NBA Free Agency - Who is Left?

Finally... July 10th is here and NBA trades/signings can become official. That also means that there will be a secondary rush for even more signings and trades. Names on the trade market over the next month could include Asik, Granger, Jennings/Teague, Marion, Thornton, among others. As for the remaining free agents, here is a breakdown of my top 10 players left:

Top 10 Remaining Free Agents

1. Andrew Bynum

It's likely down to the Cavs or Mavs for this once dominant big man. The real question mark here is his health. After missing the entire season last year, many are questioning if he knees will ever allow him to be dominant once again. Neither team will offer him a longterm deal, so Bynum needs to be prepared to earn his longterm money by playing great once again. My thought is that he should go to the Cavs. They are a young team on the rise, led by a stud in Kyrie Irving. There would be enough around him there to thrive, and if they add Lebron next summer, he could be apart of a multiple championship team. Dallas is a team soon to be in transition. Plus, the Cavs offered a 2-year deal already (although the second year is based upon a team option).

2. Monta Ellis

The best scorer left on the market, Ellis has an interesting decision to make. He narrowed his list to four teams: Dallas, Atlanta, Sacramento, and Charlotte. For all of these teams, he would likely be the first or second option on offense. The difference is team sustainability. Atlanta is a team that has been a steady playoff team, but hasn't even sniffed a championship. Dallas has won one recently, but they are on the decline. Sacramento and Charlotte meanwhile, have been cellar teams that are seemingly on the way up. What scenario will he like? Personally, I like Charlotte as long as Gerald Henderson doesn't return. Monta could be the go-to scorer on the perimeter, with Al Jefferson on the block. They are improving fast also with a young core of Kemba, MKG, and Zeller. He could really help turn that franchise around.

3. Nikola Pekovic

Pekovic is one of the most underrated players in the game. He puts up numbers, nearly plays at an All-Star level, but is basically ignored across the NBA landscape. What this means is that he'll return to Minnesota, which is a good thing with their injury bug hopefully behind them. Minnesota could definitely be a playoff team this season in the West.

4. Brandon Jennings/Jeff Teague

I pair these two up because they go hand in hand. Jennings and Teague have all but agreed to return to their respective teams, but there is serious talk of a sign and trade for each other. I don't like it for either team though. If I'm Milwaukee, I like Jennings better than Teague, especially in terms of upside. If I'm Atlanta, keeping Teague will likely lead to signing Monta Ellis (Ellis wouldn't come there if Jennings is on the team). So forget the trade guys!

5. Andrei Kirilenko

Kirilenko is a veteran player that can bring so many things to a team. I actually have no clue where he'll end up signing. All I know is that whatever team gets him will get a guaranteed contributor off the bench. The Lakers are a team that needs bench help...

6. Gary Neal

Honestly don't know if he should be ranked this high but we all saw in the playoffs how valuable he could be to a team. The man can shoot it, with range, at a high level, and in big situations (such as the NBA Finals). I know my team (Pacers) could have used him last year. Similar to Kirilenko, Neal can be a great bench player for any team.

7. Elton Brand

Looking for a veteran power forward that can play defense, rebound, and finish inside? Look no further than Elton Brand. He won't end up going here but I love how he would fit with Indiana. He would be able to come off the bench behind David West and there wouldn't be a major drop-off there. And with Hansbrough now in Toronto, we could use another big body.

8. Greg Oden

Similar to Bynum, you don't really know what you are getting with Oden due to his injury history. But if he can stay healthy, his skillset and size leads me to think he could start for most teams in the league eventually. Miami is a team that I think should sign him. They have nothing at the center position and he could simply come in to rebound and defend. This would help against big teams like Indiana and SA, whom they struggled against in the playoffs. But with Chris Anderson re-signing there today, don't know if that's possible now.

9. Nate Robinson

If you watched the Bulls in the playoffs, you saw how Nate became one of their best players. But that was also because most of their team was beat up. Nonetheless, Robinson can be instant offense off the bench and can ignite a team with energy. His personality and style of play leads me to picture him as a Knick again next season.

10. Corey Brewer

A young player with great athleticism, defensive skill, and an emerging offensive game. He still needs some work, but in the right system he can still be a terrific player in this league. I see him as a borderline starter, but with upside. Minnesota is trying to bring him back, and I think that would be a good move for both sides. Although he did fit in with Denver nicely. Either spot is a fine landing place.

By: The Sports Guys