NBA Free Agency 2012: Latest Rumors on Offseason's Biggest Potential Targets
Upon the conclusion of the 2012 NBA Finals, endless speculation will begin circulating regarding the top NBA free agents.
The star power of the free agents may not duplicate the legendary 2010 class of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire, Joe Johnson and others which created some must-see television and gave Greenwich, Connecticut some publicity.
Here is the latest buzz surrounding four of the offseason's biggest potential free agents.
Deron Williams
With Dwight Howard choosing to remain with the Orlando Magic for the 2012-2013 season, Williams becomes the prized free-agent possession.
The 27-year-old point guard has proven to be among the top playmakers in the game and can be a scorer if he has to. He scored 57 points in a game against the Bobcats earlier this season, which shows just how talented this man is.
By all accounts, he is right with Chris Paul as the best point guard in the game, but the Nets will need another scoring option if they are not to waste his best seasons.
Either Williams is actually undecided or he is one of the best at keeping secrets, because even his best friends have not been able to gather any information on what he intends to do in the future.
He has stated that he would like to remain with the Nets, but has not committed to that.
The Nets will certainly be looking to bring back their star. With the opening of their new Brooklyn arena, they will need to generate buzz among their fanbase and will probably need to bring in a couple other veterans to help him win ballgames.
Steve Nash
Aside from Williams, Nash will probably garner the most interest on the free-agent market as a point guard this summer. The 38-year-old is a two-time MVP, which immediately raises his value regardless of production.
Despite his age, Nash has been the leader of a mediocre Phoenix team which currently holds the eighth seed in the playoffs of the Western Conference. Nash is averaging just shy of 11 assists per game, while playing 32 minutes per night.
Nash is generally a very reserved person by nature. Perhaps his pending free agency has caused him to perk up a bit as he has stated he would like a three-year deal. It is unclear whether a team would be willing to commit that type of contract to an aging player who relies on a quick style of play.
The Suns would obviously love to re-sign their superstar, but a team that is lacking in production from their point guard position may overpay for the services of Nash—perhaps a team such as Portland, who has already had players lobby for Nash to sign there, and will have lots of cap space to work with.
The 14-time NBA All-Star certainly has the credentials to garner much interest in the offseason. The determining factor may be circumstances not involving his play.
Garnett is a 35-year-old power forward who has accumulated a lot of miles on his body, and teams may not be willing to commit big money to a player that may or may not play the duration of the contract.
Also, Garnett has publicly stated that he would play for Doc Rivers next year in an ideal situation.
However, according to multiple sources, the New Jersey Nets could look to make a splash to have Garnett play alongside Deron Williams in their new stadium.
Garnett is a prideful player, and stated that he did not appreciate the rumors surrounding him in trade talks, so there is no guarantee that he will continue to play basketball if he feels disrespected.
KG would certainly help a mediocre team establish credibility, but there is doubt that he can lead a team on the cusp into the NBA Finals.
Roy Hibbert
The surprising Indiana Pacers are currently the third seed of the Eastern Conference. Much of that has to do with the terrific play of 7'2" center Roy Hibbert. He has averaged two blocks per game, thanks to his incredible wingspan and athletic frame.
The 25-year-old out of Queens, N.Y. will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season. It is hard to believe that the Pacers would allow their franchise center to walk, but his asking price may become astronomical if he leads the Pacers to a deep postseason run.
NBA insider Bob Finnan reported that the Cavaliers could look to make a move and sign Hibbert if he becomes available since they will have lots of available cash after the season.
Smart money would say Hibbert re-signs with Indiana, but money is powerful and a huge contract offer may change his decision.
This list of offseason free agents would certainly look much more extravagant with the addition of Dwight Howard, who has opted to remain with the Orlando Magic. Nevertheless, this free-agent class has impact players that can transform borderline contenders into NBA Finals favorites.
