The frenzy that is the NBA free agent signing period is underway and it hasn't taken long for some of the league's top players to sign new contracts. Some stars choosing to stay with their current squad, while others chose big bucks from another squad.
Heading into the postseason, there were many burning questions regarding this year's talented market. Would Ray Allen stay in Seattle and help lead the Sonics to another playoff berth and beyond? Where would the sharp-shooting Michael Redd choose to stroke his silky left-handed jumper for the next five to six years? And what effect would Allen and Redd's destination have on the future on the often underachieving, but immensely talented Larry Hughes? Okay, maybe nobody cared about the third question, but the guy is still talented.
Ray Allen has is one of the league's premier shooters and has broken many hearts with effortless jump shot during his nine-year NBA career. Allen is coming off of one of his best seasons as a pro, averaging 23.9 points per game during the regular season (including a career-high 26.5 points per game average during the post season). His leadership, focus, and business-like approach to the game made him a must-sign for the Sonics, who already have Rashard Lewis as a key piece. The Sonics are still looking for the perfect combination that can elevate them to championship-caliber play, just as Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp did for the team in the mid-'90's. And they couldn't afford to let Allen slip away.
Wooed by many suitors, including the Hawks, Clippers, and Cavaliers, the Sonics had to act fast and they did. Allen has always been a key component to every team he's been on. From his days as a member of “The Big Three” with Glenn Robinson and Sam Cassell in Milwaukee, Allen has quietly become one of the league's most efficient and productive players. And the five-year $80 million (with an extra $5 million in incentives) deal he signed last week, Allen should continue to mesmerize opposing defenders around the league for several years to come. With the recent departure of former coach Nate McMillan to Portland, Allen's leadership and on court poise will be counted on even more for the young Sonics squad.
With the Ray Allen puzzle settled, it was now time for Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Michael Redd to make his decision. The Redd sweepstakes only came down to Milwaukee and Cleveland, but his decision would alter the course of both franchises. Would the Ohio native and former Ohio State return home to play in his home state with fellow Ohio native and NBA superstar LeBron James? Or would the Bucks be able to secure his services for the next six years with a more lucrative offer?
The decision was fairly simple for Redd. In a game that is so dominated by money, whether it is the player's contract or endorsements, Redd did what any other person would do. He simply chose to take the money. The lure and prospect of playing with LeBron James was not enough to lure Redd back to Ohio, as the Bucks were able to offer him a more lucrative contract. The Cavaliers were only able to offer a five-year, $70 million dollar contract, while the Bucks countered with a contract worth between $90 and $96 million over six years.
With Redd under contract with a maximum deal, T.J. Ford finally being medically cleared to play again, and drafting Andrew Bogut with the No. 1 pick in last month's draft, the Bucks appear to be turning it around, despite what some experts say.
Spurned by both Allen and Redd, the Cavaliers had no other choice but to tab Washington Wizards guard Larry Hughes to become James' side-kick. Hughes comes off of a season in which he missed 20 games due to injury and his durability has always been a factor. But he still managed to have a career year, averaging 22 points, while leading the league in steals (2.89 per game).
Many observers have labeled Hughes somewhat of an underachiever since he was chosen eighth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1998 draft. Hughes only spent one year in college and some feel that his lack of development might have contributed to his subpar NBA career. Still, the Cavs now have their shooter, and with the return of both James and the newly-resigned Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland has a solid trio that might be able to carry the squad back to the playoffs.
But, as we've seen in the first two years of his career, James can get the Cavs close, but he still needs some help. And new Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert hopes Hughes is the missing piece to the Cavs' playoff puzzle. Time will tell.
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