How fitting was it to see NBA owners and players strike a deal on Black Friday? But while the labor agreement signified peace between the two parties, the Black Friday frenzy will carry over into the condensed free-agency and pre-season periods.
Here are five potential moves that could shake up your favorite franchise:
- Tyson Chandler exits Dallas – The Dallas Mavericks’ championship run has been largely attributed to finally having a solidifying defensive presence in the post. Chandler scored, rebounded and defended very well in Dallas and helped provide the toughness that Mark Cuban’s squad lacked for a long time. It’s been largely presumed that Chandler would re-sign once the lockout ended. But the free-agent center is reportedly upset that Mavs didn’t offer him an extension last season (likely due to the pending lockout) and wants to shop around. Dallas won’t let him go without a fight.
- Chris Paul to the Knicks? – Various rumors have had New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul being traded before the upcoming season. Why? CP3 can opt out of his current contract after the season. With the Hornets going nowhere fast, they almost have to move him now to get value for the loss. Yahoo Sports! is reporting that Paul’s agent has asked for a trade to the New York Knicks, which would re-unite him with former U.S. Olympic teammate and friend Carmelo Anthony. Other rumors have Paul being shipped off to the Clippers, Lakers and Celtics.
- Where will Nene land? – Denver Nuggets center Nene shares the title of “most-coveted free-agent” alongside Chandler this off-season. With Kenyon Martin locked into a deal playing in China, the Nuggets will definitely make a run to re-sign the athletic big man. But Nene will have his share of potential suitors such as the Mavs (if Chandler goes elsewhere), Heat (with some financial finagling), Clippers, Rockets, Warriors and others.
- Superman 2.0 to the Lake Show? – The Lakers have flirted with the idea of going after Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard for some time, but have been reluctant to part with Andrew Bynum in any deal. Now CBS Sports is reporting the Lakers may be gearing up to make an offer. However, this may turn into a three-team deal including Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut if it comes to fruition. Howard will be an unrestricted free-agent after the season.
- NBA amnesty victims – With the new labor deal, the league has a refined (not new) rule for waiving players with “bad” contracts. It’s been nicknamed the “amnesty” clause. The league will allow teams to cut one player and have his salary removed from the books (the player will still be paid, but not count towards the salary cap). Released players will not be able to sign with teams who are over the salary cap. A few potential casualties are: Rashard Lewis, Washington; Baron Davis, Cleveland; Mike Miller, Miami; Brandon Roy, Portland; and Gilbert Arenas, Orlando.
