Dwight Howard, Chris Paul & Deron Williams: 3 Most Likely Destinations for Each

As the summer of 2011 winds down, people are already looking toward the summer of 2012 and all it will have to offer, mainly the prospect of Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams all being free agents.

While some may be looking forward to next summer for the sheer fact that this entire lockout situation should be resolved, the free agency class remains highly anticipated. It is next summer we have the possibility of watching a free agency class that contains a similar caliber of player to that of 2010.

Of course, there is a possibility that everything could also be settled by then.

At the risk of becoming next summer's version of the 2010 Cleveland Cavaliers, the respective teams of the aforementioned players could decide to cut their losses and move the players via trade.

Regardless of how a resolution is reached, potential destinations for each of these three players is bound to be a hot topic. Endless speculation and scrutiny is sure to ensue as an outcome draws nearer, and we have already had a taste of it this summer.

But any chatter and analysis we may be hearing now is just the beginning. It is bound to get worse.

And so, before we enter into a realm that requires sifting through a confusingly abundant amount of information, let's get a head start and take a look at three most likely landing destinations for Howard, Paul and Williams.

No. 3 Most Likely Destination for Deron Williams: San Antonio Spurs

Deron Williams is the only player of the three featured in this slideshow who has been traded, and is most likely not in any danger of being traded again.

Although the New Jersey Nets received no guarantee that Williams would sign a contract extension with them when they traded for him in February, owner Mikhail Prokhorov and company are going to see this situation through to the very end.

And this means that Williams either signs a mid-season extension with New Jersey, or enters into free agency, the latter of which gives the San Antonio Spurs a fighting chance at acquiring him.

The Spurs have Tim Duncan's $21.3 millon salary coming off the books next season, and prior to the NBA lockout, were looking for new homes for Tony Parker and Richard Jefferson. Duncan's expiring contract, combined with the possibility of moving Parker and Jefferson, gives the Spurs loads of cap room to play with, depending upon the new CBA, of course.

Many might think after losing so many key players, San Antonio would not seem as enticing to Williams, and they are correct to an extent, but I think the motivating factor here becomes Manu Ginobili.

Ginobili has two years and over $27 million left on his contract, and once San Antonio gets a taste to shake things up, they will opt to try and move him as well. By next summer, I think we see a very different Spurs team, one that has cap room to spare to put pieces around Williams.

Yes, this entire theory rests upon the Spurs being able to move their loaded contracts, but San Antonio's front office is among the most diligent in the NBA. And Parker and Ginobili still have some trade value, meaning the only real headache becomes Jefferson.

The Spurs are about to come to grips that they must undergo a serious roster upheaval, and while they may opt to bring Duncan back at a steep discount next summer, they may be apt to parting ways with others, and making room for new faces.

Williams would be just the talent for them to build around. Duncan and he would form quite a pair, even in Duncan's twilight years. Additionally, a player like Gary Neal would thrive off of the double teams Williams would draw.

And then there is always the cap space the Spurs would have left over, allowing them to pursue other free agents with which to surround Williams. 

San Antonio has the potential to offer Williams a fresh start on a well-respected organization that would have the means to build around him. And that could make them major players in this sweepstakes.

No. 2 Most Likely Destination for Deron Williams: Los Angeles Lakers

With Deron Williams having already committed to playing for the Turkish team Besitkas if the NBA lockout persists, and Kobe Bryant still an apple of said team’s eye, this is a pairing that may eventually make a debut in Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold.

If Kobe and Williams have an opportunity to play together overseas, even if only briefly, it could wind up being just enough time to develop the type of on-the-court relationship that they wish to continue.

That being said, Kobe is not a lock to play in Turkey and is exploring other options, like China. Earlier this week, Marc Stein of ESPN.com did report that Kobe had not committed to play for the professional team Shanxi based out of China, but was weighing all of his options.

Even if Kobe ultimately winds up playing elsewhere, though, the possibility of he and Williams teaming up in Los Angeles will remain alive. 

The Lakers need to get younger and more athletic to ensure the organization’s future, yet they need to do so without sacrificing the ability to remain contenders for the duration of Kobe’s career. Williams satisfies all of these requirements.

Los Angeles is known to have a strong interest in Dwight Howard, yet Kobe, especially if the featured players hit the open market, may make a push for a premiere point guard instead.

Why?

We all saw how the Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal relationship ended, and while Howard would guarantee a championship push, the Lakers may be better served pursuing a player whose job actually consists of putting the ball in Bryant’s hands.

Williams is a prolific passer and while his 20.1 points per game last season is sure to impress the Lakers, it is the 10.3 assists he dished out each night that will have them running in his direction.

It also doesn’t hurt that as far as trade scenarios go, Williams will prove to be more obtainable than Chris Paul as the Nets aren’t in the same conference.

The Lakers need another star to complement Kobe and Williams craves a proven star to pass the rock off to, making such a pairing a perfect match. 

Especially if both players’ paths cross in Turkey. 

No. 1 Most Likely Destination for Deron Williams: New Jersey Nets

The most likely long-term destination for Deron Williams is his current team, the New Jersey Nets.

The Nets are preparing for a move to Brooklyn and desperately need a way to stay relevant. Williams and his 20.1 points, 10.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game should do just that. He is the type of prolific player who can carry a team to the postseason on his back.

But the Nets are hoping he won't have to do it alone. Brook Lopez has shown flashes of being on the cusp of superstardom, and New Jersey's thinking is that he should flourish alongside Williams. And the Nets are hoping that if Lopez becomes dominant with Williams at the helm, then it would be enough to convince him to stay.

That being said, it won't stop the Nets from exploring the possibility of acquiring other players to surround Williams who would help their case. A few current players on the block, such as Josh Smith and Monta Ellis, could prove helpful.

And let's not forget the Nets proclamation that they plan to strongly pursue Dwight Howard, which is sure to catch Williams' attention.

The Nets have the assets and the drive to build around Williams, as well as a strong young talent already on the roster in Lopez, and ultimately New Jersey's "blueprint for success" combined with the fact the they already have access to Williams, makes them the star point guard's most likely long-term destination. 

No. 3 Most Likely Destination for Chris Paul: Dallas Mavericks

What better way for the Dallas Mavericks to get younger while remaining contenders then to make a push for Chris Paul and his 15.9 points, 9.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game?

Call me crazy, and many of you surely will, but this a franchise that will become a hot spot for rumors and speculation as the saga unfolds.

Jason Terry and Jason Kidd are a solid backcourt combination, but Kidd is 38 and Terry is going on 34, rendering both almost irrelevant for the organization's future. We cannot forget J.J. Barea obviously, who had an impressive display this past postseason, yet there is a very realistic chance he signs elsewhere. 

And then we have Rodrigue Beaubois, the mysterious yet promising young player, who many have high hopes for. However, he is only 23 and has not given any indication he will be ready to handle full-time duties in the near future.

If not for any of the above logic, please take Dallas as a serious suitor given this one sheer fact: Mark Cuban's team always finds their way into the conversation when a superstar is on the line. After all, the Mavericks found their way into Carmelo Anthony trade talk this past winter when no one had them on the docket to begin with. Impressive much?

Paul would provide the young and athletic punch that Dallas needs to continue the title-chasing ways that they have become so accustomed to. He also ensures that Dirk Nowitzki's glory days aren't wasted. The Mavericks always find some way to remain relevant in the playoff race, yet with their aging core, they are in danger of losing such stature, especially if Caron Butler or Tyson Chandler walk.

A combination of Nowitzki and Paul would be one of the most feared in the NBA, even if we have to wait until the Fall of 2012 to see it. Paul's incredible court vision, coupled with Nowitzki's keen eye for getting open is a cocktail opposing defenses would cringe at the thought of. 

It is true that Paul's preferred destinations likely consist of New York or Orlando, yet both clubs have little or no assets to offer in return, and if the Hornets wind up dealing him for simply cap relief, why not give him to an organization that isn't his first choice? After all, New Orleans may not want to please the player who will be abandoning them.

Regardless of what kind of twists and turns may ensue from here on out though, the Mavericks are going to become a major suitor for Paul. Is their best chance free agency? Yes, but don't count them out in a trade scenario.

Cuban and the Dallas organization are known for taking risks, but even better yet, they are known for delivering the improbable (see 2011 NBA Finals). 

It is this very notion, combined with the not-so-far-off need for a savvy floor general that makes them one of Paul's more likely destinations.

No. 2: Most Likely Destination for Chris Paul: Atlanta Hawks

While tempted to put the Oklahoma City Thunder here, this only becomes legitimate if they are looking to move Russell Westbrook, which I ultimately believe they won't do, and thus a more likely destination becomes the Atlanta Hawks.

Slow the roll, isn't it a capable center what Atlanta needs the most? Perhaps, but the point guard spot is not exactly free from concern. 

Jeff Teague had a superb postseason, and is poised for a breakout next season, but he won't be playing at Paul's level anytime soon, and Joe Johnson isn't exactly getting younger over there. Additionally, Teague's breakout season makes him more enticing to New Orleans in any trade package.

We can say the Hawks have nothing of value besides Teague to offer in any trade, yet Josh Smith is not exactly peanuts, though that is what his attitude is worth. And if the Hornets lose David West to free agency, such a package becomes even more appealing.

Even if Paul reaches free agency, the Hawks have a legitimate opportunity to land him. By then, should it not be the Hornets, Atlanta will have found a new home for Josh Smith and open up enough cap space to make Paul a max-level offer.

The opportunity to play alongside the jump-shot savvy Johnson and the always versatile role players Al Horford and Marvin Williams, may be something Paul embraces, especially if the Hawks can offer him some serious cash that other teams cannot.

Go ahead, laugh at the notion of Paul finding his way to Atlanta. Scream that Dwight Howard would be a better fit, but keep in mind the Orlando Magic seem as if they are more likely to wind up like the 2010 Cleveland Cavaliers than to move their franchise player.

And also keep in mind the Hawks must be shopping Smith and attempting to shed payroll with an end goal, one that I'm betting involves luring another star-caliber player to Atlanta.

As luck might have it, I hear that Paul may just be that type of player. 

No. 1: Most Likely Destination for Chris Paul: New York Knicks

Say what you will about the New York Knicks being at a handicap in the Chris Paul sweepstakes after the new CBA is in place, but the "big three" formation in Miami, coupled with last summer's infamous toast, is too telling to be considered a coincidence.

Additionally, while Donnie Walsh did not leave under the best of circumstances, he did leave the organization in a favorable state. New York has cap flexibility next summer, the only question is how much.

Paul proclaimed that he and Carmelo Anthony would one day join Amar'e Stoudemire in New York, and while he maintains he was only kidding, Melo is already fitted in orange and blue. Some joke that was.

Still believe that this could all be a coincidence? Try this on for size.

Even with James Dolan's track record there is no way he takes the PR hit he did when he essentially pushed Walsh out the door only a couple of months ago. After all Walsh had done for this team, albeit reluctantly at times, Dolan couldn't wait to get rid of him.

Why? Is Dolan that self-destructing? While I'd like to say yes, I'm betting it's because Walsh impeded his aspiration of a "big three" in New York. Based on the treatment Walsh received, it's not entirely illogical to believe that Paul has already signed a contract with the Knicks under the table.

All right, that may have been an exaggeration, but you see my point.

If the Miami Heat have taught us anything, aside from the fact that public image isn't everything, it's that if stars truly want to play together, they will find a way to do so.

Whether it involves Paul exerting his leverage, forcing the Hornets to accept a package of Chauncey Billups and Iman Shumpert, or simply refusing to sign an extension with any other team he may play for, he will ultimately become a member of the Knicks if he wants to.

And unless Paul had a little too much champagne, or possibly wedding cake, I'm inclined to believe he wants to.

No. 3 Most Likely Destination for Dwight Howard: Oklahoma City Thunder

Previously, I stated that the Oklahoma City Thunder would ultimately decide to not move Russell Westbrook, but my tune, just as the Thunder's would, changes when it comes to Dwight Howard.

Howard is the most dominant center in the game. His 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game only begin to scratch the surface of what he brings to the table. Howard's energy, leadership and will to win are all priceless intangibles that Oklahoma City and Kevin Durant would welcome into the fold.

Westbrook is a phenomenal young player, and if the Thunder could get away with an offer of Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka and James Harden in exchange for Howard, it would be great. However, unless the Lakers suddenly declare Andrew Bynum untouchable, this will not be the case.

There is no denying that Westbrook is a high price to pay, but Howard is worth such a sticker. If the Orlando Magic ever put Howard on the block, an offer of Westbrook and Perkins, with a willingness to take on either Gilbert Arenas or Hedo Turkoglu, should get the deal done.

However, free agency will prove to be a more favorable scenario for the Thunder. They are not set to have the cap room needed, but if it becomes clear Howard will hit the open market, Oklahoma City will have no trouble finding new homes for James Harden and Kendrick Perkins to free up cap in anticipation.

That scenario, albeit a long shot, allows the Thunder to form a "big three" of their own, and one that is arguably better than Miami's.

Howard is thought to want to play for a big market team, but with Durant, Oklahoma City is an up and coming market, and a situation that Howard is unlikely to turn his back on. 

No. 2 Most Likely Destination for Dwight Howard: Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew Bynum, the underachiever that he is, will prove to be the key to any Dwight Howard negotiations that take place between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic.

The 23-year-old Bynum averaged 11.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and two blocks per game last season, numbers that pale in comparison to what he is capable of putting up. It is this very untapped potential though that gives the Lakers a fighting chance at landing Howard.

If Howard enters free agency, Los Angeles has its work cut out for them. He would either have to be willing to take way less money or the Lakers would have to do some quick salary dumping. It is via trade that gives them the best chance, and luckily for the Lakers, their potential package is pretty damn enticing.

Bynum, while not the dominant center Howard is, gives the Magic the possibility of having another prolific big man on the roster and someone they can at least attempt to build around. Any dividends paid would rest on him finally reaching his potential, but such a risk may prove to be worth it because of how thin the league's center market is.

No one will ever be able to fully replace Howard, but at 7-feet tall and 285 pounds, Bynum is as close as they'll ever come. It is this very notion that may prove to be just enough to put Howard in purple and gold alongside Kobe Bryant.

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year and incredibly versatile Lamar Odom should only further enhance such a deal, and while he will be extremely missed, such collateral damage is necessary.

Howard ensures the Lakers remain relevant for the rest of Kobe's career and beyond, something Los Angeles is very interested in, so interested in that even if it also means welcoming Gilbert Arenas with open arms, the Lakers will still push such a deal through.

And if this past postseason was any indication of what Los Angeles is headed toward, we can't really blame them. 

No. 1 Most Likely Destination for Dwight Howard: New Jersey Nets

Just as it was for Deron Williams, both the New Jersey Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are serious potential long-term landing spots for Dwight Howard.

And just as it was in Williams' case, the Nets have the better shot at landing the star center.

Playing alongside Kobe Bryant should prove too good to pass up, yet it may not be when given the opportunity to team up with someone like Williams, who is just as prolific in many ways, not to mention six years younger.

A pairing of Howard and Williams would make the Nets contenders for years to come, thus putting them on the map as they prepare to move to Brooklyn, and also allowing that perpetual smirk of Mikhail Prokhorov's to live on.

And believe it or not, New Jersey has a legitimate shot at obtaining Howard regardless of which direction this saga takes.

In Brook Lopez, the Nets have a promising young center to offer to the Orlando Magic in return for Howard, one who arguably has more potential than Andrew Bynum of the Lakers.

And if Howard crosses the threshold into free agency, New Jersey has a modest $36.5 million on the books for 2012-2013. Perhaps they have to move a contract to make a max level offer, but not a single player on their roster is immovable.

Imagine if the Magic see this through to free agency and have to watch as Howard skips off to New Jersey to play alongside Williams and Lopez, forming one of the best "big three" and low-post combinations the NBA as ever seen.

Scenarios such as the former make you wonder why Orlando would even chance allowing Howard to explore free agency.

It also makes you wonder why Howard would want to play anywhere else. 

You call follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @DannyFavs2033.