NBA Rumors: Backup Targets for Contenders in 2011 Free Agency

With the "Free Agent Frenzy" coming closer and closer to beginning, the teams that are in contention are seeing their apprehension grow.

Most teams have their top targets, but let's face it. First targets are first targets for a reason. They are usually more than one team's top target. Here are three contenders and their backup targets if their primary goes somewhere else.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls' wish list is pretty simple. Wings. Not chicken wings, basketball wings. If the first person they spoke to is any indication, they appear to have Caron Butler as their top choice, though they haven't actually said who their top choice is. 

Initially, it looked very positive for the Bulls to get him as he allegedly told friends, "I hope I don't have to leave." However, reports of late are that he was "wowed" by the Clippers and will sign there.

So what is the Bulls' backup plan? It appears to be Jamal Crawford, who started his career with the Bulls. In fact, reports started to surface shortly after Butler's tour of the Clippers facilities that the Bulls might have reached a sign-and-trade agreement which would send Ronnie Brewer to Atlanta in a sign-and-trade for Crawford.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are a busy team. In addition to trying to land Caron Butler, they are also pursuing other players. Right now, the top name on their list is Tyson Chandler. The thing is that they aren't just trying to land Chandler because they are trying to land Chandler. They are trying to land Chandler because they are trying to land Chris Paul. 

The Clippers are pressing a trade with the Hornets, though the specifics are up for debate. 

""The Clippers are offering a package, according to sources, that includes guard Eric Bledsoe, forward Al-Farouq Aminu, center Chris Kaman and the unprotected 2012 first-round pick the Clippers currently possess from the Timberwolves. Another source was adamant Tuesday that the Clippers have not included rising star guard Eric Gordon in any package for Paul, preferring to keep Gordon and Blake Griffin together to team with Paul in their own "SuperFriends" team like the Heat.""

Landing Chandler helps might help secure the long-term services of Chris Paul. 

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"Paul hasn’t promised he would re-sign with one of those teams following the 2011-12 season if they acquired Chandler, but league sources said Chandler could make a significant difference in ultimately swaying Paul to commit to a long-term deal."

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It should be mentioned that the Clippers are reluctant to include Gordon in a trade because they aren't guaranteed of his sticking around. Aminu, Kaman and Minnesota's "guaranteed to be a lottery" pick are an attractive enough package though. That's effectively three starting-caliber players.

A starting five of Paul, Gordon, Butler, Griffin and Chandler would certainly vault the Clippers into contender status. 

So what would their backup plan be? Well, it would likely be to merely keep their starting centers Chris Kaman and DeAndre Jordan, though it's possible they might try and pursue a trade with Orlando to get Dwight Howard.

New Jersey Nets

The Nets are said to be pursuing both Nene and Tyson Chandler. Either player would fill a big void the Nets have. Both players can score in the paint, rebound and play defense. It's not clear which one they prefer, but they are pressing hard for both. 

Seeing that based on what they are asking (allegedly), one could speculate that Chandler is the top target and Nene to be the second choice. It's a safe bet that the Nets will land one of the two though.