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Now, for the excitement Dull Finals give way to exciting summer of free agencyPosted: Monday June 16, 2003 12:34 PM
Jason Kidd and the Clippers. No, it’s not the name of a new rock 'n’ roll band. But it could decide which NBA teams are dancing Mark Madsen-style next season and which are left playing the head-banger’s ball. Kidd and the Clippers hold the key to this year’s upcoming free agent signing period, which begins July 16. As the marquee free agent and the team with the most to lose, respectively, their decisions could affect the NBA landscape for years to come. It’s not just the possibility of Kidd joining San Antonio, either. Just imagine the Spurs with Jermaine O’Neal instead. Or the Lakers with Karl Malone. The Mavs with Alonzo Mourning. The Heat with Gary Payton.
All are distinct possibilities, along with several other lesser moves (Gilbert Arenas to the Nuggets, Andre Miller to the Jazz) that have kept the rumor mill cranking all season. The key, of course, is Kidd. Fresh off leading the Nets to this year’s Finals, the 30-year-old point guard must decide whether to re-sign in New Jersey or leave for greener pastures in San Antonio or elsewhere. The Nets can offer him the most money, but Kidd could be tempted by the chance to join Tim Duncan and form a Western Conference power tandem along the likes of Shaq and Kobe. "I've got to play free agency out, and I've got to look at all of my options," Kidd said after the Nets lost Game 6 in San Antonio, hardly giving a ringing endorsement to the idea of returning to New Jersey. Next to Kidd, the Clippers wield the biggest influence in this year’s market. L.A. is one of just a handful of teams expected to have significant room under the salary cap -- along with the Spurs, Jazz, Nuggets and Heat -- but owner Donald Sterling isn’t likely to shop for help. Instead, the Clippers must decide which of their young free-agent guns -- Michael Olowokandi, Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom and Miller -- to keep and which to let walk the plank. Olowokandi and Brand could be attractive targets for the Spurs, should the Kidd deal not work out. San Antonio needs a big man to replace the retiring David Robinson and could clear enough cap room (an estimated $13 million to $14 million) to sign one. O’Neal, the Pacers’ young All-Star forward, also could be a possibility, though he is expected to re-sign in Indiana. The Heat, meanwhile, are mulling what to do with Mourning, who says he’s ready for a comeback after sitting out all of last season with a kindey ailment. Miami can clear roughly $7 million in cap space if it lets 'Zo go. The Heat could use the money instead on Payton, giving them a much-needed play-maker to go with Eddie Jones, Caron Butler and Brian Grant. If Miami goes that direction, look for Mourning to sign for mid-level money (around $4.7 million) with a title contender such as the Mavs or Lakers. Those two teams also could be in contention for Utah’s Malone, who is facing a massive paycut if he decides to finish his Hall of Fame career in Salt Lake City. Then there’s Scottie Pippen, who could decide to join his former coach Phil Jackson for one more title run in L.A. No matter what, there are going to be some interesting moves made in the offseason. After this year’s Finals, NBA fans are no doubt ready for some excitement.
Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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