Top 10 2004 Free Agents Key = ® = Restricted free agent | (PO) = Player Option 1. Kevin Garnett, F, T-Wolves The skinny: If the T-Wolves stumble in the playoffs again next spring, Garnett could bolt the T-Wolves. The problem is finding a team that can afford him. It's unlikely that Garnett will want to leave Minnesota for a rebuilding situation in Denver or Utah. The Heat frankly can't afford him unless they also clear Eddie Jones or Brian Grant off their books. That means that either Garnett takes one of the biggest pay cuts ever to join a contender or he convinces GM Kevin McHale to do a sign-and-trade. Unless a dark horse emerges this year and clears a considerable amount of cap space, KG has limited options. 2. Kobe Bryant, G, Lakers (PO) The skinny: Assuming Kobe isn't serving a life sentence in the Eagle County jail, Kobe is in the same dilemma as KG. There just isn't enough money out there with legit contenders to lure him out of L.A. I can't imagine him playing for the Jazz or Nuggets, and the Heat are stacked at his position. Sign-and-trades are always possible, but the Lakers are in the drivers seat. 3. Allen Iverson, G, Sixers (PO) The skinny: AI bolt the Sixers? It's not entirely out of the question. If the Glenn Robinson experiment backfires this summer or if Iverson doesn't get along with Randy Ayers, he may be the first guy on the list willing to take a risk on a team like the Nuggets. A combo of Iverson, Andre Miller, Carmelo Anthony and Nene Hilaro could do some damage in the West, assuming Iverson would pass the ball. Still, odds are Iverson re-ups with the Sixers. 4. Antoine Walker, F, Celtics (PO) The skinny: After all the abuse and trade rumors, chances are Walker exercises his player option and looks for a better situation. You have to believe that both the Jazz and Heat (if they could clear another $5 million in cap) would be interested. Walker may also have the best shot at negotiating a sign-and-trade. There has been significant interest in him this summer, and despite Danny Ainge's repeated stand that Walker is not on the trading block, it appears that the Celtics wouldn't mind moving him. 5. Stephon Marbury, G, Suns (PO) The skinny: Marbury's value really rose after a stellar campaign last season. However, it's unlikely he would bolt Phoenix. The Suns are on the rise and Marbury is a big part of what they do. He's not going to find a better situation anywhere else. 6. Rasheed Wallace, F, Blazers The skinny: It's hard to believe that Wallace will be a Blazer next season. One, for the first time in awhile, it appears that Paul Allen is ready to cut some payroll. Two, for the first time in awhile, the Blazers are emphasizing character again. Neither factor bodes well for Wallace. The question is, where does he go? Not to a young team like Denver or Utah. Not to a veteran team worried about chemistry. And coming off a $17 million a year contract, just how much of a pay cut will he be willing to take? In other words, people will be interested, but at what price? 7. Steve Nash, G, Mavs (PO) The skinny: Nash will likely opt out, but chances are he stays in Dallas. Nash is one of the few guys in the NBA who is actually underpaid at the moment. Surely, Mark Cuban will throw a long-term contract at him to keep in Dallas. If not, the Jazz are in desperate need of a point guard. Nash is one of the few point guards in the NBA who could fill John Stockton's shoes. 8. Kenyon Martin, F, Nets ® The skinny: Martin is looking for a six-year, $90 million deal from the Nets. Team president Rod Thorn wants to extend his contract, but for much less money. If the two sides don't work anything out by Oct. 29, Martin becomes a restricted free agent. I can see Denver, Utah and Miami all being interested, but after their experience with restricted free agents this year, will they ever tender an offer sheet knowing that the Nets will match? 9. Antonio McDyess, F, Knicks The skinny: He's a wild card. If he recovers from knee surgery and rounds back into form, he'll be a hot commodity. If he struggles or suffers another injury, he'll be looking at the mid-level exception somewhere. 10. Vlade Divac, C, Kings The skinny: There may be better players on the "Best of the Rest" list, but Divac has something on them all. He's a legit all-star center in the West. With the Kings signing of Brad Miller this summer, chances are this is Vlade's last year in Sacramento -- especially if the Kings fail to win it all. With so many contenders looking for a legit big man, Divac, even at age 35, will be flooded with offers. Best of the rest Player Option: Marcus Camby, C, Nuggets; Latrell Sprewell, SG, T-Wolves; Erick Dampier, C, Warriors; Gary Payton, G, Lakers; Karl Malone, F, Lakers; Kurt Thomas, F, Knicks; Eric Snow, PG, Sixers Unrestricted: Keon Clark, F, Jazz; Adonal Foyle, C, Warriors; Brent Barry, G, Sonics; Ron Mercer, G, Spurs; Eric Williams, G/F, Celtics; Greg Ostertag, C, Jazz Restricted: Mike Miller, G/F, Grizzlies; Jamal Crawford, G, Bulls; Jamaal Magloire, C, Hornets; Mo Peterson, F, Raptors; Stromile Swift, F, Grizzlies; Darius Miles, F, Cavs; Marcus Fizer, F, Bulls; Joel Przybilla, C, Bucks; Keyon Dooling, G, Clippers; Etan Thomas, F, Wizards; Courtney Alexander, G, Hornets; Hedo Turkoglu, G/F, Spurs; Quentin Richardson, G, Clippers; DeShawn Stevenson, G, Jazz; Jake Tsakalidis, C, Suns. Two year Restricted: Emanuel Ginobili, G, Spurs; Mehmet Okur, F, Pistons; Gordan Giricek, G/F, Magic
link? I think Jamal Crawford is going to be a coveted FA next season- even if he doesn't have very good numbers this coming season. The Bulls will probably have enough money to match any offers,
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Spartanfan2003:</div><div class="quote_post">Ever think that Garnett may want to be a Bobcat?</div> quite a possibility. what about KG and Kobe probably won't happen
