"Samuel Dalembert is a classic example of a free agent who drives general managers crazy. He is smart and talented and relatively durable. He plays one of the most important positions. He also stands almost 7 feet tall and is barely into his 30s.

But … and there are plenty of buts ... his conditioning is an issue. His health is an issue. He wants more touches. He wants more minutes. He wants more love from his coach.

So what is his value to the Kings? Is it $7 million or $8 million a year? Is it closer to $10 million? It certainly isn't anything close to the $13.5 million he earned last season, right?

Amid the wild trade speculation and free-agent craziness – with Tyson Chandler expected to sign a four-year, $58 million deal with the Knicks, Nene discussing a near-max accord with the Nuggets, Chris Paul perhaps swapped to the Lakers, Pau Gasol possibly dealt to the Rockets – the market for Dalembert becomes murkier by the minute.

If the Rockets acquire Gasol or pursue Nene, that probably eliminates one of his most serious suitors. That could also entice another team into the discussion. At least two recent developments – the lucrative projected earnings of Chandler and Nene, coupled with the fact the NBA minimum team payroll figure requires the Kings to spend approximately $13 million more in 2011-12 instead of the anticipated $15 million – further reduces the odds of Dalembert returning."