New Orleans Pelicans power forward Ryan Anderson. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA Free agency discussion has started, specifically for players on teams that would probably not make the playoffs.
With less than 20 games to go in the regular season, prospective free agents could use the rest of the season to market themselves. It would not be very difficult since there are more buyers with purchasing power.
In terms of value, Ryan Anderson of the New Orleans Pelicans may can be compared with a stock on the rise. The "stretch four" has become a valuable commodity in the league, and Anderson is one of the pioneers. This is why there is a great possibility that he could command a max contract.
Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders mentioned that the 27-year old first time unrestricted free agent will most likely sign with another team.
"Sources close to Anderson have said that the power forward is strongly considering a change of scenery and a fresh start with a new team, and there will be a long list of suitors trying to sign the stretch-four."
Another factor that seems to support that assumption is that the Pelicans have not taken the opportunity to lock him in, as per Anderson's admissions in Nola.com.
''No conversations at all about it,'' Anderson said. ''Obviously I think they are in the same boat, so many things can happen they may have multiple pieces they are thinking about. A lot of stuff that I don't know about obviously that they talk about behind close doors. So I haven't communicated at all with them."
Anderson also admitted: ''I've never been a part of free agency, being an unrestricted free agent. Don't know what it's like. Don't know what it's going to be like. Don't know who is going to come in play at all.''
Who would be the hardest suitors for Anderson? The teams that were linked to him in trade rumors would provide a clue. The demand for a stretch four and Anderson's performance this year (far and away the second best player next to Anthony Davis on a poor Pelicans team) had as many as eight teams expressing interest.
Kennedy noted that some of those teams have addressed their needs via trade like the Cleveland Cavaliers (Channing Frye), LA Clippers (Jeff Green), Washington Wizards (Markieff Morris) and Detroit Pistons (Tobias Harris). But teams like the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have cap space to pursue Anderson.
Anderson has worked well with star centers as he did in Orlando with Dwight Howard. He would be a great complement to DeMarcus Cousins. The Suns need any consistent offense they can get their hands on as they rebuild, and Anderson would be a welcome addition.
