There is no denying that Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge will be the two most highly sought after unrestricted free agents on the open market this summer but while they will command the most attention, sometimes the biggest free agency factor is a veteran or a key player that is the last piece of the puzzle for a contender. With that in mind, let’s have a look at which veterans will be looking to make a move to a contender to make that one last run for a ring.
Paul Pierce, Small Forward
Pierce proved to the rest of the association what he is capable of doing in big moments in the playoffs while hitting some clutch shots for the Washington Wizards. While he still has a player option to return to the nation’s capital next season, he could very well decide to take his talents somewhere else if he feels there is a better opportunity to win a title on the table. The obvious connection between Pierce and Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers dating back to their championship days with the Boston Celtics has only fueled the rumors of a potential move and they need a player who has experience and can be an x-factor on a championship-caliber team that needs one more piece.
Amar’e Stoudemire, Power Forward
Stoudamire isn’t going to sign for big bucks or carry a franchise the way he did when he helped the Phoenix Suns a handful of years ago but he can still contribute as a valuable role player off the bench for a title contender. Stoudemire averaged 10.8 points and 3.7 rebounds in just over 16 minutes per contest in 23 games with the Dallas Mavericks this past year after he was mostly left for dead in New York. He’s not a primetime player anymore but if he’s getting 20 minutes off the bench, he can still be a factor – especially for a team that has most of their lineup figured out already.
Tayshaun Prince, Small Forward
Prince might be 35 years old but he will still be a highly sought after commodity as a veteran forward. With plenty of experience, he will come off the bench to play valuable minutes for a title contender on the wing. Prince is still a quality two-way player with a decent shot and a high basketball IQ. He’s viewed more as someone who can help at the defensive end to help provide versatility. As his career comes to an end, there is no doubt that he would rather have the opportunity at another championship than taking more money to sign with a team that isn’t ready to contend.
Jeremy Lin, Point Guard
Lin and Lakers’ head coach Byron Scott clashed this season in Los Angeles and there is a really good chance that he ends up headed somewhere else this summer. The Lakers realized they don’t need him as they developed Jordan Clarkson into a starter. Lin will never be an elite NBA point guard but he can be a decent role player – especially if he is able to come off the bench for a title contender. Lin could choose to take a pay cut to go to an title contender – maybe someone like Houston? – so it will be interesting to see what kind of attention he garners on the open market.
Andrea Bargnani, Center
The Knicks are reportedly considering bringing back Bargnani for another year but if they don’t, there is a good chance he will take a pay cut to go to a title contender. Bargnani is a veteran player that has been criticized in big part because he never lived up to his billing as a former first-overall pick that has made some big money in his career but he is still a talented big man that can stretch the floor. Say what you want about his defense and rebounding but he can create mismatches on offense with his outside shooting. The potential is there for him to take less money and sign on to fill a role off the bench for a championship contender.
