Top 5 second-tier free agents this summer in the NBA

The buzz in this summers free agency has been all about Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James so far, with the a rumour here and there aboutDwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.When it comes to the most wanted free agents across all teams, these fourhave been at the top of the food chain. However, not all teams can afford to try to lure one of these high-profile, high-pricedplayers.Therefore it is most likely that many teams would settle for a player a level lower on the food chain, or in other words, second-tier free agents.These players consists of veterans, rising stars and role players. Heres a list of the top 5 second-tier free agents this summer yet to make a decision.

#5 Eric Bledsoe

There are just a couple of reasons Bledsoe is at number 5 on this list:

– He is a restricted free agent so his team the Phoenix Suns would be free to match any offer that he receives.

– Teams interested in him are slightly doubtful about throwing an offer as he hasn’t been as explosive after the knee injury last season as he was prior to it.

With averages of 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.6 steals Bledsoe had a career year with the Suns and was a real contender along with Lance Stephenson for the Most Improved Player award before the injury shortened his season.

He would be an efficient scoring option for any team in the back-court with the versatility of playing either of the guard spots.

#4 Lance Stephenson

The signing of C.J. Miles by the Indiana Pacers at the shooting guard position might not go down too well with Lance Stephenson who is currently in a deadlock with the team on a 5-year contract worth 44 million dollars.

He averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists this past season and if it wasn’t for the Pacers’ terrible second half of the season, he could have been named as the Most Improved Player for the season.

Stephenson is a constnat triple double threat and he has the game to be a perrinial All-Star in the coming years. His spark offensive and terrorising defense make him one of very few all round guards in this league.

#3 Trevor Ariza

Whether from another team or his most recent team, Trevor Ariza is sure to be offered a higher pay cheque for the next season after his career year with the Washington Wizards.

Aged 30, Ariza is a mature player currently at the peak of his talents, and there are many teams who could use his long range shooting and excellent perimeter defending at the Small Forward position.

Although the best position for him with respect to his future would be to continue with the Wizards given their potential with the young back-court of Bradley Beal and John Wall, Dallas Mavericks and the team he won a ring with – the Los Angeles Lakers – also look a fit for his style of play.

#2 Luol Deng

After James and Anthony, Luol Deng is the most wanted Small Forward in the league right now and by a large distance. In a move to clear cap space by his former team the Chicago Bulls, he spent the second half of the last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers who were far from competitive.

Deng who would love to change his jersey the next season, and is currently been looked at by the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks with all of these teams having a good chance of grabbing him.

One of the best wing defenders and a consistent three point shooter, Deng is also a positive influence in the locker room every team in the league could use.

#1 Pau Gasol

There were no rumours around Pau Gasol during the latter half of the Lakers’ miserable season, or even after the season for that matter. But his stock grew once free agency kicked off on July 1st.

In the past week Gasol received an official pitch by league MVP Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is also slated to be briefed by the South Beach franchise Miami Heat the coming week, and most certainly his former team the Lakers are looking to land him as well. Not to forget the Dallas Mavericks have also made thier interest in Gasol known.

A player with immense skill in the paint, Pau’s passing ability is one of the best in the world for a big man, and that is what many teams are looking to have in their team next seaosn.