One silver lining of the lockout-delayed start to the 2011-12 NBA season, is the potential free agency fire sale that will take place prior to tip-off.

From Friday (Saturday morning, Australia time) teams can officially begin signing un-contracted players for the upcoming season.

What originally appeared to be a somewhat lackluster class was given a substantial boost, thanks largely to the freshly minted ‘Amnesty Clause'. Basically, the clause gives each team the ability to cancel one ‘bad' contract, without having to pay out the player. As a result, expect to see high-profile players enter the free agent market.

To get fans ready for the free agency bonanza, here at BackPageLead, we've created a guide to some of the more high profile players (ignoring potential amnesty players) set to relocate in the coming weeks.

TOP OF THE CLASS

1. Tyson Chandler

Over the past 12 months, Tyson Chandler has gone from a solid but not spectacular NBA big man, to one of the most important pieces to a championship winning side.

As a result, he is now in high demand on the open market.

Chandler recently told ESPN that he doesn't think he will still be with the Dallas Mavericks once the 2011 season starts. It seems to be a three-horse race for who will end up securing the centre's services, with Chandler set to meet with the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets in the next few days. Although, considering New Jersey's interest in Dwight Howard (more on that later) it seems as though he would be a contingency plan for the Nets.

2. Nene

In recent days Nene has emerged as something of a ‘Dwight Howard backup plan'. New Jersey is again one of the sides interested in acquiring the Brazilian's services.

Yet, with Indiana's Larry Bird allegedly meeting with Nene before Friday's official start, the Pacers have firmed as favourites to get the signature they desire.

Adding a proven performer to a young side that has made the playoffs in May could be the catalyst to push the Pacers higher up the Eastern Conference standings.

3. Jamaal Crawford

The perennial NBA sixth man of the year contender is a hot commodity this offseason.

SI.com reported earlier in the week that Chicago, Orlando, Indiana, New Orleans, Atlanta, New Jersey, Minnesota and Phoenix have all expressed interest in the prolific scorer.

New Orleans is the supposed front-runner of the group, followed by Phoenix and Chicago.

If Chicago were somehow able to acquire Crawford (with a sign and trade the most likely approach) they would fill their most glaring weakness from a season ago. Adding a consistent, volume scorer, would reduce the pressure of needing to almost single-handedly generate the Bulls offense on MVP Derrick Rose.

MID-LEVEL OPTIONS

‘Role players' with the ability to consistently produce solids numbers are always sought after in the NBA. While this level of player usually does not feature any All-Star players or household names, they can be the difference between a championship and postseason failure (case and point; the 2011 NBA Finals).

Teams in the market for some extra firepower have plenty of options in the coming weeks, with Nick Young, Shannon Brown, Caron Butler, Arron Afflalo and Jason Richardson all expected to be on the move.

If tall timber is what sides are searching for, expect Greg Oden, Samuel Dalembert, Kwame Brown and even veteran Kurt Thomas to top shopping lists across the league.

TRADE CANDIDATES

1. Dwight Howard

All signs appear to be pointing towards (cover your eyes Magic fans) All-Star centre Dwight Howard forcing his way out of Orlando. The prospect of Howard donning purple and gold in the Staples Centre seemed to be the most probably outcome, given his claims that he wants to play in one of the top markets.

Los Angeles certainly fits that bill.

Yet, New Jersey (soon to be Brooklyn) seemed to have stolen a march on any Laker plans for Howard, with the Nets reportedly having offered a duo of first-round draft picks and Brook Lopez to the Magic.

The Lakers are believed to have countered with an offer of Andrew Bynum and a selection of others, in their attempt to reel in the biggest prize in the NBA. That was rebuffed.

Then to complicate matters even further LA's second team, the Clippers, came to the bargaining table with the players and finances to get Howard. Reports suggest that the Clippers would offer Chris Kaman, DeAndre Jordan and Eric Gordon to Orlando.

Personally, the Lakers still seem to be leading the race for Howard. With other moves being mulled is Laker land, a deal centered on Pau Gasol would be the only option.

2. Chris Paul

Ever since his infamous wedding toast, Chris Paul has appeared destined to be a member of the New York Knicks. His desire to play alongside Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire is well documented, meaning that the Knicks have the best chance at adding Paul.

But, with the Knicks being forced to give up so much in the deal to acquire Anthony last year, trade assets aren't exactly in high supply at MSG. Resultantly, the Knicks being forced to wait until the end of the upcoming season to sign Paul as a free agent seemed to be the best chance for New York.

Yet, as New York potentially waits, other suitors have emerged.

Boston was seemingly willing to swap Rajon Rondo for Paul, a proposed move that upset some Celtics faithful.

Again, the Clippers are reportedly making a huge push to sign a superstar to align with Blake Griffin, but once again the Lakers may steal their thunder.

The Lakers - clearly spurned by their playoff collapse - seem to be determined to sign not one, but two new superstars. At the same time as they are courting Howard, Lakers officials announced they were also exploring their options for Paul.

SheridanHoops.com reported Wednesday that Laker sources believe that a trade package built around Bynum and Lamar Odom could be enough to see Paul make the move to Southern California.