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NBA Free Agency 2012: Best Free-Agent Fit for All 30 Teams

Haddon AndersonJun 7, 2018

Before you know it, the NBA season will climax, and a certain, deserving team will reach the NBA mountaintop.

Soon after that, the free-agency period will begin, and marquee names will begin latching on with new ballclubs.

For some teams, there's already speculation about who should be pursued come the summer.

Teams are beginning to ask, "What crucial addition can turn our franchise around, take us from "good" to "great" or even prove to be the final piece to the championship puzzle?"

Wherever your team currently stands, we have analysis on who their primary free-agent target should be this summer.

Here are the 2012 best free-agent fits for all 30 teams.

Boston Celtics: Roy Hibbert

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The surging Celtics have recently looked like the Celtics of a few years ago. Their veterans don't look aged, and their younger players, such as Avery Bradley, are beginning to find their niche in the league.

In Boston's frontcourt, Kevin Garnett continues to effectively contribute on both ends of the floor, but after him, their depth is slim.

If the Celtics can re-sign Garnett (a free agent this summer) and also add another big man, their outlook for next season would be bright.

It would be especially bright if they could sign All-Star center Roy Hibbert.

Hibbert would give the Celtics another potent big man capable of doing damage on both ends of the floor. The Celtics, however, must be willing to spend lofty money for him, as he's a restricted free agent, and the Pacers will likely match most reasonable deals. 

If Boston can lure Hibbert, he'll be an addition that could certainly help them keep pace with rising Chicago and star-studded Miami.

Other Options: Chris Kaman, JaVale McGee, Marcus Camby

Philadelphia 76ers: Re-Sign Spencer Hawes

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The Philadelphia 76ers are young and need more time to enable their core to mesh. Because of this, it's unlikely and unnecessary for Philly to make major moves this offseason.

The wisest move they can make this summer is to re-sign center Spencer Hawes, who will be an unrestricted free agent. Hawes has become a reliable center, and the Sixers should seek to sign him to a long-term deal.

If Philly does happen to make major noise this offseason, it's more likely to come from a blockbuster trade than it is from free agency.

Other Options: Marcus Camby, Aaron Gray

New York Knicks: Re-Sign Jeremy Lin

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Similar to Philly, the Knicks already have a quality core intact and don't figure to make any bold moves this offseason. 

The one decision they will be forced to make is if they want to bring back "Linsanity."

While the Knicks have fared well since Lin has recently been out with injury, they'd still be wise to re-sign him to give them a point guard for the future.

Other Options: Steve Nash (very unlikely), Derek Fisher

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New Jersey (Brooklyn) Nets: Convince Deron Williams to Accept Player Option

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This is the central task for the Nets this summer.

There's no point in analyzing if the Nets should sign new players, because if Williams departs, their march into Brooklyn will take a major hit. They'll be back to the drawing board.

In all honesty, Williams is likely going to leave and latch on with a contender. Therefore, the Nets will likely be forced to look at Plan B options to at least create some hype for their upcoming move.

Other Options: Re-sign Brook Lopez (this must happen if they hope to convince D-Will to stay), O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley

Toronto Raptors: Kris Humphries

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Toronto is not an alluring destination for NBA players, but they do possess some cap room to make some moves this summer.

With big man Andrea Bargnani providing punch on the offensive end, the Raptors could use a complement to Bargnani who cleans the boards and does the dirty work.

Kris Humphries has proven to be this type of player in New Jersey. He'd be a perfect fit and could help Toronto become a team that could challenge for a playoff spot.

Other options: J.J. Hickson, Jason Thompson

Chicago Bulls: Ray Allen

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The Bulls don't have any glaring needs and don't possess much cap space to make noise this summer.

Despite this, there's still a chance they'll seek to add a shooting guard, particularly if Rip Hamilton continues to get hurt or looks well past his prime come the playoffs.

Ray Allen would be an ideal fit, and he would very likely sign a less-lucrative deal for the chance to win a title with the Bulls. 

Other options: Courtney Lee, Shannon Brown

Indiana Pacers: Eric Gordon

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This is a deal that makes sense in every way. Gordon would loft Indiana into the "elite" category, and he's from Indianapolis, so there's reason for him to want to join the up-and-coming Pacers.

The great news for Pacers fans is their financial flexibility this summer. While Gordon is a restricted free agent, Indiana should be able to offer him a deal that causes New Orleans to shy away from matching. 

Gordon would certainly help solidify the Pacers' squad and would make them a true challenger to Miami and Chicago.

And if the Pacers can somehow find a way to bring back Roy Hibbert and add Gordon, they could potentially hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy sometime soon.

Other options: O.J. Mayo, Chris Kaman

Milwaukee Bucks: Re-Sign Ersan Ilyasova

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Power forward Ersan Ilyasova has shown his impressive abilities this season, and the 2012 unrestricted free agent is sure to generate interest this summer.

The Bucks will have to supply Ilyasova with an enticing offer to convince him to stay, but if they can, they'll certainly have a solid core heading into next year with him, Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings.

Other Options: Matt Barnes, Kenyon Martin, Steve Novak

Detroit Pistons: Louis Amundson

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The Pistons are a mess—both on the court and in their finances. They don't have any significant contracts coming off the books this summer, so they'll only be able to make limited moves.

Louis Amundson isn't going to make Detroit a sudden contender, but he's a hustle-player who does the little things. He'd at least give them a scrappy presence in the paint who would be a good complement to emerging Greg Monroe.

Other Options: Marreese Speights, Ian Mahinmi

Cleveland Cavaliers: O.J. Mayo

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With Kyrie Irving on board and cap space available to spend this summer, things are growing optimistic in Cleveland.

Things would grow even more optimistic if the Cavs could add O.J. Mayo next to Irving in their backcourt.

Currently, Cleveland is lacking on the wings, and the young Mayo could begin to reach his potential if he lands with the Cavs and receives a major role.

Other Options: Nick Young, Gerald Wallace

Miami Heat: Steve Nash

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The Miami Heat are undeniably lacking at point guard, and the presence of Steve Nash would plug this hole.

One might argue that Nash wouldn't mesh well because he needs the ball in his hands, but he could surely learn to function well floating around the three-point line and splashing timely threes when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are double-teamed. 

Nash has already indicated interest in the Heat, and if Miami comes up short once again this year, expect this deal to occur.

Other Options: Jason Terry, Chauncey Billups, Derek Fisher

Atlanta Hawks: Chauncey Billups

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The Hawks are an above-average team, but they clearly need some further upgrades to become a top-tier squad.

They could surely use a veteran presence at the point guard position to stabilize their core and provide more consistency.

Chauncey Billups is a major question mark, since he's old, and he tore his Achilles earlier this year. But he has vowed to make a return come next season.

The Hawks are tight on money but could likely add Billups for cheap. It's a deal that makes sense, and the reward with "Mr. Big Shot" could be high.

Other Options: Andre Miller, Leandro Barbosa

Orlando Magic: Re-Sign Ryan Anderson

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The Magic are definitely not in a place financially to make any major upgrades this offseason. Therefore, they must get creative to assemble a core that convinces Dwight Howard to stay long-term in Orlando.

One deal they must find a way to get done is re-signing sharpshooting big man Ryan Anderson. Anderson is a restricted free agent and will definitely draw interest from other teams. Losing him would be devastating for Orlando's future.

If they can find a way to re-sign Anderson, they will have then assembled the first piece in their attempt to keep "Superman" around.

Other Options: Steve Nash (very unlikely), J.J. Hickson

Washington Wizards: Ersan Ilyasova

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John Wall could definitely use some help in Washington and skilled power forward Ersan Ilyasova would give him a great target. 

Milwaukee would surely like to keep Ilyasova, but he's an unrestricted free agent and may jump at the opportunity to team up with Wall in D.C.

Other Options: Ryan Anderson, Carl Landry

Charlotte Bobcats: Ryan Anderson

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Where do the Bobcats even begin in revamping their roster?

Landing Anthony Davis in the draft would be a great start, but even if they get him, they still need numerous more pieces.

Ryan Anderson is a restricted free agent, but the Magic are tight financially so he'll likely end up in a new destination.

The question is whether or not Anderson would even want to come to Charlotte. Perhaps, they could offer him a worthwhile contract, but he may not be interested in playing for the lowly Bobcats.

Other Options: Courtney Lee, Landry Fields, Carl Landry

Oklahoma City Thunder: Marcus Camby

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Similar to Chicago, the Thunder don't possess any glaring needs.

With that said, depth in the frontcourt wouldn't hurt. If Marcus Camby decided his main concern is pursuing a ring before he hangs up the sneakers, then the Thunder are as good of choice as any.

Camby could provide Oklahoma City with an experienced big man who could spell Kendrick Perkins.

Other Options: Jason Maxiell, Joel Przybilla 

Denver Nuggets: Chris Kaman

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The Nuggets landed center JaVale McGee at the trade deadline, but he'll be a free agent this summer. Teams will definitely beckon for his services, and while he is restricted, the Nuggets may decide he's too much money.

One reason they may decide this is because of the emergence of rookie Kenneth Faried, who is a similar type of player to McGee but has more potential.

Therefore, the Nuggets would be wise to add a more offensively skilled big man to their rotation. Chris Kaman is getting older, but he remains productive and could likely be had for a reasonable price.

Other Options: Tim Duncan, Spencer Hawes

Utah Jazz: Nick Young

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Utah's frontcourt is stellar with Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap, as well as youngsters Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter.

What they need are better guards who mesh well with their core of big men. They'll surely seek these upgrades through the draft, but adding a player like Nick Young through free agency isn't a bad idea. 

Young has already proven himself as a scorer. If he can diversify his game in the coming years, he could become a perfect fit for the Jazz in the long-term.

Other Options: Shannon Brown, Terrence Williams

Portland Trail Blazers: JaVale McGee

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LaMarcus Aldridge has become one of the best all-around power forwards in the game. He's highly skilled offensively, and his size and length make him a difficult matchup for any opponent.

The Blazers dreamed of placing Greg Oden next to Aldridge to form potentially the best frontcourt in the NBA, but those hopes have been dashed with Oden's unending injuries.

Therefore, it's time for the Blazers to look elsewhere for a frontcourt complement to Aldridge, and JaVale McGee is an ideal fit. McGee's beginning to sniff his potential, and he's already become a formidable presence on the defensive side of the ball.

Other Options: Omer Asik, Spencer Hawes

Minnesota Timberwolves: Carlos Delfino

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Similar to a team like Philly, the Timberwolves boast a host of young players and simply need to allow them time to mesh.

Therefore, it's unlikely Minnesota makes a major splash in the offseason.

With that said, they would be wise to add a shooter to their wing. Carlos Delfino is an unrestricted free agent and would give Ricky Rubio a target to kick out to for three.

Other Options: Mickael Pietrus, Rudy Fernandez

L.A. Lakers: Michael Beasley

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Ramon Sessions has been a quality addition to the Lakers, but they're still in need of more weapons. They need a player who injects some youth and provides some pop to their style.

Michael Beasley is at the stage of his career to supply this. He's young, and his upside remains very high.

What's more, Kobe Bryant's tutelage to Beasley could spark Beasley's career to life.

There's nothing not to like about this for Lakers fans, and it's a plausible scenario. Beasley is restricted, but he's never really found a niche in Minnesota. Don't be surprised if they don't seek to match offers that are made towards Beasley.

Other Options: Nicolas Batum (unlikely since he's restricted and Portland will likely re-sign him), Steve Novak 

L.A. Clippers: Jason Terry

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Jason Terry didn't receive a long-term deal from Dallas last summer, and he'll thus be testing the free-agent waters this summer.

The Clippers are a perfect fit. They need a veteran scorer on the wing, and Terry's range would mesh wonderfully with them, as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin command so much attention.

Truthfully, Terry could be the final piece that elevates "Lob City" into championship contention.

Other Options: Ray Allen, re-sign Nick Young

Phoenix Suns: Raymond Felton

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Steve Nash has indicated that he's not returning to Phoenix if there aren't improvements. The Suns will need a whole lot of improvements to appease Nash, because their roster currently possesses a handful of holes. 

Therefore, assuming Nash bids farewell to the Suns, Phoenix will be in need of a new floor general.

While Raymond Felton won't help Suns fans quickly forget about Nash, he is an adequate replacement.

Other Options: Kirk Hinrich, Andre Miller

Golden State Warriors: Gerald Wallace

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The Warriors have reason to be optimistic about the future. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are blossoming guards and big men David Lee and Andrew Bogut should solidify their frontcourt.

What they could use is an athletic slasher and defender. That's exactly what Gerald Wallace is.

Now, Wallace does possess a player option with the Nets for next season, so there's a good chance he won't be on the market. 

If he isn't, the other options listed below are worthwhile plan B's.

Other Options: Matt Barnes, Courtney Lee

Sacramento Kings: Omer Asik

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The Kings possess some promising young players and would be bolstered all the more by the addition of a hard-working center.

Omer Asik and DeMarcus Cousins could form a potent frontcourt duo. Frankly, they would complement each other nicely because their personalities are opposite. Asik's calm, yet driven framework could help stabilize Cousins' uncontrolled antics. 

Most importantly, their games would thrive next to each other. Cousins is becoming a dominant force on offense, and Asik is becoming a dominant force on defense. What's not to like about this combo?

Other Options: Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby 

San Antonio Spurs: Shannon Brown

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The Spurs continue to win loads of games in the regular season, but their offseason strategy will likely be contingent upon how they fare in the playoffs.

No matter what, they'll likely re-sign Tim Duncan, who's a free agent this summer, and it's hard (almost impossible) to envision him playing elsewhere.

They won't have much extra money to spend, but they could use an athletic weapon on the wing. Shannon Brown hasn't blossomed in Phoenix, but perhaps, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich could extract the potential within Brown and make him into a bright player for the future.

Other Options: Delonte West, Josh Howard

Memphis Grizzlies: Antawn Jamison

27 of 30

The Memphis Grizzlies continue to reveal that they're a team to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. 

Their frontcourt is beastly, and Mike Conley continues to develop as a point guard.

What they could use is a veteran presence off the bench who is capable of providing spark. Antawn Jamison's career is on the decline, but he could give Memphis some extra punch. 

He remains versatile, can play both forward positions and could provide tutelage to their younger players.

Other Options: Tracy McGrady, Anthony Tolliver

Dallas Mavericks: Deron Williams

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This is a no-brainer.

Williams is a Dallas-native, and the Mavs are in need of a point guard for the future.

If the Nets can't convince Williams to accept his player option for next season (which they probably won't), Big D is the probable destination for D-Will.

In fact, he's already made some comments that seem to indicate his interest in playing in his hometown.

Other Options: Steve Nash, Kirk Hinrich

Houston Rockets: Brook Lopez

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The Rockets could use a formidable center, and Brook Lopez would undoubtedly be a great fit.

He is, however, a restricted free agent, and the Nets will likely be quick to match any offer Houston might make.

No matter what, the Rockets should pursue Lopez or the other options listed below. They could become an elite team in the Western Conference if they can add a solid center.

Other Options: Roy Hibbert, JaVale McGee, Omer Asik

New Orleans Hornets: Re-Sign Eric Gordon

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The Hornets have plenty of issues to address, and they aren't exactly an enticing team for free agents to consider.

Their best hope right now is to catch some luck in the lottery so they can land Anthony Davis.

With that said, they would be very wise to re-sign Eric Gordon, who's a restricted free agent. While Gordon has battled some injuries, he's already a top-notch shooting guard, and he's still getting better. 

Gordon would at least be a major piece to build around for the future, but to bring him back, they'll almost surely have to match a heavily lucrative offer that another squad throws at him.

Other Options: Tracy McGrady, Terrence Williams

🚨 Mitchell Headed to 1st Conference Finals

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