The NBA free agent market has names like Carlos Boozer, Mike Miller, JaVale McGee, Greg Stiemsma, Glen Davis, Toney Douglas and Norris Cole available and teams like the LA Lakers, NY Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets could be potential landing spots moving through August.
Teams throughout the league are trying to finalize rosters heading into the back stretch of the summer and players like Boozer and McGee could get some extra looks for teams who need depth. The Knicks just signed Kevin Seraphin to help take care of the backup spot at center for Robin Lopez and teams like the Lakers, Rockets and Heat could be looking for more depth on the market. Miami has a tight roster situation with Josh Richardson signed, but the team is expected to move Mario Chalmers and/or Chris Andersen and that could open up a roster spot.
Boozer remains on the market after being fairly productive last season and he should be able to find a team for camp if not after if he remains on the market. According to the New York Post, the Knicks have had "tepid" interest in Boozer, but that likely is off the table after the team signed Seraphin. The New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks have also had reported interest in Boozer and those teams could pick back up on that soon.
The Mavericks signed Samuel Dalembert to add a "rim protector" and Marc Stein at ESPN reported that the team has had "exploratory" interest in JaVale McGee. McGee could get interest from teams like the Bulls and Lakers, but he has had injury issues and may have to prove he can stay healthy after playing in just 23 games last season. The Bulls only have one true center on the roster with Joakim Noah, while the Lakers may want more behind Roy Hibbert and Robert Sacre moving through the summer into camp.
Mike Miller was traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Blazers and reports have Miller and Brendan Haywood getting waived after that deal. Haywood could be an option for the Lakers, Bulls or Heat, while Miller should get attention as well. Marc Stein reports that Miller may have to wait until later in the summer since most teams rosters are set, but later on teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks could be fits for the shooter.
Miller averaged just two points per game last season for the Cavaliers while playing in 52 games and he only played 13 minutes per game for the team. Miller is hoping to get a bigger role moving forward and the Grizzlies could look at bringing him back. JR Smith and Norris Cole are free agents, but right now it looks like those players will go back to their teams. The Cavs want to keep Smith and the Pelicans reportedly will match offers for Cole, as he is a restricted free agent.
Boozer comes in after averaging 12 points and nearly seven rebounds per game for the Lakers and he could be a solid depth option for teams at forward. Miami could be a fit if they make moves on the roster, as he could be insurance in case Amar'e Stoudemire can't stay healthy along with Chris Bosh. The Sixers reportedly have considered signing JR Smith and Norris Cole, keep an eye on them making one solid move in free agency before the summer is over.
Check here for more on free agent targets for teams heading through August.
