Offseason Free Agency and Trade Targets for Every NBA Team

With the 2012 NBA regular season more than three-quarters of the way finished, many teams have begun to write their season off as a failure. For some, this can be accredited to an inability to reach the playoffs; for others, they can't help but blame the free agent acquisitions and trades they failed to make.

Fortunately for those in distress, free agency is not too far away. With so many big-name players available, as well as key role players who can elevate a team to another level, it's important to target the players who can aid your franchise in recovery or improvement.

What's most important about free agency, and more specifically, the NBA offseason, is that the floodgates are re-opened and the ability to trade is reinstated. The question is, how will each team utilize these grand opportunities?

Atlanta Hawks: Sign Nicolas Batum, Trade Marvin Williams

While the Hawks won't be alone in their pursuit of the young Frenchman, Nicolas Batum must be their prime target if they want to become a legitimate championship contender in the East.

Batum is an excellent defender, a lights-out three-point shooter and, at 23, has all the tools necessary to improve every facet of his game.

He's a major upgrade over Marvin Williams, but more importantly, a player with legitimate star potential.

Batum's Season Averages: 13.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg

Williams' Season Averages: 9.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 41% 3PT

Boston Celtics: Re-Sign Jeff Green, Sign Roy Hibbert

As much as I'd love to see an athletic big man alongside Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee just doesn't compare to the all-around brilliance of Roy Hibbert.

The 7'2" Georgetown graduate has taken the leap from good to great in 2012, making drastic improvements across the board and becoming one of the league's most feared defenders. On the offensive end, he isn't much more pleasant to deal with.

Hibbert has one of the most polished low-post games in the NBA, utilizing a wide array of power moves, finesse fakes and baby hooks to dominate around the rim. He's also capable of throwing one or two down if need be, making him as versatile as any big man league-wide.

In Beantown, Hibbert would certainly thrive alongside Rajon Rondo. The two would go a long way towards quickly restoring the Celtics to greatness after the potential break up of the Big Three.

Green's 2011 Season Averages: 13.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 45% FG

Hibbert's Season Averages: 12.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.7 bpg

Charlotte Bobcats: Sign Brook Lopez, Center

It's hard to target one player when the Bobcats have so many needs, but if we could cut it down to one, it'd have to be at the 5. Fortunately, Brook Lopez will be on the market with quite a few doubters turning him away.

Lopez will be coming off of a season in which he suffered two injuries that kept him out for an extended period of time. The Bobcats would be coming off of a season in which Bismack Biyombo is their best big man, despite standing just 6'9".

Lopez's combination of size, experience and offensive ability is something the Bobcats could certainly use as they potentially create a front court monster with Biyombo and Anthony Davis.

2011 Season Averages: 20.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg

Chicago Bulls: Sign Ray Allen, Shooting Guard

A lot of people want the Bulls to go young and acquire O.J. Mayo, but Chicago's title chances would immediately improve upon acquiring three-point maestro Ray Allen.

At 36, Allen is still producing at a high level by scoring 14.7 points on 46 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Furthermore, Allen has remained healthy, in terrific shape and has the championship pedigree that the Bulls currently lack.

Allen also played under Chicago's head coach, Tom Thibodeau, in Boston from 2007 to 2010. This is the perfect fit for a team that's one player away from winning a title.

Season Averages: 14.7 points, 3.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 46% 3PT

Cleveland Cavaliers: Release Luke Walton, Sign O.J. Mayo

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in desperate need of an upgrade at the 2. While Eric Gordon and Ray Allen are also available, they shouldn't even think about anyone but O.J. Mayo.

O.J. Mayo has been playing with a chip on his shoulder for quite some time now, having to work behind Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley as each have snatched the spotlight from him.

By going to Cleveland, it would be a two-man show of Mayo and Kyrie Irving, as the dynamic guard duo could take on anyone in the NBA.

As for Luke Walton, he is set to make $6.1 million in 2012; considering he hardly sees six minutes on some nights, there is no logical reason to keep him on with a contract that big.

Mayo's Season Averages: 12.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg

Walton's Season Averages: 7.2 mpg, 1.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg

Dallas Mavericks: Sign Deron Williams

It's already clear who the Dallas Mavericks will be targeting, with or without Dwight Howard. After all, a combination of Deron Williams and Dirk Nowitzki is nothing to complain about. Unless you're their opponents, that is.

Williams is an excellent scorer, from the perimeter and driving the lane, as well as one of the best facilitators in the game today. Between him and Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks would return to form as a favorite to win it all.

Season Averages: 22.0 ppg, 8.1 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 spg

Denver Nuggets: Sign Baron Davis

Andre Miller is an expensive player who believes he should be starting. That makes it quite obvious that Miller will not be re-signing with the Nuggets, leaving Denver without a backup point guard.

The perfect solution? Acquiring veteran Baron Davis and giving him an opportunity to win the Sixth Man of the Year Award. After all, collectively we know that's strong motivation for Davis, who has spent this season backing up Jeremy Lin.

Season Averages: 16.4 mpg, 4.8 ppg, 5.3 apg, 1.0 spg

Detroit Pistons: Amnesty Charlie Villanueva, Trade Ben Gordon

The Pistons should be focused on clearing out more than they are in bringing players in. More specifically, they should get rid of hefty contracts in favor of their youth movement.

While Ben Gordon's Detroit experience has gone rather sour, there are plenty of teams league-wide in need of a knockdown shooter. Seeing as Gordon is one of the best shooters in the world, his trade value suddenly grows a bit higher.

As for Villanueva, he's clearly not the answer for this team. What he is, however, is scheduled to make greater than $7.5 million in 2012. Time to get rid of him before it's too late.

Gordon's Season Averages: 11.5 ppg, 2.4 apg, 2.3 rpg, 37% 3PT

Villanueva's Season Averages: 3 GP, 0.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg

Golden State Warriors: Trade Andris Biedrins, Sign O.J. Mayo

Andris Biedrins' contract has gone on for too long and costs the Warriors far too much. If they're ever going to cut him loose, this summer would be the perfect time.

As for O.J. Mayo, he fits a need for the Warriors after franchise shooting guard Monta Ellis was sent to Milwaukee and Stephen Jackson was sent to San Antonio.

As long as the Warriors are willing to spend some change, there is no reason they can't acquire Mayo and begin building a playoff contender.

Season Averages: 12.2 ppg, 2.3 apg, 2.2 rpg, 1.1 spg

Houston Rockets: Sign Chris Kaman, Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson has emerged as one of the best young players in the league, combining size with lights-out shooting from distance. While Luis Scola still has some left in the tank, it wouldn't be a bad idea to sign Anderson and begin to breed him as your 4 of the future.

As for Kaman, he'd offer the Rockets a major upgrade at their weakest position: center. A deal to consider and pursue as both Scola and Samuel Dalembert begin to throw up caution flags.

Anderson's Season Averages: 15.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.0 apg, 41% 3PT

Kaman's Season Averages: 13.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg

Indiana Pacers: Sign Eric Gordon

Eric Gordon is from Indiana, went to school at Indiana and in 2012, should become an essential piece of the Indiana Pacers.

While Paul George is the Pacers' 2 of the future, his size enables him to also play the 3. That's a role he'll likely need to fill as Danny Granger gets older and his window of opportunity to win big closes.

As for Gordon, the former Hoosier has a deadly mid-range game, can shoot the 3 and thrives in dribble penetration.

Pairing him with Darren Collison and George Hill would give the Pacers a trio of quick guards who can change the pace of the game at any time.

2011 Season Averages: 22.3 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.9 rpg, 1.3 spg

Los Angeles Clippers: Sign Ray Allen

The Los Angeles Clippers were hoping to trade for Ray Allen before the trade deadline came and went. Upon realizing the financial obligation they'd have to make, they decided to wait until free agency.

Now that they have Nick Young, does that intent change? I don't think it should, as Allen's championship-pedigree is something the rest of a young Clippers' team lacks.

More specifically, his consistency and leadership outweighs Young's potential any day, especially if the contract is a one-year deal.

Another option is adding depth at the 3.

Season Averages: 14.7 points, 3.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 46% 3PT

Los Angeles Lakers: Amnesty Metta World Peace, Sign Nicolas Batum & Kirk Hinrich

I swear, it would be a lot easier to like Ron Artest if he were still Ron Artest.

Anyhow, Metta World Peace will be 33 next season, but most importantly, will be making upwards of $8 million. If Mitch Kupchak really wants to clear cap space, he should start with MWP.

As for his replacement, Nicolas Batum fits the profile. He's an active defender, a young prospect and possesses what the Lakers currently lack: an ability to shoot the three.

While the Lakers will have quite a few competitors for Batum's signature, they have to be considered a front-runner with what they can offer the young wingman.

As for Kirk Hinrich, the Lakers need to add depth at the point-guard position and Steve Blake just isn't cutting it. Hinrich does everything Blake does but better, including an underrated ability to shut down elite players on the defensive end of the floor.

Batum's Season Averages: 13.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg

Hinrich's Season Averages: 6.3 ppg, 2.6 apg, 1.9 rpg

Memphis Grizzlies: Sign James Anderson, Aaron Gray

This isn't a big-name free agency period for the Grizzlies, as they keep their core five starters heading into the 2013 season. What this is, however, is an important season where they must fill holes.

In signing Aaron Gray, the Grizzlies would acquire a low-cost, low-risk center who can give Memphis the in-between minutes while Marc Gasol rests on the bench. He's also a big body that could be valuable to any team's interior defense.

As for James Anderson, it's basically a process of replacing O.J. Mayo with someone who plays quite a similar style of ball. As for Anderson, however, there is no bad history between the two teams and he's just waiting for his chance to shine.

Believe me, once James Anderson gets his opportunity, he'll do just that: shine.

Anderson's Season Averages: 3.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.9 spg

Gray's Season Averages: 16.9 mpg, 4.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.3 spg

Miami Heat: Sign Spencer Hawes

Spencer Hawes is a 7'1" center who, at just 23, has shown the potential to truly dominate his position. Once he's able to stay healthy for a full season, the rest of the NBA will be well aware of that.

For Miami, this is the type of player who they need in the paint. Scratch that, this is exactly the player they need in the paint.

Hawes is a physical defender who isn't afraid to send a message with a foul. He's also able to finish at the rim, has a long wingspan and a good enough head on his shoulders to use the glass to make his shots.

Season Averages: 10.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 bpg

Milwaukee Bucks: Trade for Michael Beasley

Imagine a trio of Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis and Michael Beasley.

While the defense would be at a minimum, the offensive potential would be hard to match. Fortunately, Scott Skiles will be there to touch up on the defensive deficiencies.

As for Beasley's individual production, he'd finally be in a comfort zone. No one on the Bucks has a star identity, nor is there a clear-cut favorite to score the majority of the points.

Along with Jennings and Ellis, Beasley could easily average 20 a night and get back to the level we've come to expect.

Season Averages: 11.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 44% 3PT

Minnesota Timberwolves: Sign A.J. Price & Carlos Delfino

It's hard to pinpoint one position of need as the Timberwolves are actually rather deep at every position. Quite frankly, if not for their youth and inexperience, the talent on the Timverwolves' roster could go quite some way come playoff time.

Upon evaluating the roster, however, the best-case scenario would be too add security blankets at the point and the 2.

This opens up the doors for A.J. Price of the Indiana Pacers and Carlos Delfino of the Milwaukee Bucks. Each offer something different, balancing out youth and experience. In acquiring both men, the Timberwolves would become a serious playoff contender with two high-efficiency role players.

Just as Chicago how John Lucas and C.J. Watson are working out.

Delfino's Season Averages: 9.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.5 spg

Price's Season Averages: 4.3 ppg, 2.0 apg, 1.4 rpg

New Jersey Nets: Re-Sign Deron Williams & Kris Humphries, Sign Roy Hibbert

While many count this possibility out, the New Jersey (soon to be Brooklyn) Nets must find a way to re-sign Deron Williams. A great way to start would be to re-sign Kris Humphries and sign an elite center. No, not Dwight Howard; Roy Hibbert.

While Hibbert lacks the athleticism of Dwight Howard, he's an elite center, evidenced by his first career All-Star selection in 2012. He can defend, score on the low post and sets a mighty-strong screen at 7'2" and 260 pounds.

Besides, Hibbert is from a few boroughs over in Queens. Do you really think he wouldn't want to be close to him?

Hibbert's Season Averages: 12.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg

Humphries' Season Averages: 13.3 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 1.3 bpg

Williams' Season Averages: 22.0 ppg, 8.1 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 spg

New Orleans Hornets: Trade Emeka Okafor & Trevor Ariza

This is a hard one to gauge.

The Hornets don't have much, but they do have high-value players that could potentially land them an early second- or late first-round draft pick. Specifically, they have Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza.

A team like the Cleveland Cavaliers could be interested in Okafor, as could the Miami Heat if the financials were properly constructed.

As for Ariza, he remains one of the most versatile young defensive wings in the NBA. Someone will be interested if he's made available.

Ariza's Season Averages: 11.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg

Okafor's Season Averages: 9.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.0 bpg,

New York Knicks: Re-Sign Jeremy Lin & Landry Fields

Seriously, is there any question about this?

Jeremy Lin has given reason for optimism to a city full of blindly hopeful fans. He's one of the most popular players in the NBA, his name is all over New York City and most importantly, he can play the point.

While there's no denying Lin must improve in certain areas, such as developing better chemistry with Carmelo Anthony, that can only be expected at age 23.

As for Fields, his value cannot be overstated. The issue for him is the presence of both J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert on the Knicks' roster. Fields could be the odd man out.

Fields' Season Averages: 9.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg

Lin's Season Averages: 14.7 ppg, 6.3 apg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 spg

Oklahoma City Thunder: Sign Ersan Ilyasova, Greg Stiemsma

Oklahoma City's front court is a powerful unit, with Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins enforcing their dominance in the paint. The issue is, both positions lack an offensive spark.

In acquiring Ersan Ilyasova, the Thunder would have a legitimate second-unit player who could post close to 15 points a contest in 25-30 minutes. As for Stiemsma, he's just another low-maintenance player who can block shots as well as anyone.

While these aren't necessary moves, they're acquisitions that would help the Thunder maintain the winning pace they set for themselves in 2012. Something to consider.

Ilyasova's Season Averages: 12.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 20.03 PER

Stiemsma's Season Averages: 10.5 mpg, 1.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.6 bpg

Orlando Magic: Sign Deron Wiliams, Point Guard

We've been talking about the D-Will and D-12 combination for months, so why not make it happen in the city Dwight Howard was supposed to be leaving?

Deron Williams has solidified his status as one of NBA's elite. Between a 38-point performance against the Knicks, where Williams had eight three-point field goals, and a 57-point drubbing of the Charlotte Bobcats, it's clear the facilitator can create for himself.

Nevertheless, there's nothing the basketball world wants to see more than a Deron Williams-to-Dwight Howard connection.

Season Averages: 22.0 ppg, 8.1 apg, 3.5 rpg, 1.1 spg

Philadelphia 76ers: Re-Sign Lavoy Allen & Jodie Meeks, Amnesty Andres Nocioni

Evan Turner is starting to develop into the prospect the 76ers had hoped they'd drafted, making Jodie Meeks' value much greater. Yes, you read that right.

Meeks is a change of pace from Turner as he provides the 76ers with a reliable perimeter shooter, something that teams often undervalue.

As for Allen, he has been a pleasant surprise for the 76ers. While his numbers haven't been incredible, he's a high-energy and high-effort player who has turned some heads. Between him and Nikola Vucevic, the Sixers' front court could be all right with the pending departure of Spencer Hawes.

Expect the 76ers to make a run at him, though.

Allen's Season Averages: 16.1 mpg, 4.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 49% FG

Meeks' Season Averages: 8.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 38% 3PT

Phoenix Suns: Re-Sign & Trade Steve Nash; Sign Aaron Brooks

As professional as it would be for the Phoenix Suns to let Steve Nash walk into a championship-contending situation, the best-case scenario for the Suns would be to re-sign the two-time MVP and then trade him to the potential destination.

Ideally, this trade would land the Suns an extra first-round draft pick to work with. It could also help free up cap space to make a run at re-signing Aaron Brooks, the original Nash replacement.

The question is, is he still in the Suns' plans?

Brooks' 2011 Season Averages: 10.7 ppg, 3.9 apg, 1.3 rpg

Nash's Season Averages: 13.4 ppg, 11.3 apg, 3.0 rpg

Portland Trail Blazers: Re-Sign Nicolas Batum

Before the Portland Trail Blazers do anything else, they need to lock up Nicolas Batum.

Batum was acquired by the Blazers in 2008 and since then, it's been a matter of time and development before Portland let him loose. Upon trading away Gerald Wallace, it's appeared that they're ready to do just that.

In one of Batum's first appearances since the trade deadline, he narrowly missed a double-double by posting 15 points and nine rebounds, as well as two steals.

This is the type of balanced performance the the Blazers have been waiting for, and now that they have it, they'd be foolish to let Batum get away.

Batum's Season Averages: 13.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg

Sacramento Kings: Amnesty Chuck Hayes, Sign Kris Humphries

Kris Humphries is the type of energy and effort player that the Sacramento Kings need on their roster.

He's also an excellent rebounder, an irritating defender and a developing scorer. His acquisition would also enable the Kings to move DeMarcus Cousins back to the 5.

As for Chuck Hayes, he will be paid greater than $5 million next year. Between him and Francisco Garcia, it comes down to measuring who is more valuable, and at this point, it might be Garcia.

Humphries' Season Averages: 13.3 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 1.3 bpg

San Antonio Spurs: Re-Sign Tim Duncan & Danny Green, Sign Landry Fields

If you don't want the San Antonio Spurs to re-sign Tim Duncan, there is something wrong with you. If you don't want the Spurs to re-sign Danny Green, you just haven't been watching the Spurs play basketball.

As for Landry Fields, he'd certainly add depth on the perimeter. He's a capable shooter from long and mid-range, an excellent defender and is capable of scoring in transition.

He basically has "San Antonio Spur" written all over him.

Duncan's Season Averages: 14.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 21.38 PER

Fields' Season Averages: 9.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg

Green's Season Averages: 8.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.7 bpg

Toronto Raptors: Sign Jason Terry, Shooting Guard

With two players that bare an eerie similarity to Dirk Nowitzki, Andrea Bargnani and Jonas Valanciunas, it'd only be right to put Jason Terry on the wing.

Terry has made a living hitting clutch three-pointers as Dirk Nowitzki draws double-teams inside and outside of the paint. Bargnani and Valanciunas are both likely to command such attention, thus freeing up outside shooters. The issue is, without Terry, they don't have anyone.

Terry is the perfect fit for a team poised to brew up the perfect storm.

Season Averages: 14.9 ppg, 3.5 apg, 2.4 rpg, 38% 3PT

Utah Jazz: Sign Chauncey Billups, Marco Belinelli

There may not be a better fit for the forward-heavy lineup of the Utah Jazz than the floor-stretching, championship-pedigree Chauncey Billups. There also is no greater need on this team than the addition of a reliable three-point shooter, something Belinelli certainly offers.

Billups is a born-leader, a great scorer and an intelligent facilitator. His presence on the Jazz's bench alone would bring positive results, but it's his play on the court that makes him so valuable. After all, not everyone can hit consecutive threes and then dish out consecutive assists.

Belinelli's Season Averages: 11.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 36% 3PT

Billups' Season Averages: 15.0 ppg, 4.0 apg, 2.5 rpg

Washington Wizards: Sign Ersan Ilyasova, Trade Andray Blatche

If the Wizards are to play Nene at the 5, this is a great addition for a young team in search of a reliable scorer and rebounder. While Ilyasova is still developing his game, he could provide both of those assets and remain alongside a star point guard in John Wall.

As for Blatche, he's a player who has relatively strong trade value, as he could potentially land the Wizards a late second-round draft pick. Not such a bad idea to get his contract and attitude out of town.

Blatche's Season Averages: 8.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.8 spg, 0.7 bpg

Ilyasova's Season Averages: 12.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 42% 3PT, 20.03 PER