NBA Free Agency 2012: Which Teams Must Add and Which Should Subtract?

We've reached the point in the NBA free agency process that just about every major non-Dwight Howard related question has been answered.

However, there are still moves out there for teams to make.  Superstars won't be arriving through any team's free agent door at this point, but guys who could swing the title race are sitting on the market waiting to be plucked.  

On the other hand, some teams need to pluck some players off their roster and just be done with them.  

So which teams need to add and which need to subtract?  Follow along as we take a look at each side.  

Subtract: Detroit Pistons

Who the Pistons Should Amnesty:  Charlie Villanueva (two years, $16.6 million remaining)

This isn't the time or place for me to once again eviscerate Pistons general manager Joe Dumars.

But if the amnesty provision was designed for situations like this.  Villanueva and the Pistons organization have had buyer's remorse since almost day one, and the power forward's skills and conditioning are in such poor shape that John Calipari cut Villanueva from the Dominican Republic national team.  

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"Charlie was not in good form when we saw him," Calipari told Deportes en la Z, via the The Detroit News. "He was overweight, and unfortunately, we could not slow down the entire team and it was a decision taken collectively. Last year, Charlie behaved really well with us and his only problem was his weight." 

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After Villanueva played in just 13 games this past regular season, scoring 7.0 points per game on an abysmal 38.5 percent shooting, it seems like the Pistons need Charlie as little as Calipari does.

And if he's dragging the locker room down with his unhappiness, the Pistons should heed the actions of the Kentucky coach and wash their hands of the contract.   

Add: Los Angeles Lakers

Who the Lakers Should Sign:  Grant Hill (SF, UFA)

With Charlotte Observer beat reporter Rick Bonnell reporting that free agent power forward Antawn Jamison was headed to Los Angeles to back up Pau Gasol, the Lakers are left with just one roster hole to fill: perimeter defense.  

And Hill, who is good friends with newly acquired point guard Steve Nash, would be the perfect ending to a great Laker offseason.  Despite his advanced age, Hill can still adeptly cover the 2 through 4 spots on the court and won't command more than the veteran's minimum.  

For Hill, bolting for SoCal represents an opportunity for one final chance at nabbing the championship ring that has eluded him for his 17 NBA seasons.  

Subtract: Oklahoma City Thunder

Who the Thunder Should Amnesty:  Kendrick Perkins (three years, $25.42 million remaining)

It's widely assumed that the Thunder will eventually have to choose between young stars shooting guard James Harden and power forward Serge Ibaka, but if the team even wants a remote chance at keeping both, they must amnesty Perkins.

The 27-year-old center was acquired for forward Jeff Green at the 2011 NBA trade deadline and was almost immediately awarded a four-year, $34.8 million contract.  

Well, new money did not bring new levels of efficiency for Perkins, whose numbers dipped to just 5.1 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game this past season.  And during most of Oklahoma City's playoff run, the team put up far better splits with Ibaka playing center, Nick Collison at the power forward spot and Perkins somewhere waving a towel.  

Thunder general manager Sam Presti hasn't made many missteps on the job, but Perkins' contract was definitely one.  Presti should amnesty Perkins and use the savings to make extension offers, hoping that both give OKC a hometown discount.  

Add: Brooklyn Nets

Who the Nets Should Sign:  Kris Humphries (PF, UFA)

With the Nets out of the Dwight Howard chase until at least Jan. 15 and out of exceptions to sign free agents, the team needs to focus on retaining Humphries, who fits a need and (more importantly) has Bird rights.

There is some obvious trepidation from teams about signing the Humph to a long-term contract because of his off-court distractions, but he's a gifted rebounder with experience playing alongside returning center Brook Lopez and point guard Deron Williams.

If the Nets can retain Humphries for around $8 million per season, his on-court benefits should outweigh his off-court spotlight.

Subtract: Miami Heat

Who the Heat Should Amnesty:  Mike Miller (three years, $18.2 million)

Depending on your perspective, Miller may have paid for the final $18.2 million remaining on his contract with his seven three-pointer performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals despite a nagging back injury.

His back problems led to rumors that the small forward may retire, or even have surgery that will keep him out for next season.  In both cases, the Heat would receive insurance money to help cover the balance of Miller's contract, so amnestying him should wait until they know Miller's course of action.  

But with the arrival of Ray Allen and the continued presence of Shane Battier, there is little, if any, use for Miller on the Heat's roster.  A departure is necessary, regardless of how it gets done.  

Add: Boston Celtics

Who the Celtics Should Sign:  Courtney Lee (SG, UFA)

According to ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg, new Celtic signees Jeff Green and Jason Terry are yet to finalize their deals in order to give general manager Danny Ainge flexibility to negotiate a sign-and-trade or maneuver some cap space.

Ostensibly, this is done so the Celtics can make a run at Lee, who could come in and fill the void left by the departed Ray Allen.

Boston would theoretically mark Lee's fourth NBA team in just five seasons. However, the athletic gunner has shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc in all but one of his years in the league and could create havoc defensively with incumbent guards Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley.