NBA: Free agents can't expect bonanzas

The Associated Press

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Some big names will be out there. Big spenders will be harder to find.

NBA free agency opens today, but don't expect fireworks. The blockbuster trades were last week, and the real free agent bonanza is next year.

Financial difficulties, combined with the potential of one of the best free-agent classes ever in 2010, will have most teams keeping their checkbooks closed. More than a dozen are already lining up to be players when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire all become available next year, and might not want to waste precious salary cap space now.

In February, Dallas owner Mark Cuban said he wouldn't want to be a free agent this summer. Tuesday, he wondered if players might find it best to sign a short-term deal and try again in 2010.

On Tuesday, Utah's Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur took his advice and declined to become free agents.

For those who do want to buy now, there is some talent. Point guards Jason Kidd, Mike Bibby and Andre Miller are out there. Among the swingmen are Ron Artest, Hedo Turkoglu, Trevor Ariza and Shawn Marion. Instant offense could come from Allen Iverson or Ben Gordon. Paul Millsap or David Lee would look nice as hardworking power forwards.

• PISTONS FIRE COACH — The Detroit Pistons fired coach Michael Curry as the team started rebuilding from an unpopular trade, a sub-.500 record and an embarrassing first-round exit from the playoffs that ended its six-year streak of making it to the conference finals. The Pistons went 39-43 and were swept in the postseason by Cleveland. "This was a difficult decision to make," GM Joe Dumars said in a statement. "I want to thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the organization. However, at this time, I have decided to make a change."

• WARRIOR SURGERY — Warriors forward Corey Maggette had minor surgery on his right wrist Monday to relieve pain that bothered him all season. The 10-year pro hobbled through 51 games last season with several injuries, including a sprained right hand, a sore back, a torn hamstring and post-concussion syndrome.

• NUGGET SENTENCED, at Millstone, N.J. — A judge sentenced Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith to 90 days in jail for causing an auto accident that killed his friend, though Smith will likely end up serving only 30. Judge Debra J. Gelson suspended 60 days providing Smith performs 500 hours of community service. Gelson also suspended Smith's license for two years, to begin next March after Smith's current license suspension expires.