2009 NBA Free Agent List

All the talk around the NBA free agent market seems to be regarding the summer of 2010. With names such as Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Manu Ginobili, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen, Joe Johnson, and Richard Jefferson all becoming available for free agency. So as teams frantically move money around trying to open up cap space for 2010 we forget that 2009 comes before 2010 and there are plenty of quality players for teams to pick up this offseason. Let's take a look at some of the top unrestricted free agents of 2009.

Kobe Bryant - A lot of people forget that Kobe can opt out of his contract at the end of this season. Most people believe he'll stay on with the Lakers for at least another year because of the possibility of winning another championship in LA.

Lamar Odom - Odom can help any team in the NBA with his great all around game. He is 6'10'' and can score, rebound, pass, and defend from almost any position on the court.

Carlos Boozer - As long as Kobe doesn't opt out of his contract, Boozer will be the number one free agent in 2009. He is a proven all-star and is still only 27 years old. He has a player option for next season, but most assume he'll opt out and look for another long-term max. contract.

Shawn Marion - Marion has played for three teams over the past two years, but in 2009 a team will certainly look to get him for good. He's extremely versatile and can defend shooting guards, small and power forwards.

Mike Bibby - Bibby is one of the top point guards in the 2009 free agent class. Though his game has dropped since his days in Sacramento, he can bring instant offense for a team lacking point guard play.

Andre Miller - Probably the best point guard in the 2009 free agent market, Miller will bring leadership, scoring, and passing to any team.

Ben Gordon - He has been the Bulls top offensive threat off the bench. He'll most likely be looking for a team that wants him to start at shooting guard and is willing to shell out a large long-term contract.

Jason Kidd - At 35 years old, Kidd can still run an offense and provide leadership for any team. Look for a team to pick up Kidd that is trying to win a championship in the next few years and needs a point guard to help them get over the edge.

Allen Iverson - The market for Iverson may not be so great this offseason as his performance in Detroit has been a disappointment. He'll probably not get the contract he wants or get on a team contending for a championship, but he can still put up big numbers for any team.

Rasheed Wallace - The other big free agent on Detroit is Wallace and unlike Iverson, the market for him will be big. He provides an interior presence on defense and can score from anywhere on the court.

Ron Artest - Perhaps the best defender in the NBA, Artest will bring a toughness and attitude to the franchise willing to put up with his sometimes off beat personality.

Jermaine O'Neal - O'Neal has a player option with Miami, meaning if he chooses he can stay there for another year. If he decides to opt out he'll be one of the most sought after PF in free agency.