NBA Free Agents 2012: Projecting Where Top Guards Will Land

The 2012 NBA free agent class boasts a wealth of big names, including some All-Star guards.

Whether you want a dynamic facilitator, a combo guard or a sharp shooter, this year's class has a little bit for everyone.

There are plenty of contenders who would love to get their hands on some game-changers in the backcourt, and plenty of lesser teams who would love to hold on to them.

Here's a look at the top three guards in the 2012 NBA free-agent class, complete with predictions of where they will end up.

3. Eric Gordon, SG

Eric Gordon has proven he can be a dynamic scorer—there's no question about that. In 205 career games, he's shooting 45 percent from the floor and 37 percent from downtown. The question is, can he stay on the floor for a full season? He missed 20, 26 and 57 games in the past three seasons.

The New Orleans Hornets, however, appear committed to re-signing him, and although there are rumors that his hometown Indiana Pacers will go after him, I can't see them spending too much on him given his injury history. 

2. Steve Nash, PG

This is the biggest mystery in free agency. Steve Nash continues to say he's comfortable finishing out his career in Phoenix, but if he does that, he likely won't win a championship before his career's through.

One possibility I do like is the Suns doing a sign-and-trade with Nash. That way, he gets top dollar and they still receive something in return for him.

Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD wrote on June 6:

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Word has is Nash and the Suns have agreed that if Nash is leaving Phoenix that the franchise would help facilitate a sign and trade deal to insure Steve gets the maximum dollars for his services and the Suns get something in return for him. Meaning all bets are off on where Nash lands, as cap space and exception money won’t be a huge factor.

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That could point to the Miami Heat potentially landing Nash, who don't have much cap space but could use a point guard. The Dallas Mavericks could also be in contention for his services, but I see them landing another star point guard instead...

1. Deron Williams, PG

Unless the Brooklyn Nets finagle Dwight Howard out of Orlando, I just don't see why Deron Williams would stay with the team. Sure, there's the possibility down the line of the Nets landing a big free agent, but why would Williams risk it when he can go to a legitimate contender right away?

It just so happens that Jason Kidd is looking for a place to play this summer as the Mavericks may not re-sign him given they need to get younger. Williams probably wouldn't mind playing with Dirk Nowitzki in his hometown of Dallas.

ESPN's John Hollinger wrote in his chat on Thursday:

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"I don't think he returns to the Nets to play with Gerald Wallace and Kris Humphries, let's put it that way, so if Brooklyn can't get Dwight I think he'll bolt.

"And if he's going to bolt, the only three realistic possibilities are Dallas, Phoenix, and a sign-trade to the Lakers for Pau. Of the three I'd put the best odds on Dallas."

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It would make sense for the Suns to pursue Williams if they do a sign-and-trade with Nash, but I highly doubt Williams wants to go from the Nets to the Suns. It appears pretty clear by now that he wants to land on a true contender. The Lakers make some sense, but Gasol is aging and hasn't been as effective lately. I don't know if the Suns would even want him.

That leaves Dallas, which still has potential to rise back up to the top with Williams in charge and some additional role players.

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