The escalating salary cap situation in the NBA has created an intriguing set of circumstances heading in to this offseason with several different scenarios for the top names about to hit the open market. One of the most interesting talking points will be which big-name unrestricted free agents opt to sign for less than their market value in order to play for a contender with an understanding that they can cash in with a deal that pays them more money when the new NBA television deal kicks in the following NBA offseason. Here is a look at the top unrestricted free agents that could take a pay cut to sign with a contender this offseason.
Dwyane Wade
Shooting Guard
Wade cleared $20 million in salary last season for the first time in his career. It will probably the last time he makes that much money as well. Wade is set to turn 35-years-old next season and while he is no longer an elite shooting guard he could still be a capable weapon for a top team that is one piece away from being a legitimate NBA championship contender. Wade could very well opt to return to Miami at a decent price but if he wants a shot at one more title he could consider a number of teams where he would have a better chance to win. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a prime example of a team in dire need of a veteran shooting guard that can put them over the top and he could be their best available option and a big part of helping Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook bring a title to Oklahoma City.
Dwight Howard
Center
Howard has been one of the most criticized big-name big men in the NBA over the past couple of years and while some of it is certainly deserved the reality is that he can still play at a very high level. Howard averaged 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 32.1 minutes per game for the Houston Rockets this past year and he missed just 11 games. Those are pretty solid numbers for the 30-year-old and his defensive ability was well documented as he held opponents to just 50-percent shooting at the rim. He could be in line for some big money this offseason but he might be smart to take a pay cut for the chance to play for a contender. A strong year for a championship team could be exactly what he needs to improve his image and if that happens he would be in line for a big contract the following offseason.
Pau Gasol
Center
Gasol has a player option for another year with the Chicago Bulls but if things were really as bad as they were reported to be in the Windy city last year, he could be interested in opting out and becoming one of the headlining unrestricted free agents. That would mean he would hit the open market as one of the best veteran big men available and the only one that would bring a championship pedigree to the table. Gasol averaged 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game for Chicago last season and if he would be the perfect fit on several contending teams if he wants a shot at another title.
Dirk Nowitzki
Power Forward
One of the most intriguing unrestricted free agents on this list is the veteran Nowitzki, whose future is in his own hands with a player option for next year. The Dallas Mavericks want him back but Nowitzki talked openly after the season about wanting to do what’s best not just for him but for his current team. Nowitzki could opt in for one more year and try to help Dallas make the postseason, or he could decide that the Mavericks are in better position to rebuild and then sign with a contender. Nowitzki would be a valuable addition to any contending team so his status will be monitored closely over the next couple of weeks to see if he will be back with the Mavericks.
Luol Deng
Small Forward
Deng willingly took a discount to join the Miami Heat in 2014 and then opted in for another year when he could have opted out and signed for more money in the summer of 2015. Now he will hit the open market as a quality free agent wing that several teams will hope they can add in order to solidify their depth. There is no guarantee that Deng wants out of Miami but if a top contender can convince him he has a chance to win now it could be enough for him to sign another value deal this offseason.
