NBA Free Agency: Who Will Get The James Posey Deal This Summer?
By Chris Walton
Every now and then, players find a niche at the most opportune times in the NBA postseason. Maybe they find the shooting stroke that betrayed them all season. Perhaps the team gets a much-needed interior presence, suffocating the opposition. There’s also the energy guys that find a way with plays that can’t be accounted for on a stat sheet.
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These things can mean the difference in going on an early vacation to grinding out the 16 wins it takes to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy. Plenty of championship teams get these gutsy performances from unsuspected places. I’m sure we all remember the countless plays made by both the San Antonio Spurs’ Patty Mills and Miami Heat’s Ray Allen.
Both guys emerged as top contributors en route to the NBA titles over the last two years. With Mills, he was able to parlay his play into a nice contract last offseason of three years and $12 million. NBA free agency is where the money is to be made.
Mills’ contract was similar to one that was earned seven seasons ago by James Posey. During the Boston Celtics’ 2008 NBA Finals run, Posey provided the team with some timely minutes. Despite a statline that many would scoff at, 6.7 points on 43.7% shooting, it was hustle, shooting, and defense that were his calling card.
Posey was a primary defender on Joe Johnson, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. He pretty much went through the offensive gauntlet of shooting guards and small forwards.
Posey turned a two-year, $6.7 million deal into a four-year, $25 million contract after declining his player option. The New Orleans Hornets signed the veteran forward after the Finals’ end.
So who are some of the candidates on the perimeter that will get “The James Posey Deal”? Let’s take a look:
Corey Brewer
A high motor and focus on the defensive end is always a plus, and Brewer will bring it. The Houston Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, but Brewer has been a pillar in getting them this far. His big quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers propelled team’s historic comeback before advancing to the Western Conference Finals.
Brewer can decline his player option this year, and pursue a larger deal in the summer.
Stats:11.5 points, 42.6% shooting
Al-Farouq Aminu
A former lottery selection for the Los Angeles Clippers, Aminu is fighting to get back the belief that he is one of the league’s high potential, young small forwards. He stepped up admirably on both ends in the loss of Chandler Parsons for the Houston Rockets.
Plenty of teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets will be in play for his services. His player option of $1.2 million may definitely be a thing of the past this summer.
Stats: 5.6 points, 41.2% shooting
Iman Shumpert
In the midst of his first-ever trip to the NBA Finals, Shumpert has suddenly added to his repertoire of tough defense and has shown range from the three-point line shooting early 40% (39.7). He’s 25 and can possibly add to other facets of his game. Likely, he will command big money as he enters restricted free agency.
The biggest questions lie in if the Cleveland Cavaliers will want to pay to retain his services. Interesting dynamics to come for Shumpert with teams needing what he brings.
Stats: 8.0 points, 41% shooting, 1.3 steals
DeMarre Carroll
While Carroll was on the outside of the Atlanta Hawks four All-Star selections, there’s no doubt that he is just as important to the team as those who received the accolade. Carroll has transformed himself from journeyman to one of the league’s best leaders on a 60-win team. As if he improved play wasn’t enough, his toughness was on full display in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Carroll returned from what looked like an ugly knee injury to try to contain LeBron James. What team wouldn’t appreciate a guy like this?
Stats: 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 48.7% shooting
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Draymond Green
What doesn’t Draymond Green do for the Golden State Warriors? Rebounding, defending, shooting. You name it and he does it. Green is the team’s most important piece on both ends of the floor, and he’s proving it on a nightly basis. As free agency begins, it is expected that the Warriors bring him back, but it won’t stop other teams from throwing major money his way.
Stats: 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.3 blocks
One thing is for certain, each of these guys will fill their banks and help a team either stay in contention or begin the quest of competitiveness. Unlike Posey, these players are looking to stick with their prospective teams for long careers. Depending on where they sign, every guy will have a chance at headlining the playoffs for one of their memorable performances yet again.
This time, they’ll have the contract to back it.