-signed for two years at $6 million with a player option for the second year. Henderson still available.
27. Chris Kaman (Center, Dallas Mavericks)
Since his rather uneventful tenure in New Orleans, Kaman has only sought an opportunity to play meaningful minutes and to play them for a team that had a chance to win. If he is the second center on a team like the Pacers or Bulls, he would pay huge dividends. Remember, centers get paid. Kaman has always gotten paid. He is the caucasian Samuel Dalembert. Five years from now, he is the causasian Nazr Mohammed 2.0. JULY 1 UPDATE — Kaman tweeted that he is excited to see where he plays next season. Aren’t we all? Blazers seem to be showing most interest, although deal for Robin Lopez may change that. JULY 6 UPDATE — With Howard now off the board and the Trailblazers in need of a center, this union seems to make a lot of sense… But then again, Al Jefferson and the Mavericks seemed to, as well. JULY 7 UPDATE — Like Devin Harris, who agreed to re-join the Dallas Mavericks, Kaman is reportedly on the verge of heading back to the city where it all started, though not with the same team. JULY 8 UPDATE — Kaman took a one-year deal with the Lakers for the mini mid-level exception of $3.2 million. He was thrilled to see his name trending worlwide on Twitter.
28. Tyler Hansbrough (Power Forward, Indiana Pacers)
Probably could for a handful of teams that like reckless abandon and a bruising power forward who gets under his opponent’s skin. Every team knows the Pacers can’t afford to dole out max money to West, re-sign George to an extension when he is due, keep Hibbert and pay Hansbrough. JULY 3 UPDATE — After re-signing David West, the Pacers have pulled Hansbrough’s qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. JULY 6 UPDATE — The writing seems to be on the wall for the ending of Hansbrough’s tenure in Indianapolis. First, the team pulled his qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. Two days later, the Pacers agreed to terms with Chris Copeland on a two-year deal. ’twas nice while it lasted. JULY 9 UPDATE — Hansbrough has agreed to a two-year deal with the Toronto Raptors, the financial terms were not immediately available.
29. Corey Brewer (Small Forward, Denver Nuggets)
Much more important to the Nuggets’ 57 wins season than most gave him credit for and has steadily improved offensive game over the past few years. The kind of guy any coach would want on their team, even if unheralded. Exhibit B behind Tony Allen in “Will defenders get paid?” dynamic. Brewer is a decent ballhandler and has been improving his perimeter shooting as well. JULY 2 UPDATE — Meeting with Rockets, and there is interest from Hawks. Nuggets would like to keep him. JULY 3 UPDATE — Rockets want him whether or not they get Dwight. JULY 9 UPDATE — Wolves want him, and Minnesota and Denver are reportedly looking at sign-and-trade options.
30. Chris Andersen (Center, Miami Heat)
Provided size and toughness for the Miami Heat—who needed size and toughness. One of the major catalysts of that 27-game winning streak will eat up most of Miami’s taxpayer exception this summer, but he earned it. Wants to stay in Miami, so he may go against the grain on “centers get paid” argument. But with a title in tow, it would not be terribly surprising to see him end up elsewhere in the $5 million range. JULY 1 UPDATE — Heat are confident they can keep him but can only offer $3.18 million. JULY 9 UPDATE — The Birdman will not be flying away from South Beach. The Heat agreed to re-sign Andersen on a one-year deal, the financial terms were not immediately available.
He decided to tell me around 60 days that he used to be
a drug dealer; his father moved in with him because he was
an alcoholic; his mother was in a mental institution because of abuse from his father;
his sister was dying of a deadly disease; and he wanted me
to buy him a cell phone and give him $20 because he used his
money to pay for his sister’s grocery bill. Similarly, if he’s telling the world that cigars and scotch are his
favourite nightcap, and you’re as anti-smoking, wine-loving as it comes, just let him know.
s important to be aware of the perils of online dating before you get burned.