NBA Free Agency 2012: Predicting 10 Players Who Will Switch Teams

This year’s free agency has got some good players, but a lot of them are veterans. These guys are either doing anything they can to stay in the league (Ronny Turiaf) or they’re likely going to finish their career on the teams they’ve been with (Tim Duncan and Steve Nash). 

So other teams are left with vets who have some gas in the tank, guys who can give you bench minutes and the talented few who could really be an asset to teams (and get a fatter paycheck).

These are 10 players who will switch teams and the teams they’ll likely go to.

Deron Williams: Dallas Mavericks/Los Angeles Lakers

Okay, let’s be honest about Williams for a minute, because he could honestly go anywhere and nearly the entire NBA wants him. However, there are certain teams who are speculated as being in the running more than others. 

Dallas has been on everyone’s mind since last season, but recently there was news that he and the Lakers might be having talks. While he could really go anywhere, these two teams seem to be the front runners.

Goran Dragic: Brooklyn Nets

Since the Nets will most likely be losing Williams, Dragic is a good choice for them. The Nets actually have 11 players in free agency, so what they need is a few good players for cheap who can play alongside what they have and who they can afford to keep. 

Their other point guard, Jordan Farmar, isn’t bad, but he could use some help. Dragic proved he was able to lead a team on the Rockets last year, and nearly doubled his numbers. He averages 11.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists in just over 23 minutes per game. He also only made $2.1 million last year. He’s young and only improving the more PT he gets. The Nets should definitely consider him.

Michael Beasley: Los Angeles Lakers

The man can play basketball, regardless of his extracurricular activities. He would add a ton of athleticism to their roster which they really need. Most importantly he would add depth. That team is devoid of depth and was exposed in the playoffs. Barnes and Ebanks are both in free agency, so with the exception of Metta World Peace, they have no one to play this spot. 

The problem is that he’s a restricted free agent, with an $8.2 qualifying offer. The Lakers have no money to spend; however, they do have the exemption acquired in the Odom trade and a mini mid-level. The Lakers wanted Beasley in a trade last year, but it didn’t work out. Maybe they’ll get him this time around.

Gilbert Arenas: Atlanta Hawks

Arenas sounds like a bad idea, but at the price, his value goes up. He’s a veteran that still puts up decent numbers, but most importantly, he’ll add experience and knowledge at the point guard position. 

Last season, he had an abbreviated contract drawn up at under $0.5 million. This means Arenas knows he’s not going to get a blockbuster contract, and will work hard for a team, if for no other reason than to show that he’s still got it.

The Hawks lack depth and experience at this position, and they have money to spend. They’re losing one of their most expensive players in Kirk Hinrich, so they have $8 million to play around with. Arenas will likely sign much south of that, somewhere in the veteran minimum range.

Kris Humphries: Chicago Bulls

Kris Humphries is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Sure, he was duped into marrying a beautiful woman, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t play ball. He’s in his prime and can bring a lot to a team like the Chicago Bulls who lack a ton of height and skill at the power forward position. 

Right now the Bulls have Boozer and are losing Scalabrine to free agency (not that it’s really a loss). Boozer is an expensive player who doesn’t produce as much as was expected. Humphries can probably move into the starting role alongside Derrick Rose, considering his averages are slightly better than Boozer’s.

Humphries made $8 million last year, but because he’s such a polarizing person to a fan base, he’ll likely sign for a similar amount, as long as he gets a longer contract that the one year he got last season.

Shannon Brown: Cleveland Cavaliers

Any team who needs help at the shooting guard position would be happy to get Shannon Brown on their bench. This is a guy who likes to play basketball and does so fairly consistently. He’s not only good on offense but on defense as well. A team like Cleveland could benefit from this. 

They’re still slowly rebuilding after the loss of LeBron James, and Brown could help them out there. He was valuable on the Suns, playing alongside Nash and getting 11 points per game. He’s a guy who could develop a long-running rapport with Kyrie Irving. Alone, you can’t build a team around Brown, but he certainly brings an extra something to the table that can help an organization get back on track.

Cartier Martin: Brooklyn Nets

This is another buy the Nets should look closely at. They just spent a ton of money moving the team, rebranding, etc. and now they want to win. To do this, they’ll need a talented team, but also a sustainable one. Since they’re losing a ton of people to free agency (some of whom will be picked up again), it’s important for them to seek out cheap, young talent like Martin. 

Last year on the Wizards, Martin averaged nine points. The best part though is that he’s been steadily progressing and getting better. Another advantage to signing him is that he’s cheap. His last contract was for $0.1 million and since he’s not a star or blockbuster player, he’ll come for cheap again, especially if given the chance to help build what will be a great franchise.

Brandon Bass: Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers just need a little something extra to make it to the NBA finals. This was a good effort this year, but they’re not quite there and Elton Brand isn’t going to do it for them. Brandon Bass would be a good fit. He’s a tall, powerful player who will give you solid minutes and points every night. He’s not as good as Brand in his prime but he can still be an asset. 

Bass has said that he’ll test free agency and not opt into his $4.3 million player option with the Celtics. So, that means he’s looking for a payday and something long-term (like every other FA). The 76ers have the room to do this, even if they don’t exercise the amnesty clause on Brand. His contract is certainly a burden, but Bass would help this team a lot at the PF position.

JaVale McGee: Portland Trail Blazers

JaVale McGee more than proved in the postseason that he deserves a large-ish, long-term contract somewhere. He may get signed back to the Nuggets, because he’s great on that team, but he only has a $3.5 million qualifying offer as a restricted free agent. The Trailblazers have had the most awful run of bad luck that a team can possibly have and it’s time to get on the right track. 

Portland’s three centers’ averages combined equal less than McGee’s average. They desperately need a center. McGee is young, athletic and will come for relatively cheap (not that money is really an issue with Portland right now). They should be doing everything in their power to get this guy because without a big man, they’re out of luck next season too.

Gerald Green: Golden State Warriors

When the Warriors traded Monta Ellis last season, everyone was pretty confused. It made sense, but it sort of didn’t. By getting Gerald Green, the front office can redeem themselves a little. 

Green is young, cheap, and incredibly talented. He’s one of the players the Nets are losing to free agency and it’s likely they’ll try to get him back, but the Warriors should really try to get him too. Green averaged 12.9 points in 25.2 minutes and has been known to go off for 20. He also only made $0.4 million last year so he’ll be ecstatic to get a large, long-term contract somewhere like Golden State.