NBA Free Agents 2011: Predicting the Landing Destination for the Top 12 Guards

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade headed a 2010 free-agency class that may never be matched, and while this year's free-agency class is no exception, it is filled with players who can make major contributions and add depth to the NBA's teams, especially in the backcourt.

No, this year there is no Wade-type guard on the list, but there are others who will catch the eye of many different teams. Not only that, the guards in this year's free-agency pool come with a variety of different and interesting storylines that we will be able to follow over the course of next season.

Can Jamal Crawford reach and maintain an All-Star level of play?

Will Aaron Brooks show he is ready to be a starter, and not just a top-tier backup?

Is J.R. Smith ready to shed the "negative locker-room presence" label?

Just how good can Shannon Brown be on a consistent basis?

All of these questions, and more, come along with this year's backcourt free-agency class. Regardless of the questions surrounding these players, there will be current teams attempting to hold onto them, and other organizations who want to add them.

So let's take a look at where the top 12 guards of this year's free-agency class will land. 

In order to prevent the list from becoming monotonous, players are not ranked in order of talent level or desirability, rather randomly to keep predictions fresh and not as repetitive.

Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks (Unrestricted)

Michael Redd is a guy many will not want to see on this list; after all, over the past three seasons he has only appeared in 61 games due to two separate knee injuries, yet here he is.

Redd has a career average of 20 points per game, and despite being older, he will only be 32 when the season begins. Yes, he has seen his best days already, but he is still capable of making a serious contribution to a team.

That team, more likely than not, will no longer be the Milwaukee Bucks.

Why will there be teams willing to take a shot on Redd?

For one, he will not command the $18.3 million he made this past season. Redd more likely than not will get the veteran's minimum or perhaps a little bit more.

Additionally, Redd is a career 38 percent three-point shooter, so teams who are in need of a sharpshooter will definitely take a further look at him. Teams like the Timberwolves, Knicks, Bulls, Heat and the Lakers, just to name a few, are franchises who may inquire about his services.

Redd's knees are likely to deter any team from giving him a long-term commitment, but it will not deter many from giving him a one-year deal. At this stage in his career, though, Redd will likely head to a potential contender in need of some scoring power off the bench.

Prediction: Michael Redd Signs with Miami Heat

T.J. Ford of the Indiana Pacers (Unrestricted)

T.J. Ford has spent the past three seasons as the backup point guard for the Indiana Pacers, and he will most likely not be spending a fourth season there.

The Pacers acquired backup point guard George Hill on draft night, basically showing Ford the door. It is not as if Ford is upset by this; he saw his career hit a brick wall while with the Pacers.

Ford had two solid seasons with the Pacers, but this past one he was seldom used and averaged only 5.4 points per game, the lowest of his career. As a result, both Ford and Indiana will willing to part ways.

Ford is a very complex player. He doesn't do anything that especially wows opponents, but he is the type of player who can assume any type of role a team needs. He served as a starter in both Milwaukee and Toronto, and had two solid seasons as a backup with Indiana.

A team that may show substantial interest in Ford is the San Antonio Spurs, who lost their backup in Hill when they sent him to the Pacers. Ford could fit in quite nicely behind Tony Parker, and could also serve as a temporary or even permanent fix should San Antonio trade their starting point guard.

Another team who will certainly give Ford a call is the Los Angeles Lakers. Derek Fisher is aging and clearly not the answer to the Lakers' point guard needs. Los Angeles needs a guy who can direct the offense efficiently as well as put some points on the board.

Ford has already served significant time as a starter, and he has proven he can score, averaging double figures in all but two of his seasons, one being his rookie year. Ford will also come cheaper than the $8.5 million he made this past season, making him a perfect target for the cap-heavy Lakers.

Additionally, Ford, at 28, gets the Lakers younger while not sacrificing experience, which is something Los Angeles values and is in desperate need of.

Prediction: T.J. Ford Signs with Los Angeles Lakers

Delonte West of the Boston Celtics (Unrestricted)

Delonte West missed most of the regular season for the Boston Celtics, but was an integral part of their postseason rotation.

West is a career 9.7-points-per-game scorer, but he is also very streaky and can score points in bunches. He is also capable of hitting the three as well as being a slightly better than average defender.

There is an array of teams that will inquire about West's services because of his experience, but he has already indicated that he wants to return to Boston. Additionally, the Celtics would love to keep him as long as the price is right.

West may get a better offer from a different team, but could give Boston a discount. The Celtics may even pay a little more for the shooting guard because they firmly believe they are still title contenders and may want to keep their group as intact as possible for as long as possible.

This prediction is an easy one. West will explore his options, but unless a team severely overpays him, it comes down to the fact that he wants to remain with the Celtics and Boston wants him back.

Prediction: Delonte West Signs with Boston Celtics

Jason Richardson of the Orlando Magic (Unrestricted)

Jason Richardson is coming off a season that is hard to pass judgment on, because while he did what he does best—score—he did not seem to earn his $14.3 million and offered little help to the Orlando Magic.

As a result, Richardson and Orlando are bound to part ways this offseason. Richardson is on the record as saying he would like to play for a contender, and there are a number of such teams who could use him, as long as his price tag is reasonable.

The thing with Richardson is that a majority of his salary will be a team paying for his name rather than his talent. He averaged 15.6 points per game last season, and can make a similar contribution to any team next season, but he doesn't offer much help.

His defense is subpar and while he is a capable rebounder, he lacks consistent aggression in that department. Despite this though, he will generate interest from teams like the Celtics, Bulls, Pacers and possibly the Lakers.

The Celtics are a serious long shot because of Richardson's price tag, and will likely bring back Delonte West. Los Angeles is in a similar position, plus they already have Kobe Bryant; while Richardson could serve as a backup, it is unclear whether or not those two could coexist.

Richardson most likely heads to a contender in need of some scoring power and willing to pay him a little more than he deserves. Look for the Bulls to be a major player should they be able to find a new home for Carlos Boozer.

Prediction: Jason Richardson Signs with Chicago Bulls

Aaron Afflalo of the Denver Nuggets (Restricted)

Aaron Afflalo had his best season with the Denver Nuggets this past year, averaging 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

After Denver traded Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks, Afflalo became a very important part of their rotation, and was a major factor in the success they experienced. He is one of league's best three-point shooters, at nearly 41 percent from beyond the arc for his career.

Afflalo is a restricted free agent who is likely to draw interest from teams like the Bulls, Spurs, Lakers, Bucks, Heat and Jazz. However, Denver, with many of their current free agents expected to be headed elsewhere, will try their best to hold onto the 26-year-old shooting guard.

There is a possibility that a team like the Jazz could offer him more money than the Nuggets are looking to pay, but it is unlikely. Additionally, although Denver is very deliberate and thought-out in all of their financial negotiations, watching many of their free agents leave could cause them to up their offer.

At the end of the day though, Afflalo may further embrace his increased role with the Nuggets, and Denver will do their best to keep him.

Prediction: Aaron Afflalo Signs with Denver Nuggets 

Rodney Stuckey of the Detroit Pistons (Restricted)

Rodney Stuckey had another solid season for the Detroit Pistons, averaged 15.5 points and 5.2 assists per game.

Stuckey's versatility makes him extremely valuable. He can play both the point guard and shooting guard positions, and has solid court vision. His three-point shooting needs some work, but his ability to drive the lane and get to the basket through traffic overshadows that flaw.

He would be a great fit for teams looking for some more scoring from their point guard and shooting guard positions. Both the Lakers and Bulls would love to have him. The Nuggets will even take a look should Aaron Afflalo leave for greener pastures.

However, the Pistons, now more than ever, value Stuckey's abilities. They picked up his qualifying offer and will most likely match any offer, especially if they find a taker beforehand for Richard Hamilton. 

Stuckey is only 26, and although he probably wants to play for a contender, the Pistons will probably sell him on being a cornerstone for their franchise. And the money they will undoubtedly pay to keep him won't hurt either.

Prediction: Rodney Stuckey Signs with Detroit Pistons

J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets (Unrestricted)

J.R. Smith had another solid season for the Denver Nuggets, averaging 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

Smith is an above-average defender, and he shot 39 percent from beyond the arc last season. His scoring dropped off a bit this past year, but his is most likely to to the more balanced attack Denver boasted after the Carmelo Anthony trade last season.

While Smith is very talented, most believe that the Nuggets will not be bringing him back next season. He will likely command too much money, and then there is the fact that he is a very good role player, but comes with a LeBron James-sized ego.

Such a combination does not make for a good locker-room presence, especially within a image-conscious organization like Denver.

Smith will draw interest from all teams looking for some scoring power out of the shooting guard position. The Lakers, who will consider all options that can score behind Kobe Bryant, will take a look. Also, the Clippers and possibly the Trail Blazers will express interest.

The Bulls are in need of an offensive-heavy shooting guard, but unless they move Carlos Boozer, Smith will be too expensive. He will also prove to be too expensive for the Lakers. 

Blake Griffin is in need of someone to relieve the scoring and defensive burden, and Smith takes care of the offensive part.

Prediction: J.R. Smith to Los Angeles Clippers

Shannon Brown of the Los Angeles Lakers (Unrestricted)

Shannon Brown surprised a fair amount of people when he opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to become an unrestricted free agent.

However, the fact that he had a solid season, coupled with the prospect of being added to a trade package for Dwight Howard or Monta Ellis, probably motivated his decision to opt out.

Brown was a solid role player off the bench for the Lakers. He averaged 8.7 points and nearly one steal per game in only 19 minutes of action per game. He will most likely look for a team that has more playing time for him, as well as more money.

Brown made just over $2.1 million last season, and while he will command an increase, it will not be much. He will be affordable, thus peaking the interest of many teams. Organizations like the Bulls, Clippers and the 76ers will inquire about his services.

A championship contender may not be a must for the 26-year-old Brown, but it doesn't hurt that a team like the Orlando Magic can offer playing time as well as the prospect of playing alongside a player like Dwight Howard. The Lakers will also try and retain his services, but might not be willing to pay as much.

Prediction: Shannon Brown Signs with Orlando Magic

Aaron Brooks of the Phoenix Suns (Restricted)

Aaron Brooks split time between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns last year, playing solid basketball for both teams.

He averaged 10.7 points and 3.9 assists per game combined, and proved he was capable of directing offenses within the confines of multiple systems. His three-point shooting is average, but he is a pretty good defender, which makes up for it.

Some believe Brooks is ready for a starting position, but he has indicated he is perfectly fine with his role for the Suns, for now. Phoenix already picked up his qualifying offer and would love to have him back, especially should they cave and wind up trading Nash to another team.

Brooks may draw some interest from other teams, but not as much as some may think. The Rockets traded him largely due to his negative attitude and not many organizations want to bring in someone like that.

Additionally, Brooks may be hoping he is next in line for the starting point guard position once Nash leaves, meaning he is more than likely not going anywhere. 

It also stands to say that there is the possibility he gets absolutely no other offers, giving the Suns nothing to match.

Prediction: Aaron Brooks Stays with Phoenix Suns

J.J. Barea of the Dallas Mavericks (Unrestricted)

J.J. Barea had a breakout season for the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, averaging 9.5 points and 3.9 assists per game off the bench.

Barea proved to be a key part of the Mavericks' championship run, and became a fan favorite for his flashy passing and ability to hit the pressure shot.

Many, including Barea, believe that he is ready for a starting role. The Mavericks would like to keep him, but with Jason Kidd and Jason Terry, there is not really a starting spot open for Barea right now. At 27, Barea is young enough to be enticed by a lottery team who sells him on being a cornerstone for their future.

However, Barea will also take into account that Kidd and Terry are aging and will not be around forever. Additionally, he just won a championship with Dallas, and even if Tyson Chandler walks, the Mavs have a way of always staying competitive thanks to Dirk Nowitzki and owner Mark Cuban.

Barea will certainly explore other options and will draw major interest from teams like the Lakers, Rockets and even the Heat. Los Angeles and Miami are not in a position to pay Barea as much as he may want though.

The Clippers could become players, but unless Barea is incredibly high on Blake Griffin, such a pairing is unlikely. 

At the end of the day Barea will opt to stay in Texas.

Dallas, Texas, that is.

Prediction: J.J. Barea Signs with Dallas Mavericks

Jamal Crawford of Atlanta Hawks (Unrestricted)

Jamal Crawford exhibited a lot of maturity this past season with the Atlanta Hawks, and he is the most coveted free agent on this list.

Crawford averaged 14.2 points and 3.2 assists per game off the bench for Atlanta, and he would have been Sixth Man of the Year if hadn't been for the Lakers' Lamar Odom. Despite Crawford's success though, there is some serious doubt as to whether the Hawks will bring him back.

Crawford would be a starter on many teams, and will get inquiries from the Lakers, Bulls, Suns, Nuggets and probably others. However, his destination is greatly affected by the money being offered.

At 31, Crawford is no child, but he is at a point where he can still perform at a high level for at least another three or four years. This makes him enticing to many, but he will command a higher salary than most would think.

Atlanta would love to have him back, but right now the price has to be right. If they move Josh Smith, they are likely to retain him. However, one of Crawford's former teams, the Bulls, will also become major players if they move Carlos Boozer.

Crawford's situation may sound complex, but it is actually pretty simple. He commands a substantial salary, and believe it or not, many teams including the Hawks will be willing to pay him. At his age though, Crawford will want to play for a playoff/championship-caliber team.

And given this criteria, Crawford's potential landing spot comes down to who moves first: Boozer or Smith.

Given Boozer's contract, it's Smith that will more than likely be moved first. Additionally, salaries aside, Smith is a favorite of Dwight Howard's, whom Orlando will do anything to please.

So while it may be mundane to hear he will be back in Atlanta after all this speculation, the fact is Crawford likes it there, and Atlanta likes having him; they just need to move Smith first to make it work.

Prediction: Jamal Crawford Signs with Atlanta Hawks

Nick Young of the Washington Wizards (Restricted)

Nick Young is the sleeper pick of this entire slideshow because while most may believe his stats are bolstered from playing with the Wizards, he is still a very talented player.

Last season, Young averaged 17.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. His rebounding needs improving for someone standing at 6'7", but his offense is electrifying. He is also a capable defender.

Young's versatility makes him extremely valuable to the Wizards, but also extremely coveted by other teams. The Lakers, Bulls, Nets and Spurs, among others, will all give him a call when the lockout concludes. 

Washington certainly intends to try and retain Young, but if the price tag is too high, they may feel they can find someone better to pair with John Wall. Look for the Spurs and Nets to become major players for him.

San Antonio may lack the cap room to give Young big money, but if they wind up trading Parker, Young will be a prime target. New Jersey, on the other hand, has the cap flexibility and Young fits their future plans very well.

Should the Nets sign Young, they have a talented, young (no pun intended) guy to pair with Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. Additionally, Young could prove to be a valuable trade chip in Dwight Howard or perhaps even Monta Ellis negotiations.

Going against the odds on this one and saying Young gets an offer he cannot refuse, and the Wizards cannot match.

Prediction: Nick Young Signs with New Jersey Nets