So maybe you were at the beach for the weekend or were too busy sweating to get caught up on the free-agent follies. Here’s the latest on the top 10 free agents.
LeBRON JAMES
Has met with: Knicks, Nets, Clippers, Heat, Bulls, Cavs.
Notable: His reps had a follow-up with Knicks.
Outlook: Hometown Cavs still perceived as favorites.
DWYANE WADE
Has met with: Nets, Bulls (twice), Knicks and Heat.
Notable: Pat Riley called him at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and Wade finally met with Heat owner Micky Arison yesterday.
Outlook: Still likely to head back to Miami, but hometown Bulls are heavily in the derby.
CHRIS BOSH
Has met with: Rockets, Heat, Raptors, Bulls, Heat, Nets
Notable: Had dinner with Wade on Thursday, then posted on his Twitter account: “Great way to end day 1 of free agency, although it feels like someone is missing …” a reference to James.
Outlook: Odds are with Heat, Bulls and maybe Rockets.
JOE JOHNSON
Has met with: Hawks, Knicks
Outlook: Landed biggest contract of offseason — six years, $119 million — to stay in Atlanta.
AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE
Has met with: Knicks
Notable: Hasn’t exactly avoided spotlight in his courtship — taking in a Broadway show and a Yankees game.
Outlook: Has agreed to five-year, $100M deal to play the Garden.
DAVID LEE
Has met with: Timberwolves
Notable: Nets, Bulls, Heat and Warriors are also interested, with a sign-and-trade to Minnesota for Al Jefferson or Golden State for Monta Ellis as the hot rumors. If the Nets don’t get LeBron or Bosh, Lee becomes the top priority.
Outlook: All over the place.
DIRK NOWITZKI
Has met with: Mavericks
Outlook: Agreed to four-year,
$80 million deal to stay in Dallas.
PAUL PIERCE
Has met with: Celtics
Outlook: Agreed to terms with Boston on a four-year pact for $61 million.
CARLOS BOOZER
Has met with: Jazz, Heat, Bulls
Notable: Nets interested if they don’t sign James.
Outlook: Probably won’t be known until the James/Wade/Bosh crew is determined.
RUDY GAY
Has met with: Grizzlies
Outlook: Agreed to stay with the Grizzlies for approximately five years and $82 million.