2011 NBA Free Agent Predictions: Where the Most Coveted Players Will Sign

Today, agents can start talking to teams again.

They can't make deals, but you can't drive seven miles per hour over the speed limit and you can't jaywalk either. Some rules are there for cosmetics, and the fact is that most agents aren't going to talk to teams without talking money. The real free-agency period starts today. 

Here are five of the biggest names and their most likely landing spots. 

David West

David West is a player many teams have at the top of the free-agent target list. He is a dependable low-post scorer and an above-average rebounder. My initial instinct was to put him in Indiana, but the rumors that the Nets are going to push for Howard has me thinking that he will end up in New Jersey. 

Why would that make a difference? Well, the Nets would be going for Nene as their top target if they weren't intending to be a player in the Dwight Howard sweeps. Adding West does three things.

First, it gives them a solid rebounder, defender and scorer in the post.

Second, it frees them up to not sign Kirs Humphries, who will get dumped for the second time in six months.

Third, it makes a very attractive scenario for Dwight Howard and Deron Williams to stick around. 

Nene Hilario

Hilario is the best offensive center in the NBA. The Houston Rockets managed to navigate through the season with a 6'6" center last year in Chuck Hayes. While he was an exceptional defender—especially considering his size—he was able to offer little offense for the Rockets.

Adding Hilario will be a huge boon for the Rockets for two reasons.

One is that it will just add offense in the middle. Also, having both Hilario and Luis Scola in the paint will also open up the court more for their underrated shooting guard, Kevin Martin. 

If the Rockets sign Hilario, Rockets fans will be laughing with joy, which is why they say, "If Hilario joins us it would be Hilarious!"

Tyson Chandler

Chandler was the difference-maker in Dallas last year. He brought a defensive presence to the Mavericks.

In fact, the Mavs had a losing record of 3-5 when Chandler was out last year. 

Furthermore, when Chandler was off the court, the Mavericks scored only 107.64 points and gave up 106.53. While he was on the bench, the Mavericks were only 1.11 points better than their opponents. When he was on the court they were 7.63 points better than their opponents. 

All of this means that Chandler will stay a Mav. Mark Cuban will do what he needs to keep him. He never met a luxury tax he didn't like, anyway. 

Jason Richardson

Jason Richardson probably didn't actually earn all his money last year.  Chicago won't be able to offer him more than the mid-level exception, but he'll gladly take that to play for a contender.

I doubt anyone is going to offer him the $14 million he made last year.

He might not take $9 million less than anyone else offers to start for a contender, but he sure might take a million or two less to start for a team that can offer him a ring.

One thing here that I think really makes a difference is the instant-hero status that will be bestowed upon whoever takes over the starting spot in Chicago.

This isn't taking a minor bench role on a contender so you can wear a ring. It's taking a key role so you can earn one.  

Samuel Dalembert

Dalembert might not be the biggest name on the market, but he could make a big difference if he signs in Miami.

He has said that he'll take less to play there, and the Heat reportedly are interested in him, too. So apparently, they like each other.

Today they start courting. Expect the wedding to come on December 9.