SI's Marty Burns takes a look at this summer's top free agents.
Mike Bibby
G
Sacramento Kings
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
2001-02: 13.7 ppg, 5.0 apg, 2.8 rpg
Career: 14.5 ppg, 7.1 apg, 3.3 rpg
Status: Restricted free agent
The Word: After a stellar postseason, Bibby has made this a no-brainer for the Kings. Sacramento intends to re-sign the 6-foot-1 playmaker, most likely for the maximum terms. Bibby says he wants to stay in Sacramento, and no snags are
expected.
Michael Olowokandi
C
Los Angeles Clippers
Catherine Steenkeste/ NBAE/Getty Images
2001-02: 11.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.81 bpg
Career: 9.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.56 bpg
Status: Restricted free agent
The Word: The only legitimate center in the free-agent crop, Olowokandi could be a hot property. The 7-foot former No. 1 overall pick had a breakthrough season last year, posting career highs in points, rebounds and blocks. He says he’d prefer to stay in L.A., but it’s unclear whether the Clippers will be willing to match a big-money offer from another club.
Rashard Lewis
F
Seattle SuperSonics
Jeff Reinking/NBAE/Getty Images
2001-02: 16.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.7 apg
Career: 12.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.3 apg
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The Word: Lewis, a 6-foot-10 small forward with 3-point range, has improved his numbers in each of his first four seasons, and last year he asserted himself as a future star. He opted out of his contract and is seeking the maximum (seven years, $102 million). The Sonics say they want to keep him, and they'll be able to offer him the most money, but Lewis has long been intrigued by playing for his hometown Rockets.
Bonzi Wells
G
Portland Trail Blazers
Sam Forencich/NBAE/Getty Images
2001-02: 17.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.8 apg
Career: 12.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.3 apg
Status: Restricted free agent
The Word: A lot of teams would like to have this 6-foot-5 athletic shooting guard, and while the Blazers most likely will match any offer, a sign-and-trade is a strong possibility. Portland already has Derek Anderson at shooting guard, and Wells has indicated a desire to play elsewhere.
Keon Clark
F/C
Toronto Raptors
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
2001-02: 11.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.51 bpg
Career: 8.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.55 bpg
Status: Restricted free agent
The Word: The 6-foot-11 Clark ranked third in blocks per 48 minutes (4.3). The Raptors will hope to match, but keeping him could put them over the luxury-tax threshold. The Knicks may be interested, and can offer the $4.6 million exception, but the Bulls can offer more money because they are under the cap. His agent says Clark would prefer to play in a warm climate.
Raef LaFrentz
F/C
Dallas Mavericks
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
2001-02: 10.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.22 bpg
Career: 13.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.5 bpg
Status: Restricted free agent
The Word: The 6-foot-11 LaFrentz is expected to re-sign with the Mavericks. Acquired in a midseason trade with the Nuggets, he became a key contributor for Dallas as it advanced to the Western Conference semifinals for a second consecutive season. With Mark Cuban’s deep pockets, LaFrentz has nothing to worry about.
Rodney Rogers
F
Boston Celtics
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
2001-02: 11.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.5 apg
Career: 11.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.1 apg
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The Word: Rogers, a 6-foot-7 forward, averaged 10.7 points and 4.0 rebounds for the Celtics after joining them in a mid-season trade. The former Sixth Man Award winner is a versatile player who can bang and shoot from outside. He is a career 35.7 percent shooter from downtown. Boston has made re-signing him its No. 1 priority, but luxury-tax fears could prevent it. The Sixers, Knicks and Heat lead a group of teams interested in his services.
