NBA Free Agency 2012: Predicting Where Top 15 Free Agents Will Land

Just six teams remain in the 2012 NBA Playoffs, leaving 24 other teams to wonder what went wrong. While some will be caught up in believing their current unit can do the job, a majority will look to make the necessary improvements to compete for a title.

And that's when the fun begins.

The power rests in the hands of the players, as their decisions to sign or go are franchise-altering. The question is, who will have the greatest effect on their former and newest teams? The answer soon follows.

Honorable Mention: Brook Lopez, RFA

Player Traits: Center, 24, 7', 265 pounds

Any questions?

End Result: Re-sign with Brooklyn Nets

Honorable Mention: Tim Duncan, UFA

Player Traits: Power Forward/Center—36—6'11"—255 pounds

There is no chance in heaven, hell or the rest of the after-life that Tim Duncan changes uniforms. Unless San Antonio makes an overhaul of their own.

End Result: Re-Sign with San Antonio Spurs

15. Michael Beasley, RFA

Player Traits: Forward—23—6'10"—235 pounds

Although I'm high on him in terms of being one of the best of the young, I can't possibly place him above the other players on this list when all is accounted for. Even if he is capable of 20-plus points on a nightly basis, he's proven to be what every team is dying to avoid: a headache.

Nevertheless, someone will take a chance on Beasley. His scoring ability is far too significant to overlook, as is his upside to potentially become a star player. Just don't expect his signing to come for a big market team.

Look for an under-the-radar contender, such as the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks or Sacramento Kings to emerge as front-runners. All teams need a 3 and all teams love to score. In other words, all three teams would love Michael Beasley.

End Result: Sign with Golden State Warriors

14. O.J. Mayo, RFA

Player Traits: Shooting Guard—24—6'4"—210 pounds

In the eyes of many, O.J. Mayo is ready to start. His average of 17.5 points per game in 2010, the last season he was a starter, is evidence enough to quiet those who doubt his abilities.

The question for Mayo, as it is for every other team, is where will he play?

Mayo has playoff experience and ball-handling abilities that make him a perfect fit for a legitimate contender. Although the monetary availability would have to be worked out, this makes him the perfect fit for the potentially Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls' Richard Hamilton experiment was none too efficient, which beckons the question of whether or not they'll target a 2 in free agency. My vote goes towards "yes," but they won't be alone. Boston already attempted to trade for Mayo, making their name a vote in the hat worth picking.

Mayo has made it clear he is intrigued by the prospect of playing for the Celtics. Which he will do.

End Result: Sign with Boston Celtics

13. Andre Miller, UFA

Player Traits: Point Guard—36—6'2"—200 pounds

If you had the pleasure of witnessing Andre Miller's first round heroics against the Los Angeles Lakers, you're well-aware of the fact that the 13-year veteran has something left in the tank. By "something," of course, I clearly mean enough to play the point for a playoff contender.

The question, of course, is who would be a taker? The Los Angeles Lakers, for one, are in need of a point guard and Miller showed them first hand would he could do. Other teams to watch would be the Orlando Magic, who are in dire need of an improvement at the point, as well as the New York Knicks and Miami Heat.

In other words, look for a contender. Specifically, look for the Miami Heat

End Result: Sign with Miami Heat

12. Ersan Ilyasova, UFA

Player Traits: Power Forward—25—6'10"—235 pounds

Much like another name on this list, Ersan Ilyasova has become an internet star. Due to this fact, a team will inevitably take a chance on Ilyasova for business purposes alone. Although it doesn't hurt that he's one of the more versatile players in this class of free agents.

Ilyasova has long been one of the best rebounders in the NBA, putting up 15-plus rebound performances left and right. In 2012, Ilyasova also proved to be one of the most dynamic young scorers in the game, shooting a lights out 45.5 percent from three-point range and 49.2 percent from the floor.

While this makes him a hot commodity amongst prospective teams, it also makes him a player that Milwaukee cannot afford to let go. Expect Ilyasova to sign a long-term deal with the team who took a chance on him in 2005.

End Result: Re-Sign with Milwaukee Bucks

11. Kris Humphries, UFA

Player Traits: Power Forward—27—6'9"—235 pounds

Arguably the best rebounder in the NBA, Kris Humphries has dominated the interior for the New Jersey Nets for two years running. His strength, physicality and agitating presence is a great reason as to why.

What Humphries added to his game in 2012, however, was the missing piece to the puzzle. He's become a much more reliable scoring threat inside, and even added a slight resemblance of a mid-range game. While he's no franchise player, he's the type of energy player that a coach dreams about.

The difference is, Humphries' energy will translate to a nightly double-double. In the same new uniform, just as he desires.

End Result: Re-Sign with Brooklyn Nets

10. JaVale McGee, RFA

Player Traits: Center, 24, 7', 252 pounds

Since joining the Denver Nuggets, JaVale McGee's quality of play has been at an all-time high. The main reason for this has been the teachings and tutelage of head coach George Karl.

As free agency approaches, it's hard to imagine McGee abandoning the one man who truly believes in his abilities. It's also hard to imagine McGee leaving the land where he's finally respected as a talented player.

A "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar" type of player.

End Result: Re-sign with Denver Nuggets

9. Ray Allen, UFA

Player Traits: Shooting Guard, 36, 6'5", 205 pounds

Ray Allen may be struggling to fight off bone spurs, but he's also putting on a defensive clinic. Plus, how could one logically state that Allen will shoot sub-30 percent numbers from distance ever again?

In signing Allen, a playoff contender would instantly become a title contender. Allen's leadership, clutch shooting and championship pedigree are invaluable, and a team such as the Chicago Bulls or Los Angeles Clippers would instantly discover the benefit. Those two teams just so happen to be front-runners, in my eyes.

The Los Angeles Clippers previously targeted Allen, making it likely that they'll do all they can to bring him in without having to give up youth and a draft choice. Sorry, Bulls fans, but your competition has the upper hand.

End Result: Sign with Los Angeles Clippers

8. Nicolas Batum, RFA

Player Traits: Small Forward, 23, 6'8", 200 pounds

Nicolas Batum has become an Internet superstar due to the prospect of his hitting free agency. Fans net-wide are praying that their team land the 23-year-old due to his rare combination of length, athleticism and three-point shooting ability.

Most are under the influence of a train of thought in which Nicolas Batum is star-bound, and with good reason.

As for where Batum will blossom, it's quite unlikely that the Portland Trail Blazers let him slip away. By "quite unlikely," of course, I meant to say near-impossible. Batum is staying put.

End Result: Re-sign with Portland Trail Blazers

7. Chauncey Billups, UFA

Player Traits: Point Guard, 35, 6'3", 210 pounds

Any time a former NBA Champion is available in free agency, you can bet teams will be interested, even if he is coming off an Achilles injury.

Chauncey Billups fits the bill and is likely to receive a short-term deal from a believing contender. One of those teams could be the Los Angeles Clippers, who saw his tenure cut short by the previously mentioned ailment. The question, of course, will be how willing they are to bring in a fourth point guard after Eric Bledsoe's emergence.

As for other possible suitors, don't be surprised to see the same-city Lakers take a chance on Mr. Big Shot. Ramon Sessions is a solid player, but displayed a tendency to struggle against greater competition. This opens the door for the Lakers to sign Billups to a short-term deal at a relatively low, but respectable, cost.

End Result: Sign with Los Angeles Lakers

6. Eric Gordon, RFA

Player Traits: Shooting Guard, 23, 6'3", 215 pounds

Eric Gordon was born and grew up in Indiana. He later went to college at the University of Indiana. With free agency upon us and the the Indiana Pacers lacking a reliable scorer (sorry Danny Granger fans), Eric Gordon may see a homecoming sooner rather than later.

The biggest hurdle in this signing would be how the Pacers play both Gordon and Paul George. If anyone can find minutes, though, it is Frank Vogel, who has found big minutes for both Darren Collison and Leandro Barbosa off the bench.

A potential tandem to watch as the offseason approaches.

End Result: Sign with Indiana Pacers

5. Steve Nash, UFA

Player Traits: Point Guard, 38, 6'3", 178 pounds

The Curious Case of Steve Nash is one that will be closely monitored from start to finish.

On the one hand, Nash's loyalty to the Phoenix Suns' franchise could lead him to re-signing with his home of 10 years. On the other hand, Lon Babby's consistent inability to build a legitimate contender could run him out of town.

I'll go with the latter.

The potential destination for Steve Nash varies when the surrounding factors are measured. Should Dwight Howard remain in Orlando, which seems likely after both Otis Smith and Stan Van Gundy were dismissed, Nash could potentially land in Florida. He could also land in New York should Jeremy Lin sign elsewhere.

Just temper expectations.

End Result: Re-sign with Phoenix Suns

4. Roy Hibbert, RFA

Player Traits: Center, 25, 7'2", 260 pounds

Roy Hibbert is a well-established defensive force whose rebounds-per-48 minutes are amongst the highest in the NBA. He's also establishing himself as one of the better low-post players at the 5, utilizing his unmatched size, length and strength to overcome any opponent.

The question is, will the Indiana Pacers have enough to bring him back?

After a breakout postseason, the Pacers will have to spend major money to keep Hibbert in town. Big contracts currently delegated to David West, Danny Granger and Leandro Barbosa could play a role in their inability to re-sign Hibbert, but it's unlikely. The most likely reason would be opened cap space from a contender.

That contender would be the Boston Celtics, who have plenty of money to spend. Enough money to bring Hibbert out of the Pacers' price range.

End Result: Sign with Boston Celtics

3. Kevin Garnett, UFA

Player Traits: Power Forward, 36, 6'11", 253 pounds

For those who thought Kevin Garnett was washed up and done with, how are averages of 19.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals in the 2012 postseason? And for the Miami Heat fans who contested Garnett could not continue his hot shooting, he has. 52.1 percent shooting from the floor on an average of 15.2 shots per game is evidence of such.

So who will earn Garnett's seemingly fresh legs?

As nice as it would be for my hometown Brooklyn Nets to come through with a Garnett signing, it's quite unlikely that he goes anywhere new. The Boston Celtics may be moving towards a youth movement, but Garnett is a leader. A leader that Doc Rivers loves having on his team.

End Result: Re-sign with Boston Celtics

2. Andrew Bynum, Team Option

Player Traits: Center—24—7'0"—285 pounds

Prior to last night's game, I never would have placed Bynum's name on this list. It was a shoe-in that he would re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after his significant signs of progress in 2012. Unfortunately, Bynum did the usual and said something concerning.

It's been speculated by many that either Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol will be elsewhere next season. While I'm inclined to lean towards Gasol leaving the franchise, Bynum is the more attractive trade piece. The question is, will he be shipped off?

If you're looking for blockbuster, look no further. The biggest sign-and-trade in recent memory is set to occur.

End Result: Los Angeles Lakers Exercise Option, Trade for Dwight Howard

1. Deron Williams, Player Option

Player Traits: Point Guard, 27, 6'3", 209 pounds

The prize of free agency has made quite the buzz since arriving in New Jersey, displaying all the traits of a franchise point guard. From tallying 57 points against the Charlotte Bobcats to hitting eight three-pointers against the New York Knicks to dropping 20 dimes against the Golden State Warriors, Williams can do it all. And in a matter of weeks or months, we'll find out where he'll be doing it.

Just don't expect that drastic a change.

Williams will see a change of scenery in 2013, but not in the way you'd expect. He has a chance to become the franchise player for a relocating franchise in the fastest-rising borough in the world's greatest basketball city. He'll take that chance, re-signing with the Brooklyn Nets.

Why else would he work out in their Brooklyn gear and new facility?

End Result: Re-sign with Brooklyn Nets