NBA Free Agency 2012: Power Ranking Top 10 Stars on the Market

The 2012 NBA free agency class is one of the least glamorous in recent years—and that was before Dwight Howard opted into his contract with the Orlando Magic.

Regardless, there are still a number of solid players that figure to make an impact for whoever ends up signing them.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 free agents available in the summer of 2012. 

10. Jeremy Lin (Restricted FA)

Lin has a unique contract situation, unlike most of the other guys on this list.

According to Jay Caspian Kang, teams can only offer him approximately $5 million per season for the first two years of the deal, but they can backload the offer and increase his salary significantly in the last year or two of the contract.

This means that a team like the Nets, if they lose Deron Williams, could potentially offer him $5M for the first two seasons and then somewhere in the $10M+ range for the latter half.

After his initial breakout, Linsanity calmed down a bit, and it’s doubtful he’s actually worth that price on the court—but his marketing opportunities are significant, especially to a team that would be in a major city looking for worldwide support.

Expect there to be a ton of interest and possibly a few offers thrown at the Knicks' emerging star. 

9. Ryan Anderson (Restricted FA)

Anderson has become a breakout contributor for the Orlando Magic during his fourth year in the league.

The 6’10”, 240-pound sweet-shooting big man has taken advantage of his new role as a starter, and is averaging 16.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and knocking down almost three treys per game at a 41.3 percent clip.

Ryan has definitely proved he deserves a new deal for a lot more money than the $2.24M he’s making in 2011. Anderson will at least get a $3.23M qualifying offer, if not a long-term extension, from his current franchise. 

8. Tim Duncan (Unrestricted FA)

It would be extremely weird to see the 35-year-old star in any other uniform other than the black and white of the San Antonio Spurs.

However, there’s a small chance another contender offers Duncan more money. And a chance to win another ring before retiring.

Timmy D is still a capable player, as evidenced by his 14.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.4 APG and 1.5 BPG in just 28.6 minutes a night.

He’s a proven winner and someone that could become a key contributor on a veteran, championship team.

7. Gerald Wallace (Player Option)

The New Jersey Nets panicked at the trade deadline and decided to ship a valuable 2012 pick (top-three protected) to the Trail Blazers for a half season of Gerald Wallace.

The versatile and hyper-athletic swingman has an $11M player option for next season, which he may not choose to accept. It would be wise of him to sign with a contender as he approaches his 30th birthday, especially if D-Will declines his own option.

He’s averaging 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals this season, and could easily find an interested suitor on the open market this summer. 

6. Brook Lopez (Restricted FA)

The Nets have another decision to make here with Brook Lopez due up for an extension.

They can choose to give the big man a $4.1M qualifying offer, extend him, or let him walk.

It’s extremely likely they choose one of the former two options and try to build around a gifted post-scorer, even if he averaging a paltry 3.6 rebounds per game this season.

5. Roy Hibbert (Restricted FA)

Hibbert is going to draw a ton of interest on the open market considering his immense 7’2”, 260-pound size, and young age of 25.

He’s a player that a franchise can build around and feel secure at the center position for a long time with.

Indiana should do everything in their power to retain him—which should be easy considering they have much more cap room than most teams in the league. 

4. Kevin Garnett (Unrestricted FA)

The 35-year-old's skills may be declining, but he is still one of the most intense players in the league with a burning desire to win a championship.

He’s still able to play top-notch defense and can post up for a bucket when his team needs one, which would make him an invaluable veteran presence on a number of hopeful contenders.

The Celtics PF is still putting up respectable numbers, averaging 15.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.1 blocks in 31.3 minutes a night. He’s also doing this on a team with little to no depth in the frontcourt.

If he is willing to sign cheap with a contender, KG could make a huge impact and have another ring before he hangs up his boots. 

3. Steve Nash (Unrestricted FA)

No one was predicting such an incredible season for the 38-year-old Steve Nash.

The Phoenix Suns superstar is putting up a consistent 12.8 PPG, 11.2 APG and 3.1 RPG with ridiculous shooting percentages of 53.8 from the field, 39.8 from deep and 88.3 from the line.

He’s clearly still in shape and playing at a high level, dragging his severely undermanned roster to the brink of the playoffs.

Just imagine what he could do on a stacked roster that direly needs an elite PG, such as the Miami Heat.

It’s not going to be easy to pry the star from his home in the desert, and it’s eventually going to come down to money and loyalty. 

2. Eric Gordon (Restricted FA)

Gordon is one of the few elite, young shooting guards in the league, and deserves to be paid like one.

Despite the rash of injuries that have hampered his 2011-12 production, he’s on his way to superstardom in the NBA.

Remember, this was the guy that the Chris Paul to the Clippers trade hinged on, and the Hornets need to pay him the big bucks to start rebuilding their franchise properly.

He is up for a $5.1M qualifying offer, but New Orleans needs to ink him to a long-term deal as soon as possible. 

1. Deron Williams (Player Option)

D-Will isn’t going to accept his option unless something drastic happens in New Jersey. This makes him the crown jewel of the 2012 free agent class, and a player that a number of teams are planning on making a run for.

He’s going to be paid like a superstar and should be getting a max deal from one lucky franchise this summer.

Expect him to go somewhere such as Dallas, where they have the pieces in place to make multiple runs, while the 27-year-old is still in the midst of his prime.