NBA free agency has had most of the big names sign new contracts with different teams, including players like Dwight Howard, Monta Ellis, Andre Iguodala and Josh Smith, but now teams will really get the chance to show off how good their general managers are, as they try to fill out their rosters will solid role players and veterans.
One option that could be good for the New York Knicks to go after is former Spurs player Gary Neal and although he is a restricted free agent (UPDATE: the offer was withdrawn by San Antonio), it appears that San Antonio isn't going to sign him back after keeping Tiago Splitter. Neal could be a good fit for the Bucks and Lakers as well after making it to the finals with the Spurs and averaging 9.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season while shooting over 40 percent. Neal showed in the playoffs that when he gets hot he can be a factor and the Spurs have shown signs that they won't match the offers that Neal gets.
The Knicks at one point were making a play for him, but after signing JR Smith and Pablo Prigioni back, that talk has cooled. Mo Williams is another solid free agent option and reports from Yahoo said that he would be willing to take a pay cut to play with a contender and that could mean options like the Miami Heat, Spurs or the Knicks as well. Williams had a very solid season of 12.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists with the Jazz last year and he could be a good option off the bench for contending teams.
The Pistons appeared to be in play for him before signing Josh Smith and the Sixers also were linked to Williams earlier in the year as well. The Bucks could go after him to add even more depth behind Carlos Delfino and Luke Ridnour in case the Brandon Jennings deal doesn't get done and since it is taking so long, that could be a good option. Williams showed signs of his explosiveness last season and that could be very valuable off the bench for the Bucks along with OJ Mayo.
Jennings likely will get a deal done with the Bucks, even if it isn't a long term one and he had one of his best seasons last year while averaging 17.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists and that is why he is asking for over $11 million per year. The Bucks have balked at that number and while rumors have come up about him moving to the Pistons or another team in a trade deal, the Bucks have shown that they are also ready to stand pat and bring him back, especially after losing top scorer Monta Ellis to the Mavericks.
