Rip Rip Rip

It's true that most of the star players are already gone, but opportunity is available amid the chaos of the free agency..

I know Hamilton has a heavy contract, but it's not as bad as some might say. He's still a viable player to trade, at least I think so.

Check it out.

Atlanta's Joe Johnson is mulling a maximum-contract offer from the Hawks and he could be off the market soon. Memphis' Rudy Gay agreed to a maximum deal as well. Joe Johnson is an all-star, bar none, but he's not a max player by any stretch. By the time his deal ends, assuming he stays with Atlanta, he'll be past his prime and well into his mid-30's, making in upwards of $23 million.

Pistons guard Richard Hamilton's contract of two years guaranteed at $12.6 million per season pales in comparison. Hamilton, 32, doesn't look like a viable option opposed to Wade, but next to Roger Mason, Trenton Hassell and J.J. Redick, Hamilton looks a lot more attractive. Hamilton's deal is a lot shorter than what those aforementioned names will command on the market, and his production, even on the downside, is better as well.

Yes, Hamilton had his worst season as a Piston from an efficiency standpoint. He never fully rebounded from an early ankle injury, however, and can be a better player in a controlled offensive system, which the Pistons don't appear to be. Other teams can look at last season as an aberration and could give the veteran player a new start.

The Pistons won't be the only team some of the big spenders will be calling, though, and there's the rub. San Antonio's Tony Parker's name has been thrown about in the rumor mill and so has Minnesota's Al Jefferson. Hamilton has the league's 29th highest salary next season. Parker, whose contract expires next season, and Jefferson make more.

We'll see what happens, but I think Rip could be traded, and get us something good in return.

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