NBA Free Agents 2015: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Top Names

So begins the time of year the Association's future champions pick up key contributors capable of pushing them over the edge. 

It sounds dramatic, sure, but this portion of the calendar is when NBA front offices strike gold in the depth department (or don't—look at the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals last season).

The big names are off the market and out of the way, meaning teams can add depth players at cost-effective prices to round out rosters already influenced by free agency and the draft.

Below is the latest, with predictions about where some of the market's top faces will land.

Jason Terry's Future

David Phillip/Associated Press

Key veterans such as point guard Jason Terry are not anything to scoff at.

Terry might be going on his age-38 season, but it in no way means he cannot contribute in a meaningful manner in the right situation.

According to Shams Charania of RealGM.com, the Houston Rockets and the veteran guard might have the right situation for one another:

A reunion would make a ton of sense on Terry's end. Last year, Houston gave him an average of 21.3 minutes per game, and he posted 7.0 points and 1.9 assists while shooting 39 percent from deep.

Given Houston's contending status, it also fits one of Terry's biggest qualifications, which he just spoke about with Daniel Gotera of KHOU-TV in Houston:

Houston needs the deal to work, too, as the roster doesn't feature much of anything behind starter Patrick Beverley.

Given the needs of both parties, it seems this reunion is just a matter of time.

Prediction: Terry signs with the Rockets.

Mavericks' Desperation Plan

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Things are rough in Dallas right now with DeAndre Jordan set to suit up again for the Los Angeles Clippers. 

The public whiff on one of the most sought-after big men means Dallas will trot out Zaza Pachulia as a starter one year after he averaged just 23.7 minutes per game with 8.3 points and 6.8 rebounds.

Then again, it is no secret the Mavericks want an upgrade. One such option might be JaVale McGee. ESPN's Marc Stein reported the rumblings and provided context:

There was a time when McGee was one of the league's most coveted project players, a freak of an athletic specimen with major upside.

Now the Nevada product is 27 years old and coming off a season in which he appeared in 23 games and just five the year prior. This doesn't mean McGee has nothing to offer if healthy—he still put up impressive block totals, which is what Dallas needs.

If McGee checks out, the pairing makes sense. He might not move past Pachulia often when it comes to playing time, but he is an upgrade in the depth department.

Prediction: McGee signs with the Mavericks.

Growing Market for Josh Smith

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

At this stage of the offseason, it might begin to seem like every team wants a piece of Josh Smith. 

The veteran forward spent 55 games with the Rockets last year, and coming off the bench, he averaged 12.4 points, 3.3 assists and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field.

Now 29 years old, Smith might soon rule the market given the stage of free agency. Per Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, one big suitor for Smith might be the Clippers:

The Clippers don't seem alone, though, as it sounds like the Sacramento Kings have interest.

It's not hard to see why. The Kings would be a better financial fit for obvious reasons, the main one being roster construction. But it also means the Clippers are a better fit from a contention standpoint, which might prove quite important for a veteran pushing 30 years old. 

If Smith lands in Los Angeles, he would sit behind Blake Griffin, but he thrived in a rotational role with the Rockets last season. Should such an efficient role on a championship contender appeal to him again, expect the deal between the two sides to get done.

Prediction: Smith signs with the Clippers.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.