2012 NBA Free Agents: Steve Nash and 7 Stars Who Are Locks to Pick a New Team
The NBA season is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting postseason, but it's never too early to look ahead to the offseason, where some big names could be on the market.
It could have been even bigger if Chris Paul and Dwight Howard didn't take themselves off the market by committing to their current teams beyond this season, but there will still be some talent out there for sure.
Some of that talent will remain in their current situation, but there are a handful of players who will be in search of greener pastures.
Here's a look at a handful of guys who are locks to change uniforms next season.
Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
Nash is loyal to Phoenix, but the only thing the two-time MVP is missing from his resume is a ring and he made it clear last week on the Dan Patrick Show that he won't be returning to Phoenix unless the Suns can upgrade their roster.
The Suns won't be able to do enough to entice Nash to stay and he will be in search of that championship that's eluded him his entire career.
Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets
Similar to Nash, Williams want to win, but that's not going to happen in New Jersey for some time. New Jersey failed to land Dwight Howard over the past trade deadline, and they will fail to keep Williams in a Nets uniform as they prepare to head to Brooklyn.
Raymond Felton, Portland Trail Blazers
Felton is an unrestricted free agent and it would serve him best to get as far away from Portland as he can, given that 2012 has been the worst year of his career. A change of scenery will be good for him.
Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks will be in the market for a top flight point guard, meaning Kidd will no longer be in their plans. He can still contribute to a team in a limited role, but if Kidd wants to continue to earn a paycheck, it will be with a different franchise.
Michael Beasley, Minnesota Timberwolves
Beasley will be a restricted free agent, who the Wolves are very unlikely to make an $8.2 million qualifying offer to. Minnesota has depth in the frontcourt, and that's money that could be spent to improve the team in other areas.
Antawn Jamison, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jamison will be an unrestricted free agent and there won't be much interest from the Cavs to bring him back as they will look to continue to get younger and more athletic. The former North Carolina Tar Heel will look to likely cash in on one more contract, possibly in his hometown of Charlotte.
Chris Kaman, New Orleans Hornets
Kaman will also be an unrestricted free agent and will certainly attract a good deal of interest on the open market. New Orleans is looking to rebuild and Kaman will find himself a decent contract elsewhere.
