Predicting Where the NBA's Top 25 Free Agents Will Land

The clock has officially struck midnight, and we are now in July. Before we get our fireworks and grills ready for the Fourth of July, we have some NBA housecleaning to do.

More specifically, let's speculate on where the league's top free agents are going this offseason.

Here are my predictions for where the top 25 NBA free agents will land.

25. Omer Asik

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Chicago Bulls

As a seven-footer, Omer Asik will be seeing some interest from a handful of teams. 

Some early favorites worth noting include Portland, Houston and Philadelphia. A return to Chicago could also be in the works.

According to Yahoo! NBA columnist Adrian Wojnarowski, Portland general manager Neil Olshey is prepared to make Asik an offer on Sunday. Perhaps the early bird gets the worm and sees Asik sign with the team most jumpy for his services.

The Blazers did draft Meyers Leonard but could certainly use more size.

2012-2013 team: Portland Trail Blazers 

24. Ramon Sessions

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Cleveland Cavaliers/Los Angeles Lakers

Point guard Ramon Sessions recently opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Word is, however, both sides have mutual feelings on a return. In fact, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has made good on his promise and already contacted Sessions' camp.

As long as they provide Sessions with some security on a new contract, the Lakers will have their point back next season.

2012-2013 team: Los Angeles Lakers

23. Andre Miller

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Denver Nuggets

Andre Miller has put together an incredibly respectable career in his 13 years as an NBA point guard. So with his playing days winding down a bit, Miller may make a move to help keep his ring finger warm.

Your usual point guard-hungry contenders will definitely be there.

But after watching him in Denver the past couple of seasons, it's just too perfect of a fit. Between working in George Karl's guard schemes and acting as a mentor for the team's young talent, Miller won't find a better situation elsewhere

2012-2013 team: Denver Nuggets

22. Jeremy Lin

Free agent type: Restricted

2011-2012 team: New York Knicks

Rest assured New York, Jeremy Lin will not be taking his talents elsewhere.

All the reports, quotes and promises from various New York sources including the Knicks franchise will be correct. Lin is restricted and will get any offers matched by the Knicks.

2012-2013 team: New York Knicks

21. Chris Kaman

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: New Orleans Hornets

With Chris Paul being shipped to the Clippers, Chris Kaman found himself down in the Bayou with the Hornets.

And from the limited minutes he saw with the team, it was difficult to tell that he was once an all-star. So, it's pretty safe to say the 2011-2012 season wasn't exactly his favorite.

Kaman should be drawing some looks for contending teams lacking some size. The current favorite may very well be the defending champion Miami Heat.

2012-2013 team: Miami Heat

20. Michael Beasley

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves made it pretty clear that they are not making room for Michael Beasley after declining his $8.2 million qualifying offer. So, where will the former No. 2 overall selection land?

I can't find a more perfect suitor than the Los Angeles Lakers. Beasley brings in just about everything the team was lacking last season. He'll provide some scoring off the pine as well as some much needed athleticism and youth.

Beasley has had some mental problems during his up-and-down career, but he should find some nice guidance under the leadership of Kobe Bean Bryant in Los Angeles.

2012-2013 team: Los Angeles Lakers

19. Jason Kidd

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Dallas Mavericks

After turning in a rather unimpressive 2011-2012 campaign, it's evident that Jason Kidd isn't much of a kid. He may be best suited as a backup for a contending team.

I do, however, believe he'll follow Deron Williams. Whether it be with Brooklyn or Dallas, Kidd would place himself in a familiar situation. He may not start, but can contribute behind one of the best point guards in the league in Williams.

I may be tipping my hand here, but I can see Kidd following Williams to Brooklyn.

2012-2013 team: Brooklyn Nets

18. Nicolas Batum

Free agent type: Restricted

2011-2012 team: Portland Trail Blazers

With a $3.2 million qualifying offer on the table from Portland, Nic Batum can very well find his way back with the Trail Blazers organization.

As a very solid talent, there's no doubt the forward will be drawing interest from quite a few corners. I do believe, however, he ends up returning to his current team.

2012-2013: Portland Trail Blazers

17. Jason Terry

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Dallas Mavericks

After he helped the Dallas Mavericks win their very first NBA title, Jason Terry played the 2011-2012 season under an aggressive mantra—show me the money.

Terry's expiring contract, however, did not get extended, which made him a free agent July 1.

I'm sure Terry loves Dallas, and they love him back. Mark Cuban should have no problem dishing out a multi-year deal for a key player. All of the talk surrounding him to Miami may just be a ploy to get the Mavs front office to give him an extended deal.

2012-2013 team: Dallas Mavericks

16. Chauncey Billups

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Los Angeles Clippers

Mr. Big Shot should be drawing some interest from quite a few contenders this offseason.

Billups can bring along his experience, leadership and overall skill to any team looking to make a push for a title. So, of course, you'll hear the usual suspects like the Lakers, the Heat and so on.

But with Mo Williams now gone, there's more room for Billups to play a bigger role with the Clippers. Chris Paul, and presumably the front office, want him back in Los Angeles to help make their pursuit for a ring a bit easier.

2012-2013 team: Los Angeles Clippers

15. Ray Allen

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Boston Celtics

With Kevin Garnett re-signed, it doesn't seem as if the Celtics will have much wiggle room for three-point king Ray Allen.

Allen, 36, may not be what he once was, but still has something left in the tank to offer a contender.

Look for the sharp shooter to end up with the Miami Heat. He has drawn interest from the Clippers and Suns, neither of which however can offer a winning situation like Miami.

2012-2013: Miami Heat

14. Lou Williams

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Philadelphia 76ers

After opting out of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, Lou Williams now hits the market as one of the top guards. And since this free agency class is a bit on the weaker side, he made a very slick move.

Williams had himself a career year this past season. He averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 assists and hit 83 three-pointers. Since he's only 25 years of age, Williams will be looking to land himself a nice paycheck as he comes off his best season yet.

A nice fit for the guard would be in Phoenix. They may not end up re-signing Steve Nash and could be left with some holes in the backcourt. The Suns will spend the money, and Lou Williams will be listening.

2012-2013 team: Phoenix Suns

13. Brandon Roy

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: N/A

He isn't a free agent by your typical definition, but it seems as if former NBA all-star Brandon Roy will be making his return to NBA.

When Roy first announced his attempt at a return, the Los Angeles Lakers became the heavy unofficial favorite. The Lakers, however, have recently expressed that they are not interested in the injury-prone guard.

So, who's left for Roy?

Some potential buyers include Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas, Indiana and Golden State.

I believe Roy is best fit with the team who originally drafted him—the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The team has a huge need for a scoring guard and would go nicely with current Wolves Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio. He will not start or play every game this upcoming season, but he can contribute to a team looking to turn the corner.

2012-2013 team: Minnesota Timberwolves

12. Gerald Wallace

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: New Jersey Nets

Otherwise known as "Crash," Gerald Wallace was sent to the Nets in a deadline deal this past season. But after spending some time in New Jersey, will Wallace be willing to return to the team when they move to Brooklyn?

With recent reports out from Fred Kerber of The New York Post claiming that a deal is nearly finished, it looks like Wallace will be staying put.

2012-2013: Brooklyn Nets

11. Jamal Crawford

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Portland Trail Blazers

Any team in need of a scorer should certainly be in touch with Jamal Crawford.

Crawford, who recently opted out of his $5.2 million contract with Portland, is easily one of the most skilled players in the game. His pure scoring ability should have front offices in Minnesota, Sacramento and Los Angeles (Lakers and Clippers) calling.

After losing Nick Young, I think the Clippers end up making the most aggressive push for Crawford. Although the front office has seen some recent change, they should still be making moves to solidify their roster as a contender.

2012-2013 team: Los Angeles Clippers

10. O.J. Mayo

Free agent type: Restricted

2011-2012 team: Memphis Grizzlies

The odds of Ray Allen landing back in Boston are rather slim at the moment. So, if he does indeed end up elsewhere, the Celtics must look for a suitable replacement to stay in contention.

That man could be O.J. Mayo.

Mayo, who just received a qualifying offer from Memphis, is in dire need of a change of scenery. Although he has brought some solid contributions to the table, Mayo never panned out into the scoring force the Grizzlies believed he'd be.

The Celtics do boast some interest in Mayo and should get this done via sign-and-trade.

2012-2013 team: Boston Celtics

9. Ersan Ilyasova

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Milwaukee Bucks

You don't hear much about him, but Milwaukee's Ersan Ilyasova will be sought after by a number of teams. With their respective needs at the forward position, expect Cleveland, Toronto and Brooklyn to pursue Ilyasova. Milwaukee, of course, will also be in the hunt for the Turkish product.

This isn't an easy one to call, but I'm going with the Cavaliers here. Dan Gilbert is rapidly attempting to build a winner and shouldn't be shy to push some cash toward a very solid talent.

2012-2013 team: Cleveland Cavaliers

8. Jameer Nelson

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Orlando Magic

Jameer Nelson put himself in quite a spot after opting out of his contract in Orlando. 

Depending on where other top point guards land, Nelson can come high in demand. If teams such as the Lakers, Mavericks, Bulls, Suns, Raptors and Heat lose out on their primary targets in the market, guess who will be getting some calls.

Yup, Jameer.

It's a bit tough to forecast at the moment, but Nelson will probably end up where the money is. He is interested in re-signing in Orlando and could draw interest from the aforementioned teams.

I'll go on the safe side and say Nelson returns to the Magic. They may end up trading Dwight Howard and must look to keep their other pieces intact. That could mean offering the point guard some big bucks.

2012-2013 team: Orlando Magic

7. Goran Dragic

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Houston Rockets

It seems like we've been waiting quite awhile for Goran Dragic to emerge as one of the league's most dynamic point guards. And with Kyle Lowry trying to push his way out of Houston, it looks as if Dragic will get that chance.

Houston will be looking to deal some of its backcourt. That would include Lowry, as mentioned, and Kevin Martin in an attempt to shed some salary and go a tad younger.

So with those two probably gone, the Rockets can't afford to let Dragic walk.

2012-2013: Houston Rockets

6. Tim Duncan

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: San Antonio Spurs

There's no need to waste any time forecasting this one.

Tim Duncan returns to the San Antonio Spurs next season and most likely beyond. If not, then get ready to step outside and take pictures of the flying pigs.

2012-2013 team: San Antonio Spurs

5. Brook Lopez

Free agent type: Restricted

2011-2012 team: New Jersey Nets

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Orlando's Dwight Howard has asked new general manager Rob Hennigan for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

And who would be the centerpiece in the seemingly inevitable trade? That's right, it's Brook Lopez.

Lopez, 7'0", would be the most logical player to build a package around in exchange for the disgruntled Magic center. He is restricted and should be retained by the Nets whether they end up swapping him away or not.

2012-2013 team: Brooklyn Nets (later to be traded to Orlando)

4. Eric Gordon

Free agent type: Restricted

2011-2012 team: New Orleans Hornets

Although Eric Gordon was injured for the most of 2011-2012 NBA season, he did prove his worth to an otherwise thin roster in New Orleans. And if he ends up sticking around, his second season with the team should be much better.

New Orleans, holders of the first and 10th overall picks of the 2012 draft, just added two promising talents in Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers. Gordon, if he remains put, can be the veteran driving force behind a seemingly special project. 

After all, he is restricted and will get a load of money thrown at him by the team's front office.

2012-2013 team: New Orleans Hornets

3. Steve Nash

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: Phoenix Suns

The old man's still got it.

In his 16th year as an NBA point guard, Steve Nash averaged a double-double with 12.5 points and 10.7 assists. But the two-time Most Valuable Player is now a free agent and must decide where he'll be dishing out dimes next season.

The current field for Nash consists of the Phoenix Suns, the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, the Indiana Pacers and even the Toronto Raptors. And although this may not make much sense in terms of winning, I wouldn't be surprised to see Nash explore his Canadian roots and sign with the Raptors.

Yes, this move will not propel Nash nor the Toronto franchise to a title, but being that Nash has always gone to the beat of his own drum, perhaps playing for his home country will satisfy him more than a contract elsewhere.

And if you believe money may be an issue for the team, it's not. The Raptors have some money to spend and are making Nash a top priority.

2012-2013 team: Toronto Raptors

2. Roy Hibbert

Free agent type: Restricted

2011-2012 team: Indiana Pacers

The big man came up in a big way for the Indiana Pacers this past season.

Roy Hibbert averaged 12.8 points, 8.8 boards and two blocks per game en route to becoming an all-star for the first time in his four-year career. The Georgetown product played a key role for the surging Pacers this past season, establishing himself as one of the league's rising stars.

That's why the free-agent center shouldn't be going anywhere but back to Indiana this offseason.

Sure, Hibbert will see a bunch of enticing and very lucrative offers, but being that he is a restricted free agent, the Pacers will have the edge in retaining him.

Hibbert is a fundamental piece for a Pacers team that is inching toward championship contention.

2012-2013 team: Indiana Pacers

1. Deron Williams

Free agent type: Unrestricted

2011-2012 team: New Jersey Nets

And now for the grand prize this offseason—Deron Williams.

What we do know is that the race for the three-time all-star point guard is down to Brooklyn and Dallas. But just as the free agency period begins, we don't know which team it'll be.

The general consensus around the decision has Williams sitting on a 50-50 split. If he chooses Brooklyn, Williams will have a refurbished franchise to lead for a number of years to come. If he goes with Dallas, he'll be returning to his hometown and will be right in the middle of title contention on a very capable Mavericks roster.

Although instant championship contention may appeal to the 28-year-old, I believe he chooses to return to the Nets. Knowing Deron is the make or break player that'll either propel or set back the entire franchise, the Nets front office will vigorously pursue some top-notch talent to add alongside him.

The Nets are currently trying to swing a deal for Atlanta guard Joe Johnson and will certainly be in the mix for acquiring Orlando's Dwight Howard. So the effort to transform this team is there.

Whether it be through a trade or even next year's free agency period, Howard will ultimately pair up with Williams to headline the Brooklyn-bound organization. 

Williams will be going to a new city. Luckily for the Nets, it'll be the city they're setting up shop in for the upcoming season. 

2012-2013 team: Brooklyn Nets