NBA Free Agent Rumors: Update on Where the Top Big Men Will Be Signing

The most intrigue surrounding the free agent class of 2011 deals with the available big men on the market.

Many teams are hotly after big men, and guys like Nene and Tyson Chandler could make the difference in a team contending or not during the upcoming season.

A lot of the other free agents won't come off the board until some of the big men decide on their futures.

Here is the latest look on where some of the best front-court players on the market will land.

Nene

He's become the most coveted player on the market and is set to cash in on a big deal. Currently, the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets look to be the front-runners to land Nene. The Indiana Pacers are also in the mix, and a return to Denver seems unlikely, but hasn't been ruled out.

Nene's decision will come quick, and despite the best efforts from New Jersey and Golden State, he will find himself a new home.

Prediction: Signs with Houston

Marc Gasol

Gasol is in for a big payday as a restricted free agent, and no matter who signs him to an offer sheet, the Grizzlies are certain to match the offer.

Prediction: Remains in Memphis

DeAndre Jordan

Jordan is another restricted free agent, and similar to Gasol, it's very doubtful that the Clippers let him go anywhere, having already offered him a $40 million deal.

Prediction: Remains with Clippers

Tyson Chandler

Chandler is going to cash in after his impressive playoff performance. The Warriors and Nets are two of the more aggressive teams pursuing Chandler, and his situation got a little more complicated since Chris Paul recently stated he may be willing to sign an extension with a team that would sign Chandler.

Golden State is the only team linked to Paul that's also pursuing Chandler, and while they may not land the All-Star point guard in the end, they are in desperate need of a big man and will get one in Chandler.

Prediction: Signs with Golden State

Samuel Dalembert

People that assumed Dalembert was a lock to sign with Miami may have jumped the gun. Dalembert has interest in three teams, which include the Heat, New York and Houston.

Dalembert was once very high on Miami, but has since backed off due to salary cap limitations. Miami can only offer Dalembert their 45 million mid-level exemption, and that's very unlikely to get Dalembert signed.

Two of his three teams of choice won't have the cap room to sign him, and Houston is targeting other big men, so Dalembert may end up looking for employment in other places.  With Denver likely to lose Nene, the Nuggets could be an option, but Dalembert may not have many teams that can meet his salary demands at the end of the day.

Prediction: Stays in Sacramento

David West

West is coming off major knee surgery, and that's naturally hurting his value a little bit. There are several teams showing interest in the power forward, though, including the Hornets, along with Indiana and Golden State.

He's testing the market and a team with cap space will ultimately lure him away from New Orleans.

Prediction: Signs with Indiana

Greg Oden

The oft-injured Oden is facing a big season. If anyone has a lot to prove, it's him.

A good year not only production-wise, but health-wise, could lead to him cashing in next season as an unrestricted free agent.

Oden has shown interest in signing the Blazers $8.8 million qualifying offer, but the Miami Heat have shown interest as well.

In the end, though, Miami won't be able to match Portland's offer.

Prediction: Stays in Portland

Reggie Evans

Evans is one of the best rebounders on the market and could ultimately draw interest from several teams if he can prove that he's healthy.

He's tough and a good defender, and if he's not a perfect match for the Boston Celtics, I don't know who else out there is. Danny Ainge has reached out to Evans, and he could become a big help to Boston if he signs there.

Prediction: Signs with Boston

Glen Davis

A return to Boston isn't out of the order for Big Baby, but in addition to the Celtics, he is currently drawing interest in a few other teams.

New Orleans is one of those teams that has shown interest so far, and considering they may be losing a lot in West and Paul, they could take a serious run at Davis.

Prediction: Signs with New Orleans