NBA Free Agency 2012: Predicting Where Top Veteran Free Agents Will End Up

With the NBA Finals in full swing, the NBA offseason is right around the corner. The draft lottery has already taken place with free agency and the draft soon to follow.

Heading into the 2012-2013 season, there are many notable veterans that are set to test the waters in free agency.

With rumors and speculations running wild this time of year, it's never too early to start predicting where some of these players will play in 2012-2013. Many veterans could make a serious impact on some teams that could compete for a championship.

Here's a look at where some big-name veterans could end up next season.

Steve Nash

Steve Nash is a two-time MVP and likely first ballot Hall of Famer. His career is beginning to wind down, and his time with the Phoenix Suns has almost certainly come to an end.

Nash badly wants to win a championship, and that isn't going to happen in Phoenix. ESPN recently reported that Nash is open to listening to offers from other teams, specifically the Miami Heat. That certainly sounds like an offer that would intrigue Nash.

I think a lot of Nash's decision will depend on Miami's play in the Finals. If it loses, changes will likely be made to the roster.

I predict that Nash will end up joining up with the Miami Heat.

Brook Lopez

The big man from New Jersey (or Brooklyn) is another solid veteran set to become a free agent. He's only 24 years old, and he is seven feet tall. Those are very attractive characteristics that NBA teams will be looking at.

However, he is not dominant with his size. He is similar in Pau Gasol in that he is a skilled big man. He could be a very nice piece for many contending teams.

The downfall of Lopez is that he only played five games this past season; something that is surely to make teams cautious before making him an offer.

I suspect that Lopez will stay in Brooklyn considering they are trying to convince Deron Williams to stay. The Nets are going to need Lopez to have any chance of that.

Roy Hibbert

Roy Hibbert is a young seven-footer who is still developing his game. He is well on his way to becoming one of the NBA's best centers.

The Pacers have made it very clear; they want Hibbert in Indiana long-term. They will do everything in their power to keep him there.

I predict that Hibbert will listen to offers from other teams, but it likely won't result in him leaving Indiana. He wants to stay and grow with his current team.

I think Hibbert stays in Indiana, but the Dallas Mavericks will likely make a serious push to acquire the big man's services.

Kevin Garnett

After the 2010-2011 season, it seemed unthinkable that Kevin Garnett would be with the Celtics past this season. Following the 2012 postseason, it seems unthinkable that they wouldn't want him back.

After moving to center, Garnett looks re-energized. Either that, or he's healthy for the first time is three years.

Garnett is 36 years old, but he is the heart and soul of the Celtics. I think that the Celtics need to start retooling, but it couldn't hurt them to keep Garnett another season or two. A deal like that would be beneficial to both Garnett and the Celtics.

Deron Williams

When healthy, Deron Williams is an elite point guard in the NBA. He has played very well since being traded to the Nets last season.

He is by far the best free agent available in this seasons crop. The Nets are moving to Brooklyn and need to generate some excitement to keep pace with the New York Knicks.

Williams wants the Nets to get Dwight Howard; Howard wants to join the Nets. It seems like a logical conclusion to a bizarre drama, but it's easier said that done.

I think that Jay-Z and Mikhail Prokhorov will find a way to keep Williams, but I'm not sure they have enough pieces to acquire Howard from the Orlando Magic.

Eric Gordon

Eric Gordon has shown flashes of greatness throughout his young NBA career. The only problem is that he has struggled to stay on the court. 

Gordon played just nine games in the regular season for the Hornets in 2011-2012. Gordon said that "he still plans to test free agency," but I don't foresee him going anywhere.

The Hornets are planning on the future and building around Gordon and Anthony Davis, the likely first-overall pick in the draft.

Louis Williams

Louis Williams was the best scorer on a team, the Sixers, that often lacked the ability to consistently score the basketball. He also finished second in the NBA's voting for Sixth Man of the Year. 

Williams plans on opting out of his contract from the Sixers and test free agency. I think his tenure in Philadelphia has come to an end.

I believe that a team the Cleveland Cavaliers or Brooklyn Nets will likely be looking to upgrade at the two guard position. I doubt that the Sixers will match an offer in money or in minutes.

Williams goes to Cleveland or Brooklyn for more money and the chance to be a full-time starter.

O.J. Mayo

O.J. Mayo hasn't been a superstar player since entering the NBA, but he hasn't been bad. I think a new team and change of scenery would likely help him.

He has never been a great player and has had multiple off-court problems. It's likely that he won't be able to make the money he thinks he deserves.

I think Mayo goes to Philadelphia. It desperately needs a player who can score the basketball, and Mayo could provide that. Mayo also could use some structure, something that the Sixers could provide for him. As well as a nice contract to be a full-time starter.

Ray Allen

Ray Allen, like teammate Kevin Garnett, is already 36 years old. He is also scheduled for ankle surgery to repair the injury that hobbled him throughout the end of the season and postseason.

It's unlikely that the Celtics will re-sign him. It may be for the best that both parties move on in this situation.

I think Allen will listen to offers and eventually decide a change is the best thing for him. I think the Knicks will be interested, and so would Allen. It could be a logical fit.