NBA Free Agency 2012: Predicting Biggest Surprise Signings

We tend to believe we have a strong idea about who will land where during 2012 NBA free agency, but the truth is, these dealings don't follow a script.

No matter how many rumors we sift through that state one thing, an entirely different outcome may wind up transpiring.

As long as there are teams with plenty of cap space to spare, and as long as players look to balance the scale between contending for a title and getting paid, we will surely be in for a plethora of surprises this summer.

Let's see if we can manage to predict some of the seemingly unpredictable.

Nicolas Batum, SF

Prediction: Signs with Brooklyn Nets

The Nets already benefited from the departure of one Portland small forward and may wind up capitalizing on the departure of another.

With Gerald Wallace opting out, Brooklyn now has a need for a young, promising small forward. Nicolas Batum presents just that.

The 23-year-old can be effective on both ends of the floor, has a freakishly long wingspan and can knock down the open three. 

Portland has the right to match any offer, but in an attempt to lure Deron Williams into the Barclays Center even further, Brooklyn will make Batum an offer he cannot refuse and that the Blazers won't want to match.

Mo Williams, PG

Prediction: Signs with Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks will be in the market to replace Jason Kidd and Jason Terry with some younger talent, and Mo Williams is a step in the right direction for both.

Mo Williams is no Deron Williams, but he's as streaky a shooter as Terry and possesses the skills necessary to run the offense. He also provides Dirk Nowitzki with a more athletic—and at 29, youthful—scoring partner.

With Dallas' championship window closing fast, the team will be hesitant to throw a multi-year contract at both Kidd and Terry, but not Williams should he opt out of his deal with the Clippers.

Brandon Bass, PF

Prediction: Signs with Houston Rockets

The Rockets need a center, and while Brandon Bass doesn't exactly fit the bill, he spent an ample amount of time at the 5 in Boston.

That said, Bass learned a lot in his one year next to Kevin Garnett. He extended his range on the offensive end and completely revamped his defensive game.

Most importantly, signing Bass allows Houston to decline Samuel Dalembert's option without a second thought. From there, it can also bring Marcus Camby back and either hold on to or look to trade Luis Scola.

Bass may still see himself returning to the Celtics, but nothing is written in stone—and he would be a great fit with the Rockets.

Jason Terry, SG

Prediction: Signs with Portland Trail Blazers

Jamal Crawford is unlikely to return to Portland, leaving it in dire need of a combo guard off the bench. Raymond Felton's likely departure doesn't help either.

Jason Terry can not only run an offense, but he is also one of the best three-point shooters to ever play in the NBA, especially in transition.

With the Mavericks unlikely to offer Terry the type of money and contract length he desires, this is a perfect opportunity for him to take his talents elsewhere, for a relevant team, while avoiding a major pay cut.

Raymond Felton, PG

Prediction: Signs with Chicago Bulls

The Bulls need a starting point guard for about a year, and Raymond Felton needs to revive his reputation, making this a perfect match.

Chicago has but the mid-level exception to work with, yet after the season Felton had, he isn't worth much more. The opportunity to lead a playoff-caliber team for more than the veteran's minimum is also a chance he is unlikely to pass up.

Felton can use the one year with the Bulls to re-establish himself as an effective, two-way workhorse and play his way toward a larger contract next summer.

And Chicago can relish the opportunity to stay relevant without Derrick Rose.

Kevin Garnett, PF

Prediction: Signs with Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are poised for a busy offseason, and while the team is expected to make a play for Roy Hibbert, don't be too surprised to watch them pursue Kevin Garnett as well.

Dallas desperately needs a big man, and while Hibbert is a tempting option, it remains unknown as to whether he is the type of big man a team can build around.

The 36-year-old Garnett is hardly a fountain of youth, but he has excelled at the center position and would ensure the Mavericks' championship window remains open for the next two or three years.

Leaving Boston will prove difficult, but amidst a wealth of uncertainty, Garnett will ultimately make the necessary decision to head elsewhere.

Chris Kaman, C

Prediction: Signs with Portland Trail Blazers

Like the Mavericks, the Blazers will have a mini free-agent coup of their own.

With Emeka Okafor already in New Orleans and Anthony Davis not far behind, it's highly unlikely Chris Kaman remains with the Hornets.

Luckily for Kaman, Portland needs a big man not plagued by injuries or age to team up with LaMarcus Aldridge in the low post, and he is the perfect solution.

Kaman has a great touch around the rim and is a much more efficient defender—especially when protecting the passing lane—than people give him credit for.

He's just what Portland needs, and not so coincidentally, the Blazers have the cap space necessary to make him a sizable offer.

Jamal Crawford, G

Prediction: Signs with Indiana Pacers

Eric Gordon would be a great fit in Indiana, but fully expect him to re-up with Anthony Davis in New Orleans or take the first max contract that comes his way, which won't be extended by the Pacers.

Indiana is all about subtle, understated efficiency. Jamal Crawford may not be the most efficient of shooters, but he's streaky and provides the Pacers with even more firepower on the perimeter.

Let's not neglect to mention that he'll likely come cheaper than Gordon, allowing the perfectly positioned Indiana to fill additional needs with other impressive pieces.

That's an unforeseen signing that's easy to get on board with.

Gerald Wallace, SF

Prediction: Signs with Toronto Raptors

After opting out of the last year of his contract, Gerald Wallace is unlikely to receive the $9.5 million in annual salary he was slated for but should be able to ink himself a long-term deal that provides more stability.

That said, don't necessarily expect him to re-up with the Nets.

The Raptors could use a small forward, especially an efficiently savvy one like Wallace.

Toronto can chase big-name point guards all it wants, but shoring up a more pressing weakness makes more sense. Plugging that hole with Wallace may entice another relevant free agent to follow his lead.

Ray Allen, SG

Prediction: Signs with Minnesota Timberwolves

Shocking enough?

The Timberwolves aren't exactly a bona fide championship contender one would expect Ray Allen to gravitate toward, but they're a heartbeat away from postseason relevancy.

Allen not only solves Minnesota's problem at shooting guard, but he brings experience—more importantly, championship experience—to the locker room.

Knowing that with him the Timberwolves are a piece or two away from contention, coupled with the knowledge that if he were to return to Boston he'd be relegated to the bench permanently, leaves the door wide open for this union to become a reality.

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