NBA Free Agents 2011: Houston Rockets and 5 Other Teams That Covet Nene

Nene is all but guaranteed to exit Denver. The Nuggets can't afford to resign him and he generally seems to want out.

The 29-year-old averaged 14.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and just over a block and a steal per game last season.

Six teams have emerged as suitors for the Brazilian big man: Golden State, New Jersey, Indiana, Miami, Dallas and Houston. Many of these teams seem prepared to overpay. He is a nice center, but he certainly isn't a player worth a max contract.

Here are the scenarios and motivation for all teams involved:

Golden State

The Warriors want a more physical and well-rounded big man. This is why they would be inclined to possibly use the amnesty clause on Andris Biedrins to sign Nene outright. The deal with the Warriors isn't as financially stable as what Nene could receive from Denver, but it seems Nene is ready for a change of scenery, so the money may not be the sole deciding factor.

It would essentially come down to one less year, which would cost him Bird Rights.

Nene would provide the Warriors a strong, consistent inside presence to team with their effective backcourt, which could be in line for some changes if Monta Ellis is moved.

Still, anything over $10 to $11 million dollars per year is overpaying Nene.

New Jersey

Neither the Nets brass nor Deron Williams can be too enthused with Brook Lopez, so acquiring Nene means Lopez is exiting.

Compound that with the fact that Lopez seems to be the centerpiece of an offer to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard, and it seems obvious the Nets think they can upgrade the middle.

Williams is mentioned because the free agent-to-be is the Nets number one priority. His feelings about personnel would be important in regards to roster moves. The Nets' front-office must know that Williams wouldn't decide to leave New Jersey if Lopez was traded; he may even prefer it.

Obviously, Dwight Howard would be their first choice, then comes Nene. Giving Nene the salary slot they reserved for Dwight Howard would be ludicrous. Also, it should not be enough to solely persuade Williams to stay.

Indiana Pacers

If the Pacer rumors are true, I'm not sure what they are doing. Things have circulated about their interest in Rajon Rondo, while they seem to be set with Darren Collison. Now there's interest in Nene, when Roy Hibbert seemed to be their center of choice.

True, Hibbert as a backup to Nene makes for a great center rotation and could even allow for a twin-towers look at times. Still, the Nene investment is a steep one for a team who already has a young big in place.

Is Nene that significant of an upgrade over Hibbert? I don't think so.

Miami Heat

Ok, now it is starting to make some sense.

1. Nene would have to take less money to come to Miami. The Heat would presumably use their amnesty option on Mike Miller. The Big Three matched with Nene would be beyond formidable. 

2. Nene would actually be going to a team markedly closer to winning than the one he is leaving. Here the sacrifice makes sense on both ends.

Dallas Mavericks

This is another spot that makes sense. Nene would essentially replace Tyson Chandler, but he is a better overall player.

He isn't as athletic, but he is certainly better offensively and no slouch on the defensive side. No major money concessions are required and Nene could help in the Mavs charge for a second consecutive title.

Houston Rockets

This is the spot I think makes the most sense, though Nene may favor Dallas. The Nuggets need a center terribly, to go with all of their young talent.

It would require a sign-and-trade, but the Rockets are already close to having the room required.

A Rockets starting five of Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, Chase Budinger, Luis Scola and Nene is decent, especially considering the young talent on the Rockets bench.