Like the 2010 NBA Draft, the 2010 class of free agent point guards is weak. How weak? Luke Ridnour is the third best free agent point guard set to hit the open market. No joke. Teams can begin communicating with free agents on July 1st, so allow The Sports Bank to provide your in-depth guide on what’s going to be happening in the next couple of weeks.
By: David Kay
1. Raymond Felton, Bobcats (UFA)
In a very weak class of free agent point guards, Felton is the best available. The former Tar Heel saw his numbers dip last season due to the early season acquisition of Stephen Jackson. Felton’s numbers have remained steady but certainly not spectacular and he could be expendable because of Jackson and young back-up point guard D.J. Augustin. He is not worth anything more than about $7 million a year, but a team in need of a point guard might overpay him especially since this off-season is also a very weak point guard draft class.
Predicted Contract: 5 years, $40 million
Possible Destinations: CHA, NY, MIA, SAC
2. Kyle Lowry, Rockets (QO)
Even with the breakout year from starting point guard Aaron Brooks, Lowry proved to be very valuable coming off the bench for the Rockets. He is in the final year of his rookie contract and would have to be signed to an offer sheet that is too pricey for him to leave Houston. If the Rockets are unable to sign him to an extension, look for Lowry to play out the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Predicted Contract: Accepts qualifying offer
Possible Destination: HOU
3. Luke Ridnour, Bucks (UFA)
Ridnour had a great bounce back season in Milwaukee playing behind and often times alongside rookie Brandon Jennings. He shot the ball well and even played a good amount of crunch time minutes when Jennings was going through a funk during the season. He is probably better suited coming off the bench but a team in desperate need of a point guard who can hit open shots might pursue him with the idea of having him once again become a starter. A contending team looking to land a solid role player could possibly have him for the mid-level exception.
Predicted Contract: 3 years, $15 million
Possible Destination: MIL, LAL, ORL, MEM, IND, BOS
Check out the complete list of free agent point guards.
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