2012 NBA Free Agency: Power Ranking the 25 Best Deals

With NBA free agency winding down, nearly all of the big-name players are now off the market.

We've seen plenty of key players switch teams while some chose to re-sign with their own squad, much to their teams' fans' delight.

Not all signings prove to be wise ones, however, as we've seen plenty of teams pay big money to average players.

Here are the 25 best contracts of the 2012 NBA free agency period, complete with contract grades and analysis. 

Honorable Mention: Brandon Roy to Minnesota Timberwolves

Contract Info: Two years, $10.4 million

Age: 27

Position: SG

2011-2012 Stats: DNP

Roy makes the list as an honorable mention due to the fact he could turn out to be a real steal or a complete bust in his return to the NBA.

So far the results have been good, as Roy recently competed in the Jamal Crawford Pro-Am Game in Seattle, which can be seen here.

The Timberwolves are making a big gamble on a guy fresh out of retirement, but given their need for a quality shooting guard, Roy could turn out to be a deal indeed.

Contract Grade: Incomplete

25. Goran Dragic to Phoenix Suns

Contract Info: Four years, $30 million

Age: 25

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 11.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.3 APG, .462 FG%

Dragic returns to the Suns after having been previously traded to Houston for Aaron Brooks in 2011.

Putting up nice stats over the last few months for the Rockets after getting the starting job, Dragic netted a nice deal that will pay him an average of $7.5 million per season.

For a starting point guard of his caliber this is a fair price, but four years is a long time for lottery pick Kendall Marshall to come off the bench. 

The money is right, but the length of the deal is wrong for the Suns' future.

Contract Grade: C+

24. Ersan Ilyasova Stays with Milwaukee Bucks

Contract Info: Five years, $40 million

Age: 25

Position: SF/PF

2011-2012 Stats: 13.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, .492 FG%

Ilyasova is one of the games best-kept secrets, and his play over the past few seasons is very deserving of his new deal.

Able to play either forward position, the Turkish native can shoot from the outside (45.5 percent from three) or bang down low while hauling in nearly nine rebounds per game.

Milwaukee recognized his value and was smart to lock him up for an average of $8 million a year. Not a steal by any means, but a good value contract for someone with his skill set.

Contract Grade: B-

23. Deron Williams to Brooklyn Nets

Contract Info: Five years, $98.7 million

Age: 28

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 21.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 8.7 APG, .407 FG%

While nearly $20 million a year hardly seems like a "deal," Williams is well worth it for a new-look Nets team searching for an identity.

Nearly signing with the Dallas Mavericks, D-Will instead opted to stay put due to the trade for Hawks swingman Joe Johnson.

While they didn't get Dwight Howard, expect the new Barclays Center to be packed nightly thanks to Williams' return to the now Brooklyn Nets. His salary will be largely offset by the added tickets, jersey sales and advertising dollars generated by his staying with the Nets which makes $100 million look more like a deal.

Contract Grade: B-

22. Kevin Garnett Stays with Boston Celtics

Contract Info: Three years, $34 million

Age: 36

Position: PF/C

2011-2012 Stats: 15.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, .503 FG%

Garnett is roughly taking a $10 million pay cut from last season, but should still be pleased with his new deal.

Enjoying a shorter season in 2011-12, KG had a great year excelling at both power forward and center. The Celtics were wise to bring him back and at a discount that helped them add Jason Terry and Courtney Lee and re-sign Brandon Bass and Jeff Green.

Both Garnett and the Celtics were winners in this deal, although a shorter, more flexible two-year deal would have been better for Boston given KG's age.

Contract Grade: B-

21. Tim Duncan Stays with San Antonio Spurs

Contract Info: Three years, $30 million

Age: 36

Position: PF

2011-2012 Stats: 15.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, .492 FG%

Like Garnett, Duncan took about a 50 percent cut in pay to stay with his own team.

Also like KG, Duncan signed a similar deal both in years and total money and is still performing at a high level as he enters the last few years of his career.

Duncan's deal gets the higher ranking, however, as the Spurs save about $4 million over the length of his contract.

Again, a two-year deal might have been better, but it's safe to say Duncan has earned whatever he wants in San Antonio by now.

Contract Grade: B

20. Lou Williams to Atlanta Hawks

Contract Info: Four years, $21 million

Age: 25

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 14.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, .407 FG%

Williams is the reigning runner-up for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year, and will likely have the same role with his new team in Atlanta.

Sporting an impressive PER of 20.22 last season, Williams signed for the Hawks' mid-level exception in a four-year deal that will take him past his 29th birthday.

Atlanta missed having Jamal Crawford as an offensive force off the bench last season and gave Williams a very fair dollar amount to come in and play that role.

Contract Grade: B

19. Jeremy Lin to Houston Rockets

Contract Info: Three years, $25 million

Age: 23

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 14.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.2 APG, .446 FG%

Lin could very well see a change in this list by the time his three-year contract is up, for better or for much worse.

Lin signed Houston back-loaded offer sheet that pays him roughly $5 million each of the first two years and then $15 million in the third. The New York Knicks decided not to match the Houston's poison pill, officially making Lin a Rocket.

I believe Lin will be a solid point guard in Houston, but without a true pick-and-roll partner and elite talent around him, he won't come anywhere close to the numbers he enjoyed for a few months in New York.

At least for the first two years, this is a very good deal for Houston based on marketing opportunities alone.

Contract Grade: B

18. Chris Kaman to Dallas Mavericks

Contract Info: One year, $8 million

Age: 30

Position: C

2011-2012 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, .446 FG%

While Kaman was probably hoping to cash in with a multi-year deal, $8 million to play alongside Dirk Nowitzki next season isn't too shabby.

It's an even better deal for the Mavericks, who after striking out in free agency early began their bounce-back by landing Kaman to a team-friendly one-year deal.

The Mavs followed the Kaman signing by amnestying Brendan Haywood, which means Dallas is set up to have a lot of cap space to work with during next year's free agency.

Good, solid pickup for the Mavericks.

Contract Grade: B

17. Jason Terry to Boston Celtics

Contract Info: Three years, $15 million

Age: 34

Position: PG/SG

2011-2012 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, .430 FG%

Terry was a huge part of the Mavs championship run in 2011 and now joins another veteran contender looking for a boost.

The ultimate sixth man, Terry can play either guard position and remains an elite three-point shooter in the later stages of his career.

Terry is just what an aging Celtics team needed, and should help save Rajon Rondo for the playoffs by easing his minutes during the regular season.

Contract Grade: B

16. Spencer Hawes Stays with Philadelphia 76ers

Contract Info: Two years, $13 million

Age: 24

Position: PF/C

2011-2012 Stats: 9.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, .489 FG%

Hawes wasn't extended a qualifying offer by the 76ers, but ended up re-signing with Philadelphia anyways in a fair deal for both sides.

A 7'1" center who can do a little bit of everything, Hawes has made nice strides every year he's been in the league and should continue to do so.

While two-year deals can be nice for teams to remain flexible, Philly should have locked Hawes up for a longer deal if possible at the going rate of $6.5 million per year he'll be making.

Supposedly switching positions in 2012, it will be interesting to see how Hawes makes the move to power forward.

Contract Grade: B+

15. Nick Young to Philadelphia 76ers

Contract Info: One year, $6 million

Age: 27

Position: SG

2011-2012 Stats: 14.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, .403 FG%

Young joins his third team in under a year by signing with the 76ers in what is likely a backup role.

A great scorer, Philly gets the flexibility of having another offensive weapon in Young for this season and salary cap relief next year.

This signing also makes a possible trade of Andre Iguodala more justifiable, as the Sixers could move Evan Turner to the starting small forward position while making Young the starting 2-guard.

Whatever they decide to do with Young, this was a very low-risk, high-reward signing.

Contract Grade: B+

14. J.R. Smith Stays with New York Knicks

Contract Info: Two years, $5.6 million

Age: 26

Position: SG

2011-2012 Stats: 12.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, .407 FG%

With the Knicks backcourt struggling with weight and sobriety, J.R. Smith will be counted on to bring some stability as he returns to New York on a two-year deal.

Although he's not much more than a scorer, the Knicks will need him to be just that if coming in with second unit point guard Jason Kidd whose offensive skills have severely deteriorated.

With no cap room to speak of anymore, New York was lucky to get Smith for the $2.8 million he'll be playing for each of the next two years.

Contract Grade: B+

13. Michael Beasley to Phoenix Suns

Contract Info: Three years, $18 million

Age: 23

Position: SF/PF

2011-2012 Stats: 11.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, .445 FG%

After failing to offer Beasley the qualifying offer, Minnesota watched the troubled-but-talented forward ink a three-year deal with the Suns.

This is another signing that could make a huge jump up or down this list, but first impressions point to the Suns getting a great deal.

Beasley should be able to command the ball more in Phoenix now that Steve Nash is gone and thrive if given a starting opportunity.

Contract Grade: B+

12. Aaron Brooks to Sacramento Kings

Contract Info: Two years, $6.6 million

Age: 27

Position: PG/SG

2011-2012 Stats: DNP

Playing in China last season for the Guandong Southern Tigers, Brooks averaged a team-high 22.3 points in 41 total games.

He was the NBA's most improved player in the 2009-10 season when he posted career-best averages of 19.6 points and 5.3 assists for the Houston Rockets.

Brooks is an excellent three-point shooter who may be at his best playing the shooting guard position despite his point guard size.

Whatever position he plays, a mere $3 million a year could be a steal for someone capable of putting up 20 points on any given night.

Contract Grade: B+

11. J.J. Hickson Stays with Portland Trail Blazers

Contract Info: One year, $4 million

Age: 23

Position: PF/C

2011-2012 Stats: 8.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.8 APG, .467 FG%

Hickson started out last season with the Sacramento Kings following an offseason trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Omri Casspi.

Finding himself in and out of the starting lineup with inconsistent playing time, Hickson never fully blossomed until he was released and signed with Portland

In 19 games with the Trail Blazers, Hickson averaged 15.1 points and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 54 percent from the field.

Staying in Portland was a smart move, and one that will most definitely benefit the Blazers as well for only $4 million.

Contract Grade: B+

10. Ramon Sessions to Charlotte Bobcats

Contract Info: Two years, $10 million

Age: 26

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 11.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 5.5 APG, .428 FG%

Sessions is a very underrated and talented point guard who always seems to get replaced despite his strong play and potential.

Charlotte should offer him the starting job assuming the Bobcats believe Kemba Walker is best suited to play shooting guard.

If given the minutes, don't be surprised to see Sessions put up averages of 15 points and eight assists per game as he excels at driving to the basket and getting teammates involved.

Contract Grade: A-

9. D.J. Augustin to Indiana Pacers

Contract Info: One year, $3.5 million

Age: 24

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 11.1 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 6.4 APG, .376 FG%

A solid player for the Charlotte Bobcats the past four seasons, Augustin finds himself in an ideal situation for one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Brought in to back up George Hill at the point, Augustin will face less pressure being a role player.

Expect Augustin to be motivated by a desire for a multi-year deal and have a solid season in Indiana.

Contract Grade: A-

8. Jerryd Bayless to Memphis Grizzlies

Contract Info: Two years, $6 million

Age: 23

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 11.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.8 APG, .424 FG%

Bayless may not have the star potential he was tapped with coming to the NBA from Arizona, but he's proven to be a very good player when given the opportunity.

Filling O.J. Mayo's shoes in Memphis, the Grizzlies got a steal in Bayless at $3 million a season. His PER of 17.8 and averages of 18.0 points and 6.0 assists per 36 minutes of play last season prove he should have gotten a bigger deal.

The Grizzlies land a very good backup point guard for less than half of what they're paying Mike Conley.

Contract Grade: A-

7. Raymond Felton to New York Knicks

Contract Info: Three years, $10 million

Age: 28

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 11.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 6.5 APG, .407 FG%

This grading is set on the belief that we see the same Raymond Felton that was leading the Knicks to the playoffs with Amar'e Stoudemire before that Melo guy arrived.

Before he was traded to Denver in the deal that brought Anthony to New York, Felton was enjoying a career year—putting up averages of 17.1 points, 9.0 assists and 1.8 steals per night. Felton found himself backing up Ty Lawson in Denver and eventually lost the starting job last season in Portland.

If Felton can even come close to his previous New York numbers, maybe people will stop talking about that Lin fellow.

Contract Grade: A-

6. Anthony Randolph to Denver Nuggets

Contract Info: Three years, $6 million

Age: 23

Position: PF

2011-2012 Stats: 7.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, .470 FG%

Remarkably, Randolph is still just 23 years old and full of potential.

His career PER is 17.33 despite never averaging more than 22.7 minutes per game. Stretching out his career averages to 36 minutes per game, Randolph would be putting up stats of 17.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

Denver would be wise to see what Randolph can do with big minutes. All that potential could be turned into big stats if given the opportunity.

Contract Grade: A

5. Grant Hill to Los Angeles Clippers

Contract Info: Two years, $3.8 million

Age: 39

Position: SF

2011-2012 Stats: 10.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, .446 FG%

Hill is a miracle of modern science with his high level of play as he approaches the big 4-0.

With someone of his skill set, experience and leadership qualities, getting Hill for slightly over a minimum contract is an absolute steal.

The Clippers added a lot more than a player. They added a winner and leader who will help them create a winning atmosphere that's crucial for them to take the next step in the Western Conference.

Contract Grade: A

4. Antawn Jamison to Los Angeles Lakers

Contract Info: One year, $1.3 million

Age: 36

Position: PF

2011-2012 Stats: 17.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, .403 FG%

Not often will you see a 17-points-per-game scorer sign a minimum deal, so the value of Jamison's deal with the Lakers is extremely high.

Playing on a Cavaliers team in need of scoring, Jamison's numbers were certainly inflated, but the 36-year-old is still in fantastic shape and can fill a number of roles for a team.

Expect a rejuvenated, eager to win Jamison who will fit in great with a veteran locker room. He could have landed more money playing for the Charlotte Bobcats, but chose instead to sign one of the best value deals of the offseason for a chance at a ring with LA.

Contract Grade: A

3. Steve Nash to Los Angeles Lakers

Contract Info: Three years, $27 million

Age: 38

Position: PG

2011-2012 Stats: 12.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.7 APG, .503 FG%

Nash left $9 million on the table when he agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Lakers instead of signing with the Toronto Raptors.

Still one of the best passers in the game, his ability to improve the players around him is something the Lakers desperately need.

Adding Nash for less than half of what the Lakers are paying Pau Gasol is truly a great deal.  If he can help the Lakers extend their title window a few more years with Kobe, this already friendly deal will turn into pure gold for L.A.

Contract Grade: A

2. O.J. Mayo to Dallas Mavericks

Contract Info: Two years, $8.5 million

Age: 24

Position: SG

2011-2012 Stats: 12.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, .408 FG%

Dallas had a disappointing beginning to free agency, but ended with a bang by adding Kaman, Elton Brand and finally Mayo.

In Memphis there just wasn't enough ball to go around, as Mayo fell into a sixth man role with the likes of Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol all getting big minutes and big money from the team.

In Dallas, Mayo should feel the freedom of being a starter once again and could very well be the No. 2 scoring option on the team.

Look for Mayo to have a career year and possibly average more points per game than Eric Gordon, who stands to make $10 million more than Mayo this year.

Contract Grade: A

1. Ray Allen to Miami Heat

Contract Info: Two years, $6 million

Age: 36

Position: SG

2011-2012 Stats: 14.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, .458 FG%

The world champions grab the NBA's leader in career three-pointers made for roughly 1/7th of what the Orlando Magic are paying the amnestied Gilbert Arenas this season.

Allen has come off the bench only eight times in 1,148 career regular-season games, but that's precisely what his role will be in Miami as a sharpshooter.

The Heat not only win the crown for the 2011-2012 NBA season, but also the award for best free-agent value in landing Allen for only $3 million per year.

Contract Grade: A+