NBA: 15 potential ‘under-the-radar’ free agent moves
Al Jefferson, C (Charlotte Hornets)
The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2016 offseason with a good chunk of potential free agents, and the one that appears the most likely to leave is center Al Jefferson.
- On one hand, Jefferson would have more value in a different role on another team. What Charlotte needs is a rim protector, namely one who will not hinder the pace at which they are capable of playing. Big Al’s skill set lies in his nuanced offensive game, not in his athleticism or defensive prowess. He would be more effective on a team that needs a low-post scoring presence.
- On the other hand, Jefferson might prefer to stay in Charlotte even if he doesn’t fit perfectly. He’s a veteran player at 31 years old, and in his 12 seasons in the NBA he’s only played on two playoff squads: (1) the 2012 Utah Jazz that were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round and (2) these Charlotte Hornets. This is the first truly promising team situation of his career, and it seems plausible that, rather than valuing the influence he has over the team’s success, he simply values the success. Taking a rotational role on a contender is better than a starting role on a bottom-feeder.
Jefferson has already declared his intentions.
Al Jefferson on possibly returning: "There's no place I'd rather be." Said he wants to end his career with @hornets and money isn't an issue
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) May 2, 2016
The money question will need to be addressed, because the Hornets are not going to be able to afford Jefferson at anywhere close to the $13.5 million he took in last year and still afford their other key free agents. The Hornets appear set to enter the offseason with about $39 million in cap space, and can’t afford to have Jefferson eat up too much of it.
The help that Jefferson can provide a different team is valuable, but if the Hornets can find a way to keep Jefferson at a massive discount, then they could have one of the big steals of free agency.
Next: Brandon Bass