The NBA offseason is just finishing up in 2013, but it's never too early to look ahead at the 2014 free agent class and depending on how things shake out, it could be one of the most star-studded in quite some time with names like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins, Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki and Andrew Bogut possibly hitting the market.
James and Anthony likely will lock down extensions from their teams before hitting the free agent market, but since that hasn't happened yet, why not speculate about it? Anthony and James are rumored targets of the Lakers, but if the Heat and the Knicks have anything to say about it that will never happen. DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George likely will get locked up too and George has been another rumored target of the Lakers. Sensing a trend here?
Kobe Bryant's deal is also up and now that he is coming off of a serious injury, he could end up taking a pay cut to help the Lakers sway one of the big free agents to sign. The Heat likely will try to lockup James before figuring out what to do with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and the Knicks have been rumored to allowing Anthony to build the roster in 2015 if he stays along in New York, which all signs point to him doing. Kyle Lowry could be a nice free agent option as well for teams, especially ones looking for a young point guard and after he averaged 11.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists with Toronto, he is looking like a solid option. Mario Chalmers will also be a free agent and he could command a nice deal after winning with the Heat.
Bryant is coming off of an injury and how he plays when he comes back will be the biggest question for the Lakers going forward as a team and a franchise. Pau Gasol's deal also will be up and while he put up career-worst numbers last season, that was due to Howard being around and he could have a nice bounce back year this season. The Lakers need more production from both players despite their age and it will be interesting to see if they go after a name like Andrew Bogut in free agency if he doesn't sign an extension and the Heat could go after him as well.
Dirk will also be on the market and he could command a team to give him a nice salary if the Mavericks want to part ways and George will also be a target, but it is likely the Pacers will never let him get onto the market. George and Cousins likely will stay put and the 23-year-old has said that he wants to stay with the Pacers. Last season George was excellent in the playoffs and he looks like a budding superstar.
