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.

What an amazing past 2 months filled with NHL and NBA Playoff action! Almost every night had a game that came down to the final shot or overtime. In the end, the Boston Bruins and Dallas Mavericks took home the titles. Here’s a quick look back on some of the best of the 2011 NHL and NBA Playoffs.

NHL

Best Series: Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Any time a team comes back from being down 3-0 to force a game 7, you know it’s a great series. Add in the two clubs’ recent rivalry, and that both games 6 & 7 went to overtime, and you have the recipe for the best series of the 2011 playoffs.

Breakout Performance: Brad Marchand

This rookie put up 19 points in 25 games! Not enough for you? In game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, he posted 2 goals and an assist!

Biggest Surprise: The Capitals get swept in the Conference Semi’s

A year removed from being upset after having a 3-1 series lead, the Capitals again earned the #1 seed only to be swept by the Lightning.

Most Memorable: Tim Thomas’s hit on Henrik Sedin

A defining play by the Finals MVP. Thomas put a huge hit on the Canucks superstar. Henrik Sedin will never live this down. Check out the hit here.

NBA

Best Series: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies

This terrific series highlighted two up & coming teams in the West. The 7 game showdown was extra special for the reason that it showcased two small market teams with astonishing fan support. This match up should be a reoccurring series for many years to come.

Breakout Performance: JJ Barea

It’s great for the game when a guy who looks like he could be your neighbor delivers under pressure. Barea had 7 double digit point games including 17 & 15 in the last two games of the NBA Finals.

Biggest Surprise: LeBron James’ Finals performance

This will go down as one of the most puzzling events in NBA history. The 2x NBA MVP only averaged 17.7 ppg, which was the largest drop off in points from a regular season to an NBA Finals in history.

Most Memorable: Dirk Nowitzki’s Playoff performance

His playoff performance catapulted his resume from NBA superstar to NBA legend.

Congratulations again to the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins and NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. Make sure to head to FansEdge for all your championship gear!