2012 NBA Free Agency: Top 5 Targets for the Portland Trail Blazers

With the trade deadline behind us, it's time to look forward to free agency.

One of the teams that made a splash at the trade deadline was the up-and-down Portland Trail Blazers. Between firing their head coach, releasing their former first overall draft choice and trading Gerald Wallace, it was far from a quiet week on the Portland front.

In order to improve, the Trail Blazers must re-sign key players and take steps to bring in some drastically needed talent.

Fortunately for you, I know who they should be targeting.

5. D.J. Augustin, Point Guard, RFA

It's very unlikely that D.J. Augustin will want to stay in Charlotte, where he is currently the interim point guard until Kemba Walker develops into the franchise player he is expected to be. While Portland would have to spend quite a bit to bring him in, I don't think that the Trail Blazers are too far from the top of his list.

Augustin is a bit undersized at just 6'0" tall, but he makes up for it with a consistent outside shot and perfectly placed passes. While he's not an All-Star caliber player, the 24-year-old has shown the ability to take over a game for short periods of time, something the Blazers could use at the point guard position.

Season Averages: 12.2 ppg, 6.4 apg, 2.7 rpg, 0.8 spg

4. Jeff Green, Forward, RFA

Jeff Green will be coming off of heart surgery, but remains one of the most versatile forwards in the NBA. Between above-average rebounding, excellent passing and an occasional scoring outburst, Green is the real-deal. If he could just find a single position that fits him, he might be able to have continuous success.

In Portland, Green could potentially emerge as their starting small forward. While re-signing Batum would change all of this, there is a chance the Blazers fail to do so. If that's the case, Green should be the player they target.

2011 Season Averages: 13.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.4 apg

3. Spencer Hawes, Center, UFA

Spencer Hawes is a 7'1", 245 center with an ability to out-finesse an opponent on the block. He's also an excellent rebounder, shot blocker and screen-setter.

While finally giving up on Greg Oden won't be forgotten by Hawes' arrival, he would offer the Trail Blazers their best big man in quite some time. His playing style is compatible with LaMarcus Aldridge's, as well, making him a prime candidate for the role of center on the Portland Trail Blazers.

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

2. Deron Williams, Point Guard, UFA

Ever since Deron Williams announced that he would be testing the free agent market, fans of the Portland Trail Blazers have speculated as to whether or not he could end up in Rose Garden. While the chances are slim, anything is possible and every possibility must be explored.

There isn't much that needs to be said about Deron Williams' skills. He's, arguably, the best point guard in the NBA, combining elite scoring and facilitating with a killer instinct that very few can match. Pair that with underrated defense, his ability to move without the ball and his unstoppable ball handling and you've got a star.

Bet the bank on this guy.

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

1. Nicolas Batum, Small Forward

Homegrown Nicolas Batum is still just 23 years old, despite spending four years in the Trail Blazers' system. As he finally approaches free agency, the Blazers' top priority must be to re-sign Batum long-term.

Batum is having a career year, improving his scoring and upping his steals and blocks per game.

When you consider all of that, as well his ability to shoot the three, it is clear that he has "franchise player" written all over him. The Blazers would be fools to let him go.

Season Averages: 13.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.0 bpg, 1.0 spg