NBA Stars Who May Be On The Move

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 30, 2007

NBA Stars Who May Be On The Move

Kobe Bryant

After calling the team's front office "a mess," Kobe Bryant asked to be traded from the Lakers. He said there was ''no other alternative'' and nothing the Lakers could do to change his mind.

Kevin Garnett

With an option to become a free agent after next season, and having not made the playoffs since 2003-04, the one-time MVP would surprise many if he didn't leave Minnesota, which may make this summer the last chance the T'wolves have to get something of value before he bolts.

Vince Carter

Carter is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract ($16.4 million) and become a free agent July 1. Whether the Nets would meet anything close to his expected asking price (roughly three years, $60 million) remains to be seen after his lack of clutch play in the postseason. Orlando (where Carter has a home) and Charlotte (where Carter has Carolina roots as a former Tar Heel) could be among the free-agent suitors.

Jason Kidd

Whether the Nets bring back Vince Carter could affect what they do with Kidd, 34, whose value won't get any higher after he produced a standout regular season and averaged a triple double in 14 playoff games. Kidd, who was nearly dealt to the Lakers at the trade deadline, has two years and $41 million remaining on his contract.

Rashard Lewis

Lewis has opted out of the final two years of his contract, but could re-sign with the Sonics. The sweet-shooting small forward, who turns 28 in August, has averaged at least 20 points a game the past three seasons, including a career-high 22.4 in 2006-07.

Chauncey Billups

Billups will be arguably the top prize on the free-agent market once he opts out of the final year ($6.8 million) of his deal. The Pistons are committed to keeping him, and it's easy to see why when you watch Detroit play for stretches without its 30-year-old floor leader, who made the All-NBA third team this season.

Shawn Marion

After failing yet again to make the NBA Finals, the Suns need to strengthen a bench that offered little help beyond Leandro Barbosa and Kurt Thomas. That's where Marion comes in. Though his 19 points, 10 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and long-range shooting would not be easy to replace, the salary-cap savings and players acquired in a possible deal may afford the Suns the depth they need.

Jermaine O'Neal

O'Neal has denied reports that he has requested a trade, saying he wants to stay with the Pacers as long as they don't shift into rebuilding mode. But that's exactly where Indiana could be headed after missing the playoffs for the first time since 1997 and firing coach Rick Carlisle.

Pau Gasol

Memphis has much to decide before mulling a possible Gasol trade, including hiring a coach and GM and preparing for the June 28 draft. Gasol has softened his stance since requesting a trade in mid-January, expressing optimism about the Grizzlies' future -- provided he senses a commitment to winning. Any trade partner would have to swallow hard as Gasol has four years and $63 million remaining on his max contract.

Gerald Wallace

How versatile is the 24-year-old forward? After a slow start to the season, he averaged 21.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.25 blocks and 1.19 blocks and shot 52.3 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three-point range over the final 52 games. It's a no-brainer for him to opt out the final year of his deal ($6.05 million).

Andrew Bynum

The Lakers reportedly balked at including Bynum in a deal that would have brought them Jason Kidd at the trade deadline. Bynum's name should surface again in the offseason because if L.A. is eyeing immediate help for Kobe Bryant after a second straight first-round exit, the preps-to-pros 7-footer likely would be the bait. Bynum made strides in his second season, and he won't turn 20 until the end of next season's training camp.

Mike Bibby

Bibby can opt out of the final two years of his deal, but it's unlikely he'd leave $28 million on the table after the worst shooting season of his nine-year career. Mentioned in trade speculation involving Cleveland before the deadline, Bibby could be dangled again this summer as the Kings consider shaking up a team that missed the playoffs for the first time since 1998.

Mo Williams

Williams will be a nice free-agent consolation prize for any point-guard-needy team unable to land Chauncey Billups. The 24-year-old heads into free agency after a season in which he averaged 17.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds.

Darko Milicic

Milicic will be a restricted free agent, meaning the Magic have the right to match any offer for him. Though the 7-footer was inconsistent, at best, in his fourth season, he remains an intriguing prospect who will turn 22 during the offseason. GM Otis Smith has said Orlando "can't afford" to lose Milicic as a complement to center Dwight Howard, but the price tag could be high for a still-unproven player.