2012 free agents

[celts34pats55]

So, we all know that in the 2012 offseason we are setting up to have quite a bit of cap space. And, hopefully with Rondo then in his prime and Pierce the grizzled vet, we can lure some big name free agent(s) this way. So, who exactly is a free agent that summer?
Per realgm here they are with the notables highlighted by yours truly:

Mike Bibby Atlanta Unrestricted F.A.
Semih Erden Boston Restricted F.A.
Kevin Garnett Boston Unrestricted F.A.
Rasheed Wallace Boston Unrestricted F.A.
Alexis Ajinca Charlotte Restricted F.A.
D.J. Augustin Charlotte Restricted F.A.
Boris Diaw Charlotte Unrestricted F.A.
Derrick Rose Chicago Restricted F.A.
J.J. Hickson Cleveland Restricted F.A.
Antawn Jamison Cleveland Unrestricted F.A.
Jason Kidd Dallas Unrestricted F.A.
Eduardo Najera Dallas Unrestricted F.A.
Jason Terry Dallas Unrestricted F.A.
Carmelo Anthony Denver Unrestricted F.A.
Chauncey Billups Denver Unrestricted F.A.
Nene Hilario Denver Unrestricted F.A.
Charlie Bell Golden State Unrestricted F.A.
David Andersen Houston Restricted F.A.
Roy Hibbert Indiana Restricted F.A.
A.J. Price Indiana Restricted F.A.
Brandon Rush Indiana Restricted F.A.
Brian Cook L.A. Clippers  Unrestricted F.A.
Randy Foye L.A. Clippers  Unrestricted F.A.
Eric Gordon L.A. Clippers  Restricted F.A.
Chris Kaman L.A. Clippers  Unrestricted F.A.
Darrell Arthur Memphis Restricted F.A.
O.J. Mayo Memphis Restricted F.A.
Sam Young Memphis Restricted F.A.
Carlos Delfino Milwaukee Unrestricted F.A.
Ersan Ilyasova Milwaukee Unrestricted F.A.
Michael Beasley Minnesota Restricted F.A.
Ryan Hollins Minnesota Unrestricted F.A.
Kevin Love Minnesota Restricted F.A.
Courtney Lee New Jersey Restricted F.A.
Brook Lopez New Jersey Restricted F.A.
James Posey New Orleans Unrestricted F.A.
David West New Orleans Unrestricted F.A.
Raymond Felton New York Unrestricted F.A.
Danilo Gallinari New York Restricted F.A.
Anthony Randolph New York Restricted F.A.
Ronny Turiaf New York Unrestricted F.A.
Bill Walker New York Unrestricted F.A.
Kyle Weaver Oklahoma City Unrestricted F.A.
Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Restricted F.A.
D.J. White Oklahoma City Restricted F.A.
Ryan Anderson Orlando Restricted F.A.
Vince Carter Orlando Unrestricted F.A.
Mickael Pietrus Orlando Unrestricted F.A.
Jodie Meeks Philadelphia Restricted F.A.
Marreese Speights Philadelphia Restricted F.A.
Leandro Barbosa Phoenix Unrestricted F.A.
Goran Dragic Phoenix Unrestricted F.A.
Robin Lopez Phoenix Restricted F.A.
Steve Nash Phoenix Unrestricted F.A.
Nicolas Batum Portland Restricted F.A.
Jerryd Bayless Portland Restricted F.A.
Marcus Camby Portland Unrestricted F.A.
Rudolfo Fernandez Portland Restricted F.A.
Andre Miller Portland Unrestricted F.A.
Jeff Pendergraph Portland Restricted F.A.
Donte Greene Sacramento Restricted F.A.
Jason Thompson Sacramento Restricted F.A.
Tim Duncan San Antonio Unrestricted F.A.
George Hill San Antonio Restricted F.A.
Antonio McDyess San Antonio Unrestricted F.A.
Kosta Koufos Utah Restricted F.A.
CJ Miles Utah Unrestricted F.A.
Mehmet Okur Utah Unrestricted F.A.
Andray Blatche Washington Unrestricted F.A.
Kirk Hinrich Washington Unrestricted F.A.
JaVale McGee Washington Restricted F.A


Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_freeagents/2012/#ixzz0tX7nj728

So, not a ton of options. The biggest name is obviously Melo. What's the news on him? If he does allow himself to go to free agency we could have another "decision" on our hands. One has to wonder if we would be interested. Not a huge fan of him as a guy, but definitely like his game.
Something like this wouldn't look too shabby:
pg-Rondo, Avery Bradley
sg-Pierce, Barbosa
sf-Melo
pf-David West
c-Perk

Obviously so many different things could happen from now til then. Just a fun exercise to do..

[Jon]

Nice list.  There are a few problems with 2012:

1. We likely will only have room for one major free agent, unless Danny gets very creative.  Pierce and Rondo will account for 26 million that year.  Then there are cap holds on most of the rest of the roster, meaning in reality, we're somewhere in the low 30 millions: not enough for two max players under our current CBA (though that could change).

2. There are a lot of point guards, at least on the elite level.  Not that I would totally be against pairing two great PG, but it's not exactly the FA class set up best to help us.

3. There are a lot of aging great players (Duncan, Billups, Diaw). 

4. Many of the top FAs may re-sign before this current CBA is up.  I know Melo talks a big talk, but if word starts going out that the new CBA is going to limit players dramatically, I can't imagine him turning down a big extension from Denver.

Ultimately, I think we should try to obtain one star in 2012 to pair with Rondo and Pierce (and hopefully Perk, BBD, and Bradley) and then hold out for 2014 to add the other. 

We could also look into trading Garnett, Ray, or O'Neal to bring back talent instead of trying to obtain it on the FA market. 

[CelticsWhat35]

Well that is an ugly looking list.  Looks like Danny is gonna have to get creative to surround Rondo with talent after the next year or two, because cap space alone won't do it.  This makes Pierce's 4-yr deal look better to me.

[nickagneta]

I don't see the quality in the 2012 free agent list. Most of the players I want that would be used in a rebuilding situation are restricted free agents and probably very difficult to procure due to their team's ability to either sign them to an extension before 2012 or match whatever offer you give them.

What you left out is a bunch of players that have opt out and opt in provisions in their contracts that could also be available. Problem is with a new CBA, if there isn't a rollback on currently in place contracts, none of those players will want to become available in 2012 because they would be getting less money under the new CBA.

Look at 2013, It's a much better year for free agents.

From this list, only Melo and Kaman intrigue me and I think Melo will sign his extension and be unavailable and Kaman is good but if he's "THE" prize in unrestricted free agency, that's a bad year.

[clover]

Pierce won't be a stud starter in another two years.  But a couple of the young guys will have blown up by then and look like real finds.  Still, it's going to be a real challenge.

[wiley]

Normally I would say Danny would go chasing after Eric Gordon or O.J. Mayo to pair with Rondo....However, Avery Bradley is going to add a few pounds of muscle and he and Rondo are going to form the best backcourt tandem in the league starting for the 2010/2013 season, guaranteed best defense, at least.  If that wish of mine doesn't come true, Danny will trade Bradley for a really nice player with star potential, let's say Ed Davis, then Danny will sign Mayo.

Rondo, Nate
Mayo, Ray Allen (cheaper than heck)
Rudy Fernandez. Pierce
Ed Davis, Garnett (cheaper than heck), Baby
Perk, J.O.,Baby, Erden


Nate will play well with Ray and Pierce, not to mention KG.

[nickagneta]

Normally I would say Danny would go chasing after Eric Gordon or O.J. Mayo to pair with Rondo....However, Avery Bradley is going to add a few pounds of muscle and he and Rondo are going to form the best backcourt tandem in the league starting for the 2010/2013 season, guaranteed best defense, at least.  If that wish of mine doesn't come true, Danny will trade Bradley for a really nice player with star potential, let's say Ed Davis, then Danny will sign Mayo.

Rondo, Nate
Mayo, Ray Allen (cheaper than heck)
Rudy Fernandez. Pierce
Ed Davis, Garnett (cheaper than heck), Baby
Perk, J.O.,Baby, Erden


Nate will play well with Ray and Pierce, not to mention KG.

Mayo is a restricted free agent that year. If Memphis wasn't willing to let Rudy Gay go anywhere as a restrcited free agent, what hope is there that they will allow OJ Mayo, a MUCH better player, go in free agency?

[hpantazo]

I thought Dwight Howard was supposed to be a FA in 2012?

[wiley]

Normally I would say Danny would go chasing after Eric Gordon or O.J. Mayo to pair with Rondo....However, Avery Bradley is going to add a few pounds of muscle and he and Rondo are going to form the best backcourt tandem in the league starting for the 2010/2013 season, guaranteed best defense, at least.  If that wish of mine doesn't come true, Danny will trade Bradley for a really nice player with star potential, let's say Ed Davis, then Danny will sign Mayo.

Rondo, Nate
Mayo, Ray Allen (cheaper than heck)
Rudy Fernandez. Pierce
Ed Davis, Garnett (cheaper than heck), Baby
Perk, J.O.,Baby, Erden


Nate will play well with Ray and Pierce, not to mention KG.

Mayo is a restricted free agent that year. If Memphis wasn't willing to let Rudy Gay go anywhere as a restrcited free agent, what hope is there that they will allow OJ Mayo, a MUCH better player, go in free agency?

Would an obscene offer get it done ?

Okay, Eric Gordon also restricted....Hmmmmm.  Will C.J. Miles be a star (well, how about adequate to very good starter with good defense) by then?  He's more of a 3 right?  With Rudy starting at the 2.....Not a great starting lineup, but I think the big 3 will still have enough left to make up the best bench in the league.....

[nickagneta]

I thought Dwight Howard was supposed to be a FA in 2012?

I think that's 2013.

[hpantazo]

I thought Dwight Howard was supposed to be a FA in 2012?

I think that's 2013.

ok, thanks. Well, we should keep our cap space for 2013 then.

[Who]

Normally I would say Danny would go chasing after Eric Gordon or O.J. Mayo to pair with Rondo....However, Avery Bradley is going to add a few pounds of muscle and he and Rondo are going to form the best backcourt tandem in the league starting for the 2010/2013 season, guaranteed best defense, at least.  If that wish of mine doesn't come true, Danny will trade Bradley for a really nice player with star potential, let's say Ed Davis, then Danny will sign Mayo.

Rondo, Nate
Mayo, Ray Allen (cheaper than heck)
Rudy Fernandez. Pierce
Ed Davis, Garnett (cheaper than heck), Baby
Perk, J.O.,Baby, Erden


Nate will play well with Ray and Pierce, not to mention KG.

Mayo is a restricted free agent that year. If Memphis wasn't willing to let Rudy Gay go anywhere as a restrcited free agent, what hope is there that they will allow OJ Mayo, a MUCH better player, go in free agency?

Why is OJ Mayo a much better player than Rudy Gay?

[Cman]

I don't like the idea of trying to sign a FA.  I think most of the time, you overpay.

I much prefer the idea of trading for a quality player (the way Danny did for KG and Ray).

In my opinion, if Danny is smart, he'll use Ray and KG's expiring contracts as bait to land some quality players.

[nickagneta]

Normally I would say Danny would go chasing after Eric Gordon or O.J. Mayo to pair with Rondo....However, Avery Bradley is going to add a few pounds of muscle and he and Rondo are going to form the best backcourt tandem in the league starting for the 2010/2013 season, guaranteed best defense, at least.  If that wish of mine doesn't come true, Danny will trade Bradley for a really nice player with star potential, let's say Ed Davis, then Danny will sign Mayo.

Rondo, Nate
Mayo, Ray Allen (cheaper than heck)
Rudy Fernandez. Pierce
Ed Davis, Garnett (cheaper than heck), Baby
Perk, J.O.,Baby, Erden


Nate will play well with Ray and Pierce, not to mention KG.

Mayo is a restricted free agent that year. If Memphis wasn't willing to let Rudy Gay go anywhere as a restrcited free agent, what hope is there that they will allow OJ Mayo, a MUCH better player, go in free agency?

Why is OJ Mayo a much better player than Rudy Gay?

Well he is definitely not a worse player than Gay.

Your opinion might be that he isn't a better player than Gay but a lot of people's opinions are that he is. From comments I have heard from Chris Wallace, I believe he thinks he is as well.

IMO, Mayo is much better because he has the potential to get much better. Gay, IMO, has hit his ceiling. Currently, they are pretty even in regards to performance.

[Who]

Normally I would say Danny would go chasing after Eric Gordon or O.J. Mayo to pair with Rondo....However, Avery Bradley is going to add a few pounds of muscle and he and Rondo are going to form the best backcourt tandem in the league starting for the 2010/2013 season, guaranteed best defense, at least.  If that wish of mine doesn't come true, Danny will trade Bradley for a really nice player with star potential, let's say Ed Davis, then Danny will sign Mayo.

Rondo, Nate
Mayo, Ray Allen (cheaper than heck)
Rudy Fernandez. Pierce
Ed Davis, Garnett (cheaper than heck), Baby
Perk, J.O.,Baby, Erden


Nate will play well with Ray and Pierce, not to mention KG.

Mayo is a restricted free agent that year. If Memphis wasn't willing to let Rudy Gay go anywhere as a restrcited free agent, what hope is there that they will allow OJ Mayo, a MUCH better player, go in free agency?

Why is OJ Mayo a much better player than Rudy Gay?

Well he is definitely not a worse player than Gay.

Your opinion might be that he isn't a better player than Gay but a lot of people's opinions are that he is. From comments I have heard from Chris Wallace, I believe he thinks he is as well.

IMO, Mayo is much better because he has the potential to get much better. Gay, IMO, has hit his ceiling. Currently, they are pretty even in regards to performance.

I prefer Gay's potential over Mayo's unless OJ shows he can move over to the point guard position.

If Mayo can play the point then it's comparable between the two although I'd still probably choose Gay because of his athleticism at the three.

Not happy with Mayo's ability or potential in non-scoring play (defense, rebounding, passing) for a shooting guard. Not happy with Gay's either (current ability) but I like Gay's potential to defend and rebound his position better than Mayo (as a SG).

I don't see any circumstance where I would consider Mayo the better player or prospect though. Best case scenario, he is comparable to Gay.