Trade deadline, trade deadline, trade deadline. . .
It is on everyone’s mind right now as the days count down to March 15. But while general managers around the league slowly pick and choose their spots to play “Let’s make a deal,” there is an open market this offseason that will draw even more attention: NBA free agency. While Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, and Steve Nash fill the headlines right now, there are a number of players — both restricted and unrestricted — who are looking to cash in this summer in free agency based upon the seasons they are having.
Here are eight under-the-radar free agents preparing to get paid:
Omer Asik, Chicago Bulls (Restricted) – $1.9 million:
When the playing time is there, Asik has been outstanding for Chicago. Still averaging around 14 minutes per game, the center out of Turkey gives the Bulls five rebounds and a block per game in that span. His best game this season: 6 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks in 38 minutes versus Charlotte. OK, it is the Bobcats, but you cannot knock Asik’s hustle.
Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers (Restricted) – $2.6 million:
Hibbert now has some All-Star swag about him after making the trek to Orlando, so look for Indiana to ante up. It is always tough to find a young, 7-foot-2 big man, who is only growing on both ends of the floor and is nearly averaging a double-double this season (13.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game). This one should be a no-brainer for Larry Bird.
Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers (Unrestricted) – $2.2 million:
Sure negotiations stalled between Batum’s agent and Portland, but look for the two sides to pick up where they left off this offseason. Batum — along with LaMarcus Aldridge — is a player the Blazers can build around and his game is only going to get better. He is shooting 42 percent from 3-point range, is averaging 13.8 points per game, and his defense is as polished as ever. The best part: he is still only 23 years old. If Portland cannot reach a deal with Batum (remember, they will also negotiate with fellow free agent Gerald Wallace), watch for both the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers to throw offers his way.
Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic (Restricted) – $2.2 million:
Hand the guy some minutes and look what he does with them. Anderson has been shooting lights out from outside this season in Orlando and is one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. Look for the Magic to bring Anderson back. He is certainly earning it this year.
Jeremy Lin, New York (Restricted) – $762,195:
One word: fuggetaboutit. The Knicks will gladly reward Lin for helping save their season.
JaVale McGee, Washington Wizards (Restricted) – $2.5 million:
Do not let the bonehead plays fool you. McGee is one of the most athletic talents in the NBA. Maybe he has not been the most coachable kid in the league, but get him into the right system and playing for a disciplined coach (San Antonio or Minnesota), and we might see a whole different JaVale McGee.
Brandon Rush, Golden State Warriors (Restricted) – $3.0 million ($4.1 million Qualifying Offer):
Not only did Golden State steal Rush from Indiana in a trade for Lou Amundson in December, but Golden State is looking to bring him back for an encore next season. Check out the numbers: 8.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 24 minutes a game, leads the league in three-point shooting (52 percent) and could even break the NBA record Kyle Korver set with the Utah Jazz in 2009-10, when Korver shot 53.6 percent from deep. Ring it up for Rush.
Greg Stiemsma, Boston Celtics (Unrestricted) $762,195:
He may not be Jeremy Lin, but Stiemsma also came out of nowhere and remains a fan favorite in Boston for his ability to block shots and defend in the paint. While his playing time is down (8.3 minutes per game in 26 games played), no one can forget his first game for Boston: six blocks in 20 minutes. Or how he worked his way into the starting lineup three games later. The 26-year old rookie who was called up from the D-League (Defensive Player of the Year in 2010) had his contract guaranteed for the season in February, and even led the league in blocked shots briefly this season. Will he back in Beantown for more run?