2012 NBA Free Agency: Where Will Top Free Agents End Up?

The 2012 NBA free agency period is about to hit, and this year is mostly centered around former elite players who are striving to put themselves in the best possible position to win championships.

It's unclear yet whether or not we will see a big move like we have in the past few offseasons, which had many of the league's top players changing scenery. Stars like Deron Williams and Andrew Bynum may still decide to test the waters, but their current teams are still the likeliest destinations.

Though the stars may not be aligning for this year's free agents like they did in 2010, there's no doubt that these offseason moves will have major implications on next year's NBA postseason picture. 

So, where do these players land and what will help ensure their arrival?

Steve Nash - New York Knicks

Nash has made it no secret that he wants to win a championship now, and it's also no secret that it's impossible to do so in Phoenix. 

Since the Knicks season came to a halt in their five-game drubbing at the hands of the Miami Heat, Nash's former teammate Amar'e Stoudemire took to the media to make his pitch to Nash via the New York Daily News:

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“Everyone knows that Steve loves New York and that New York loves Steve,” Stoudemire told The Daily News. “I love Steve. It would be great to have him here next year."

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I firmly believe Nash would fit in perfectly with the Knicks, who need experience at the point guard position. He could pack a dangerous punch alongside overnight sensation Jeremy Lin if the Knicks choose to re-sign him.

The two-time league MVP isn't far removed from his elite days, and he could be the missing link for New York. 

Kevin Garnett - Brooklyn Nets

Garnett is in the middle of a playoff run, so no rumors have really begun to take flight. However, there have been reports from Colin Stephenson of the Star-Ledger and Fred Kerber of the New York Post (via ProBasketballTalk.com) that the newly-named Brooklyn Nets are interested in acquiring the 14-time NBA All-Star. 

The Nets failed to make a signature move in the years leading up to their move to Brooklyn. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov and GM Billy King struck out on the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and virtually every star player that's been available over the last five years.

Hopeful franchise player Deron Williams needs to be impressed with some new additions if Brooklyn has any hopes of bringing him back. Garnett would be a great addition as he still has a highly effective NBA game, and appears to have at least a few more playoff runs left in the tank. 

Deron Williams - Brooklyn Nets

With the chance that Williams has in Brooklyn to become the main guy in an epic rebuilding effort, I don't see him leaving for any other team this free agency period.

Williams reportedly said earlier this season that he will opt out unless major changes are made on the roster, but it's unclear where he would find a better fit. He's been very effective as a Net despite playing on a roster with diminished talent. 

Dallas seemed like a good fit for Williams for some time, but they no longer have the look of an elite team and the arrival of Williams wouldn't change that. 

Adding Garnett will go a long way toward making Williams comfortable with New Jersey's chances of winning in Brooklyn.