The 2012 NBA Draft didn't include the frenzy of trades many expected, but the NBA landscape should be drastically shaken up this summer as free agency opens on Sunday.
The draft is how teams improve slowly over time, but signing a big name free agent can make a huge immediate impact on a franchise's fortunes. Just look at the 2012 NBA champion Miami Heat.
There are a wealth of big names available on the market, led by point guard Deron Williams.
Deron Williams, unrestricted free agent
Williams became an unrestricted free agent after giving up his player option to return to the Brooklyn Nets for an extra season.
The Nets and Dallas Mavericks are considered the front-runners to sign Williams.
2011-12 stats:
- 21.0 points per game
- 8.7 assists per game
- 1.2 steals per game
Ray Allen, unrestricted free agent
Ray Allen is the most coveted off-guard this summer, and championship-ready teams will be in the best position to land Allen.
LeBron James, for one, hopes Allen comes to Miami.
2011-12 stats:
- 14.2 points per game
- 3.1 rebounds per game
- 45.3% 3-point percentage
Kevin Garnett, unrestricted free agent
Kevin Garnett is expected to make a decision regarding his future in the next few days, and the Big Ticket is contemplating retirement.
If he does decide to continue playing, he'll be an unrestricted free agent, but it's difficult to imagine him leaving Boston.
2011-12 stats:
- 15.8 points per game
- 8.2 rebounds per game
- 50.3% field goal percentage
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