NBA Free Agents 2012: Best Value for Potential Free Agent Buyers

The 2012 NBA free agency period has already begun in earnest, with players like Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan all striking agreements or becoming exceedingly close to signing new contracts on July 11—the first day teams can sign free agents.

However, teams that were spurned by some of the big name free agents shouldn’t give up hope, as there are still plenty of potential impact guys on the open market.

Let’s take a look at some of the best available players that are thought to still be available.

Brandon Roy

The former Trail Blazers star abruptly retired prior to the 2011-12 season, but is set to make a triumphant comeback this season.

He’s free to sign wherever he pleases, as Portland used their amnesty clause to clear his contract from the books.

The amount of talent that Roy possesses is incredible when considering he’s unlikely to make much more than the mid-level exception upon his return to the league. His knee issues are just giving executives and GMs too much of a scare.

Roy will certainly find a team however, as Golden State has reportedly joined Cleveland, Minnesota and numerous other suitors that have been in discussions to sign the 27-year-old SG.

Ersan Ilyasova

Ilyasova has reportedly received a five-year, $40 million offer from the Milwaukee Bucks. The 25-year-old is an absolute value at just around $8 million per season, which is why it’s possible another franchise attempts to trump this offer.

The Turkish player put up 13.0 PPG and 8.8 RPG in just 27.6 minutes per contest, mostly off the bench, this past season.

Ersanity is only going to get better, which is why the Bucks would be getting insane value if they signed him at that reported offer price.

Ray Allen

The sharp-shooting Jesus Shuttlesworth is apparently on a trip to South Beach, but the 36-year-old is there for business, not pleasure.

The Miami Heat are one of the many teams interested in acquiring the NBA’s all-time leading three-point shooter and are making a pitch to have him join them in free agency.

While the Celtics would like Ray back, it’s unlikely to happen now that his former team has reached an agreement in principle with Jason Terry, who brings many of the same skills Allen does to the roster.

Expect Allen to land a decent deal and definitely outplay the dollar amount he’s given for his final few seasons.