2011 NBA Free Agent Predictions: 5 Players to Sign the Biggest Contracts

There is an abundance of talent on the NBA trade block, but the same cannot said for this year's free-agency.

With the 2010 free-agency frenzy in the rear-view mirror and the prospect of next summer's highly lucrative class in front of us, this year's pool seems a bit mundane.

While this isn't exactly good news for teams looking to fill substantial holes, it is great news for the handful of above average free agents on the market. These are the athletes who are going to get paid a king's ransom for their services because competent alternatives may be non-existent.

Amidst a tepid pool of talent, there are a few players who will laughing all the way to the bank.

Caron Butler

A devastating knee injury sidelined Caron Butler for much of last season, including the Dallas Mavericks' championship run, but that won't prevent him from getting paid major dollars in free-agency.

Butler is 31 and highly unlikely to return to the point when he was averaging 20 or more points per night. That being said, he is the epitome of instant offense, as he can score on command, whether it be in a starting role or coming off the bench.

In a normal market, teams wouldn't be so apt to throw money Butler's way after that knee injury of his, but in this type of market, it's a different story. The Spurs are reportedly prepared to cut Richard Jefferson via the amnesty clause to make room for Butler.

San Antonio cannot offer him the most money, but their willingness to make roster changes to accommodate him says a lot about the league-wide interest in him.

While Butler is still able to provide offense coming off the bench for his next team's sake, hopefully they are utilizing him as a starter. He's certainly going to get paid like one.

Prediction: Caron Butler inks a deal worth $7 million-$9million annually.

Jamal Crawford

The Atlanta Hawks would like to re-sign Jamal Crawford, but are afraid they will have to pay him an enormous salary to do so.

Atlanta's concern is legitimate, as Crawford is the best sharp-shooter in the open market. His ability to play both guard positions, coupled with his tendency to score points in bunches, is going to be attractive to any number of other teams.

At 31, the practical approach would be to exhibit caution when chasing after Crawford, but in a free-agency class void of premiere talent, it is like at least one team will throw caution to the wind.

Prediction: Jamal Crawford signs a contract worth between $8-$10 million per year, perhaps more. 

Tyson Chandler

The 29-year-old Tyson Chandler's career has been a roller coaster of a ride to say the least, calling for a modest recruiting approach from potentially interested teams.

In a normal free-agency market, that is.

At times, Chandler has showed flashes of greatness, but he has also gone through long stints of mediocrity, making his contribution a Jekyll and Hyde game.

When at his best, Chandler is a rebounding and shot-blocking machine, as well as a competent low-post scorer. At his worst, he is none of those things. He had a break out year for the Mavericks, but who is to say he continues this type of production? If anything, his previous seasons in the league suggest just the opposite.

In a center-starved league, and an even more center-starved free agent market, it doesn't matter.

Prediction: Tyson Chandler lands a contract that earns him a cool $10-$12 million each year.

Nene Hilario

Nene Hilario is one of the most versatile centers in the league, and he is on the verge of getting paid like a superstar.

Nene boasts the perfect balance of strength and agility, and he is an offensive machine when the ball is in his hands. Defensively, he makes tough and aggressive stands against all of the league's bigs, many of which are larger than him.

It should come as no surprise that he stands to land one of the largest contracts of this year's free-agency class because not only is he more than competently equipped to handle the rigors of the low-post, but he is a center. Substantial size is a rarity and for that reason, also a hot commodity.

There are many teams who will make a play for Nene's services, but it is going to take a large chunk of their change to secure him. It will take even more money for the Denver Nuggets if they want to keep him though, as competing offers are bound to drive up his price tag.

Is Nene worth the type of money he is about to get? 

I'll let you be the judge of that.

Prediction: Nene Hilario signs himself a contract worth $12 million to $14 million annually.

Marc Gasol

Under the new CBA, teams can designate one player coming off their rookie-scale contract to extend at five years and the maximum salary, and the Memphis Grizzlies may very well be prepared to do just that with Marc Gasol.

Gasol is a superstar in the making, as he can score, defend and rebound with the best of the league's centers. He is only 26 and has not yet reached his full potential, but he is coming into his own rapidly.

Teams will be lining up to bid for Gasol's services, but the Grizzlies have the ability to offer him the most money. And given that they are already heavily invested in the likes of Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay, keeping this group together may be in their best interests, as may be offering Gasol an incredibly lucrative contract.

Prediction: Marc Gasol lands a contract worth anywhere between $13-$15 million annually.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.