Just a few months ago, the NFL ended their lockout. The end of the lockout signaled the start of a protracted training camp and a shortened free agency period. The free agency period was a fast and furious signing frenzy with stars switching teams and players scrambling to find new homes. Now, the NBA is going through the same thing. While the new deal is not yet ratified, players are allowed to talk to teams now, with Friday December 9th as the first day free agents can sign new contracts.

The defending champion Dallas Mavericks could potentially lose a lot of talent from last year’s roster. Caron Butler is fielding offers from other teams, JJ Barea may be a victim of his NBA Finals success, and big man Tyson Chandler could also be on the move. The Denver Nuggets Nene Hilario is attracting a lot of attention, along with teammate Arron Afflalo. New Orleans Hornets power forward David West rounds out the top tier of free agents.

While there are some nice players eligible for free agency, the entire NBA landscape is really up to two stars that are in the final year of their deals. Chris Paul, the dynamic New Orleans Hornets point guard has long wanted to play with Carmelo Anthony in New York. The finances of a trade to the Knicks will be tricky, because they already have two max contract players with Amar’e Stoudemire already playing next to Melo. Unfortunately for the Knicks, they lack the assets (young talented players) to probably pull off a trade for Chris Paul, so they may end up losing out on another prized free agent (google The Decision of 2010). The other major star in the final deal of his contract and attracting attention from the entire league is Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard is a physical specimen at center for the Orlando Magic. He’s so valuable to his franchise that the Orlando Magic CEO just resigned amid controversy over him begging Dwight not to leave town. Howard is expected to attract trade offers from the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls, and the New Jersey Nets, just to name a few teams.

We aren’t sure who’s going where, but we do know that come December 9th, the signings will come from every direction. You can stay up to date on the action or track down gear for your favorite player right here at FansEdge. Visit our NBA Store for all the latest news, info and NBA gear.