This year's free agent market wasn't exactly bustling.
There were big fish, of course, like Kobe, who had the option to opt out of his contract.
If he opted out, he would become the biggest fish in this year's free agent market.
But any fool could guess that Kobe would definitely opt out, but he would also definitely stay with the Lakers.
A big market, Yao Ming rapidly developing, and the team still benefiting from his rookie contract—Kobe had no reason not to opt out and sign a max deal.
The remaining free agents, like Rashid Wallace, Kenyon Martin, Quentin Richardson, Eric Dampier, Jamal Crawford, Camby, and Divac, were all quality players.
Especially Divac.
Players like Martin and Dampier were starters looking for big contracts. The Phoenix Suns couldn't hope to get them, nor could they afford them.
But a veteran like Divac, if they could sign him with the mid-level exception to fill the void left by Sabonis's retirement, was a very attractive option.
