NBA: Top-Rated Free Agents in the 2010 Off-Season

Back in 2006, NBA superstar LeBron “King” James of the Cleveland Cavaliers signed a three-year extension contract with and opt-out option.  Since then, numerous franchises have been making moves to clear up cap space to have a shot at getting the King in 2010, when he has the option to opt-out of his contract.  Aside from all of the hype that LeBron’s contract has caused for the 2010 free agent roster, it turns out that a number of other superstars, young and old, are now on the free agent block for 2010.  What has been dubbed “the summer of the King” has now become a phenomenon that goes well beyond the repercussions of LeBron’s move (should he opt to move).  Read on for some information on some of the other big names who may join LeBron on the 2010 free agent roster. Free agents at the center position Shaquille O’Neal –  The Big Diesel is now on the Cavs with the King, but in 2010 he will become an unrestricted free agent. Yao Ming –  The giant superstar Yao is currently injured, which places a huge strain on his career as a whole, but if he gets back into good health he is a threat to be reckoned with. Other centers that may become 2010 free agents –  Tyson Chandler, Memo Okur, Marcus Camby, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Brad Miller, and Jermaine O’Neal. Free agents at the power forward position Chris Bosh –  One of the three big catches in the 2003 Draft (along with LeBron James and Dwayne Wade), Bosh is a young forward who is quickly becoming one of the best in the league.  He has an opt-out option for 2010. Amar’e Stoudemire –  Amar’e has an early termination option that may get him on the 2010 free agent roster if he isn’t traded by then. Other power forwards that might become free agents in 2010 –  Dirk Nowitzki, Al Harrington, Udonis Haslem, and Carlos Boozer. Free agents at the small forward position LeBron James –  Pretty much every franchise in the league would love to have the King and he is clearly the top-pick should he opt-out and join the 2010 free agents. Paul Pierce –  “The Truth” is one of the Big Three on the Celtics and he has an early termination option in 2010, but he may not leave considering his success with the Celtics and the fact that teammate Kevin Garnett is still signed with the Celtics until 2012. Other small forwards joining the 2010 free agent roster –  Richard Jefferson, Mike Miller, Josh Howard, Peja Stojakovic, and Travis Outlaw. Free agents at the shooting guard position Dwayne Wade –  Superstar Dwayne “The Flash” Wade is probably the second most-coveted player in the 2010 free agent roster, that is considering he opts-out of his contract with the Miami Heat. Ray Allen –  The sharpshooter of the Celtics’ Big Three, Allen is probably nearing the end of his career, but with his deadly shot, veteran experience, and all-star caliber he is an asset that any team would love to have. Other shooting guards that may become 2010 free agents:  Michael Redd, Joe Johnson, Manu Ginobili, Tracy McGrady, Raja Bell, John Salmons, and Roger Mason. Free agents at the point guard position Steve Nash –  Nash may become a 2010 free agent, making him one of the best point guards in the lot. Rafer Alston –  Alston played impressively during the 2009 Playoffs and he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2010.  He will definitely be a great backup to any superstar guard, but he can also start for any respectable team. Other point guards that may hit the 2010 free agent roster –  T.J. Ford, Chris Duhon, and J.J. Barea.