Upcoming Free Agents: Rashard Lewis

It was just two years ago when the Seattle Sonics were a resurgent offensive team that won fifty games and made it to the second round of the playoffs. A short time later, the team has lost its fiery coach, Nate McMillan, and is on the verge of losing a marquee player in Rashard Lewis.

Story Before Free Agency - Drafted straight out of high school, Rashard needed time to develop in the NBA. Once he blossomed, however, he became one of the better inside-out small forwards in the league. Rashard has many options ahead of him with the most fiscally appealing one being an opt-out of his contract.

Why A Free Agent? - With so many teams looking for a reliable second scoring-punch for their superstar, Rashard may find himself in the maximum contract range if he opts out of his contract.

Strengths

• Big small forward, six-foot ten, who has enough range to knock down threes with the best of them.
• At the ripe age of 28, he is entering his prime. He is the only superstar free agent who can say that this season.
• Can play multiple positions with ease. Perfect fit for a team looking to up its tempo.
• Career .800 free throw shooter.

Accomplishments

• One-time All-Star.
• Franchise leader in three-point field goals made for the Seattle Supersonics.

Expected Salary Offer - As mentioned before, unlike other top free agents Chauncey Billups and Vince Carter, Rashard is still relatively young in NBA terms. For that reason, he should get the richest contract of anyone in 2007. Still the amount of money he gets depends on the team he signs with. I would expect Rashard to get anywhere between 75-85 million dollars over six years.

Teams In The Mix

• Seattle Sonics - Unfortunately for the Sonics, the team has had trouble convincing Rashard Lewis to stay put and sources say the most the team could offer to him is a mere 73 million dollars over six years. If Rashard is out to get the most bang for his buck, Seattle doesn't have a chance unless they up their offer. Still, it would be hard for the team to give up a superstar who has spent eight seasons in one city.
• Orlando Magic - This is where it gets interesting. Orlando has enough money under the cap to give Rashard Lewis a monster contract. They will finally be free of Grant Hill and thus can find someone to take pressure off of Dwight Howard in the post. Lewis seems like a perfect fit for Orlando.
• Charlotte Bobcats - The Bobcats are on this list only because they have so much money they could literally afford anyone in the NBA. They are not set at the three position and Lewis could fill seats for the still-new franchise. It is hard to see Rashard signing with the team, however, unless no one else offers him money.

Rashard's Pick - Rashard Lewis has made it clear he is not happy with the way Seattle has avoided contract negotiations and low-balled him. While he has yet to state a preference of teams, it is expected Rashard goes to the highest offer.

Telling Quote - "We'll make a decision soon but we are leaning toward opting out," said Dutt, whom Lewis hired over the All-Star break after parting ways with Kevin Poston, who has represented him since his rookie season.

Final Prediction - Rashard leaves the Sonics for Orlando and signs a 85 million dollar deal over six seasons.