Brendan Haywood is available on the free agent market after being released by the Blazers and teams like the LA Lakers, New York Knicks, Chicago Culls, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers could be potential landing spots for the big man, as some teams are still looking for depth up front heading out of the summer into training camp on rosters.
Haywood and his contract were major trade chips for the Cavaliers this offseason, as Haywood was on a non-guaranteed deal. The Cavs couldn't find a better deal than a salary dump with the Blazers and they moved both Haywood and Mike Miller in the trade. According to the Blazers team website, Portland waived Haywood after the trade and cleared his $10.5 million salary and now he is a free agent and can sign with any team.
The Cavaliers did not need Haywood back, as they have enough depth up front and the team had to make a move to ensure they could sign back other players. The team added back Matthew Dellavedova and they reportedly will sign back JR Smith and Tristan Thompson soon. Haywood did not play much for the Cavs last season and with Kevin Love signed back and Timofey Mozgov returning with Anderson Varejao, the team did not have as much need for Haywood.
Haywood could be an option for the Lakers, as Michael Scotto at Sheridan Hoops reports that the team is interested in adding depth to the front court. Scotto reported that the team had interest in Kevin Seraphin as a free agent, but he has now signed with the Knicks. The Lakers could look at Haywood or another free agent for depth behind Roy Hibbert, as the team only has Robert Sacre as a main option right now. The Knicks are not likely going to add Haywood after signing Seraphin, but the team could consider him for their final roster spot.
The Chicago Bulls are a potential fit for Haywood, as the team has Joakim Noah and basically nothing else at center right now. The team is not expected to bring back Nazr Mohammed, as he is reportedly contemplating retirement and that could lead to interest in Haywood. Last season Haywood did not play much and only registered 120 minutes in 22 games for the Cavaliers. Haywood averaged less than two points and two rebounds per game, but he could be a solid reserve player at the end of the bench for certain teams.
Marc Stein at ESPN reported that the Clippers were interested in Haywood before his move to the Blazers and that could be an option for Doc Rivers. The team has DeAndre Jordan back and while they added Cole Aldrich as a backup, Haywood could be an option if the team doesn't bring back Glen Davis. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Davis is considering the Clippers or a deal in Europe.
The Wizards and Raptors have expressed interest in Carlos Boozer earlier this offseason and they also could be options for a big man like Haywood. There are other free agents available on the market like Larry Sanders, Reggie Evans, Cory Jefferson, Henry Sims, Jason Maxiell, Elton Brand, Carlos Boozer and JaVale McGee among the big men, while players like Norris Cole, JR Smith and Mike Miller are also options for teams.
Check here for more on Haywood and the potential landing spots for the big man.
