NBA Free Agency 2012: Breaking Down the Best Landing Spots for Top Players

Being an NBA free agent means getting a multitude of offers from different teams if your performance so commands, and such is the case with this year's class.  Every top player left on the market has received multiple offers and the next couple of days will be quite interesting as everything starts to fall into place.

All-star point guard Steve Nash has already met with three teams, and he is set to command top dollar despite being 38 years old.  Similarly, Deron Williams will soon decide between the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks regarding the future of his career.

In fact, given all of the speculation that's abound, let's look at the top 10 names on the market and determine the best destination for them.

No. 10: Jason Kidd

No longer a triple-double threat, Kidd probably isn't going to receive anything more than a one-year contract.  His best skills now are this three-point shooting and leadership, both of which could be valuable on a younger team.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Kidd is in the same boat as Deron Williams in that he is only interested in one of two teams: the Nets and the Mavericks, though he would also entertain the idea of playing for the New York Knicks.

The way I see it, Kidd is in the twilight of his career and his next contract is probably going to be his last.  That said, he needs to go someplace where he can give himself and the fans a last hurrah, preferably a fan base that he knows well and has helped in the past.

Best Destination: Brooklyn Nets

No. 9: Ersan Ilyasova

Now that John Henson is in Milwaukee, chances are that Ilyasova isn't going to return to the Bucks.  Still, the 6'10" forward has a bright future in a scoring fashion along with his rebounding.

Yet, there hasn't been much buzz surrounding his name.  However, according to a report by Stefan Bondy a couple of months ago, Ilyasova could find himself the target of one team's attention.  Seeing as how they're probably about to lose their previous power forward, bringing him in would be ideal.

Best Destination: Brooklyn Nets

No. 8: Jamal Crawford

Wherever Crawford going, he's going to be giving his new team a top sixth man.  In 2010, while playing for the Atlanta Hawks, the former Michigan Wolverine averaged 18 points per game off the bench and was named Sixth Man of the Year.

Last season, however, Crawford had a down year in Portland, mostly because he was so unhappy.  Yesterday, in a tweet by David Aldridge of NBA.com, it was reported that five teams were in on Crawford: the Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers.

Each of these teams could use Crawford in their own way, but he's going to want to go someplace where he can not only produce, but win.  Seeing as how Indiana just signed George Hill to a five-year deal, that destination is out of the equation.

Rather, Crawford needs to go someplace where he can provide an extra spark off the bench to a team that has tons of talent, but just needs a star to push them over the top.  Given how his off season lowered his value, such a team shouldn't have an issue bringing him aboard.

Best Destination: Philadelphia 76ers

No. 7: Kris Humphries

Stefan Bondy says that rebounding machine Humphries wants to stay with the Nets, but that his salary expectations could exceed what team management is willing to spend.  Call me crazy, but something tells me that the power forward's messy divorce from Kim Kardashian is playing a role in that as well.

However, other teams are in the market for rebounding and given this little report right here, the numbers make sense to the point where Humphries could find himself on a new team and not having to leave his current area.

Best Destination: Philadelphia 76ers

No. 6: Jason Terry

Interesting twist coming out of Jason Terry's camp, as Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News has revealed that the star shooter would be willing to stay with the Mavericks.  As long as the money is the same, that is.

Seeing as how the Mavs need to get younger, keeping the 34-year-old Terry is something to think about, but shouldn't be a priority.  They just received some good young draft picks, some of whom could become good scorers in their own right.

That said, Terry should entertain the offers he has from other teams and go to a system where he can do what he does best: score points.

Best Destination: Phoenix Suns

No. 5: Ray Allen

Though about to turn 37 years old, Allen is still one of the most clutch shooters in the NBA.  Last year, he shot an astounding 45 percent from long range and his skills are unquestionable.

Even though he is getting older, ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that multiple teams are in on the former UConn Husky.  Though Boston has shown some interest in bringing him back, Allen should look to finish his career elsewhere.  As great as he has been for the Celtics, he has nothing left to prove in that city.

Rather, Allen should go someplace where the team is younger and contending.  I'm talking about a squad that has a championship in its sights, but needs the veteran leadership to take that extra step.

Best Destination: Memphis Grizzlies

No. 4: Eric Gordon

Eric Gordon is highly in demand this summer, and has meeting scheduled with teams like the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers.  However, if this tweet by Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick is true, then some GMs are going to be disappointed.

Even if that tweet weren't true, there's no reason for Gordon to pursue other teams.  His current squad has a ridiculously bright future and if he weren't a part of it, it would be a crying shame.

Best Destination: New Orleans Hornets

No. 3: Roy Hibbert

As we all know, restricted free agent Hibbert has agreed to a max-level offer sheet with the Portland Trail Blazers.  Despite this, the Indiana Pacers have the right to match that offer.

Yet, if he ends up back in Indiana, Hibbert will just be stuck.  Yes, they're a good team, but so young and stuck in one gear.

Portland, on the other hand, is committed to winning now.  They have a great young point man in rookie Damian Lillard and Lamarcus Aldridge will be great upon his return.  Throw in Nicolas Batum, and this team looks great on paper.

Best Destination: Portland Trail Blazers

No. 2: Steve Nash

Nash has been busy since free agency began.  According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Canadian point guard has met with three teams already: the Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.  Of all those teams, the Raptors are the only one known to have made an official offer at three years, $36 million.

The future Hall of Famer is going to make a positive impact wherever he goes, but he also wants a legitimate shot at winning a ring.  With Brooklyn and New York, winning one is basically a coin toss.  Such is the case with Toronto, but they at least have an established defense there and could seriously contend in a year or so.

That said, could it be time for a homecoming?

Best Destination: Toronto Raptors

No. 1: Deron Williams

Deron Williams has two teams on his radar: the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks.  He met with Dallas already today and will meet with Brooklyn tonight, so a decision could be coming very shortly.

There are factors for Williams to consider, like money.  He can get five years, $100 million from Brooklyn compared to just four years, $75 million from Dallas, where he grew up and played high school ball.  Regardless of numbers, each team has its perks for the all-star guard.

That said, Williams needs to make an important decision regarding the next phase of his career.  Does he want to win immediately, or roll the dice on an underdog and build his legacy?  I have an idea of what is best for him, but I guess we'll just see.

Best Destination: Dallas Mavericks