NBA Free Agents 2011: 7 Teams That Need To Make a Big Splash After the Lockout

When the current NBA lockout ends, teams will be in a rush to make a number of free-agent moves to improve their teams for the new season.

Teams will be frantically trying to sign other team's free agents, or retain their own free agents. With the uncertainty of what the new CBA agreement will be, including how the salary cap and free agency will work, it's difficult to determine which team will sign who.

What's clear is regardless of the new CBA, there are certain teams who have to make a splash when free agency finally commences.

Let's take a look at those teams.

New Jersey Nets

The New Jersey Nets need to make a splash in free agency to prove to star point guard Deron Williams that the franchise is committed to winning and will compete for a title in the near future.

Williams is a free agent in the summer of 2012, and if the Nets don't make a splash in free agency to improve the team he may leave for a contender, such as the New York Knicks.

The Nets have money and cap space to use, so spending their money wisely will be crucial in retaining Williams, who is a top player.

Philadelphia 76ers

The never ending Andre Iguodala trade rumors will surround the Philadelphia 76ers into the new NBA season and free agency, but regardless of what his future is, the 76ers need to add some veterans to a talented young team.

The 76ers have a lot of young talent but lack a star veteran who's been to the playoffs before. Elton Brand's tenure in Philly has been disappointing, and moving him and his overpaid contract would be a smart idea.

Philly needs some veteran leadership and scoring when free agency opens.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are just one or two players from being a perennial playoff team. In point guard Brandon Jennings and center Andrew Bogut they have two quality players at the two most important positions, so adding some forwards would help.

The Bucks have a decent amount of salary cap space without making any trades, so they may be able to add some veteran scoring and defense.

Phoenix Suns

It's time to rebuild in Phoenix, and with the inevitable exit of Steve Nash to a contender so he can win his first NBA championship, the Suns need to spend in free agency to remain competitive.

The Suns will obviously need a point guard to replace Nash with, but they need some interior defense too. Channing Frye and Robin Lopez are good players but neither is going to be a force in the paint defensively with shot blocking or rebounding.

Phoenix will have money to spend, and they should go after big men and forwards who will add defense and interior scoring.

Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors don't play any defense, so acquiring a center in free agency is the best move for them.

Tyson Chandler and Nene are two quality centers who are unrestricted free agents that could help the Warriors greatly on defense.

If the Warriors decide to trade star shooting guard Monta Ellis, they will have lots of salary cap space to use.

Either way, the Warriors have to spend in free agency to take the next step as a franchise and make the playoffs.

Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are no longer an NBA Finals competitor, and with many veterans leaving the team over the years, the youth movement has begun.

General manager Joe Dumars has spent in free agency over the years, but he has spent poorly, including the bad signing of Ben Gordon, who Dumars overpaid for.

The Pistons need an athletic scoring guard, and a true point guard. Rodney Stuckey is a good young player but he's not going to score 25 points per game or lead an offense as a true point guard.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have a lot salary cap space this summer but need to use a good chunk of it to re-sign center DeAndre Jordan, who is a very good young player.

The Clippers have built a good young team centered around Rookie of the Year forward Blake Griffin, and a few good signings in free agency could make the team a playoff contender for years to come.

Los Angeles needs another defensive forward, and maybe a few more veterans who can provide leadership and playoff experience.