NBA Free Agents 2012: Predicting Where Kevin Garnett and Top Players Will Sign
The 2012 NBA free agent class isn’t exactly the most anticipated batch of talent in recent years.
There are a number of aging veterans who can still contribute, a lot of young talent that is likely not going anywhere due to restricted free agent status and one legit star in Deron Williams.
Let’s take a look at five of the better players who will be available to bid on this summer.
Steve Nash
Nash is still an elite PG at the age of 38. That is evidenced by the fact that he nearly carried the Phoenix Suns into the postseason and averaged 12.5 PPG and 10.7 APG (second in the league) while shooting 53.2 percent from the field and 39 percent from deep.
He’s going to have no shortage of suitors who will try to convince him that their team is the one that he will finally win a championship with.
Prediction: Miami Heat
The Big Ticket was the emotional leader for a Boston Celtics team that went to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals when nobody believed they had a chance.
He’s still able to contribute for stretches as an elite defender and rebounder, although his scoring is starting to decline.
If he’s willing to take a big pay cut, a lot of teams will be interested.
Prediction: Re-signs with Celtics
Eric Gordon
Now that the New Orleans Hornets have an owner, they should be more than willing to award the young, upcoming shooting guard with an extension.
Gordon was the key piece in the Chris Paul trade last offseason and will be the offensive player to build around for a franchise that is about to draft Anthony Davis.
The kid is definitely going to receive some offers this summer, but NOLA will match anything that comes his way as a restricted free agent.
Prediction: Re-signs with Hornets
Ray Allen
Jesus Shuttlesworth has a ring and the most three-pointers in NBA history. After being marred by injury in the 2012 postseason, there was speculation that Allen would retire, but he’s going to have surgery and attempt to sign one more contract to finish his career.
If he’s healthy, there will be plenty of interested franchises that value his sweet jumper and leadership.
Prediction: Re-signs with Celtics
Deron Williams
D-Will is in a terrible situation in Brooklyn, and everything is going wrong there for him. He clearly needs a change of scenery and wants to play with a contender during his prime.
Nearly every organization will make inquiries and offers for the All-Star PG, but only a few have a legit chance of luring him in. Look for a veteran squad with some cap room to sign him during the offseason.
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
