This year’s yield of free agent power forwards could provide a big boost if their suitors are able to land them. Some of the names available are future hall of famers, that most likely than not, will stay with their current franchise. Many are on the wrong side of thirty but can still provide as a second or third option on a championship caliber team. There are a few that even have a chance to be a franchise player in the future and are looking for fresh starts. Introducing the 2014 free agent power forwards:
Best 2014 Free Agent Power Forwards
Chris Bosh
Early Termination Clause | 30 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $19M | Miami Heat
It’s not guaranteed, but Bosh will almost certainly return to the Heat. At thirty years old, he has three or four years left of his prime the way he plays, and there aren’t many better situations than he has in Miami. Even as Dwayne Wade has slowed down and will eventually stop, a combination of Bosh and LeBron James would still make the Heat a top team in the league. James leaving is the only reason Bosh would leave at this point and I doubt James is planning on another “decision.”
Forecast: Can’t beat the Heat.
Dirk Nowitzki
Unrestricted | 35 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $22M | Dallas Mavericks
Owner Mark Cuban would never let him leave, Nowitzki doesn’t have any desire to.
Forecast: Dallas Mavericks.
Tim Duncan
Player Option | 38 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $19.3M | San Antonio Spurs
I am guessing two more years in a Spurs uniform.
Forecast: Spurs.
Zach Randolph
Player Option | 32 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $17.8M | Memphis Grizzlies
Not going anywhere, at least this season.
Forecast: Grizzlies.
Greg Monroe
Restricted | 23 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $4M | Detroit Pistons
The most intriguing free agent on this list, and so far the only one that could be in a different uniform next season, Greg Monroe has all-star potential (15 ppg and 9 rpg). The Pistons have the ability to match any offer, but to a point, they won’t. They have Drummond at center, and if they can’t unload Josh Smith’s contract (who would take that on?) he is more natural as a power forward. The Pistons almost have to hope for a sign and trade option, but new coach Stan Van Gundy may want to give it a shot before they unload Monroe.
Forecast: Boston or Orlando depending on who they draft (IE not Julius Randle). If Rudy Gay opts out, Sacramento may make a play.
Pau Gasol
Unrestricted | 33 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $19.3M | Los Angeles Lakers
Pau Gasol should easily find somewhere to play. He’ll most likely be taking a pay cut the equivalent of half his current salary. Anything more than $10M is too much. Still highly skilled, and never relying on his athleticism (which is actually very good), Gasol can be that second or third piece that could push a playoff team to a contender. Problem is, there aren’t many of those teams that can afford Gasol, even at that reduced rate.
Forecast: Knicks make a run for him via a sign and trade.
Andray Blatche
Player Option | 27 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $1.38M | Brooklyn Nets
Andray Blatche had an excellent season for the Nets, becoming their most consistent big man because of the injury to Brook Lopez and the age of Kevin Garnett. I’d be surprised if he took his player option for $1.44M considering he is bound to fetch more on the open market.
Forecast: Dallas Mavericks. Cuban has a history of getting these types of players and integrating them nicely.
Boris Diaw
Unrestricted | 32 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $4.7M | San Antonio Spurs
Boris Diaw is a player that’s style can only work with a few teams. Obviously his best years were in Phoenix, but he’s been a huge part of what the Spurs have done. He could possibly be pried away at the right price, but no another team will offer him more than $4.5M for two years, and that’s a price point the Spurs would happily match and Diaw would be glad to stay.
Forecast: Spurs
Drew Gooden
Unrestricted | 32 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $0.4M | Washington Wizards
Gooden is a player who seemingly gets passed around every season, yet he always finds ways to produce. He’s no longer “Recede Wallace” from his college years, but he’s got a good enough offensive game and a strong enough body on defense to play good bench minutes. Washington could take another shot at him, he’ll be cheap so expect some contenders to take a look (could find some minutes next to Dwight Howard with his jump shot).
Forecast: Wizards or Rockets
Patrick Patterson
Restricted | 25 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $2.1M | Toronto Raptors
Patterson is essentially a younger version of Gooden. Meaning he’ll be quite a bit more expensive. He’s restricted and he’s at least second on the depth chart behind Amir Johnson, but in front of Chuck Hayes and Tyler Hansborogh, the Raptors are a good fit.
Forecast: Raptors
Jordan Hill
Unrestricted | 26 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $3.5M | Los Angeles Lakers
A good defender/rebounder and decent offensive player around the basket, Hill should get picked up by a team with a low risk, high reward time frame.
Forecast: Mavericks, Sixers
2014 NBA Free Agent Power Forward Per Game Statistics
Other power forwards that could make an impact
Mike Scott
Restricted | 25 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $0.8M | Atlanta Hawks
Ed Davis
Restricted | 24 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $3.2M | Memphis Grizzlies
Josh McRoberts
Player Option | 27 years old | 2013-14 Salary: $2.6M | Charlotte Bobcats (Hornets)