Yahoo Free agency primer.

first the Centers ( note the date on  this is June 17)

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-free-agency-al-horford-potentially-the-top-center-on-the-market-185040328.html

NBA free agency: Al Horford the top center on the market
Yahoo Sports Keith SmithYahoo SportsJun 17, 2019, 2:50 PM

Centers may be going the way of the dinosaur, but they aren’t extinct just yet. A good pivot man still has value in the NBA. The NBA champion Toronto Raptors don’t have a banner without Marc Gasol, and the Warriors used a collection of solid centers to get back to the Finals. As the adage goes: “You can’t teach size.” That means big men will always get paid. Always.

Here are the top potential free-agent centers on the market, with the negotiating period opening on June 30:

1. Al Horford (player option)
Age: 33

Horford has become the ideal modern NBA center. He can step out and hit 3-pointers, but can also go get a bucket on the block. He remains an elite defender, both individually and within a team scheme. He can also slide down a position and play bigger power forwards. Horford projects to age well over the next few years, provided a team keeps him on a similar maintenance plan to the one Boston has used. Horford opted out Tuesday, but both sides reportedly want to work out a long-term deal.

Fits with: Celtics, Rockets, Warriors


2. Nikola Vucevic
Age: 28

Vucevic took a while to get here, but he became an All-Star in his contract year. He also helped carry the Magic to their first playoff appearance since the team traded Dwight Howard in 2012. Vucevic is a good offensive player, but he needs good defenders around him. With his range and passing, he can fit any offensive system, which makes him attractive to many teams.

Fits with: Magic, Kings, Mavericks, Pelicans, Clippers

3. DeMarcus Cousins
Age: 28

Cousins looked like a guy coming off a torn Achilles tendon when he first returned. He then suffered a quad injury that kept him out for a chunk of the playoffs. But by the end of the Finals, Cousins looked pretty good. He’s fairly ground-bound, so the leg injuries aren’t major factors for him. He played for the Warriors on the cheap last year. He might have to do the same for another season, just to prove he can stay healthy and productive. Team culture matters when looking at where Cousins fits going forward.

Fits with: Warriors, Clippers, Spurs

4. Marc Gasol (player option)
Age: 34

After leaving the only NBA home he’d known at the trade deadline, Gasol found a new home in Toronto. He was a huge part of helping to lead the Raptors to the championship. Given the great fit, his age and a $25.6 million player option, Gasol likely will be back in Toronto next season.

Fits with: Raptors ( My note Gasol opted IN)

5. Brook Lopez
Age: 31

Lopez was kind of like the kid left standing in musical chairs last summer. When the music stopped, everyone else had plans for their cap space and Lopez didn’t have a chair. His loss was the Bucks’ gain as they got Lopez for just the bi-annual exception. He’s a perfect fit in Milwaukee, but there is no chance he’s that cheap again. Given the Bucks’ tricky cap situation and the lack of Bird rights for Lopez, his return to Milwaukee is less than certain.

Fits with: Bucks, Kings, Mavericks, Pelicans, Clippers

6. Robin Lopez
Age: 31

Of the players listed so far, this Lopez brother seems like the player who is most likely to have a new home next season. Chicago is moving on with younger options, so Lopez will be elsewhere. That’s probably a good thing for him because his rugged, defensive-minded approach can fit with several teams. He’ll have plenty of suitors to choose from.

Fits with: Mavericks, Clippers, Kings, Lakers, Pelicans

7. Thomas Bryant (restricted)
Age: 22

The Wizards hit the jackpot when they took a flyer on Bryant after he was waived by the Lakers. Bryant led the NBA in field-goal percentage and even displayed a little range by hitting 33 3-pointers. Because of Washington’s lack of ability to bring in a replacement, it’s going to take a big offer sheet to pry him away. But Bryant may have earned just that from a center-needy team with cap space to burn.

Fits with: Wizards, Mavericks, Kings, Pelicans

8. Jonas Valanciunas
Age: 27

Valanciunas somewhat surprisingly opted out of his $17.6 million contract with the Grizzlies. All indications are that both sides would like to come to an agreement on a long-term deal. Outside of Robin Lopez, Valanciunas is the biggest dinosaur on this list, and not just because he was once a Raptor. His fit is tough to project because he’s not an ace defender and has little range on the offensive end. But he offers enough skill and experience to be helpful in the right situation.

Fits with: Grizzlies, Kings, Clippers

9. Dewayne Dedmon
Age: 29

Dedmon is an easy guy to root for. He had to fight his way onto NBA rosters to start his career. Then he developed a jumper to fit the modern game. Now he’s one of those players who fits in just about anywhere, mostly because he can start or come off the bench and be equally as effective. Dedmon will get as many, if not more, looks as anyone on this list.

Fits with: Hawks, Kings, Clippers, Lakers, Pelicans

10. DeAndre Jordan
Age: 30

Jordan finally got to Dallas and his stay didn’t even last a year. He finished out the season in New York, but isn’t likely to be back. Jordan will mostly likely catch on with a contender who needs some rebounding and defense up front. His range is measured in inches at this point, so whoever signs him is getting him strictly for his play on the defensive end.

Fits with: Lakers, Warriors, Pelicans, Magic

Other notable free agents: Willie Cauley-Stein (restricted), Enes Kanter, Frank Kaminsky (restricted), Ivica Zubac (restricted)


My note: Since Horford has parted ways with the Celtics now, most any on this list could be an option. Vucevic, Cousins and Kanter have has stories about the Celtics being interested, I have read. Many  of us here feel we need TWO big men (assuming Morris leaves). I would try for Vucevic (probably too expensive), Dedmon, B, Lopez or W. Cauley-Stein on smaller deals also.

now for the Point guards (dated today)

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nba-free-agency-kyrie-irving-at-top-of-leagues-deepest-position-191430613.html


NBA free agency: Kyrie Irving at top of league’s deepest position
Yahoo Sports  Keith Smith,Yahoo Sports 15 hours ago
Reactions  Reblog on Tumblr  Share  Tweet  Email

Point guard is far and away the deepest position in this free-agent class. There are stars at the top, at least eight more quality starters and several high-end backups. If you need a point guard, you’re in luck this summer. Because of that depth, look for some of these guys to get squeezed in a cap crunch and for teams to find some really good bargains.

Here are the top potential free-agent point guards on the market, with the negotiating period opening at 6 p.m. ET Sunday:



1. Kyrie Irving
Age: 27

Irving remains one of the top players in the NBA, despite a frustrating season with Boston. While the Celtics didn’t have the success many envisioned, Irving was an All-NBA performer and once again an All-Star. Reports have linked him to the Nets, Knicks, Lakers and even returning to the Celtics. Brooklyn seems like the leader, but with a guy like Irving, you’ll only know for sure when he signs on the dotted line.

Fits with: Nets, Celtics, Knicks, Lakers

Boston Celtics' Kyrie Irving during the second quarter in Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)


2. Kemba Walker
Age: 29

Walker had a dream season. He was an All-Star in his home city of Charlotte and capped off the year by making the All-NBA team. The latter honor made him eligible for a super-max extension of five years and $221 million. That puts the Hornets in a bit of a bind. They’d love to retain their franchise player, but they’ve already got an expensive roster and this would cap them out for the foreseeable future.

Fits with: Hornets, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks

3. D’Angelo Russell
Age: 23

Russell really came into his own last season and became a first-time All-Star. Normally, this would mean a player of his age has a max deal coming to stay with the club with which he developed. In this case, Russell’s future seems tied to the Nets’ pursuit of Irving. If Brooklyn signs Irving, it’s likely Russell is headed elsewhere.

Fits with: Nets, Pacers, Knicks, Timberwolves

4. Patrick Beverley
Age: 30

Beverley has gained a reputation as one of the guards whom opposing players hate to go against most. He’s just a pest, and that’s a compliment of the highest order. Beverley has also improved his shooting and playmaking enough that he’s no longer just a defensive stopper. He’ll have plenty of suitors this summer because of the plug-and-play nature of his game.

Fits with: Clippers, Mavericks, Lakers

5. Malcolm Brogdon (restricted)
Age: 26

Brogdon is a ways away from his 2017 Rookie of the Year season, but he’s gotten even better since then. He’s become equally adept at playing with the ball in his hands, or sliding off the ball and playing as a spot-up shooter. He put up a remarkable 51/43/93 shooting split this season. Normally teams would be scared off because he’s a restricted free agent, but Brogdon is good enough that someone might put Milwaukee in a tough spot to have to match a massive offer sheet.

Fits with: Bucks, Celtics, Lakers, Pacers

6. Darren Collison
Age: 32

Did you know that Collison, once seen as a backup only, has now topped 40 percent shooting from behind the arc in four straight seasons? He’s done this while toiling in small markets, first in Sacramento and then Indiana, so you might have missed it. Collison might be hitting that age where he can’t be a full-time starter, but he’s still going to get offers because he’d then be one of the very best backups in the league.

Fits with: Pacers, Celtics, Bucks

7. Tomas Satoransky (restricted)
Age: 27

It took Satoransky four years to come to the NBA from overseas after being drafted and then two more years to become a starter. But after John Wall got hurt, Satoransky stepped in and delivered the best basketball of his career. Because of his great size at 6-foot-7, Satoransky gives teams options with how they put together their backcourts. Given the Wizards’ already shaky cap situation, a big offer sheet could steal him away.

Fits with: Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, Celtics

8. Terry Rozier III (restricted)
Age: 25

Rozier is a bit of a mystery. Is he the guy who performed well as Boston’s starter late in the 2018-19 season? Or is he the guy who struggled throughout the entirety of this past year? Signing him to a big offer sheet could get him away from the Celtics, but it’s a boom-or-bust kind of move. You can’t really be sure what you’re going to get.

Fits with: Celtics, Suns, Pacers

9. Ricky Rubio
Age: 29

With Utah acquiring Mike Conley from Memphis, Rubio is going to be on the move. He’s been linked to both the Celtics and the Pacers and would be a nice fit with either team. Rubio is never going to be a shooter, but his playmaking and defense remain very good.

Fits with: Pacers, Celtics, Suns

10. Elfrid Payton
Age: 25

Payton’s had a roller-coaster career so far. He’s got all the physical skills you could ever want as a lead guard, but his consistency and shooting continue to lag behind. Someone will take another chance on Payton because guards with his size/speed combo don’t come around all that often. But it will be a short-term deal and he’ll likely be right back on this list a year from now.

Fits with: Lakers, Pacers, Mavericks

Other notable free agents: Seth Curry, Cory Joseph, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Delon Wright (restricted)

My note: we all know K. Walker has been reported being a Celtic target, I like some feel that may not be the best use of our limited cap space. IF Ainge signs a big man (or two) with the cap space (or most) a guy like Collison could be a nice pick up on lesser salary. But the reality is the best bang for the buck if the cap space is limited after signing a big man, would still likely be keeping Rozier ( simply because we can match any offer  and go over the cap to keep him)

Power forwards (dare June 19)

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-free-agency-powerforward-market-may-not-have-superstars-but-it-offers-plenty-of-depth-153123348.html

NBA free agency: Power-forward market may not have superstars, but it offers plenty of depth
Yahoo Sports Keith SmithYahoo SportsJun 19, 2019, 11:31 AM
The best free agents on the market: Centers

Even though the NBA has shifted toward a wing-oriented game, having a great power forward is often a precursor to success. Both NBA Finals teams had versatile fours in Draymond Green and Pascal Siakam and that was no coincidence.

The modern power forward can ideally step out and score from the perimeter and at the rim, while also rebounding and offering some inside-outside defense with switch ability. This free-agent class of fours isn’t deep on stars, but features quality depth and several undervalued role players.

Here are the top potential free-agent power forwards on the market, with the negotiating period opening on June 30:

1. Julius Randle
Age: 24

Randle quietly blew up in New Orleans. Despite the drama that swirled around Anthony Davis for half the season, Randle put up a 21/8/3 stat line. He also became a dependable shooter, which opens up his market in today’s game. He’s not a great defender, so pairing him with a rim protector is necessary. But his offensive game fits just about anywhere. With Zion Williamson overlapping positions, Randle is likely on the move this summer.

Fits with: Nets, Knicks, Clippers


2. Kristaps Porzingis (restricted)
Age: 24

Porzingis is coming off a lost year, missing the entire season while rehabbing from a torn ACL in 2018. Despite that, the Dallas Mavericks gave up a considerable package of picks and players to acquire Porzingis. There was buzz he could have returned late in the season, but with the Mavs out of the playoff picture, they took the conservative approach. It’s not exactly Dallas or bust for Porzingis this summer, but considering the Mavericks’ investment in acquiring him, he’s not going anywhere.

Fits with: Mavericks

3. Paul Millsap (team option)
Age: 34

After an injury-plagued first season with the Denver Nuggets, this past year Millsap showed exactly why they signed him. He provided the defensive balance to Nikola Jokic’s All-Star offense in the Nuggets’ frontcourt. His situation is interesting because paying him $30.5 million next season at his age isn’t something Denver likely wants to do. Expect the Nuggets to decline Millsap’s team option, but then re-sign him to a contract that lowers his annual salary but adds years.

Fits with: Nuggets

4. JaMychal Green
Age: 29

Green was seen as a steal by the Memphis Grizzlies when they snagged him from the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. He grew into his own in Memphis, especially by adding range to his jumper. He fit in almost perfectly with the Los Angeles Clippers after they acquired him at the trade deadline because of his lunch-pail work ethic. L.A. would love to keep him, but bigger plans for its cap space could cause Green to be on the move. If so, he’ll become a target for many teams.

Fits with: Clippers, Nets, Knicks, Lakers, Jazz

5. Thaddeus Young
Age: 31

Young has been a good, but not great, player for years. He came into the NBA as a run-and-jump player, but has slowly rounded out his offensive game. He’s still able to get to the rim, but he’s also added a reliable jumper. And his defense has always been good, especially with his ability to guard either forward spot. The Pacers value Young, but have a chance to make noise in free agency. That could free him up to be an undervalued steal for someone else.

Fits with: Pacers, Jazz, Nets, Knicks, Lakers

6. Nikola Mirotic
Age: 28

Mirotic has had quite the odyssey over the last couple of years. He was traded from Chicago to help New Orleans make a playoff push last season, and this year was flipped to Milwaukee to fill the same role. Now, Mirotic is a free agent and can pick his next destination. While his defense doesn’t really allow for him to be a starter, Mirotic’s ability to stretch defenses makes him a fit for any contender. With the Bucks facing a large tax bill, they may not be able to pay the market rate to keep Mirotic.

Fits with: Bucks, Jazz, Nets, Knicks


7. Al-Farouq Aminu
Age: 28

When Aminu was a priority, first-day signing for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2015, many around the league said, “Huh?” Four years later, everyone gets what Neil Olshey’s play was. Aminu became the Blazers’ starting four and played a part in continuing the team’s sustained period of success. Portland will try to retain the versatile forward, but a continuously mounting payroll could come into play. If it does, expect Aminu to have no shortage of offers.

Fits with: Trail Blazers, Jazz, Nets

8. Taj Gibson
Age: 34

Gibson is probably the most old-school power forward on this list. He doesn’t really stretch the floor on offense, and his defense is best in and around the paint. But Gibson stays within himself and does what he does. Because he can defend both the bigger power forwards and centers equally well, Gibson has value to contenders as a backup big man. That alone will get him his next deal.

Fits with: Jazz, Nets, Knicks, Lakers

9. Markieff Morris
Age: 29

It’s been a long, strange trip for Morris. He was hurt and ultimately traded at the deadline as a disappointing Wizards team looked to avoid paying the luxury tax. The Pelicans waived Morris because his acquisition was a straight salary dump. He then caught on with the Thunder, but never had the impact that was hoped for. Now, Morris is looking at getting his career back on track. He’ll probably look at short-term deals with contenders, as he tries to rebuild his value in hopes of another big payday.

Fits with: Lakers, Nets, Knicks

10. Bobby Portis (restricted)
Age: 24

Portis is coming off the best season of his young career. He averaged career highs nearly across the board, but his most impressive improvement came as a shooter. Portis knocked down 39.3 percent of his 3-point shots on 3.8 attempts per game. That’s three straight years of incremental improvement for Portis, who we can now say is a good shooter. His career year came at the right time now that he’s a free agent for the first time. While the Wizards have a hole at power forward, they also have some serious cap and tax concerns. If a team crafts a big, creative offer sheet, it could steal Portis from Washington.

Fits with: Wizards, Nets, Knicks, Jazz

Other notable free agents: Ed Davis, Jared Dudley, Jeff Green, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Maxi Kleber (restricted), Kevon Looney, Mike Scott, Anthony Tolliver, Noah Vonleh

My Notes: If you feel we need a Center and a new PF to replace Morris, someone from this list is likely. J. Green,  T Young, A. Aminu and K. Looney (yes that Kevon from GS) are all guys I think could help us. On another Note J, Dudley has been  talking up the Celtics since the off-season, maybe he's willing to play for vet minimum here?

the Small forwards: date 6/24

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-free-agency-kawhi-leonard-leads-starfilled-smallforward-class-165004114.html


NBA free agency: Kawhi Leonard leads star-filled small-forward class
Yahoo Sports Keith SmithYahoo SportsJun 24, 2019, 12:50 PM


This year’s free-agent small-forward class contains some of the league’s gems. The superstar depth took a bit of a hit after Kevin Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon in the NBA Finals, but there are still All-Star level talents with plenty of depth.

Given the importance of the position in today’s NBA, teams are going to target elite small forwards right from the jump in free agency. The ideal small forward can either slide up to play some small-ball four, or slide down and also play shooting guard. Very few of the top available threes are locked in only at that position, which only adds to their value.

Here are the top potential free-agent small forwards on the market, with the negotiating period opening at 6 p.m. ET Sunday:

1. Kawhi Leonard
Age: 28

Leonard bounced back from an injury-ravaged season and led the Toronto Raptors to the NBA title, while also winning Finals MVP. Toronto used a progressive rest program to keep Leonard fresh throughout the season and it paid off, as he delivered one of the best playoff runs of all time. Despite the fairytale season, Leonard is still intrigued about leaving the Raptors to head back home to Southern California, but Toronto is the favorite to keep him.

Fits with: Raptors, Clippers, Lakers


2. Kevin Durant (player option)
Age: 30

Durant would have topped this list had he not torn his Achilles. Now, his long-awaited free agency is one that involves a different type of calculation. There are even rumors Durant could simply choose to opt in, rehab with the Warriors and hit free agency a year from now. Or teams like the Knicks or Nets could still gamble on him making a full recovery and give him a max contract anyway. Durant will still lead free agency, just in a different way than was expected.

Fits with: Warriors, Nets, Knicks, Clippers

3. Khris Middleton
Age: 28

Middleton picked a great year to go from everyone’s most underrated player to a first time All-Star. He’s now poised to cash in as a free agent. Because of his ability to play on or off the ball, inside or outside, as well as being a plus defender, Middleton fits with any team. He’ll have big offers, but he’s found a home in Milwaukee and is expected to team with Giannis Antetokounmpo for years to come.

Fits with: Bucks, Mavericks, Clippers, Knicks

4. Tobias Harris
Age: 27

Harris could have easily been on the power forward list, as he’s really just a forward in today’s NBA. That interchangeability serves him well and makes him an ideal fit for several teams. Philadelphia paid a pretty penny to get Harris at the trade deadline, so they’ll likely pay to keep him. But if ownership is unwilling to go big for both Harris and Jimmy Butler, another team could grab Harris to fill its three/four spot for the next few years.

Fits with: 76ers, Pacers, Jazz, Mavericks, Kings

5. Bojan Bogdanovic
Age: 30

When Victor Oladipo went down with a torn quad, it looked like the season was lost for the Indiana Pacers. Instead, Bogdanovic stepped up and was a big part of carrying Indiana to the playoffs. He’s been doing this for years on the international level, so it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. He’s down a bit on the list because of his age, but for at least the next few years, Bogdanovic will give a team solid scoring and better-than-you-think defense.

Fits with: Pacers, Jazz, 76ers, Kings

6. Harrison Barnes
Age: 27

Barnes somewhat surprisingly opted out of a contract that would have paid him over $25 million for the upcoming season. It is unlikely Barnes will ever see a single-season salary that large again, but this move gives him flexibility for the summer. It also gives the King the ability to lower his annual salary, but stretch it over more years. Or for both parties to move on entirely. Barnes still fits as a scoring three/four with just about any team.

Fits with: Kings, Pacers, Jazz



7. Marcus Morris Sr.
Age: 30

Morris really blossomed in Boston. The Celtics let him carry the second unit for large chunks of his two seasons in green, while also using Morris as a sometimes starter. While he’s known for his scoring, Morris is also a good defender, rebounder and passer. He fits anywhere because he’s equally good coming off the bench or starting. Some smart team is going to get a steal here.

Fits with: Celtics, 76ers, Lakers, Nets, Knicks, Clippers

8. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Age: 23

Oubre was acquired by Phoenix at the trade deadline and went on to play some of the best basketball of his career with the Suns. He seemed like a lock to be a priority for Phoenix as a free agent, but some other maneuvering at the draft has that in a bit of flux. The Suns are a swing team that could have cap space, or stay over the cap. If they stay over the cap, bank on Oubre re-signing in Phoenix.

Fits with: Suns, Kings, Pacers

9. Jabari Parker
Age: 24

What a strange trip it’s been for Parker. Twice he’s looked like he was becoming a go-to scorer and both times he tore his ACL — in 2014 and 2017. The Bulls handed Parker a two-year, $40 million deal as a free agent, but it was really a one-year, $20 million contract because the second year was a team option. Parker never really fit in Chicago and was traded to Washington at the deadline. He played well with the Wizards, but had his team option declined Saturday. Now it’s about finding a fit as a bench scorer. At just 24 years old, he can be a major weapon off the pine for a good team.

Fits with: Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, Kings

10. Rudy Gay
Age: 33

Gay is one of the few success stories as a player who returned from a torn Achilles tendon to be productive. At his age, he’s more of a reserve/spot starter than a guy who you can reliably plug into your opening lineup. Gay can play both forward spots and can still score from the midrange and in the post. His days of iso-ball and taking guys off the bounce are over, but he’s a reliable depth piece for a good team.

Fits with: Spurs, Lakers, Jazz, Mavericks

Other notable free agents: Trevor Ariza, DeMarre Carroll, James Ennis III, Dorian Finney-Smith (RFA), Mario Hezonja

My Notes:  we don't need a SF with Tatum, Hayward and even Brown able to play on the wing now. Some of the players on this list are more swings between SF and PF ( like Morris and Barnes). I can't see the Celtics adding anyone from this list, unless they want to bring Morris back.

Shooting or Off-guards ( date 6-25)

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-free-agency-jimmy-butler-leads-the-shootingguard-market-153912183.html

NBA free agency: Jimmy Butler leads the shooting-guard market
Yahoo Sports Keith SmithYahoo SportsJun 25, 2019, 11:39 AM
Content is currently unavailable.
The best free agents on the market: Centers | Power forwards | Small forwards

This year’s crop of free-agent two guards is heavy at the top with stars, but features quality depth. There is a good mix of all-around talents and also specialists. Several of the free-agent off guards are able to play up as small forwards, with a handful able to handle the defensive assignments for either backcourt position. If teams can wait it out the first wave or two of free agency, there are quality bargains to be found.

Here are the top potential free-agent shooting guards on the market, with the negotiating period opening at 6 p.m. ET Sunday:

1. Jimmy Butler
Age: 30

Butler headlines this class as the most versatile shooting guard available. He’s able to play either wing spot and can also function as a team’s primary ball-handler. While he’s not the lockdown defender he once was, Butler is still in the upper third of the league as a defensive player. Philadelphia has the benefit of being the only team that can offer him a full five-year, max deal. His age and injury history could be deciding factors for Butler.

Fits with: 76ers, Rockets, Heat, Lakers, Nets, Knicks


2. Klay Thompson
Age: 29

Thompson suffered a torn ACL in the NBA Finals that is expected to keep him out for most, if not all, of the 2020 season. Thompson should make a full recovery. Golden State has shown a willingness to stick with their pre-injury plan of signing Thompson to a max deal. Expect him to be back with the Warriors.

Fits with: Warriors

3. Jeremy Lamb
Age: 27

Lamb had a career year just in time for free agency. He was a starter for the first time and delivered with career-best numbers across the board for the Charlotte Hornets. Lamb is seen as a fit for just about any team. He can start or come off the bench and can play either wing position. Don’t be surprised if Lamb is one of those guys who gets a shockingly big offer this summer.

Fits with: Hornets, Lakers, Knicks

4. J.J. Redick
Age: 35

Even at his age, Redick remains a solid player. While his 3-point percentage slipped under 40 percent for the first time in five years, he actually averaged a career-high 18.1 points. Redick’s role as a shooter fits on every NBA team. He’s likely to stay in Philadelphia where he’s found a home, but other teams will try to get him to change his mind.

Fits with: 76ers, Lakers, Nets, Knicks

5. Rodney Hood
Age: 26

Hood remains an enigma wrapped in a riddle. He shows signs of being a breakout wing scorer one moment and then is an injury-prone, inconsistent player the next. Hood seems to have settled into the role of bench scorer/spot starter. That adds to his value. With his ability to play both wing positions, he’ll have plenty of suitors. Portland would like to keep him, but tax concerns could take them out of the running.

Fits with: Lakers, Pacers, Trail Blazers.


6. Danny Green
Age: 32

Put Green firmly in the Redick camp of aging vets who remain productive. Green’s a far better defender than Redick, but not nearly the shooter Redick is. He’s another guy in this class who can defend both wing positions, but he also has the ability to guard the bigger, slower point guards as well. That adds some value that offsets his declining offensive game.

Fits with: Raptors, Lakers, Knicks

7. Terrence Ross
Age: 28

Ross became a Sixth Man of the Year candidate for the surprising Orlando Magic. His shooting and energy helped turn games on a regular basis for Orlando. He’s an ideal backup for those reasons and can fit with any team. The Magic would love to have Ross back, but will only extend so far to re-sign him. If another team throws him a big offer, it could steal him away to bolster its reserve group.

Fits with: Magic, Lakers, 76ers

8. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Age: 26

In the span of two seasons, Caldwell-Pope went from rising star to overpaid afterthought. He had some struggles with the Lakers, but still improved his offensive game. He remains a good defender, even if that got lost in the context of some terrible team defense in Los Angeles. KCP remains young enough that some team could get a player with some upside for a reasonable price.

Fits with: Lakers, 76ers, Pacers

9. Wayne Ellington
Age: 32

For 10 seasons, Ellington has been a knockdown shooter. Like Redick, he’s got a role with any team because of his ability to shoot the ball. He doesn’t do much else, so his value is likely limited to contending teams because older wing shooters are a luxury for bad teams. Ellington will find a role with a playoff team and hit shots as he’s always done.

Fits with: Lakers, Pistons, 76ers

10. Austin Rivers
Age: 27

Rivers is a guy who came in with a lot of hype, never lived up to it and has been trying to overcome that ever since. Being overpaid for the last few years hasn’t helped that reputation either. But he’s a quality player who can back up both guard spots. For a team with limited flexibility, Rivers can fill two roles as a third guard off the bench. That makes him valuable around the league.

Fits with: Rockets, 76ers, Lakers

Other notable free agents: Reggie Bullock, Justin Holiday, Wesley Matthews, Rodney McGruder (RFA), David Nwaba

My Notes: the drafting of Langford would seem to take us out of the need for another off-guard, so I can't see anyone from this list being a priority. Maybe a bi-annual exception or vet minimum type signing late in free agency could happen.

and one final note from me.

lot sof talk about all the money these middle guys will get ( yes the stars will always get paid)

but here is a link to the likely cap space for each team

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/cap/


as one can see from that list, there are at best 12 teams who can clear as much as $20M in cap space.

after the top guys are signed, I think we will see a group of players looking at deals in the $8-12M range or taking a MLE deal somewhere.

this is also the year for a player who didn't get the deal he wanted to sign a one year deal and go back into the free agent market next year, when the quality of players is expected to be less. Thereby improving said players  value. a smart play for some players not happy with their offers this year, IMO.

So Yahoo Sports thinks the only center or power forward who fits with the Celtics is Al Horford? The only one? Yahoo, hire another writer.