With NBA free agency now more than a month in, just about every major free agent has signed a deal. Some had major effects such as Lebron James signing with the Lakers and Paul George resigning with the OKC Thunder. Others you may not have heard about, including Mike Scott signing with the Clippers and Zaza Pachulia signing with the Pistons. However, even though most free agents have found a nice home for the upcoming season, the following have not yet and likely will before opening tip.
1. Rodney Hood- A restricted free agent, his stock dropped a lot after being traded to the Cavaliers. The Cavs are apparently interested in bringing him back though, and he is likely going to have a large role on the team with Lebron gone. Very possible the two sides will settle on a short term contract since Hood now has a good opportunity to prove himself worthy of a bigger one.
2. Jahlil Okafor- A few years ago was one of the top picks in the draft and expected to have a bright future as an NBA all-star. Now; he will be lucky to get a minimum deal somewhere and occupy the last seat on the bench. Very likely will have to go overseas, at least temporarily to get back to the NBA.
3. Richard Jefferson - Has done a gone job of extending his NBA career, but it is likely over for him. Possible for him to find a role as a mentor on a team, but probably should call it a career on his own terms.
4. Jameer Nelson - Another member of the probably should retire club. He has spent the past few seasons on a few different teams as a backup point guard and could still give another year in a similar role. With as few open roster spots as there are now, he could likely retire after an impressive career.
5. Jamal Crawford - He opted out of his deal and might end up regretting it. He definitely wants to continue in the league and there is likely one team out there (probably a playoff team looking for a veteran bench player) that will end up signing him to a short term deal.
6. Nick Young - A newly crowned champion even if was as a member of the Warriors, he is definitely one of the most surprising players still looking for a contract. Will likely get a minimum deal at this point, but at least it will be with an NBA team.
7. David West - Most likely to retire. Coming off of a couple championship years as a Warrior, there isn't much else he can do still and likely isn't much he is still able to do.
8. Joe Johnson - After getting traded midyear and ending up with the Rockets to finish the season, he proved he does not have much in the take. Even though he wants to play another year, it is likely no team gives him a chance to do so. Retirement a big likelihood and not by choice.
9. Mario Chalmers - After winning a couple championships and playing in four straight finals early in his career, he has all but disappeared from the league despite hanging on to a roster spot. Still not too old, but might have to reclaim himself overseas because being in the NBA next season is not a guarantee with him.
10. Dwyane Wade - The only person on this list who could sign as soon as he wants. The Miami Heat have a spot waiting for him, but he is deciding on whether or not he wants to play next season. The Heat are the only team he will play for if he returns, I believe he will come back for one more season.
11. Udonis Haslem - Basically, the same thing as Wade, but the Heat haven't played him much at all over the last couple of seasons so if he came back it would be as the last player on the bench. No other team will likely sign him, so basically its retire or resign and not play for Haslem.
12. Jason Terry - Has extended his career more than most could have thought and even though he wants to play another year, it is doubtful any team gives him the chance to do so. One of the most likely retirement candidates.
13. Aaron Brooks - Has about the same likelihood of being on a team opening night as Chris Rock.
14. Jarret Jack - Has about the same likelihood of being on a team opening night as Aaron Brooks.
15. Corey Brewer - Started for a playoff team this past postseason. Will likely be one of the last signings of the offseason for the minimum.
16. Arron Afflalo - A few years ago he was an above average starter and sixth man. Now he apparently is not worth signing. He is definitely a candidate for the late signing for a small amount and ends up playing a role on a team award though.
17. Ramon Sessions - Hopefully will sign with one of the few teams he has not played for before just so he can get closer to that record. Not definite he finds a roster spot this season though.
18. Ty Lawson - Came back to show he can still do a little bit, so might have earned him a spot on a roster this upcoming season.
19. Carmelo Anthony - He is still technically a free agent. 99% odds he signs with Houston though.
20. There are plenty of other people who played at least one game in the NBA last year and are still unsigned. This last spot will go to Tarik Black who most people probably don't realize played in the postseason with the Houston Rockets last year. Might not get a shot to stay in the NBA, at least short term though.
