Free agency is officially underway. Four All-Star caliber power forwards hit the market late last night and will be the center of attention for plenty of teams. Here are my PF rankings including my predictions for where they will sign.
By: David Kay
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs (UFA)
Dirk has opted of the final year of his deal that would have net him more than $21.5 million. Everyone seems to think that there is no chance I cannot imagine Mark Cuban agreeing to deal Nowitzki unless he is landing LeBron or Dwyane Wade in return so I fully expect him to be in Dallas next season.
Predicted Contract: 3 years, $75 million
Possible Destinations: DAL, PHX, MIA, NY, CHI
2. Chris Bosh, Raptors (UFA)
One of the great mysteries of this off-season revolves around Bosh and whether he will attach himself onto the LeBron or Wade train or go somewhere he can be the alpha dog. It has been reported that he will hitch his wagon onto LeBron and end up in Chicago. However, he can make more money and have a longer contract if he re-signs with Toronto in an agreed sign-and-trade which I imagine would be ideal for both parties involved.
Predicted Contract: Max value (6 years, $125 if he re-signs. 5 years, $95 if he signs elsewhere.)
Possible Destinations: CHI, MIA, NY, LAL, HOU
3. Amare Stoudamire, Suns (UFA)
To be honest, I don’t understand why Amare would want to leave a Phoenix team where he gets to play with Steve Nash. New York is reportedly ready to make him and Joe Johnson their number one priorities this off-season since they think ‘Bron and Bosh are heading to Chicago. Stoudemire will listen to what the Suns have to say and will hear the Heat’s sales pitch as well. Odds are he will have to wait for the James/Wade/Bosh dominoes to fall before he finds a place to land.
Predicted Contract: 5 years, $95 million
Possible Destinations: PHX, NY, MIA, CHI
4. Carlos Boozer, Jazz (UFA)
Like Amare, Boozer will likely have to wait his turn to see where he calls home. And like Amare, I don’t quite understand why he would want to give up playing alongside Deron Williams. The allure of playing in a bigger market will weigh heavy on his mind, but will he be the odd man left out of the marquee names? Utah may actually pass on him if he is too expensive since they signed Paul Millsap to a long-term contract last summer. He likely ends up wherever Amare doesn’t between Miami and New York.
Predicted Contract: 5 years, $80 million
Possible Destinations: UTAH, MIA, NY, CHI, NJ
Check out the rest of David’s power forward rankings.
Click here for David’s off-season pages.
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