NBA Free Agency 2012: Latest Talk on the Hottest Targets Still Available

The 2012 NBA offseason has been one of the most tumultuous in recent memory, but fortunately, it is slowly coming to an end.

Most of the big names have already been scooped up, which takes some of the fun out of the process, but there are still plenty of second-tier guys who will help their prospective teams.

The well is running dry, but it is far from used up yet.

Here is the latest talk on the hottest targets still available.

O.J. Mayo

O.J. Mayo was touted as the next LeBron James when he was coming out of the high school ranks (literally), but he obviously hasn't lived up to that hype.

We've heard his name constantly over these last few weeks and rightfully so. Mayo will be able to help his prospective team in a multitude of ways—most notably, outside shooting and penetration.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein via Twitter, the Phoenix Suns are keen on Mayo:

"

If Hornets match PHX offer sheet to Eric Gordon, as they've vowed, desert sources say this is definite: OJ Mayo will be courted hard by Suns

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2012"

After probably striking out with Eric Gordon, the Suns should go after the next best thing on the market.

Mayo isn't going to get a massive contract like Gordon was offered, but he should net a nice payday. 

JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee is well-known for his absentmindedness, but he also did a great job banging around down low against Andrew Bynum in last year's NBA playoffs.

Accoring to SI.com's Sam Amick, McGee and the Denver Nuggets have been talking:

"

Source says Denver's talks w/ restricted free agent C JaVale McGee are progressing and all signs point to his Nuggets tenure continuing.

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 11, 2012"

More recently, it was reported by the Denver Post that the Nuggets have offered McGee a five-year, $50 million deal.

McGee is the best true center still available and trying to lock him up long-term is a smart move by GM Masai Ujiri. 

The 24-year-old Michigan native played 20 games for the Nuggets last season after arriving as part of a trade with the Washington Wizards. McGee averaged 10.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks during that time.

Kris Humphries

Kris Humphries has a bad public reputation because of his disastrous marriage with Kim Kardashian, but actually played really well for the now-Brooklyn Nets last season, averaging 13.8 points and 11 rebounds in 35 minutes per game.

There have been some reports that the Philadelphia 76ers were interested in Humphries, but according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, nothing is known for sure:

"

Kris Humphries future in Brooklyn unclear. Besides Antawn Jamison, Nets considering FA's Kenyon Martin, Craig Smith, sources tell Y! Sports.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 12, 2012"

So, we'll just have to wait to see what happens with one of the most serviceable power forwards still on the market.

If Omer Asik can get the offer that he did from the Houston Rockets, Humphries might get paid much more than expected. Of course, they play different positions but, like Humphries, Asik makes most of his money pulling down boards. 

Elton Brand

Elton Brand averaged a respectable 11.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season for the Philadelphia 76ers, but was amnestied on Thursday to clear up some cap space.

It's not clear where Brand will play next season, but according to ESPN Dallas' Jeff Caplan, potential suitors include the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns.

According to NBA.com's David Aldridge, Brand wants to end up with the Mavs:

"

Source: Elton Brand hoping to be claimed by the Mavericks. Story up soon on NBA.com.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 12, 2012"

Brand would be a solid pickup for the Mavs, but it's hard to say where he'll ultimately land. 

Per Caplan's report, Brand's next team will be announced by 4 p.m. CT on Friday.

Courtney Lee

Courtney Lee has bounced around quite a bit in his NBA career, playing for three teams in four seasons. In all likelihood, he will be suiting up for his fourth next year.

Lee will provide his future team with a decent outside-shooting presence and a solid on-the-ball defender. 

According to HoopsWorld's Yannis Koutroupis, the Minnesota Timberwolves have an eye on Lee:

"

Sources say the Timberwolves will go after Courtney Lee since Portland doesn't want to "play ball" in a potential Batum sign-and-trade.

— Yannis Koutroupis (@YannisHW) July 12, 2012"

Koutroupis was not the only reporter to make claims on Twitter. This next one came from Fox Sports' Sam Amico:

"

Mentioned most in NBA calls today: Whether or not Celtics can work out sign-and-trade for OJ Mayo, or perhaps Courtney Lee.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 12, 2012"

If the reports are true, the Lee sweepstakes has come down to the Boston Celtics and the Timberwolves, two teams that could certainly use some insurance at the 2.