NBA Free Agent Class of 2010 – Best of the Rest – Small Forwards

            As many of the big-name stars of the most newsworthy free agent period in all of sports have found their respective teams, there are still many serviceable players who played on an NBA team last year but are looking for a team.  Some players are starter-material, some of serviceable role players, while others will be sandwiched off a roster due to new draft picks and D-League commodities.  Taking a look at some of the notable names still available in free agency, we’ll see which teams these small forwards will call home.

Tracy McGrady

Age: 31

Last team: New York Knicks

Last season’s salary: $22,483,124

Predicted team for 2010-2011 season: Los Angeles Clippers

            Perhaps one of the biggest names left available in this year’s free agent class, although not necessarily because of how well he performed last season.  Tracy McGrady hasn’t been much more than an injury-risk and a trade piece after being the highest paid player in the league.  However, many teams such as the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are still interested in this former scoring champion as a dependable scorer and some added star power to any team.  While these championship-caliber teams are certainly viable locations, the Los Angeles Clippers may be the best situation for McGrady to choose.  With Al-Farouq Aminu their small forward of the future and other stars around him such as Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, and Chris Kaman, McGrady would fit in nicely with a team aiming for their first playoff berth since the 2005-2006 season.

Matt Barnes

Age: 30

Last team: Orlando Magic

Last season’s salary: $1,600,000

Predicted team for 2010-2011 season: Cleveland Cavaliers

            After the Orlando Magic’s signing of Quentin Richardson, Matt Barnes is no longer needed in Orlando.  An energy guy who can rebound and defend, he can definitely be a piece for any team.  While being courted by the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, Cleveland is one of those teams that can offer his more money and a chance to play big minutes.  A team in flux, Barnes could very well be a piece that the Cavaliers need to go in the right direction.

Richard Jefferson

Age: 30

Last team: San Antonio Spurs

Last season’s salary: $14,000,000

Predicted team for 2010-2011 season: San Antonio Spurs

            After opting out of the last year of his $15.2 million contract, Richard Jefferson was hoping to capitalize on the market out there.  However, due to his unspectacular season, it seems like Jefferson may have to end up settling for a contract a third of what he could have made with the San Antonio Spurs.  Very few teams seem to be showing interest for Jefferson, as his best bet would be to return to the Spurs and try to do well with them before the days of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker are over.

Josh Howard

Age: 30

Last team: Washington Wizards

Last season’s salary: $10,890,000

Predicted team for 2010-2011 season: Chicago Bulls

            Although Josh Howard has had some disappointing season recently, he is still being contacted by plenty of teams hoping he can return back to form when he was the second scorer behind Dirk Nowitzki on the Dallas Mavericks.  The Chicago Bulls have been a team that has been looking for scorers and players to round out their core that consists of Derrick Rose, new acquisition Carlos Boozer, and Joakim Noah.  Signing Howard would give the Bulls the heir apparent to Luol Deng, as they continue to try and unload his large contract.  Plus, Chicago is one of a few teams with the money to acquire Howard, for they were only able to add one maximum contract in Boozer although they had made room for two.  Other teams he might go to are the Boston Celtics or back to the Wizards.