With the top free agents already signed, I have composed a
list of free agents still available that are worth taking a look out for teams
filling out their rosters. There aren’t many if any still superstar players
available to sign, but there are still game changers who can help put a team
over the top. Now that Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, reportedly Gordon Hayward,
Blake Griffin and others agreeing to new contracts, these players are looking
for a team still.
Derrick Rose- (Knicks) The only former MVP that is
still a free agent, Rose tried to reclaim himself in one year in New York, did
not come out to be the player he once was though. Still can be a starting point
guard in this league though, now that Minnesota and Sacramento have signed
point guards his options are limited though.
Dirk Nowitzki- (Mavericks) Dallas declined his option
although everyone knows it was just so they could have more salary cap
flexibility. Nowitzki isn’t going anywhere except for Dallas to finish off a
hall of fame career.
Rudy Gay- (Kings) Gay has already had a
lengthy career and should have more to offer as long as he can avoid injury.
Teams looking for a starting forward at a reasonable price should look to him.
He reportedly was interested in signing with Oklahoma City before they traded
for Paul George.
Dion Waiters- (Heat) He is basically J.R. Smith in
younger form. Waiters had a good year in Miami and proved he can be a scoring
man. Likely to get overpaid by some young team looking to spend money.
Hopefully his personality can fit in though, because he can get crazy on the
court.
Nerlens Noel- (Mavericks) A restricted free agent,
there is a large upside for his career and Dallas will almost certainly bring
him back after acquiring him at the trade deadline last year. Now that Dirk is
close to retirement the Mavericks might start building around him.
Pau Gasol- (Spurs) Gasol opted out of his contract to
help the Spurs with their cap situation. At this point in his career he is a
good role player to have, but probably not going to be an all-star again. Very
likely that he resigns with San Antonio and could finish his career there.
Danilo Gallinari- (Nuggets) Reportedly has agreed to
join the Clippers and will head there on a sign and trade deal that will likely
force Jamal Crawford out of LA. Gallinari is a solid player and can be an all-star
if he plays to his potential.
Otto Porter Jr.- (Wizards) A restricted free agent,
was reportedly going to be signed by the Kings until they agreed with Zach
Randolph and George Hill. Since the Wizards did not get Paul George it is
definitely possible he returns to DC. Which might be awkward for John Wall.
Rajon Rondo- (Bulls) Is it possible the prime of his
career was in the very beginning? Had a decent season and is proving to be more
of a team player and guy you would want in a locker room. If a team can get him
for cheap, could be a top backup point guard or average starter.
Tony Allen- (Grizzlies) He is still one of the best
defenders in the league and a team needing a wing defender could really use
him. Probably won’t be back with the Grizzlies.
Other players who can make an impact………..
Mike Dunleavy- (Hawks) The Hawks released Dunleavy to
prove they are in full rebuilding mode so any team that can use an outside
shooter could sign him.
Tyreke Evans- (Kings) Has had an up and down career
and could still play at a high level if he can avoid injuries that have plagued
his career the past few years.
Kelly Olynyk- (Celtics) A big man, probably not going
to make a huge impact, but certainly can be a big presence off the bench,
especially if you need him to guard Kevin Love…
Jeff Green- (Magic) There used to be a question if
Durant or Green would have a better career. That didn’t last very long. Green
has become a modest role player at least and won’t be very expensive.
Zaza Pachulia- (Warriors) He was a starter on the
championship team, no easy task. However, it is a lot easier when you are
playing alongside four of the best players in the league. While Golden State
has resigned a bunch of key players already, it does not look likely he will be
added to that list.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute- (Clippers) After starting
for the Clippers the past couple of years he will likely have to find a new
home. An above average defender, but below average on offense.
Nick Young- (Lakers) Surprisingly opted out of his
contract, but believes he can get more money. Had a rebound year and despite
being a knucklehead can still score the ball. Might sign with Warriors.
Thabo Sefolosha- (Hawks) A key part of the Thunder
teams and more recently Hawks teams, but will probably end up somewhere else
and show how well he can still play defense.
Javale McGee- (Warriors) After being a laughingstock
for a while, he had a nice bounce back year as a backup on the championship
team. Could possibly resign with Golden State.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope- (Pistons) A still young
player, Detroit sees upside on him and could one day be an all-star. He will
likely stay in Detroit.
Amongst the rest, some people who will definitely get a good
look at a roster spot are…….
Patrick Patterson- (Raptors) A good player and a good piece
for a winning team to add.
Andre Roberson- (Thunder) The Thunder like him and will
likely bring him back if they can still afford him.
Michael Beasley- (Bucks) He is still around and making a name
for himself.
David Lee- (Spurs) Can still help out a team, like he proved
he could in San Antonio.
Manu Ginobili- (Spurs) Might become an annual question, one
more year or retire? Probably should retire before he sinks too low in the
manner that Tim Duncan did.
Omri Casspi- (Timberwolves) Had a crazy year last year, but
has proven to be a top bench player in the league.
Tiago Splitter- (76ers) Was hurt last year, but it wasn’t
too long ago he started on elite Spurs teams.
Raymond Felton- (Clippers) Had a good year backing up CP3
last year, should get a deal somewhere to be a backup point guard again.
Ersan Ilyasova- (Hawks) Can be a good player in the league,
his career is far from over.
Deron Williams- (Cavaliers) His career has been a
disappointment especially in recent years, and based on his performance in the
playoffs, it is clear his career is coming to an end in the near future.
Still a chance….
James Jones- (Cavaliers) The best chance he has of
playing in the NBA again next year is coming back to Cleveland once again. How
many people realize he has been in 7 straight NBA Finals.
Roy Hibbert- (Nuggets) His career has gone down
quickly, not very likely he ever is as good as he was a few years ago again.
James Johnson-
(Heat) He is good enough to play in the league and played well in Miami.
Brandon Rush-
(Timberwolves) Most people do not realize he is still in the league
Dante Cunningham- (Pelicans) Before signing with New
Orleans most teams were scared to sign him, now they probably still are, just
for other reasons.
Alex Len- (Suns) A young center, probably won’t be an
all-star anytime soon though
Ty Lawson- (Kings) His career took a downfall and he
has managed to stabilize it slightly, not gonna be a starter again though.
Brandon Bass- (Clippers) His career isn’t going to
last much longer, maybe as a 14th or 15th man.
Chris Bosh- (Heat) If he is allowed to play he could
be the best free agent remaining although who knows if he can ever play again,
let alone be an all-star once more.
Tyler Ennis-
(Lakers) Apparently the Lakers are interested in bringing him back.
