Free Agent Frenzy

The Los Angeles Lakers landed one of the top point guards this offseason, Steve Nash. Nash was formally the rival Phoenix Suns, who is from Canada considered playing for the Toronto Raptors. This will be the first time in the Kobe Bryant era that the Lakers have a true star point guard facilitating the ball and commanding the offense. With the arrival of Nash, Bynum and Gasol will receive the rock in the post more often and Kobe will not have all the pressure on him to be the point guard and shooting guard this season. With the acquisition of Nash, will the Lakers be a viable title contender for the next three seasons? Will the Lakers pursue options to trade one of their big men, Gasol or Bynum?


The blockbuster trade so far this offseason was Atlanta Hawks trading star shooting guard, Joe Johnson to the Brooklyn Nets. To get the All-Star shooting guard, the Nets gave up five role players and a first-round draft in 2014. Johnson agreed to be traded to the Nets well before All-Star free agent point guard Deron Williams decided his future. Williams, who is a Dallas native had to choose between his hometown team and returning to the Nets. After the Nets showed an aggressive pursuit this offseason to acquire better talent, Williams decided to re-sign with the team. The future of the Nets looks promising and a contending team in the Eastern Conference. The bar is set high for the Nets this season with two All-Star guards on the roster. The Nets were in discussion of try to acquire Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, the process took too long for the Nets and it fell through. The Nets ended trade talks with the Magic and decided to re-sign center Brook Lopez. Will they live up to expectations? Will they be able to keep up with powerhouse teams in the Eastern Conference such as Boston Celtics and defending NBA Champion Miami Heat?

Breakthrough player of the year, Jeremy Lin being was offered a contract from the Houston Rockets, the New York Knicks seemed to look elsewhere and pursue Dallas Mavericks free agent point guard Jason Kidd. The Knicks signed Kidd for veteran leadership both on and off the court. The Knicks according to sources are going to match the Rockets offer to retain Lin. Lin will be the starting point guard, while Kidd will be the mentor. Lin had a breakout year last season but needs guidance and a accomplished backup to help him improve. Will the veteran leadership of Kidd have an impact on the teams performance and how they operate their offense? Will Jeremy Lin succeed or crumble this season?


Free agent, Ray Allen had a tough decision to make this offseason, re-sign with the Celtics or pursue the last few years of his career elsewhere. The Celtics offered him a two-year contract worth $12 million, while the Miami Heat offered him $3 million a year.  Prior to Allen's decision, the Celtics  still look to entice the Mavericks into a sign-and-trade deal to land shooting guard Jason Terry. This may have been a sign to Allen that the Celtics were moving on without him. Allen decided to take the Heat's offer because he thought it would be his best opportunity to win another title. Going to a rival team, will Allen be looked at as a trader to Celtics fans? Is signing Allen the key to back-to-back championships? Will Jason Terry be able to fill the shoes of all the success and admiration that Ray Allen received from the Celtics fans?

The Dwightmare continues as the Rockets and Lakers try to acquire the All-Star center.