NBA Free Agents 2011 Rumors: Top Target Each Team Has on the Radar

Among NBA free agents, Denver's Nene is coveted by at least six teams, but obviously there will be only one winner of the Nene sweepstakes. So many suitors means he will ultimately be overpaid.

As effective as he can be, Nene is not a dominant center, yet he will be paid like one. Restricted free agent Marc Gasol will also draw plenty of interest, but the Grizzlies are prepared to spend to keep their center.

Those big men are two of the best in a shallow but intriguing free-agent pool. Here are the top free-agent targets for each team.

Philadelphia 76ers: Thaddeus Young

He's a 23-year-old, 6'9" forward that can defend three positions, and he has already contended for a Sixth Man of the Year award.

The Sixers will do whatever they have to to retain the services of restricted free agent Thad Young. He is surely their top priority.

They will not look elsewhere until things are set in stone regarding him.

Charlotte Bobcats: No One of Note

The Bobcats seem content with taking their chances in the top-heavy NBA draft class of 2012, where it is believed Andre Drummond of UConn, Anthony Davis of Kentucky, Jeremy Lamb of UConn and Quincy Miller of Baylor will all be available.

Beyond that, it is Kemba Walker's team now, and I expect him to win the Rookie of the Year, as the Bobcats don't have much else.

Milwaukee Bucks: Caron Butler

Caron Butler is a Racine, Wis. native, and he makes a ton of sense for the Bucks, who are in need of a wing scorer to allow Brandon Jennings to pull back on his shot attempts.

Jennings, Butler and Andrew Bogut would be an underrated big three. The Bucks have already contacted Butler's agent to gauge interest.

The move would not come without concerns, as Butler is 31 years old and coming off major knee surgery.

Chicago Bulls: Grant Hill

The Bulls seem reluctant to extend themselves for a shooting guard, as they would need the likes of Jason Richardson to take about half of what he was paid last year to join the team for the mid-level exception.

Meanwhile, they must re-sign MVP Derrick Rose to a max contract. If ever there has been a player deserving of it, Rose is it.

That leaves the inquiries they have already made, which seem to be for 39-year-old Grant Hill. Hill has two years left in regards to effectiveness, and he would be a great backup for Luol Deng.

Cleveland Cavaliers: No One of Note

The Cavs haven't been a part of any serious rumors. As of now, Cleveland is a difficult sell to free agents. It is all about Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson right now.

Boston Celtics: Chuck Hayes

As sad as it may sound, the Celtics' top target right now seems to be Chuck Hayes. Of course, that could change to Carl Landry or Caron Butler, but now the C's seemed to be interested in having Hayes bolster their depth at center.

L.A. Clippers: Shane Battier

The Clippers are among a few teams in pursuit of Shane Battier, but there also seems to be some interest in Caron Butler.

As of now, Battier seems to be the main free agent the Clips are looking to sign.

Memphis Grizzlies: Marc Gasol

The Grizzlies' No. 1 priority is keeping their big man. Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley says Marc Gasol ain't going nowhere, in his most intimidating voice. So prospective suitors, don't even call, because the Grizz are matching any offer.

Atlanta Hawks: No One of Note

The Hawks haven't been mentioned for many free agents, but Glen Davis has interest in them. The major splash the Hawks could make would be to trade Josh Smith. They are among a plethora of teams that would love Dwight Howard.

Miami Heat: Nene

The Heat seem to be interested in signing Nene. It would take some cooperation from Nene financially and possibly a sign-and-trade. He would be an upgrade over Joel Anthony for sure and help solidify the team that is already looking like the odds-on favorites for the title.

New Orleans Hornets: Carl Landry

Amidst all the Chris Paul talk, the Hornets are trying to maintain a team beyond CP3. It seems there is interest in bringing Carl Landry back. This would especially make sense now, as it seems David West is not returning.

Utah Jazz: No One of Note

The Jazz have not named a primary target, nor have any sources reported on any. What has been discussed is the Jazz making Paul Millsap available via trade. With Derrick Favors, the Jazz already have their power forward of the future, and the very productive Millsap is a nice trade chip.

Sacramento Kings: Marcus Thornton

The Kings have made no bones about their desire to retain Marcus Thornton. How high are they willing to let the price rise for the restricted free agent is the only question.

Many teams will have an interest in a 23-year-old 2-guard who has shown ability to score effectively.

New York Knicks: Grant Hill

Yet another team chasing Grant Hill. Obviously, the Knicks want Chris Paul most of all, but that would be a trade. As it relates to free agents, it seems Grant Hill is the top target for the Knicks.

Even at 39 years old, Hill is drawing tons of interest.

Los Angeles Lakers: Arron Afflalo

The Lakers would love to add Arron Afflalo, but he would have to accept a bench role until Kobe Bryant retires, if that is within the next three years.

Ultimately, he is a great match for the big fish the Lakers hope to reel in, Dwight Howard.

Orlando Magic: No One of Note

The Magic seemed to be standing pat on free agency right now. They are primarily interested in the future of Dwight Howard with the team.

He has been rumored to be have interest from just about any team in the league, but for now he is all the Magic have. The uncertainty around him somewhat handicaps the team's ability to make other moves.

Dallas Mavericks: Jamal Crawford

The Mavs have been mentioned to have interest in Jamal Crawford.

This, of course, would mean the exit of Jason Terry, who seems to want to come back, but Crawford is bigger and is also an excellent sixth man.

It may be an unpopular move, but it is a good one for Dallas. Crawford offers similar qualities with more versatility.

New Jersey Nets: Tyson Chandler

Things have certainly changed in the last few hours for New Jersey. Deron Williams indicated he will not sign with the Nets, so they must approach free agency differently.

Tyson Chandler is a target, and this is more indication that the Nets have every intention of moving Brook Lopez.

Denver Nuggets: Nene

The Nuggets don't seem to have lost hope that they will re-sign the unrestricted free agent. They are said to be laying the groundwork to bring back their center.

The Nuggets can pay him more than anyone else, but does he want to come back?

Indiana Pacers: David West

Even with David West coming off serious knee surgery, many teams are interested. The Pacers seem to be leading the charge for him. I'm not sure how he fits with Tyler Hansbrough, but I have been puzzled by several things associated with the Pacers this year.

Detroit Pistons: No One of Note

The Pistons' inactivity could be short-term. If they don't bring Tayshaun Prince back, which I'm thinking they may not, they will need to fill that role with someone. It will likely be a low-cost free agent.

Toronto Raptors: No One of Note

The Raptors seemed pleased with their current standing. The team has tons of youth and depth on the front line, and rookie Jonas Valanciunas won't be with the team until next year. When he does arrive, the Raptors have the makings of a promising young frontcourt.

Then there are Andrea Bargnani, DeMar DeRozan and Ed Davis. The Raptors' next draft is critical to help lead the team to respectability.

Houston Rockets: Nene

The Rockets need a legitimate center badly. Nene is tops on their list, but unfortunately for them, he is coveted by at least six teams. The Rockets have a good chance to land him; aside from Miami, this is spot that makes the most sense from a pure basketball standpoint.

San Antonio Spurs: Caron Butler

The Spurs could really do well to sign Butler if he's healthy. He could replace Richard Jefferson, who will likely be amnestied. Butler is 31 years old with knee problems. Still, he has been mentioned as a player of interest for San Antonio.

Butler probably wouldn't sign with San Antonio, as he would be looking for a younger contending team like the Bulls. Still, he is a good fit in San Antonio.

Phoenix Suns: Grant Hill

Yet another team is interested in Hill; this time it is his most recent team. Steve Nash has said he wants him back, but Nash may not even be in Phoenix much longer.

This interest is just a feather in the cap of a 39-year-old veteran that adds a lot to the locker room in regards to chemistry.

Oklahoma City Thunder: No One of Note

Many fans and Thunder players have clamored for Shane Battier. He would be an awesome pickup for OKC. He would back up Kevin Durant while supplying a defensive and veteran presence to the bench and locker room.

Minnesota Timberwolves: No One of Note

The Wolves have a ton of young talent. Now, they must find a way to make it mesh. Rick Adelman is an excellent coach, and this is an exciting time for the Wolves.

They are content to go into the season primarily as is; the Wolves need to find out if Derrick Williams can play the small forward spot so there will be no confusion as to whether he fits in with Kevin Love.

Portland Trail Blazers: Greg Oden

The Blazers have not given up hope on their oft-injured former No. 1 pick overall. Greg Oden is a restricted free agent, but the Blazers seem to be ready to re-sign him.

His agent Bill Duffy has indicated he has received lots of calls for Oden, but it seems he wants to stay with Portland.

Golden State Warriors: DeAndre Jordan

The Warriors want to upgrade in the middle, so they are of course in the running for Nene and Tyson Chandler, but DeAndre Jordan is also among the bigs they covet.

Jordan is only 23 years old and the most athletic of the bunch. He would be a great get for the Warriors if they can pry him from the Clippers, as he is a restricted free agent.

Washington Wizards: Nick Young

The Wizards and their star point guard John Wall want restricted free agent Nick Young back, but there are other teams interested. The Bulls are one of them, as he would fill their need for a shooting guard.

I think the Wizards will match any offer he receives to retain his services and keep the star happy,