NBA Free Agents 2012: 5 Contending Teams That Must Make Bold Moves

Whatever NBA team you happen to root for, when your team's season ended recently, did you find yourself thinking:

"Wow, we're really close, one or two minor tweaks, and next year could be our year!"

Or was it more like this? 

"Can't we just get rid of everyone, and start over from scratch?"

If the second quote sounds vaguely familiar, then your team might appear in this slideshow. 

The simple fact is that some teams, even teams coming off decent seasons, need big changes to either maintain or improve upon their current level of success. 

The Los Angeles Lakers had a decent season, but it ended poorly when they were beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 4-1 in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

It was very apparent all season that the Lakers were in need of a point guard—the playoffs only made that more apparent.

As of now, the problem may be solved. The Lakers went out and dealt for former two-time MVP, Steve Nash. 

Will the Lakers win the 2013 NBA Finals? It's far too soon to say, but it's safe to say that they're a better team right now than they were when the 2011-2012 season concluded. 

There are other teams in need of some bold moves as well. For some, it will get them into or further along into the playoffs. For others it might be the one big piece that brings home a title. 

Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets: 2011-2012 record 22-44, missed playoffs

In case you haven't heard, the Nets might acquire Dwight Howard in a mega deal from Orlando (Yahoo! Sports).

The Nets already have made bold moves by landing Joe Johnson from Atlanta, and re-signing free agents Gerald Wallace and Deron Williams.

The team missed the playoffs altogether last season. The current roster would probably get the Nets into the postseason. Adding Howard could transform them into serious contenders.  

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks: 2011-2012 record 36-30, lost in first round of playoffs 4-0.   

In the end, the defending champs offered up a fairly weak defense of their 2011 NBA Title. By the time the lockout shortened season had started, the Mavericks had already lost key parts of their title winning team of 2011. 

Tyson Chandler, Jose Barea and DeShawn Stevenson were all gone.

The Mavericks that were defeated in the 2012 NBA Playoffs were a team that lacked enough rebounding and scoring to advance past the other top teams in the west.

Now the Mavs need help, and the sooner the better. Dirk Nowitzki is 34 years old. The likelihood of Dirk maintaining his current level of play much longer is slim. The Mavericks have already lost a future Hall of Fame point guard in Jason Kidd, and one of the league's best sixth men in Jason Terry.

The Mavericks need a bold move, maybe even a series of bold moves, and the sooner the better. 

Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers: 2011-2012 record, 35-31 lost in second round of playoffs 4-3. 

The 2011-2012 season was good for the Philadelphia 76ers. 

The team sat atop the Atlantic Division for a few months. Then once they were in the playoffs, the 76ers upset the Chicago Bulls and extended the Boston Celtics to seven games.

It was a good season for the 76ers, but without some major changes, next season could result is a significant step-back.

The 76ers have made made some gains and absorbed some losses.

They've gained two first round draft picks, Moe Harkless and Arnett Moultrie. The 76ers also signed free agent shooting guard Nick Young, and re-signed Spencer Hawes. Philadelphia stands to lose free agent Lou Williams and amnesty Elton Brand.

All in all, it's been a solid offseason for Philadelphia.

The problem is the competition. It's not getting easier.

The Nets have already acquired Joe Johnson, re-signed Deron Williams and Gerald Wallace and may yet add Dwight Howard (ESPN).

The Boston Celtics added two first-round picks, brought back Kevin Garnett, and added Jeff Green and Jason Terry as well. 

Overall, the 76ers have had a solid offseason, but to really improve upon last season, they're going to need more. 

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks: 2011-2012 record, 40-26 lost in opening round of playoffs 4-2

The Hawks are right in the middle of making dramatic moves.

They've already pulled off a massive deal, they shipped shooting guard Joe Johnson off to Brooklyn in a massive sign-and-trade deal which ultimately rid Atlanta of Johnson's contract, and will free up cap space. They also dealt former top draft pick Marvin Williams to the Utah Jazz. 

Now it's about what's next.

At one point, the Hawks appeared to be involved in the bidding for Dwight Howard's services. That doesn't appear like it's going to happen (AJC.com).

The fact that Atlanta was willing to explore the possibility of acquiring Howard is proof that the Hawks are aware of the need to make some major moves to change the team's direction.

The Hawks clearly know they need to make dramatic moves. The question is what that move will eventually be. 

Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic: 2011-2012 record, 37-29 lost in first round of playoffs 4-1.  

It seems like it's just a matter of "when."

The Orlando Magic made it all the way to the NBA Finals in 2009, before losing 4-1 to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Since then, the Magic have declined as a team, and Dwight Howard has continued to try and force a trade out of Orlando (USA Today).

For the Magic, the team really needs to get a deal done. 

It's the only way for the team to get a fresh start and begin the process of rebuilding, or reloading, to get the team back to the NBA Finals.

Dwight Howard is a great player, but the Orlando Magic need to start to move on. That won't happen until Howard is finally traded.