Every NBA Team's Most Likely 2013 Free Agent Signing

The NBA offseason is a time of uncertainty, but each and every one of the 30 teams in the Association has a most likely free-agent signing. 

Simple math dictates that, even if the decisions are incredibly hard to predict. 

While some squads have money to burn and can go after the big names like Josh Smith, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, others are strapped for cash and either need to seek out internal options or cheap veterans. You can check out a full breakdown of the financial situations here, because understanding them is absolutely vital for this exercise. 

It's also important to note that re-signing a player can be a team's most likely option. In fact, for 16 of the 30 teams (possibly 17, depending on how you feel about players who sit out an entire season), that's the case. Much as we want it to, change doesn't always happen. 

So, is your team's most likely signing the one you want to occur? 

Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Teague

If the Atlanta Hawks don't bring back Mike Scott and DeShawn Stevenson, both of whom are working with non-guaranteed contracts, they'll have just under $18.5 million committed going into the 2013 offseason. 

Realistically, Danny Ferry can bring aboard any two free agents of his choosing, assuming that those two chose Atlanta as well. The ultimate goal is still to sign Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, allowing them to join forces with Al Horford and create a new Big Three. 

That's a possibility, but the odds are rather low. Re-signing Jeff Teague is a much more likely scenario. 

Teague has shown off a great deal of potential for Atlanta, and new head coach Mike Budenholzer would like nothing more than to shape him into the next Tony Parker. As the Wake Forest product is a restricted free agent, he'll have an opportunity to do so if the Hawks strike out in their pursuit of the true marquee guys. 

Boston Celtics: Al Jefferson

The Boston Celtics will have money to work with, but only if they buy out the contracts of both Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. 

If that happens, the C's will be on the books for right around $46 million, which gives them the ability to go find another big name. With Garnett out of the fold, a center is the target of choice, especially because Jeff Green can step into the hole left by Pierce. 

Other than Dwight Howard, who will be too expensive for Boston to pursue, Al Jefferson is the best target, and he'd be a great fit alongside Rajon Rondo while wearing the jersey he first put on during his NBA career. 

The master of the left block has made a name for himself with the Utah Jazz, but he's an unrestricted free agent and needs to find a new home. That left block in the Garden looks awfully appealing, doesn't it?

Brooklyn Nets: Andray Blatche

The Brooklyn Nets have absolutely no financial flexibility, so they're either going to be chasing some minimum-salary guys or attempting to re-sign their own free agents. 

Mikhail Prokhorov has assembled one of the most expensive teams in the league, and with 12 players under control before C.J. Watson inevitably declines his $1.1 million player option, Brooklyn is on the books for $86.3 million during the 2013-14 season. 

See what I mean about a lack of finances?

Andray Blatche is the most likely target here because he was such a productive role player for the team during his first season in black and white. While the big man struggled at times when the game was on the line, he still posted a sparkling 21.98 PER and was one of the more valuable bench players in Brooklyn. 

This isn't a glamorous signing, but it's a good one for the Nets. 

Charlotte Bobcats: Marreese Speights

Marreese Speights has a $4.5 million player option, and it's one I expect him to decline. He knows that he's worth more money than that, and he could sign a lengthier contract that gives him a bit of stability. 

Ideally, he finds a situation in which he can take a more featured spot in the rotation, as Speights has always been a productive per-minute guy. 

The Charlotte Bobcats can offer him everything he's looking for. With only $41 million committed, Charlotte has the money to sign anyone it desires, so long as the front office can convince him to come to town. 

While the Bobcats would like to find an even better player than Speights, they aren't exactly an attractive destination at the moment. Finding a career role player and offering him an opportunity to be something more is their biggest sell, and that's perfect for this former Florida Gator. 

Chicago Bulls: Marco Belinelli

Even if the Chicago Bulls do decide to use the amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer, they aren't going to have too much money to spend. 

The most likely free agent signing in the Windy City will be a member of the 2012-13 roster, which leaves us with two options: Nate Robinson and Marco Belinelli. 

Robinson is the bigger name, and that'll backfire in his pursuit. He'll be seeking too gaudy a contract, and he's more of a luxury item for Chicago once Derrick Rose takes over the starting point guard job once more. 

Belinelli is much more likely, unless he gets the notion that he's worth more money than the Bulls can offer. A reasonable contract would almost ensure his return to Tom Thibodeau's system, where he can continue hoisting up shots and playing constantly improving defense. 

Cleveland Cavaliers: Shaun Livingston

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a ton of money to spend, but this isn't the offseason in which they'll use it. That would be next year, when LeBron James and a number of other prominent players are either free agents or in possession of opt-out clauses. 

This offseason, the Cavs will continue to lay low and build internally, allowing Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson to continue developing. 

The most likely free-agent signing comes internally as well: Shaun Livingston. 

A 6'7" point guard, Livingston enjoyed a surprisingly productive season with Cleveland, averaging 6.3 points and 3.3 assists per game in just over 20 minutes of action each contest. He's a perfect backup to Kyrie, and he should be filling that role once more in 2013-14. 

Dallas Mavericks: Brandon Jennings

Ever since the Dallas Mavericks lost Steve Nash to the Phoenix Suns, they've been searching for the next franchise floor general. 

Jason Kidd filled the void capably, even winning a championship, but he was never the long-term solution. That was supposed to be Deron Williams last summer, but the massive point guard ultimately spurned the Mavs in favor of the Brooklyn Nets.

Now, Mark Cuban will be after Chris Paul, but he won't be able to pry away the league's best point guard from the Los Angeles Clippers. Instead, he'll have to go after one of the secondary options on the market, and Brandon Jennings is the best fit.

The southpaw would be able to fill the scoring hole left by O.J. Mayo, who most assume will decline his player option, and he'd form a fantastic duo with Dirk Nowitzki. 

Denver Nuggets: Andre Iguodala

Whether or not Andre Iguodala uses his early termination option, he'll probably be back with the Denver Nuggets for the 2013-14 season. 

Assuming he does forgo the $16 million in favor of one last long-term deal, Iggy can still find a home in the Mile High City because the Nuggets will have the financial means necessary to re-sign him. 

Denver doesn't need to change the status quo. Between the return to health of Danilo Gallinari and the constant improvements of the many young players, this is a deep and talented squad capable of truly competing for a championship. 

The Nuggets don't need to bring in any new prominent pieces. Instead, they should just focus on retaining the ones that they have. 

Detroit Pistons: O.J. Mayo

The Detroit Pistons can go in a number of directions during the offseason, but they have to be able to convince big-name free agents to join forces with their young squad. As good as Greg Monroe is, Andre Drummond and Brandon Knight need to develop significantly before the Motor City is an attractive destination. 

O.J. Mayo is the perfect fit, though, because he'd immediately become a go-to scorer for the team. Shifting Knight back to point guard, his more natural position, Mayo would have the green light to fire away, much as he did in Dallas before the return of Dirk Nowitzki. 

For Mayo, it's all about finding that green light and avoiding the yellow one he experienced during the end of his season with the Mavs.

Detroit has the money to sign the shooting guard and still go after a few more players, but Mayo is the most likely option.

Golden State Warriors: Jarrett Jack

Stephen Curry's salary increase comes into play this offseason, nearly tripling what he was making during the 2012-13 season. That, and the rest of the roster, ensures that the Golden State Warriors don't have much money to work with. 

In fact, the Dubs have 13 players under contract for nearly $75 million, unless Brandon Rush and Carl Landry decide to opt out of their $4 million contracts. 

Golden State won't be looking out of its own organization, choosing instead to re-sign Jarrett Jack and keep him in the same role he filled this year. The underrated point guard was a tremendous backup for Curry, and he often found himself on the court during crunch time in sets with two 1s. 

Jack is the perfect fit for this squad, and he's the most likely signing as a result.

Houston Rockets: Dwight Howard

Daryl Morey has shown that he's willing to do whatever it takes to land stars, and the latest story, per Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, involves his lack of hesitancy in trading away Thomas Robinson to clear up space for Dwight Howard. 

The Houston Rockets are an absolutely perfect fit for Howard. It would almost be like playing with an upgraded version of the Orlando Magic from earlier in his career. 

James Harden is a better guard than anyone he played alongside during those Orlando days, and the Rockets would be surrounding him with three-point marksmen. The inside-out offense would be impeccable.

D12's free agency is a bit of a crapshoot, but the Rockets won't make any big moves if they don't land Howard.  

Indiana Pacers: David West

At first glance, the Indiana Pacers look like they're in great shape with respect to the cap. They have less than $50 million committed, after all. 

However, things look a little less rosy when you dig below the surface level. That figure doesn't include D.J. Augustin, Tyler Hansbrough or David West, all of whom are free agents when the 2012-13 season draws to a close. 

West is the biggest priority, and the Pacers will likely do everything they can to ensure that the physical power forward wears the same jersey for at least another year. No. 21's contributions proved to be too important to this team's success on both ends of the court. 

There's not much of a need to make a novel move in free agency, especially with the ability to trade Danny Granger still present. 

Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Paul

For the Los Angeles Clippers, this offseason is all about ensuring that Chris Paul returns to the Staples Center more times than he would as a member of a visiting team. 

The pursuit started out well when Vinny Del Negro was let go, but it immediately took a turn for the worse when reports surfaced that CP3 was unhappy with the manner in which the firing proceeded. 

He may be angry now, but that won't prevent him from re-signing with the team for a few more years. The Clippers present him with a true opportunity to win and a roster that seems custom-built for his set of skills. 

Paul will be in the news a lot as he attempts to make up his mind, but the status quo is the most likely option for the league's top floor general. 

Los Angeles Lakers: Samuel Dalembert

Ultimately, only one of the two free-agent superstars in L.A. will remain put. 

The Los Angeles Lakers can offer Dwight Howard more money than any other team, but there are better situations out there for the big man. With the Houston Rockets (my prediction), Atlanta Hawks or Dallas Mavericks, Dwight can be "The Man" while escaping from the constant media attention. 

If that comes to pass, though, the Lakers are stuck. They're already on the books for nearly $80 million, which means that Mitch Kupchak is completely limited to using mid-level exceptions and signing minimum-salary veterans. 

Samuel Dalembert might not appease many Lakers fans hoping for a big move, but he's the most likely option because he'll A) be willing to accept a minimum salary, B) have enough productive years left in the tank to play good basketball and C) partially fill the hole at center left by Dwight. 

Sorry, Lakers fans. I know this isn't what you want to see, but it's going to be inordinately tough for L.A. to be major players in free agency. 

Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Allen

With 11 players already signed, the Memphis Grizzlies are nestled right up against the expected cap. On the books for $59.7 million—unless Jerryd Bayless declines his player option—the Grizz are stuck looking to re-sign their own free agents. 

First and foremost among those options is Tony Allen, the defense ace who often played the role of the unsung hero in Memphis. 

Allen is an unrestricted free agent now, but he's too valuable for the Grizzlies to just let him slip away. Despite Marc Gasol's brilliance on the interior of the defense, Allen's ability to guard the other team's best perimeter defender was a crucial part of the unit's success. 

Even though he's in his 30s now, Allen will likely get a larger contract as the Association starts to realize just how valuable his perimeter defense is. Unless the price rises into eight figures per year, which it shouldn't, the Grizzlies will remain major players for his service. 

Miami Heat: Chris Andersen

All of the major pieces are already in place for the Miami Heat, unless something crazy happens. 

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are sure to be back, Ray Allen most likely won't decline his player option and it's hard to see the Heat letting Mario Chalmers walk away when they only owe him $4 million. 

The biggest signings, just like last offseason, will all take place on the bench. Expect Chris Andersen to be back above every other free agent in South Beach. 

Birdman has certainly proved his value during the postseason, and it's no coincidence that the Heat's historic win streak coincided with his arrival. He's found a home in Miami, and he's going to stay in it. 

I suppose you could use "roost" instead of "home" if you want. 

Milwaukee Bucks: J.J. Redick

The Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear that they'd like to use Monta Ellis and J.J. Redick together in the backcourt next season, and that leaves Brandon Jennings out in the cold. 

So, you might ask, why feature Redick instead of Ellis in this spot?

The former Duke sharpshooter is a free agent, and Monta is not. He has a player option for $11 million next year, and it seems as though he's weighing his options, but he's still technically under contract until he opts out. 

Redick was in the midst of the best season of his professional career before he was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Bucks. Then he was misused for the rest of the season and never got an opportunity to shine. 

If the Bucks do bring him back, which it looks like they will, expect to see him in a more featured role.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Nikola Pekovic

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be in great shape for the 2013-14 season if they can just keep all the major pieces together. 

Among the players who can get away, none are bigger than Nikola Pekovic. And I mean that both literally and figuratively. 

The center is a restricted free agent, and he'll be highly coveted by a number of teams looking to plug a hole at the 5. However, the T'Wolves can match any offer for his services, and they likely will. Pek's physical play is quite valuable on both ends of the court. 

Minnesota doesn't have the money to make many moves after this one, but re-signing Pek is certainly priority No. 1. 

New Orleans Pelicans: Josh Smith

Josh Smith can go anywhere this offseason.

Well, he's limited by the number of teams that can afford him, but he could go to any location so long as they can offer him something just shy of a max contract. You know what I mean. 

Predicting that he'll go to the New Orleans Pelicans is the boldest move in this article, bolder even than Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets syncing up, but it's a logical one. The Pelicans have a ton of money and a glaring hole that Smith could fill. 

Anthony Davis can play center, and Ryan Anderson is better served for a sharpshooting role off the bench, so Smith could immediately line up at either small forward or power forward. His athleticism would be a fantastic asset for this developing team, and he'd create a terrifying defensive duo alongside the Unibrow. 

And take a look at this potential starting five: Greivis Vasquez, Eric Gordon, Josh Smith, Ryan Anderson and Anthony Davis. 

Doesn't that look oddly like a squad capable of making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference? If only that was the route the Pelicans could take...

New York Knicks: J.R. Smith

The only justification I need for this one is a quote from ESPN's Jared Zwerling and Ian Begley: 

"

Well, during a "SportsCenter" segment on Monday discussing his Sixth Man Award, Smith said that New York is where he wants to finish his career. 

J.R. Smith walked away with the NBA's Sixth Man Award on Monday.

"Without a doubt," Smith said. "I was born in New Jersey, born and raised. I would love to retire a Knick." 

"

Smith has a player option, and the conventional wisdom states that he's going to opt out of his contract before re-upping with the New York Knicks. He'd like more money and a longer commitment, after all.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Greg Oden

Even though Kevin Martin is coming off the books and hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent during the 2013 offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder are still rather strapped for cash. 

They have just under $66 million committed, thanks to the expensive trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka. 

Sam Presti could still bring K-Mart back, though. If he wants to. 

With Jeremy Lamb waiting in the wings, it's unlikely that Presti doles out the cash necessary to retain the Thunder's lastest sixth man. Instead, he'll turn the reins over to the young gun and see what he can do. 

A more likely signing is Greg Oden, a man who, if he can stay healthy, could help shore up the Thunder's frontcourt. The Ohio State product is attempting a comeback this offseason, and OKC has been known to take part in a few restoration projects. 

Just ask Hasheem Thabeet. 

Orlando Magic: Brandon Jennings

Brandon Jennings is the first player to appear twice in this slideshow, and he's one of two players who will do so by the time you reach the Washington Wizards. 

That's not against the rules, since we're discussing the most likely options for each team, not the most probably outcome for each player. 

The Orlando Magic quickly found out that they have a number of intriguing options on their roster, and they likely would have won a few more games down the stretch if they'd, you know, wanted to win games. 

Tobias Harris in particular stood out, and he'll join Moe Harkless and Nikola Vucevic in the starting lineup for the 2013-14 season. In fact, the Magic have high-potential players at four of the five positions. 

Jameer Nelson and the point guard spot make up the lone exception, and while it's clear that Nelson is still a quality floor general, he's who Rob Hennigan should be looking to replace. The Magic won't be able to land Chris Paul, so they'll be setting their sights on Jennings, the next best option at the position.

Philadelphia 76ers: Andrew Bynum

It's difficult to guess exactly what the Philadelphia 76ers will choose to do with their cap space during the offseason, but Andrew Bynum is the best player they'll be able to sign. 

That might not be a popular decision with the notoriously fickle Philly fans, but their opinions will quickly change if the dominant big man returns to action and quickly regains the form he displayed in purple and gold. Unfortunately, that's still an if. 

Philadelphia's decision all depends on how they feel about sunk costs. If they view Bynum as a lost cause and accept the fact that they got nothing for Andre Iguodala, save a breakout season from Jrue Holiday, then he'll be gone. 

But if the management wants to feel like it wasn't completely ripped off when losing Iggy, then he could be back. 

At this point, I'd say it's about 50/50. 

Phoenix Suns: O.J. Mayo

After realizing that the Michael Beasley experiment was a complete and utter failure, the Phoenix Suns are still looking for that No. 1 scorer. 

No option on the market is better for this franchise than O.J. Mayo, a 2-guard who is able to carry the scoring load without a ridiculous price tag attached to his name. He'd thrive in the desert, playing alongside Goran Dragic and Marcin Gortat while shooting the ball as he pleases. 

The Suns have the money to land more of a marquee player, but they're in the same boat as many other cellar-dwellers. It's one thing to have money. It's another thing entirely to have money and appeal. 

Mayo is the best Phoenix can do. 

Portland Trail Blazers: Chase Budinger

The Portland Trail Blazers have $44.6 million committed to nine players right now, and they have two main focuses during the offseason. 

First is replacing J.J. Hickson with an even better center, ideally one who can take some of the defensive pressure off LaMarcus Aldridge. 

Second is adding some depth to the rotation, as Portland suffered dramatically whenever a starter needed a breather during the 2012-13 campaign. 

Much as Rip City would love to fill the first need in free agency, they won't be able to. Dwight Howard is too expensive. Al Jefferson is a defensive sieve. Nikola Pekovic is controlled by the Minnesota Timberwolves. J.J. Hickson is...well...J.J. Hickson. 

As a result, Portland will be looking to add depth and filling the frontcourt hole through the draft. That's where Chase Budinger enters, as he's probably going to end up looking for a team on which he can show off his versatile skills once fully healthy. 

The Arizona product can play either shooting guard or small forward, and he's not going to be too expensive. 

Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans

Vivek Ranadive and the new ownership group in charge of the Sacramento Kings could go a lot of ways during their first offseason, but it's hard to see them letting the second-best player on the team get away. 

Tyreke Evans may be a free agent, but he's a restricted one, and the Kings ultimately control his fate. 

Sacramento is way under the cap going into this offseason, but until Ranadive proves that he's a better owner than the Maloofs (that shouldn't be too hard in the eyes of most Kings fans), it isn't an appealing landing spot for most players. 

More likely than not, we'll see Evans decide he wants to go elsewhere, sign an offer sheet and then watch as the Kings match it to bring him back.

San Antonio Spurs: Manu Ginobili

There are really only two logical options to feature on this slide: Manu Ginobili and Tiago Splitter. 

Both will become unrestricted free agents after the San Antonio Spurs attempt to emerge victoriously from the 2013 NBA Finals, and both are likely to be retained. 

Splitter is a perfect fit for Gregg Popovich's system and a natural candidate to replace some of Tim Duncan's productivity once the future Hall of Famer eventually retires, but he's not Manu. 

Ginobili earns this spot out of deference to his incredible career. He's truly become one of those guys who you can't picture in any other jersey. 

Toronto Raptors: Jason Maxiell

The Toronto Raptors are stuck using the mid-level exception to upgrade their roster during Masai Ujiri's first offseason in charge. Fortunately, they don't have to worry about improving the starting lineup. 

Above all else, the Raptors should be looking to add frontcourt depth, and that's where Jason Maxiell fits in rather well. 

The athletic big man may be undersized, but he plays with boundless energy and would quickly become a fan favorite north of the border. 

Maxiell has spent his entire career with the Detroit Pistons. Now that he's an unrestricted free agent, it's time for a change. 

Utah Jazz: Jose Calderon

The Utah Jazz's offseason could go in one of roughly 8,675,452 different ways. 

That's what happens when Marvin Williams has an early termination option and Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Mo Williams, Randy Foye, DeMarre Carroll, Jamaal Tinsley and Earl Watson are all unrestricted free agents. 

Utah could surely retain one or more of the aforementioned players, but it could also completely start over and hand the team over to all the young guys. 

If they go down the second route, finding a point guard who can make everyone look as good as possible is a great way to start. And that's where Jose Calderon enters. His passing skills are phenomenal, and he's going to be relatively affordable. 

Washington Wizards: Martell Webster

Unless Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor do the unexpected and opt out of their contracts, the Washington Wizards will enter the 2013 offseason right up against the cap. 

With nine players signed for the next season, Washington is entering the summer with $57 million on the books, and it needs to save some long-term space for the eventual re-signing of John Wall at a max or near-max deal. 

Retaining players is the best option for the Wizards, and Martell Webster is going to be the primary target. The 6'7" small forward enjoyed a solid season in the nation's capitol, even breaking past the 30-point barrier for the first time in his career. 

His sharpshooting fills a void for the Wizards, and he should be brought back.