Free Agent Preview: Guards

June 30, 2009 1:30pm CDT

At 12:01 am on Wednesday morning, the NBA free agency negotiation period begins. However, actual signings of these free agents cannot take place until a week later. For the unrestricted free agents, they are free to join any team they choose. For the restricted free agents, their current teams will have a 15-day period to decide whether or not to match an offer from another team. These deals often correlate with sign-and-trades, which see the restricted free agent sign with his current team and then be immediately traded to the team in pursuit. In this piece, we'll look at some of the relevant tidbits of the top free agent guards. We'll follow up later with a look at the forwards and centers.

Unrestricted Point Guards

Jason Kidd - The 36-year-old has managed the third most triple-doubles (103) in NBA history and has made nine all-star games and five All-NBA First teams. However, Kidd has yet to capture a championship. The Mavericks will offer him the most money, but not the best championship odds. If he craves a ring bad enough, look for him to sign the mid-level exception with the Lakers.

Mike Bibby - The Hawks acquired Jamal Crawford via trade and drafted Jeff Teague, indicating that they will not overpay to keep Bibby. The 31-year-old managed 79 games last season to go with some decent averages, but he was very inconsistent and faded in the playoffs. He is still a starting-caliber guard and should receive multiple offers.

Andre Miller - Miller skipped out on his final meeting with the 76ers, and many think it indicates his desire to get out of town. The 33-year-old has never been past the first round of the playoffs, can not shoot three-pointers, and his defense is fading fast. The Trail Blazers are said to have interest and may be willing to part with Steve Blake in a sign-and-trade deal.

Stephon Marbury - This former star tried to revive his career in Boston after squandering his reputation in a year-long stalemate with the Knicks. Alas, he was mostly ineffective, but coach Doc Rivers has indicated that he would like him back. Marbury won't have many suitors, and he could wind up in Europe if he chases the money.

Anthony Carter - Carter is a veteran that did a very good job behind Chauncey Billups last season. The Nuggets traded for Ty Lawson, likely signaling that Carter will be on the move again.

Restricted Point Guards
Raymond Felton - The Bobcats surprised many when they drafted point guard D.J. Augustin in the lottery last season, and it seemed to indicate Felton may be on his way out. Part-owner Michael Jordan's recent statements indicate the Bobcats will match any offer for Felton, but don't expect them to go overboard. Expect this to be decided late in free agency.

Ramon Sessions - Following the trade of Richard Jefferson to clear cap space, the Bucks extended a qualifying offer to Sessions but not to forward Charlie Villanueva. They then drafted point guard Brandon Jennings and are rumored to be shopping Luke Ridnour. Expect Sessions to be starting for the Bucks next season.

Jarrett Jack - Jack is the point guard of choice in Indiana, and the team tried to deal T.J. Ford during the NBA draft. President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird has praised Jack for his professionalism and has discussed how important Jack is to the Pacers' future. Expect him back in Indiana next season, but Ford figures to be moved.

C.J. Watson - Watson was doomed by Don Nelson's ever-fluctuating rotation last season. As a spot-starter he averaged 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists and he could be a real find for a team. However, the Warriors don't have many true point guards, and they may hold onto Watson despite a host of other players his size.

Unrestricted Shooting Guards
Allen Iverson - The NBA's active second-leading scorer may not be active for much longer. Following his disastrous season with the Nuggets and Pistons, one NBA GM said Iverson "may be our Barry Bonds." There's been speculation that the Bobcats or Mavericks may be interested in him, but it's possible he chases a mega-deal in Europe.

Ben Gordon - Gordon has averaged more than 20 points per game in two of the last three seasons, and he was at the center of the epic Bulls-Celtics playoff series. With John Salmons, Luol Deng and Kirk Hiinrich on the roster, the Bulls may let him walk away, although they have indicated they want to re-sign him.

Von Wafer - Wafer had his best season yet, as he averaged 18 points per 36 minutes played with the Rockets last season. He's a volatile sort, but he reminds a lot of people of the Nuggets' super-sub J.R. Smith.

Ronald Murray - Murray turns 30 in July, but he showed no signs of slowing down when he averaged 12.2 points and 1.1 steals off the Hawks' bench last season. He offers the same type of game as Wafer, without the attitude.

Anthony Parker - The 34-year-old can do a bit of everything, and he has started 226 games in the last three seasons with the Raptors. He's viewed as a perfect glue guy, and the Celtics, Cavs, Thunder, Suns, and Spurs have already expressed interest.

Dahntay Jones - The 28-year-old made a name for himself as the defensive stopper on a 54-win Nuggets team last season. He started 71 games for the Nuggets, but he won't likely find a starter's job if he leaves town.

Bobby Jackson - Jackson is 36, but you can bet a contender will invest in his services this summer. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists after the All-Star break.

Eddie House - House has not opted out of his clause just yet, but he seems to believe that he could make more than the $2.86 million on his option for next season. House is as one-dimensional as they come.

Luther Head - Injuries and ineffectiveness limited Head to just 32 games last season, but the three-point marksman should still have a lot of value at just 26 years old.

Desmond Mason - Mason had knee surgery in January, but he has said that he is fully recovered. He has averaged double-digits in seven of his 10 seasons, but he's nothing more than a reserve at this point in his career.

Restricted Shooting Guards
Nate Robinson - Robinson enjoyed a breakout campaign under Mike D'Antoni last season. As a starter, he averaged 21 points, 5.5 rebounds, and five assists in 11 games. The Knicks are clearing space for next summer, so don't expect Robinson to come back if he receives a decent offer from another club. As a result, don't expect him to be as productive in a new uniform.