We’re now about 15 hours in to the NBA’s 2009 Free Agent Signing Period, which figures to feature several prominent names changing addresses and could include new locations for the kinds of players who do the grunt work to help their teams win championships.

For the most part, things have been pretty quiet regarding the handful of former Jayhawks in the NBA. In all likelihood, if any were on the move, we probably would have known about it long before now.

Remember hearing about Shaq to Cleveland or Ron Artest to the Lakers? How about Ben Gordon to Detroit or Trevor Ariza to Houston? Remember the drama surrounding Orlando forward Hedo Turkoglu’s move, first to Portland and then ultimately to Toronto one day later? How about the latest news that has Rasheed Wallace heading to Bean Town to play with the Celtics?

All are big stories that we’ve heard plenty about. None were actually official until today, the first day when free agents actually were allowed to sign new contracts.

With that in mind, here’s a quick look at the moves that have happened — and a couple that might — that could impact the Hawks in the NBA.

First, let’s take a quick look at the only Jayhawks on the free agent list: Portland forward Raef LaFrentz, San Antonio forward Drew Gooden and San Antonio guard Jacque Vaughn.

Portland has been trying for years to move the 33-year-old LaFrentz in some way to get clear of his hefty contract and his impending free agent status has to be a dream-come-true for GM Kevin Pritchard and crew. LaFrentz, who will begin his 11th pro season this fall (provided his finds a team) is an unrestricted free agent, meaning that neither he nor the Trail Blazers have any obligations to each other going forward.

LaFrentz had his share of moments in the league, but last year was not one of them. The 6-10 power forward missed all of the 2008-09 season with yet another injury and probably is a lot closer to the end of his career than landing another contract. Don’t cry for LaFrentz, though. He’s had a good run. Although he bounced around the league like a pogo stick, he was a top-five draft pick (by Denver), earned 10 years worth of NBA money and, when healthy, was coveted by many because of his ability to shoot from the outside, which often pulled a big body (most notably Shaq) out of the middle.

Even if LaFrentz does find a new home, he won’t be making the kind of money he has been ($10 million+ per season) and therefore might not be up for another round of rigorous rehab to sit on somebody’s bench for the league minimum.

Like LaFrentz, Gooden has set up shop in nearly all four corners of the country during his 7-year career. He’s played for six teams and been traded five times.

Although he won’t actually be traded this time around, the unrestricted free agent might be joining his seventh franchise in the next few days. Gooden’s name has been linked to several teams looking for frontcourt help. With his size, athleticism and experience — not to mention his propensity to fit into just about any role — Gooden would be a solid addition to any team.

It’s hard to say whether the same is true for Vaughn, the journeyman who has carved out a nice 12-year pro career as a back-up point guard. Vaughn has played for five teams during his career, the most notable of which is San Antonio, for which he played a key role in the team winning the 200X title.

Vaughn still has all of the tools that allowed him to last this long. He’s smart, he’s a tough defender and he doesn’t make many mistakes. But he’s 34 now and, by NBA standards, at the back end of his career. I’m sure there are a couple of teams out there — the Spurs might even be one — who could use what Vaughn has to give. But in a league that seems to covet getting younger and younger every year, this could be the end of the road for Vaughn, as well. A lot of it will depend on the kind of money he’s asking for and how many teams out there would prefer a veteran presence to the young, energetic guard they could get instead.

The other most intriguing KU story lines in free agency this season revolve around what teams with Jayhawks on their roster will do to fortify their lineups.

That question has already been answered in Chicago, as the Bulls let Ben Gordon walk away, leaving many to believe that veteran Kirk Hinrich is still very much in the Bulls’ plans.

As for Darnell Jackson’s role in Cleveland, the addition of the man formerly known as The Big Cactus (Shaq) undoubtedly takes some minutes away from Jackson, but what an opportunity. Here’s a second-year guy out of a tradition-rich program like Kansas getting the opportunity to learn the pro game from LeBron James and one of the best big men in the history of the league. Jackson might not get more minutes this year, but what he will get is valuable experience that could help him emerge down the road.

The loss of Turkoglu in Orlando hurts the Magic’s chances at a return trip to the finals. The addition of Shaq increases the Cavs’ chances. But both likely will be playing second fiddle (once again) to the Celtics in the race in the East. The addition of Rasheed Wallace gives Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen an experienced and talented big man with championship experience. As if the Celtics weren’t loaded enough with the Big Three, they now have Wallace and one of the brightest up-and-coming point guards in Rajon Rondo. Just in time, too. Pierce will be a free agent after next season and, although I can’t imagine him leaving Boston now, this latest reloading move should keep KU’s seventh all-time leading scorer convinced that the team is still focused on winning another championship.