Westward, Ho!

Originally Published: Jul 8, 2010 8:54 PM CDT

Hey Miami Heat, I know youre having trouble filling out that roster.  If you have use for a 6 small forward with questionable shot selection who hasnt played a meaningful game since intramurals at Oklahoma State in 1994, Im willing to sign for the veterans minimum.

Thunder fans should be jumping for joy!  They were big winners in Free Agency Fest 2010.  None of the big-name free agents signed with Western Conference teams and a couple even jumped to the Eastern Conference.

LeBron, Wade and Bosh all to the Heat in the East.  Amare Stoudemire leaves the Suns in the West and sets with the Knicks in the East.  Carlos Boozer hits a sour note with the Jazz in the West and decides to run with the Bulls in the East. 

Right now there are reports that David Lee may go from the Knicks to the Warriors in a sign and trade.  That move could impact the lower half of the playoff seeds in the Western Conference, but I dont expect the Thunder to be there. 

And it could get even better.  The Knicks have plenty of cap space and could lure Carmelo Anthony away from the Nuggets in the West.

Free Agency Winners and Losers:

Winners:

Heat - It goes without saying.  Think Allen, Pierce and Garnett to Boston, but times five.  The pressure is on Erik Spoelstra, Pat Riley and the big three.  Better win at least three titles. 

Thunder - Because it was fully expected, it went almost unnoticed.  But the Thunder signing Kevin Durant to a 5-year extension assures this franchise of being a contender through 2016.  And it keeps Thunder executives and fans from worrying about an ESPN special "Decision Day Durant" until at least then.

Knicks - I know they didnt get one of the big 3, but they got Amare Stoudemire and they kept plenty of cap space available for Carmelo Anthony in 2011.  Either the Nuggets will look to get something for Melo via trade, or he will look to sign with the Knicks at the end of the season.  And if they can also lure Tony Parker after this season as Stoudemire says then they could be back.

Losers:

Cavaliers - Its just sad what has happened to this franchise.  I feel bad for Byron Scott who has signed on to coach a starting 5 of Mo Williams, Delonte West, Anderson Varejao, Antawn Jamison and Leon Powe. 

Nets - A Russian billionaire and Jay-Z cant buy you anything but Avery Johnson as a head coach? 

Bulls - I do like the signing of Carlos Boozer, but this team couldve been an immediate contender with one or two of the big three.  They have a budding star point guard in Derrick Rose and a very good big man in Joakim Noah.  Its hard to replace #23 in Chicago.  Just ask LeBron.  Hes going to wear #6 in Miami next year.