NBA Free Agents 2013: Best Landing Spots for Top Available Players

While there is plenty of time for the top free agents to choose what team they want to play for next season, many of them have clear decisions in front of them. 

There are a number of factors that go into choosing a destination for the future. However, it is easy to see which teams would be the best fit for each player.

These stars are likely to get a lot of money wherever they go. With this in mind, here is a look at where they should sign next season.

Dwight Howard: Dallas Mavericks

After the Dwight Howard sweepstakes stole the headlines last summer, fans are in for another long offseason as the center looks for a long-term deal.

While there is a chance he could stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, analyst Chris Sheridan seems to doubt that will happen:

Instead, he apparently has interest in the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, according to CBS Sports' Ken Berger. The two Texas teams each have their pros and cons, but only one makes sense for Howard.

Houston succeeds with a fast-paced offense that is very guard heavy. Omer Asik fits at center because he does not take up space in the lane and can rebound very well. Howard does not truly fit into this scheme.

Meanwhile, Dallas has little help at center and would be much better with a quality player inside. Bringing in arguably the best big man in the game would make the Mavericks a contender right away.

Howard's presence will also free up space for Dirk Nowitzki, who likes to spend more time on the perimeter.

The center can thrive in a smaller market with less attention, making this a perfect fit for both sides.

Chris Paul: Los Angeles Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks and others will do their best to sign Chris Paul this offseason. However, it appears that the team is not that hopeful. 

Dwain Price of the Dallas Star-Telegram quoted a team source that said, "I think Chris Paul, depending on who [the Clippers] hire, is going to stay with the Clippers. The Mavericks are really interested in Chris Paul, but I think they want Dwight more."

The next head coach is going to play a role in Paul's decision, but the current roster should be enough for the point guard to stay with the organization.

Los Angeles has a great core of young talent that will only continue to improve. He can run his style of play to perfection with Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and others. These players make Paul look good while the point guard does them same for them.

He had an excellent season last year to help bring the struggling organization to new heights. This statistic by ESPN Stats and Information is very telling:

While he would be successful anywhere in the league, it is hard to find a better spot for him than where he is now.

Josh Smith: Phoenix Suns

Unlike the other players on this list, there seems to be some debate whether Josh Smith's current team wants him around. 

After the Atlanta Hawks' last playoff loss, the forward stated that he wanted to "experience free agency," (via Jeff Schultz and Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution). This exploration is likely to find that someone will give him a max contract, and the Hawks is not that team.

Atlanta attempted to trade the 27-year-old forward before the trade deadline, and at the time the Phoenix Suns were very interested. The deal did not happen, but the squad should look to add him now as a free agent.

Smith would be a star that could come into the organization and sell loads of tickets and merchandise. This is something the franchise certainly needs after losing Steve Nash last season.

Meanwhile, the Suns will give Smith an opportunity to play his type of game. Without big-time players around him, he can play his game without criticism.

It is unknown whether Smith wants to join a big market, but this spot will likely give him the money he wants with freedom on the court. Phoenix also wins by bringing in a big-name target that is not coming with the No. 5 pick in the draft.