NBA Free Agency: Kris Humphries and the Top 10 Unrestricted Players Available

The NBA Lockout has to be coming to an end sometime soon....right? We have heard encouraging and discouraging news regarding the return of NBA basketball, but reportedly, the deal is 95 percent complete.

The NBA is likely in store for a free agent frenzy similar to the one the NFL enjoyed when it's lockout ended. Here are the top 10 unrestricted free agents available. These guys will be the least complicated signings of all the available players

10. Grant Hill 13.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.3apg

That frightened look on Grant's face is the same feeling NBA teams would have felt while pondering signing the oft-injured near Hall of Famer. But, low and behold, Hill has quietly missed only 15 games in four seasons with the Suns.

He is 39 years old, but he is in great physical condition and his versatility (13.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.3 spg) would be an asset to several teams.

I could easily see Hill sign with the San Antonio Spurs or the Chicago Bulls. He could also return to the Phoenix Suns. It is great to see him still in the league and productive, but he and Anfernee Hardaway are the biggest examples of what could have been, were it not for injuries.

9. Kris Humphries 10.4ppg, 10.1rpg

Sans all the Kardashian crap, Humphries had a great season last year. He averaged a double-double with 10.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Humphries is only 26 years old and he could be a valuable starter alongside a low post scoring threat.

If the Lakers make a play for Dwight Howard as expected, Humphries is a great option at power forward as a starter or reserve. The Milwaukee Bucks is another team that Humphries would help immediately. The Nets should try to retain him, but if they don't, Humphries' hustle will land him someplace favorable.

8. Shane Battier 7.6ppg, 4.5rpg

Battier is a top notch defender and a very good spot up three-point shooter. At 6'8", he can play the shooting guard for a team with a proven ball-handler at the point and he can play the small forward for anyone.

Battier could return to the Memphis Grizzlies, but something tells me he'll be joining a team that feels he could help push them over the top. His versatility and leadership make him a good fit in Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles (Lakers) and Boston.

7. Jamal Crawford 14.2ppg, 3.2apg

Crawford can flat out score. His game is the most sixth man suited of any player in the NBA, this is primarily because, all he does is score. For teams that are looking for a scorer to light it up off the bench, Crawford is that guy.

I've heard his name mentioned as a possibility in a return to Chicago. I don't think his no-defense style will mesh well with Tom Thibodeau, but oddly enough, I think he'd fit better with Boston.

I know the Celtics pride themselves on defense as well, but the difference is that the Celtics have the veteran leadership to hold Crawford accountable and a coach he's more likely to relate to, being an ex-player.

Expect Crawford to land with a team trying to bolster their bench scoring or a bad team seeking a two guard that can score.

6. JR Smith: 12.3ppg, 4.1rpg

Smith is the most talented and tatted player on the this list. He isn't at the top because of concerns over his shot selection and commitment to team concept.

If someone can get him to balance his three-point attempts with drives to the bucket and to play defense, (all doable things) he''ll be one of the top five shooting guards in the league.

Smith is of course a fit in Chicago. If the Celtics don't re-sign "Big Baby" Davis, part of that could bring Smith in as Ray Allen's eventual successor. Atlanta and Dallas would also be decent landing spots for him.

5. Jason Richardson 15.6ppg, 4.1rpg

Richardson isn't the high-flyer he used to be, but he is still a productive spot up shooter from the shooting guard spot. Of course, his name has been mentioned to fill the Bulls' gaping hole at the two, and I think he might be the guy they are leaning towards.

If not, Richardson won't have a problem finding work. He's been durable, only missing 15 games in four years and he's only 30 years old.

4. David West 18.9ppg, 7.6rpg

West is a proven scorer, but he's coming off a serious injury. He's also undersized and not a top shelf athlete. Still, he has averaged around 20 points per game for four years in a row.

He seems certain to leave New Orleans, but he may not land with a contender. I think West still has more to prove individually so he could land with a team like the New Jersey Nets or Philadelphia 76ers. West would be replacing Kris Humphries or Elton Brand in these scenarios.

Brand may be the amnesty casualty for the 76ers.

3. Tyson Chandler 10.1ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.1bpg

Tyson Chandler should return to the Dallas Mavericks, but if he doesn't the team he just beat could sure use him. Placing Chandler in the middle would further strengthen the already stout Heat defense. The Heat would presumably have to use the amnesty option on Mike Miller to afford it, but it is a interesting trade-off.

The Celtics and Spurs are also interesting options. Chandler next to Tim Duncan would certainly set the Spurs up for one last run with Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Richard Jefferson is a good candidate for amnesty.

2. Nene: 14.5ppg, 7.6rpg, 1bpg

Nene is one of the few big bodied conventional centers in the NBA. He is a good low post scorer, decent defender, despite playing in Denver, very good passer and decent rebounder.

Those factors have him this high on my list. He is another player I think should return to his original team, but it may not happen.

All the compliments aside, Nene is likely to be overpaid. That said, I don't see him signing with a contender unless he returns to Denver, provided, you consider them contenders.

1. Caron Butler15ppg, 4rpg

Butler is one of the few guys on this list capable of averaging 20 points per game next year. He is a good defender when he's committed, but his best trait is ability to create baskets.

When healthy, as he was not in 2011, Butler is one of the best small forwards in the league. He may have dropped a hint he would consider going to Miami, obviously as a sixth man, but he may still return to Dallas.

Either team's roster will receive a considerable jolt with a healthy Butler.