NBA Free Agency 2012: Predicting Where Top Free Agent at Each Position Will Land

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Deron Williams isn't the only player on the NBA free agent market in 2012, but his name is going to be discussed relentlessly as we delve into where the top available players at each position will ultimately land.

Although notable names like Williams, Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin are already drawing interest, there is a litany of players who could be wearing a new uniform next season. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see some big names remain in their current zip codes.

There is going to be a ton of speculation born out of rumors that are floating around, and we won't know where each marquee guy is headed until he puts pen to paper.

Fortunately, that doesn't stop us from predicting where each might ultimately wind up.

Point Guard: Deron Williams

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2011-12 Team: Brooklyn Nets

The uncertainty surrounding what Deron Williams plans to do is the greatest of all free agents.

Those in the northeast are hopeful he remains with the Nets for the move to Brooklyn. Mavericks fans are hoping Mark Cuban's massive gamble pays off and the team lands him, while there are even some in Lakerland who are holding out hope that Los Angeles will be able to reel him in.

Most are anticipating that it's a two-horse race between Dallas and Brooklyn, and ultimately, it's going to come down to where D-Will feels best about his future chances of winning. He'll be 28 years old when next season begins, and the next deal he signs is where he's going to spend the majority of his prime.

Despite the Nets' roster lacking serious assets on the current roster, general manager Billy King and owner Mikhail Prokhorov have worked to build a close relationship with Williams. That could be a key difference-maker in this process.

Prediction: Williams re-signs with Nets

Predictions for other notable names

Steve Nash—Dallas Mavericks

Jeremy Lin—New York Knicks

Chauncey Billups—Los Angeles Lakers

Shooting Guard: Eric Gordon

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2011-12 Team: New Orleans Hornets

Eric Gordon was limited to just nine regular season games during his inaugural season in New Orleans. After a knee injury hampered him for much of the season and a back issue limited him down the stretch, Gordon will be eager to prove that he's still one of the league's best young players.

Gordon, who averaged 20.6 points when he was on the floor, has already said that he plans to test free agency, but frankly, it's not going to matter much considering he's a restricted free agent and the Hornets will be able to match any deal he receives.

After winning the No. 1 overall pick, the Hornets will look to build a core for the future around Anthony Davis, Gordon and whoever is selected with No. 10 selection. The Hornets view Gordon as a cornerstone of the franchise, and that's completely understandable considering he was the centerpiece of the deal that sent Chris Paul to Los Angeles.

Unless some team sends an absolutely ridiculous offer in Gordon's direction (a maximum contract), it is highly unlikely that he'll be switching teams.

Prediction: Gordon re-signs with Hornets

 

Predictions for other notable names

O.J. Mayo—Dallas Mavericks

Jamal Crawford—Minnesota Timberwolves

Ray Allen—Los Angeles Clippers

Small Forward: Nicolas Batum

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2011-12 Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Nicolas Batum is just 23 years old, and he still has an extraordinarily high ceiling as a player. As someone who has rotated between roles during his tenure with the Blazers to date, he'll be looking to settle into some consistency next season.

There had been some previous chatter that the San Antonio Spurs were looking to pry the restricted free agent away, but the team is highly unlikely to have the financial flexibility to make a realistic bid for Batum.

After new general manager Neil Olshey was introduced to the Portland community, he referred to Batum as a player the team intends to build its future around, and that's a strong indicator that the team isn't prepared to let him leave for a new destination. Unless another club very obviously overpays Batum, Portland will have no trouble matching any offer he receives in rapid fashion.

Batum's versatile game isn't one that should be taken for granted, and he'll be an integral part of the retooling process.

Prediction: Batum re-signs with Trail Blazers

Prediction for other notable names

Jeff Green—Boston Celtics

Gerald Wallace—Brooklyn Nets

Nick Young—Phoenix Suns

Power Forward: Kevin Garnett

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2011-12 Team: Boston Celtics

Earlier this season, re-signing Kevin Garnett seemed like an insane scenario for a team that appeared to be clinging onto the past. Needless to say, that has changed considerably.

After moving to the starting center position, Garnett has averaged 16.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks on 50.7 percent shooting. In other words, the move to the middle is at least partially responsible for K.G.'s resurgence this season.

Looking every bit like the heart and soul of this Boston Celtics club, Garnett has averaged a double-double in the postseason and there is no way his team would be having any success without him. He has rallied his teammates both on and off the floor and it's very obvious how much respect he commands from his peers.

There's no doubt that the C's need to start considering the future, but bringing back Garnett on a deal that is beneficial for both sides is something that the team would be wise to consider. With Doc Rivers already stating that the team wants Garnett back next year, it shouldn't take too much negotiation to get something done.

Prediction: Re-signs with Celtics

Prediction for other notable names

Tim Duncan—San Antonio Spurs

Kris Humphries—Brooklyn Nets

Ryan Anderson—Orlando Magic

Center: Roy Hibbert

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2011-12 Team: Indiana Pacers

Roy Hibbert took a big step forward this season. With career-high averages in field goal percentage (49.7 percent), points (12.8), rebounds (8.8) and blocks (2.0), it's not hard to see why the big man was selected to his first All-Star team.

Given his immense size and ability to operate in the low post, Hibbert could establish himself as one dominant center in a league that doesn't have many of them. He's noticeably improved every season he's been in the league and remains committed toward getting even better.

After spending time with Tim Duncan before this season to improve his offensive skill set, Hibbert wants to remain in Indiana and grow with the Pacers, a team that took the chance on him when acquiring his draft rights. Given the positive steps his team took this year, it's not hard to digest why Hibbert wants to stick around.

With plenty of cap space available, the Pacers have made no secret that their "top priority" is to re-sign Hibbert. As a restricted free agent, Indiana will be able to match any offer he receives.

The chances of Hibbert landing elsewhere appear to be between slim and none.

Prediction: Re-signs with Pacers

 

Prediction for other notable names

Brook Lopez—Brooklyn Nets

JaVale McGee—Denver Nuggets

Chris Kaman—Philadelphia 76ers