The Southwest division absolutely dominated this past season with all five teams managing to make the playoffs. Making matters even more intriguing is the fact that all five teams will be in a good position to add to already talented rosters this summer, which will create an interesting dynamic looking forward to next season. Here is a look at the free agent situation for all five NBA teams from the Southwest division.
Houston Rockets (56-26)
- UFA: Josh Smith, Corey Brewer, Jason Terry
- RFA: Patrick Beverley
- Team/Player Option: Kostas Papanikolaou, Pablo Prigioni
The trade for Smith was criticized when it happened but now Rockets GM Daryl Morey looks like a genius for stealing a top power forward at a discount price. He will look even smarter if he can bring him back at a decent rate and according to Smith, he would love to be back in Houston. Brewer and Terry also alluded to the Rockets being the best fit for them and wanting another chance to win a title there. The biggest question will be whether or not Houston can bring back Beverley as rumors that Chandler Parsons is trying to recruit him to the Dallas Mavericks persist. Beverley is a solid two-way guard that excels at the defensive end of the floor but he has struggled to stay healthy so it will be interesting to see if they can reach a deal that works for both sides this offseason.
Memphis Grizzlies (55-27)
- UFA: Marc Gasol, Kosta Koufos
- RFA: Nick Calathes
- Team/Player Option: Jeff Green, Beno Udrh, Jon Leuer, Russ Smith, JaMychal Green
The Grizzlies might have very well reached the Western Conference Finals or even the NBA Finals if they had one more pure scorer or if Mike Conley was never injured, and the bottom line is that this team is right there among the top contenders. Gasol has reportedly not even considered leaving Memphis and Green is expected to cash in with his player option, so that could complicate the cap situation for the Grizzlies. Gasol should get the money he deserves but Memphis will have to get creative when it comes to Green if they feel they have a better way to spend the $10 M they would owe him for next season.
San Antonio Spurs (55-27)
- UFA: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Marco Belinelli, Danny Green, Matt Bonner, Jeff Ayres
- RFA: Kawhi Leonard
- Team/Player Options: Reggie Williams
Duncan and Ginobili both contemplated retirement but will reportedly return to San Antonio for a shot at one more title run. The Spurs would be lucky to get them at a discount price in order to allow them to spend more money in free agency after they find a way to make sure Leonard gets paid. San Antonio will only bring back Green and Belinelli at the right price, and they are reportedly shopping Tiago Splitter in an effort to clear up enough cash to get deals done with both of them. The Spurs are also reportedly very interested in making a play for LaMarcus Aldridge, so it will be interesting to see what they do this summer.
Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
- UFA: Tyson Chandler, Rajon Rondo, Richard Jefferson, JJ Barea, Charlie Villanueva, Greg Smith, Amare Stoudemire
- RFA: Bernard James
- Team/Player Options: Monta Ellis, Raymond Felton, Al-Farouq Aminu, Dwight Powell
Chandler remains the Mavericks most important free agent and the front office has reportedly even mentioned a possible sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Clippers in a potential deal. Chandler would reportedly like to stay in Dallas, so if they don’t make a deal for Jordan, there is a good chance he stays. The Mavericks certainly won’t have anything to do with Rondo after he was banished from the team down the stretch but there is a very good chance they bring back Barea and Stoudemire at decent prices. Very quietly, it looks like Ellis is a goner too as the Mavs don’t seem to have much love for him.
New Orleans Pelicans (45-37)
- UFA: Omer Asik, Alexis Ajinca, Luke Babbitt, Dante Cunningham, Jimmer Fredette
- RFA: Norris Cole, Jeff Withey
- Team/Player Options: Eric Gordon, Toney Douglas
Former Pelicans head coach Monty Williams said that Asik would be a priority for the team but there is definitely no guarantee Alvin Gentry wants him back – especially considering his relatively steep price tag and how little New Orleans would have left over to spend. Gordon will undoubtedly cash in on his $15.5 M player option and Douglas will be back, but the rest of the Pelicans’ free agents are in a much different spot as Gentry looks to put his stamp on a team.
