NBA's Greatest Motivators: Negotiating Leverage

The NBA's greatest motivator is not a coach. It's not even Pat Riley, who may or may not be the real life Tony D'Amato, depending on whether or not you trust Antoine Walker (we DEFINITELY don't, by the way). The NBA's greatest motivator is a contract year. Example: former dual-wield headbander Tim Thomas was so lazy the Bulls paid him $13 million to sit at home as they felt he'd offer just as much from his couch. No coach, teammate or team ever got through to Tim. What earned him the enormous contract the Bulls ate, and this passive aggressive piece of genius from Ray Allen, was the 5 games he slapped together right before he became a free agent. As far as the Leaner is concerned, anything that can make Tim Thomas try has Pat Riley covered.

With that in mind, here are 6 guys who are playing like they've realized they're on the open market at the end of the season, the NBA equivalent of Ed Reed screaming in your face.

Evan Turner 

Restricted Free Agent 

76ers

Career Averages: 10.7ppg 5.4rpg 3.1apg .431FG

2013-14 Averages: 21.3ppg 6.6rpg 3.8apg .465FG

Trevor Ariza 

Unrestricted Free Agent

Wizards

Career Averages: 9.1ppg 4.5rpg 1.3spg .328 3PFG

2013-14 Averages: 14.8ppg 6.6rpg 2.1spg .400 3PFG

Isaiah Thomas

Restricted Free Agent 

Kings

Career Averages: 13.2ppg 4.1apg .371 3PFG

2013-14 Averages: 18.4ppg 4.4apg .436 3PFG

Eric Bledsoe

Restricted Free Agent 

Suns

Career Averages: 7.3ppg 3.2apg .437FG

2013-14 Averages: 20.4ppg 6.8apg .500FG

Jordan Hill

Unrestricted Free Agent

Lakers

Career Averages: 5.8ppg 4.7rpg .505FG

2013-14 Averages: 10.4ppg 8.4rpg .622FG

Lance Stephenson

Unrestricted Free Agent

Pacers

Career Averages: 6.8ppg 3.0rpg 2.4apg .316 3PFG

2013-14 Averages: 13.3ppg 5.5rpg 5.0apg .419 3PFG