Big Names Will Test Free Agency

Not everyone is waiting for 2010 – the mother of all free agent summers – to try to improve their team by throwing big money at the seasoned veterans.

Even in hard economic times, the top players like Carlos Boozer, Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Kidd will leave teams and get their financial reward in other places. The squeeze will be on the lower-level free agents who must settle for minimum or various exceptions.

What hurts this class is that only seven teams really have major room under the salary cap to make something happen, and they usually aren't the NBA's biggest spenders. Unless the free agents stay with their current teams, only Memphis, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Atlanta, Portland, Toronto and Detroit have major room.

Although there has been plenty of dancing and unofficial talks the last few days, the real dealings can't start until 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

Here is a breakdown by position of the five most intriguing – and unrestricted – free agents.

Point Guards

Jason Kidd (Mavs) – They made a mistake by giving up promising Devin Harris and two first-round picks to get him. He still can help a good team win, but at age 36 he is slowing noticeably. Someone like Atlanta or Portland may sign him away from Dallas.

Allen Iverson (Pistons) – Must take a big pay cut to keep playing because the Pistons have no interest anymore. He could make a splash for a year with the Knicks in Mike D'Antoni's offense. Or how about reuniting with Larry Brown in Charlotte?

Mike Bibby (Hawks) – He was key in the Hawks ability to get past the first round. They should try hard to re-sign him because they still need his stabilizing influence. He is only 31.

Andre Miller (Sixers) – Still puts up good numbers and rarely misses any games, but his lack of playoff success should be a red flag. Might stay with the Sixers if outside interest isn't there

Ronnie Price (Jazz) – More of a low-budget guy who should try his luck elsewhere because he won't play much behind Deron Williams. Might be what either Atlanta or Philadelphia needs if their current starter leaves.

Shooting Guards

Kobe Bryant (Lakers) – No need for anyone in LA to worry. When you're the champ, everyone loves you again to the max, which is what he'll receive should he decide to opt-out and sign a longer deal. If he brings Odom and Ariza along for the ride, the Lakers can repeat.

Ben Gordon (Bulls) – This one is going to cost because several teams are interested. Can't stop anyone on defense, and plays in a system that helps him. Likely will stay where he is because the Bulls need him.

Anthony Parker (Raptors) – Only NBA player who isn't as good as his sister, but he will be looking around in hopes of finding a better-paying home.

Marquis Daniels (Pacers) – Pacers let him become unrestricted because for all his talents, he doesn't always focus well. Still can play multiple positions on the perimeter, but he'll have to wait until the tops guys sign first.

Dahntay Jones (Nuggets) – He is coming off his best all-around season. He is just entering his prime and his playoff performance, especially at the defensive end, will be rewarded. Nuggets success in the playoffs works in his favor.

Small Forwards

Ron Artest (Rockets): With Yao Ming potentially lost for the 2009-10 season, the Rockets really need to keep him, especially after the way they came together late last season. Artest isn't quite the lock-down defender he once was, but he's still a well-rounded player who can win games. Miami might try but they don't have the money he wants.

Hedo Turkoglu (Magic) – The traded traded for Vince Carter because they didn't want to play Turkoglu's asking price. He is leaving a championship contender to get more money in Portland or Toronto.

Trevor Ariza (Lakers) – An outstanding second half of the season – and his playoff performance – earned him real money for the first time in his career. Lakers want him back, but he's not good enough to overpay.

Shawn Marion (Raptors) – Will never be as good as he once was playing alongside Steve Nash. No one ever is when they leave Nash. Will have to take a cut, but may end up at Oklahoma City or Memphis.

Grant Hill (Suns) – With Shaq gone and Stoudemire almost out the door, Hill is likely to join one of the contenders. Still has some game left, and could end up in Miami or San Antonio if the Spurs let go of Michael Finley.

Power Forwards

Carlos Boozer (Jazz): He is expected to opt out Tuesday, but the Jazz may not pay him the monster contract he wants. He's been injured way too much to give him a max deal. It's why they've targeted Paul Millsap to be his replacement. Detroit or New York might give him what he wants.

Anderson Varejao (Cavs): The addition of Shaq to the front line makes him very important. He really could shine next to the big guy, grabbing all sorts of rebounds. He'd be smart to re-sign in Cleveland.

Charlie Villanueva (Bucks) -- Surprised that the Bucks didn't make him a qualifying offer. He has been lobbying hard to play in Cleveland, but if Varejao returns the Cavs really don't need him. Sacramento and Atlanta are expected to make a run, but don't be surprised if he stays where he is.

Brandon Bass (Mavs) – He looked good in a limited role behind Dirk Nowitzki, and would be a nice rebounder for a team that already had a good center like Orlando or San Antonio. Will get a nice raise because he's a hustler who doesn't mind doing the dirty work.

Lamar Odom (Lakers) – It's tough for a team to not pay you well when you help win an NBA title. Odom will have to take a pay cut if he wants to stay, but he won't find a better fit, where he can stay in a secondary role behind a pair of stars.

Centers

Rasheed Wallace (Pistons) – He's too old (36) to play anywhere but with one of the contenders. The Pistons want someone younger, like Boozer, when they try to add another big piece in 2010. The Magic, Celtics and Spurs want his championship experience.

Zaza Pachulia (Hawks) – A big bull in the middle who can knock down people. Anyone in the East who needs bodies to help with Dwight Howard could use him.

Mehmet Okur (Jazz) – Another one of those centers who would rather face the basket and take 3's. Expected to opt out and become unrestricted on Tuesday. Good shooter who can win games if his team already has a low-post threat. Just don't expect him to bang around the boards.

Chris Andersen (Nuggets) – Teams love his shot blocking and high-octane engine. His popularity in Denver means the Nuggets probably will overpay to keep him. For a guy who was bounced from the league a few years ago, his stock sure has risen.

Rasho Nesterovic (Pacers) – Still has the skills to play center in the NBA, but the Pacers often wonder about willingness to play physical. Will make a good backup somewhere, but don't count on him as a starter.