The Top 40 Free Agents Still Left On The Board
If your favorite team still has money to spend, there are plenty of quality players still up for grabs as of Friday morning...
Thursday was one of the wildest days in recent NBA history, with plenty of drama and signings. Yet, if your favorite team still has money to spend, there are plenty of quality players still up for grabs.
1. James Harden — Philadelphia 76ers — Player Option
Harden, who declined his $47.4 million option for the 2022-23 season, will meet with the Sixers this weekend to negotiate his new deal, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. It has been rumored that The Beard may be willing to ink a contract worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 million over three seasons, which would be a solid value contract for Philly.
2. Zach LaVine — Chicago Bulls — Unrestricted
K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports reported Thursday that LaVine and the Bulls are "expected to quickly work on a five-year max contract worth roughly $215 million." Yet, as of Friday morning, nothing has been officially announced.
3. Deandre Ayton — Phoenix Suns — Restricted
Amid the Kevin Durant Drama yesterday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said KD is "focused" on landing in Phoenix (noting Durant's relationship with Chris Paul and Devin Booker). Windy also reported that one reason KD requested the trade Thursday afternoon (before the start of free agency) was so DeAndre Ayton could potentially be included in possible trade packages. Something to keep an eye on.
4. Miles Bridges — Charlotte Hornets — Restricted
The situation involving Bridges has spiraled entirely out of control after his wife posted alarming photos of the injuries she suffered allegedly due to physical abuse from Brides. "I hate that it has come to this, but I can't be silent anymore," Mychelle Johnson, 24, posted to Instagram. "I've allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life."
5. Collin Sexton — Cleveland Cavaliers — Restricted
Sexton tore his left meniscus in early November and underwent surgery a week later, ending his season. It will be fascinating to see what offers he receives on the open market. In 2020-21, Sexton averaged 24.3 points and 4.4 assists while shooting 47.5% from the floor, 37.5% from downtown and 81.5% from the free-throw line. However, he struggled defensively, and the Cavs registered a league-worst 60-159 record over the first three years of his career. With Sexton out of action this season, Cleveland finished the season six games above .500. Because he is restricted, the Cavs can match any offer he receives.
6. Jusuf Nurkic — Portland Trail Blazers — Unrestricted
After a disappointing 2020-21 campaign, Jusuf Nurkic bounced back impressively this past season, averaging 15.0 points, a career-high 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 53.5% from the floor. Due to Nurk's tight bond with Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, Portland is expected to re-sign the big man to a multi-year deal. A starting unit of Dame, Simons, Josh Hart, the newly-acquired Jerami Grant and Nurkic should certainly allow the Blazers to compete for a playoff berth out West.
7. Mitchell Robinson — New York Knicks — Unrestricted
Mitch got off to a slow start in 2021-22, primarily due to not being in game shape when he arrived at training camp. His lack of conditioning limited his effectiveness early on. Yet, Mitch hit his stride after the calendar flipped to the new year. Over a 15-game stretch from early January through early February, Robinson averaged 11.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 1.6 blocks while shooting 79.8% (!!) from the floor in 27.2 minutes per contest. In a loss at Phoenix in early April, he became the first player since the NBA began recording blocks/steals in 1973-74 to record 15+ points, 15+ rebounds, 3+ steals, 2+ blocks and make all of his FGA in a game. And although Mitch sprinkled in some clunkers late in the year, he finished the season having appeared in 72 games despite missing the final three contests due to a non-Covid illness. On the flip side of the coin, his FT% dipped for a fourth straight season, as he converted less than 49% of his free throws.
8. Bruce Brown - Brooklyn Nets - Unrestricted
Brown's numbers aren't going to jump off the page at you, but his overall production, hustle, grit and defensive intensity are what competent teams should be targeting. Having a role player that is content in playing his role can be invaluable. In addition, he was one of the few Nets that showed up in Brooklyn's first-round sweep by Boston. Over Games 2 and 3 combined, Brown scored more points (49) and grabbed more rebounds (16) than both Kevin Durant (43 points / 12 boards ) and Kyrie Irving (26 points / 12 boards).
9. Gary Payton II - Golden State Warriors - Unrestricted
According to Yahoo's Chris Hayes, the Blazers have reportedly offered Payton a three-year deal worth $28 million. The contract contains a player option and extra incentives, per Hayes. We'll see if/when that becomes official.
10. Danilo Gallinari - San Antonio Spurs - Unrestricted
The Spurs received Gallo as part of the Dejounte Murry trade and will waive him once the deal is officially consummated. According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, Gallo is deciding between the Bulls and Celtics.
11. Donte DiVincenzo - Sacramento Kings - Unrestricted
Surprisingly, the Kings decided not to extend a qualifying offer to DiVincenzo. The 25-year-old averaged 10.3 points, 3.6 assists, 2.1 treys and 1.5 steals in the 25 games he played for Sacramento this past season.
12. John Wall — Houston Rockets — Player Option
Wall showed flashes of his immense talent in 2020-21 when he averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game for the Rockets but sat out the entire 2021-22. Over the past three seasons, in which he appeared in a grand total of just 40 contests, Wall banked $123,764,760. Or roughly $3 million PER GAME. He exercised his player option for 2022-23, but it was announced Monday afternoon that he had agreed to a buyout with Houston, enabling him to enter the market as an unrestricted free agent. Multiple outlets are reporting he plans to sign with the Clippers for their taxpayer mid-level exception.
13. T.J. Warren — Indiana Pacers — Unrestricted
Warren was a beast in the Orlando Bubble at the end of the 2019-20 season, when he averaged 31.0 points, 6.3 boards and 3.7 made treys. But he played just four games in 2020-21 and never set foot on an NBA court during this past season. He'll have to provide medicals to any team interested, but he won't turn 29 until September and is a certified bucket-getter when healthy. Warren is a true boom-or-bust option for a team looking to gamble on his undeniable skill set.
14. Kevon Looney - Golden State Warriors - Unrestricted
Looney was an integral part of the Warriors' postseason run which concluded in them capturing their fourth championship in the past eight years. He played in a total of 104 games in 2021-22 over the regular season and the playoffs combined (just two games shy of the NBA's all-time record). The Dubs obviously want to bring him back, but the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings are among teams reportedly interested in attempting to lure him away from the Bay.
15. Dennis Schroder - Houston Rockets - Unrestricted
The curious case of Dennis Schroder is a cautionary tale for players and agents about the risks of turning down guaranteed money to chase a payday in free agency. During the 2020-21 season, Schroder rejected a four-year, $84 million contract extension from the Lakers, as he was confident he'd be able to secure a deal worth close to $100 million as a free agent the following summer. However, after a bout with Covid-19 and a poor showing in the playoffs, Schroder didn't have nearly as many suitors as he'd hoped. Ultimately, he ended up settling for a one-year deal worth $5.9 million to join the Celtics. After a disappointing season, which included a trade from Boston to Houston, Schroder may have to settle for another unsatisfying one-year deal.
16. Jalen Smith - Indiana Pacers - Unrestricted
Last offseason, after a disappointing rookie campaign, the Suns declined Smith's team option of $4.7 million for 2022-23. As a result, Smith, the 10th overall pick in the 2020 draft, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Yet, after injuries and a Covid outbreak left the Suns short-handed in late December, Smith stepped in and stepped up, averaging 15.8 points (on 55.4% shooting) and 10.2 rebounds over a six-game stretch. In February, he was dealt to Indiana (along with a second-round pick) in exchange for Torrey Craig. Over 24 appearances for the Pacers, Smith averaged 13.4 points (on 53% shooting), 7.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in less than 25 minutes a night. It's quite rare for a former lottery to hit the open market just two years into his career, so it will be interesting to see what kind of offers Smith receives.
17. Otto Porter Jr. - Golden State Warriors - Unrestricted
After an up-and-down regular season, in which he averaged fewer than nine points per game for the first time since 2014-15, but did pull down 5.7 boards a night, Otto was inserted into the starting lineup for the final three games of the NBA Finals en route to the Warriors championship. He told ESPN he hopes to return to Golden State ("I do know this team can compete for another championship," Porter said, adding, "And I think it would be a great opportunity if I can stay here. It would be amazing to be here with this group of guys again and do it all over again."). However, bringing Otto back would have significant luxury tax ramifications for the Warriors.
18. Caleb Martin - Miami Heat - Restricted
Martin began the season on a two-way contract but became a valuable contributor for the Heat by December. He finished the year averaging 9.2 points and did so efficiently, shooting 50.7% from the floor, 41.3% from three-point territory and 76.3% from the charity stripe. Miami wants to bring him back, but they will have some competition.
19. Cody Martin - Charlotte Hornets - Restricted
Cody, like his brother Caleb, is a reliable two-way contributor. Cody posted career-highs across the board this past season, averaging 7.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 dimes and 1.2 steals, while shooting above 48% from the floor and 38% from downtown (after converting just 27.6% of his three-point attempts in 2020-21). Martin also finished the year among the league's leaders in charges drawn.
20. Montrezl Harrell - Charlotte Hornets - Unrestricted
Harrell has had another productive and efficient season off the bench, averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists, while shooting 63.9% across 62 games for both the Wizards and Charlotte Hornets (following a mid-season trade). However, he is now facing felony drug charges and potential jail time after allegedly being pulled over in Kentucky in early May with three pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags. Consequently, his value will largely be determined by his ability to clear up his legal issues.
21. Thomas Bryant - Washington Wizards - Unrestricted
Bryant inked a three-year, $25 million deal in 2019 and played well for the Wiz during the first year of that pact, averaging 13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in under 25 minutes a night. He also started the following season impressively before tearing his ACL in early 2021. Bryant returned to action in January but logged fewer than 17 minutes a night, primarily due to Washington's acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis at the trade deadline. Still just 24 years old, Bryant could be a worthwhile investment for a team in the market for a young big. Chris Hayes tweeted Friday morning that Bryant is "receiving significant interest from contending teams including the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics" and is expected to make a decision soon.
22. Goran Dragic - Brooklyn Nets - Unrestricted
23. Derrick Jones Jr. - Chicago Bulls - Unrestricted
24. Aaron Holiday - Phoenix Suns - Restricted
25. Robin Lopez - Orlando Magic - Unrestricted
26. Jeremy Lamb - Sacramento Kings - Unrestricted
27. Bryn Forbes - Denver Nuggets - Unrestricted
28. Serge Ibaka - Milwaukee Bucks - Unrestricted
29. Josh Jackson - Sacramento Kings - Unrestricted
30. Jordan Nwora - Milwaukee Bucks - Restricted
31. Carmelo Anthony - L.A. Lakers - Unrestricted
32. DeMarcus Cousins - Denver Nuggets - Unrestricted
33. Nemanja Bjelica - Golden State Warriors - Unrestricted
34. Hassan Whiteside - Utah Jazz - Unrestricted
35. Blake Griffin - Brooklyn Nets - Unrestricted
36. Josh Okogie - Minnesota Timberwolves - Unrestricted
37. Ben McLemore - Portland Trail Blazers - Unrestricted
38. Tristan Thompson - Chicago Bulls - Unrestricted
39. Jarrett Culver - Memphis Grizzlies - Unrestricted
40. Bismack Biyombo - Phoenix Suns - Unrestricted