NBA Free Agency 2012: Steve Nash, Deron Williams and Other Stars Who Will Leave

Steve Nash and Deron Williams will soon have new basketball homes.  But what other NBA stars will follow them into free agency looking for greener pastures?

When the dust settles, several long-time stars will have found new homes and basketball allegiances will shift dramatically.  How will they look several months from now?

Steve Nash: Point Guard, Phoenix Suns

Is it his diet?  His careful training regimen?  His pure, unadulterated Canadianism? 

Whatever it is, Nash is still going strong at age 38 and setting the standard for old-age excellence in the NBA.

This season, Nash shot 53 percent from the field, 89 percent from the line, and 39 percent from three-point range for 12 points and 10 assists per game while nearly leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA playoffs. 

It’s no exaggeration to say that Suns team is horrible and if they snuck in as the No. 8 seed Nash would have deserved a top-five spot in the MVP voting.

The bottom line: he is still a championship caliber point guard for a contending team.  He will be one of the most coveted names in free agency because he will only want a two or three year deal. 

So, where will he go?

He will want to go to a championship-ready roster. 

Orlando, with Dwight Howard and a collection of great shooters, looks like a perfect fit on paper but I doubt Nash wants any part of that drama show. 

Miami sounds like it work until you realize that Nash, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James could never all share the ball. 

Utah will look to draft an impact talent to develop with their young stars. 

Chicago is an intriguing possibility but only if Derrick Rose’s injury will keep him out a full year after surgery.  Stay tuned. 

That leaves three legitimate possibilities: Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Indiana. 

Dallas wants Deron Williams desperately, but NBA stars are fickle so teaming Nash up with his old pal Dirk Nowitzki and another complimentary star should be the backup plan. 

The Lakers are a great contending fit and can offer the mid-level, but will Jim Buss venture deeper into the tax? Perhaps in this case because Nash gives him a great title shot. 

And look out for Indiana: They have the money, the need and the contending roster.  Nash may well end up in Pacer yellow.  

Deron Williams: Point Guard, New Jersey Nets

Proof that we do not live in a fairy tale:

Dwight Howard and Deron Williams did not end up in a happily-ever-after marriage in Dallas.  Howard broke his vows at the trade deadline altar and left Mark Cuban holding the bag and the Mavericks scrambling to regroup.

Howard’s defection does not mean Williams will stay in New Jersey, however. 

Williams still looks like his heart is set on Dallas.  After playing two years for the awful, lottery-bound Nets, Williams will likely bolt ship and go to greener pastures  Combined with Nowitzki and several other pieces, he could give Dallas a nice window of contention over the next few seasons.

Other Possibly Leaving Stars

Several other stars could also be headed to new destinations this summer.  Will your team be affected?

Ray Allen, beloved by every Boston Celtics fan, could go if Avery Bradley is set to usurp his starting job.  He is still likely to stay but you can bet the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks will all come calling. 

Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, of the Celtics and San Antonio Spurs respectively, are consummate winners that every team wants on their roster.  But you would be hard pressed to find anyone who will suggest that they are likely to leave.

So, where do you think all the stars will end up?