Summer of 2009 a Busy Offseason for NBA

After another exciting NBA season and playoffs, there were teams and players who excelled (Lakers, Bulls, Celtics bench) and those who failed (Cavs, Suns, Mavericks, Mo Williams). But with the awful economy and many teams in a win-now situation (Cavs, Hornets, Mavs), the draft and free agency of 2009 will make this the most interesting offseason summer in NBA history.

As teams try to cut salary, many players will be encouraged or allowed to walk into free agency this summer. Some notable players who are or can be free agents July 1 are Paul Millsap, Rasheed Wallace, Carlos Boozer, Ben Gordon, David Lee, plus Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom of the Lakers.

There are many attractive pieces to be bought this summer, and most are still young and have several years of career numbers left. Many teams though are weary of the 2010 summer free agent class that has the likes of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Amare Stoudemire to name a few.
With many teams not having much money to spend coupled with even fewer have sufficient cap room, free agents in 2009 could get smaller contracts than expected, with fewer years with fewer dollars.

This year's draft does not have many cant miss prospects or players with all star caliber as rookies. While the guard talent is plenty, many of them are young college players, or young international stars like Spain point guard Ricky Rubio, and international guard Brandon Jennings.

Many teams could also be looking to trade down into the second round to avoid paying first round contracts to unproven talent, especially picks in the 15-30 range.

I expect Lebron will test free agency in 2010 unless Cleveland bolsters its roster and makes James believe they will be a title contender for years to come.

So expect the Cavaliers to make a play for a marquee free agent or two. The three that make the most sense are three big guys, Rasheed Wallace, Shaquille O'Neal, and Paul Millsap.

Both Wallace and Shaq have solid championship/playoff experience and Wallace provides solid defense and the ability to give the Cavs another perimeter threat. Millsap is a young talent, who shined in Utah during the absence of the injured Carlos Boozer. He is young and has much room for improvement.

Cleveland needs someone who can defend Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett, during the season, and in the East playoffs.

The economy, the free agents to be in 2010, and pressure to win immediately will be the factors that determine what happens in the 2009 Draft and free agency period. Smaller market teams will try to develop young talent, while experienced, older, and big market teams try to get younger, shed payroll for 2010, and make drastic decisions to win now.