Its a shame how little respect Josh Smith get around the NBA

[Peoriabird]

he dust is nearly settled on the summer's hectic free agency period that saw one unexpected move after another. With nearly every roster spot accounted for (until any possible trades shake things up), it's never too early to start thinking about next year. The crop of free agents in 2013 is a deep one and there are quality players at every position who could turn a contender into a championship team.

Let's take a quick look at who's available.

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (Unrestricted)

Where to start? When Howard waived his early termination option in March it automatically meant he'd become an unrestricted free agent next summer. With Howard, little else is automatic, as his trade saga has dragged out for the better part of a year.

Late Wednesday night it was reported that Howard would sign a long-term extension with the Lakers if a trade goes through, which would mercifully take him off the free-agent market. (Of course, this all depends on Andrew Bynum agreeing to sign a long-term contract wherever he is sent in a trade, which is far from a sure thing.)

But should a trade not go down at all this season, thanks to Howard's now legendary indecisiveness and All-Star-level waffling, his potential free-agent destination is still puzzling. Dallas, Houston and Cleveland will have cap space, but not Howard's interest. The Lakers seem to have the most attractive scenario and represent his best route to a title, but whether or not he lands there is out of his hands for now.

2. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers (Unrestricted)

Surprisingly, there hasn't been much of a "will he or won't he" question surrounding Paul's big decision next summer, especially considering the fact that Paul is far from a lock to remain in Clipper Land.

But the Clippers certainly want him to stay. Their recent acquisitions suggest they're in win-now mode. This summer they brought in a former seven-time All-Star (Grant Hill) and two former sixth man award winners (Jamal Crawford and Lamar Odom) that should provide them with plenty of firepower. But with Billups also returning, four of their top eight players are well over 30, so even if Paul stays they'll have to retool in couple years.

A huge factor in Paul's decision will be the health of Blake Griffin, who recently reinjured his left knee, requiring surgery. If Griffin misses significant time this season, no one would blame Paul for signing elsewhere next summer.

3. James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder (Restricted)

It'll be a real challenge for Thunder general manager Sam Presti to keep both Harden and Serge Ibaka, who become restricted free agents at the end of next season. It's more or less a toss-up as to who is the more valuable player. Harden, the NBA's reigning sixth man of the year, has developed a rep as the all-important glue guy and could command roughly $10 million a year for his services. Harden has the unique ability to get his own shots while not disrupting the sometimes delicate balance that exists between high-volume scorers Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. It's also worth noting that Harden is closer off the floor to Westbrook and Durant, and it could ultimately play a role in Harden's possible return.

4. Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers (Unrestricted)

Whether he likes it or not, Bynum's future is tied to what happens with Howard. The Lakers are itching to pull a deal for Howard that would send Bynum on his way. But one proposed trade that would send Bynum to Cleveland, Howard to Los Angeles and picks to Orlando seems to have fizzled before it could get any life.

The snag is that Bynum will balk at signing a long-term deal wherever he is dealt. Bynum appears intent on deciding for himself where he'll play rather than just being a cog in a trade. If the Howard deal doesn't go down, the Lakers would quickly offer Bynum a max extension. A perfectly acceptable scenario for Bynum would be to sign an extension with the Lakers, win another ring as the fourth option and inherit Kobe Bryant's throne in two years.

5. Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets (Restricted)

Lawson's situation is one of the more straightforward of this crop of free agents. Lawson is the second-best available point guard in the 2013 class and Denver has every intention of locking him up. They see him as a franchise cornerstone to build around who can lead them to the playoffs for years to come.

Additionally, Lawson wants to stay in Denver. The Nuggets have locked up nearly all of their key pieces for at least the next four seasons, including Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and JaVale McGee. Of that bunch Lawson is arguably the most important, so Denver extending him this summer makes sense.

6. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder (Restricted)

Here is the other half of the Thunder's Harden dilemma. At just 22 years old, Ibaka led the league in blocks and was runner up in the defensive player of the year voting. What's more, his face-up jumper seems to be improving by the month.

The especially tough thing for the Thunder is that Ibaka could command more on the open market than Harden. If Roy Hibbert can fetch $14.5 million per season, all indications are that Ibaka, a unique, ever-improving defensive dynamo, could demand as much and very likely get it. Signing both Ibaka and Harden to max deals means forking over loads of luxury tax dollars for OKC, but it would be worth it. Using the amnesty clause on Kendrick Perkins would also ease the financial sting.

7. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings (Restricted)

Sometimes a change of scenery is best to cure what ails you. Evans' production has steadily dropped since his fantastic rookie season. He has been dissatisfied with the way he is used in the Kings' offense, particularly how he has been shifted around in vain trying to find the spot he would be most effective.

Evans was terribly miscast as a set-up floor general, and when he didn't thrive in that role he was met with disappointment. He is more naturally a combo guard (best to play him alongside a natural point) who is free to push and slash at will. Evans is just 22-years old, and his versatility, size and skill make him an attractive addition for many teams. Given his current dissatisfaction, don't be surprised if he doesn't ink an extension with the Kings.

8. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Restricted)

Make no mistake about it, the Warriors will match any offer Curry receives -- except for one big "if." Much of how the sharpshooter factors into the Warriors' plan is based on the health of his chronically sprained and surgically repaired right ankle. The bum wheel limited him to just 26 games this season and had management wondering if his career was in jeopardy.

That is bad news for the Warriors considering how in love they are with a potential backcourt of Curry and second-year bomber Klay Thompson, who have the potential to develop into the best shooting duo in the league. Curry recently said his rehab is going better than expected and thinks he'll be at full strength by training camp.

9. Monta Ellis, Milwaukee Bucks (Unrestricted)

Ellis has been called everything from a gunner to the best player to never to make an All-Star team. However, in the right system that allows him to make use of his phenomenal scoring ability, he has the sort of firepower that can put a contender over the edge. His current pairing with Brandon Jennings in Milwaukee simply isn't a good match because of the similarity of their games and the size disadvantage created by having both players on the floor.

In order to find his true niche, Ellis could fashion himself as a Jason Terry-like sixth man. The drawback there is that the money he'll command -- somewhere in the $9-10 million range -- won't justify bringing him off the bench, and Ellis' ego is likely not ready for such a career jolt.

10. Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies (Unrestricted)

There will always be a need for a lockdown defender on any team, and Allen is the best defender available on the market next summer. Allen's unusual devotion to the gritty aspects of the game has earned him high marks with teammates, coaches and fans. He is a quirky personality that keeps the locker room light and won't break the bank, as he'll command somewhere around $5-6 million per season.

The other guys

Elton Brand, Dallas Mavericks (Unrestricted)

He'll be 33 and entering his 14th season, but Brand would still be a reliable rebounder and occasional shot-blocker off the bench, as well as a positive influence on young players.

Corey Brewer, Denver Nuggets (Unrestricted)

One of the fastest players down the floor, Brewer is a quality defender who would fit nicely into an up-tempo offense.

Darren Collison, Dallas Mavericks (Unrestricted)

With little competition at point guard, Collison could flourish in Dallas with plenty of shooters to set up. It provides him with an opportunity to prove himself as a legit starter.

Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks (Restricted)

Expect Teague's stock to soar next season. With Joe Johnson in Brooklyn, Teague will get more a lot more looks at the basket.

Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Clippers (Unrestricted)

This season will be his to prove he can still be a valuable contributor. When motivated and focused he is still one of the most versatile players in the game.

[thecampster]

That looks like just a piece of poor writing on the author's part....bad research.

[Sothron]

I have to think whoever wrote this literally forgot Josh Smith was a free agent.

[benhillboy]

It was a gross omission, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he was thinkng Josh is probably more likely than all of those guys besides Collison to stay with his current team.

[Vol4ever]

Josh should be about 6 or 7 on that list. The author just flat forgot about Josh.

[Admin]

Man I'd love to trade for Corey Brewer to start at SF for us! Agree about Josh being forgotten rather than undervalued or disrespected.

[TheNorthCydeRises]

Typical ESPN right there.

[Sothron]

Aren't Jefferson and Millsap free agents as well? They don't get even a mention? Who wrote this?

[KB21]

Yep.You know, there were only two players in the NBA this past season that had a PER of 20+, DREB% of 25+, STL% of 2+, and BLK% of 3+.One was Dwight Howard. The other was Josh Smith.You know another thing Josh did this past season? He increased his usage rate while decreasing his turnover rate. That usually goes the other way. He dropped his turnover rate from 14% to 11% while increasing his USG from 23 to 28.

[Mutombolievable]

Pathetic.

[CWebb]

Yep. You know, there were only two players in the NBA this past season that had a PER of 20+, DREB% of 25+, STL% of 2+, and BLK% of 3+. One was Dwight Howard. The other was Josh Smith. You know another thing Josh did this past season? He increased his usage rate while decreasing his turnover rate. That usually goes the other way. He dropped his turnover rate from 14% to 11% while increasing his USG from 23 to 28.

Hey Kb, have you a man crush on Josh or what ? Josh can't be the leader of a team. Too dumb basketball wise and not enough offensive game. Live with that...

[KB21]

Hey Kb, have you a man crush on Josh or what ? Josh can't be the leader of a team. Too dumb basketball wise and not enough offensive game. Live with that...

There is more to basketball than scoring. Josh makes the most impact on both ends of the floor on this team. He's not too dumb basketball wise either, because the guy is a tremendous passer. He has the higest assist percentage of all power forwards in the NBA. The guy has great instincts for passing and great court vision.

[benhillboy]

I think we can all agree that Josh is one of the more unique, perplexing, spectrum-surfing, conflicting players in NBA history. People who hate him can all make valid points that are evident to even the casual fan when watching him. People who love him can support it with pages of stats. I've always been square in the middle.

[ATLSmith]

This article is incredulous.

[lethalweapon3]

Nice to see ESPN's hiring Bleacher Report guys now.~lw3