NBA Free Agents: Players Bound To Re-Sign with Teams

While much of the focus on the beginning of free agency seems to focus on where the best of the class of 2011 will sign, the reality is that several of the best free agents on the market this year won't be going anywhere at all.

Here's a look at the top free agents that will end up re-signing with their former teams.

Marc Gasol

The restricted free-agent Gasol has emerged as one of the core pieces of a talented Memphis Grizzlies lineup.

He could receive a big offer sheet from numerous teams, but the Grizzlies will match any offer to keep Gasol in Memphis.

DeAndre Jordan

Similar to the situation of Gasol in Memphis, Jordan is a restricted free agent and not expected to leave Los Angeles.

The Clippers wisely have already began talks with him and if another team comes in with an offer, they will more than likely match it.

Kurt Thomas

Thomas is the oldest player in the NBA and despite interest from several teams, Thomas wants a ring and Chicago could be his best chance to get one.

A return to New York could be on the table, but ultimately it will be hard for Thomas to leave Chicago.

Tyson Chandler

While Chandler stated this week that he expects to be on a new team, that could be a negotiating ploy as much as anything.

One major thing that led Dallas to an NBA Championship last season was the toughness inside that the Mavericks had.

It will be hard for Mark Cuban to allow that to walk away.

Chuck Hayes

Even if they re-signed Hayes, the Rockets would still need another big man to compete, but in Hayes Houston has one of the grittiest, toughest players in the league who does all the little things.

Hayes is an outstanding defender, which says a lot about him since he's the shortest center in the league.

While he would look good in any lineup, Hayes still says his top priority is to remain in Houston.

Jamal Crawford

Crawford has stated his desire to return to New York if he doesn't remain in Atlanta and while there are many teams currently looking at signing the guard, ultimately he could just opt to remain in a Hawks uniform.

Atlanta is a good fit for Crawford and he's produced nicely there. If the Hawks make him a competitive offer, it could be hard for him to leave.

Jared Jeffries

Many Knicks fans may not be happy about this one, but Jeffries looks all but certain to return to New York.

The Knicks need big bodies in the middle, but are going to need to fill out a roster with a bunch of one-year deals.

There are worse things than bringing back a veteran who is already familiar with your system.

Greg Oden

The often-injured big man is a restricted free agent and will more than likely be returning to Portland.

He's still injured and Portland hopes he can return to the court sometime in January.

If Brandon Roy becomes a victim of the amnesty clause as expected, that opens the door even wider for the Blazers to re-sign Oden.

Marcus Thornton

Thornton will attract some interest and the Kings can match all offers, something they are likely prepared to do since they are already negotiating a deal with the guard.

Sacramento has a ton of cap space and while maybe you don't want to invest too much money here, they can afford to match most offers.