The NBA free agent class is slimming down and players like Wesley Matthews, Reggie Jackson, Lou Williams, Ed Davis, Rodney Stuckey, Tobias Harris and Robin Lopez are available and teams like the LA Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons could be interested after players like Greg Monroe and DeMarre Carroll have signed.
Greg Monroe signed with the Bucks to take him off the market, while players like LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan are still deciding on what to do. Depending on where those players sign, teams like the LA Lakers, Boston Celtics and NY Knicks could go after the rest of the main crop of free agents, including names like Jackson, Matthews and Robin Lopez. The Knicks have added Arron Afflalo and reports have the team also looking at Lopez as a main target.
Matthews is getting some play on the market and he reportedly is being looked at by the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings. The Knicks and Lakers have not been able to snag any major free agents and that puts attention on Matthews for Los Angeles as well as New York. Those teams are not looking likely right now for Matthews, but they could step up if he doesn't sign with one of the other three in the mix for him. According to ESPN.com, the Mavericks are "frontrunners" for Matthews, as he likely is not returning to the Blazers.
The Raptors have been aggressive in free agency, as they have already signed DeMarre Carroll and reportedly were impressive in their meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge. The team signed Carroll to a $60 million deal so that could keep them out of the Matthews chase depending on what he is asking for. Last season Matthews averaged 15 points and nearly four rebounds in 60 games and he shot over 44 percent from the field and nearly 39 percent from three point range.
Reggie Jackson is a restricted free agent and while he is likely to return to the Pistons, there is a chance that a team like the Lakers or Knicks could step up. Brandon Knight just signed a five year deal worth $70 million and that could be what Jackson is looking for. The Knicks and Lakers could consider a deal if they keep striking out on big name players, while the Pistons may bring him back on a deal like Knight's after losing Greg Monroe to the Bucks.
Lou Williams is on the market and there is a chance that he could leave Toronto after the team brought in Carroll. According to Yahoo Sports, the Atlanta Hawks, Knicks and Pistons are options for Williams. The Raptors could still be open to keeping Williams, but other teams could step up. The Kings are in the mix for free agents, as Marc Stein reports that the team is looking at signing one of either Matthews, Rajon Rondo or Williams. The team likely only will sign one of those players after moving Nik Stauskas in a trade. The Boston Celtics have not been too active so far, but they have the space and the players to make trades or sign someone if they want and Matthews could be an option.
