Despite NBA Free Agency opening up just a little over a month ago, within a couple of weeks, the period was basically over. Only a few players have signed with teams in the few weeks since and not many more are expected to sign before training camp begins. However, there are still some talented players available and looking to still sign with a team before then. It is possible some of them still could. Here is a list of the top remaining free agents. (Note: Miles Bridges is not included due to his criminal charges. A team is doubtful to sign him this year because he would likely be suspended for the whole season regardless.)
- Collin Sexton (restricted) - Sexton is in a fierce contract negotiation with the Cavaliers. He wants 20 million+ and the Cavs have reportedly offered him around 13 million/year. since he is a restricted free agent the Cavaliers could match any offer he receives from another team. It is inevitable he ends up back with Cleveland this year, but the question is do they come to a contract agreement, or does he take the qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next year? (Update-Sexton was part of the big Donovan Mitchell trade and sign-and-trade heading to Utah)
- Dennis Schroder- A year and half ago, the Lakers considered offering him a 4 year, 80-million-dollar contract. Now he is at the point where he will have to take a minimum one-year contract somewhere. He is still young enough and talented enough to get a roster spot somewhere and will likely sign by the time the season begins. It could be in places like Charlotte or Brooklyn depending on what they do in the Durant saga. (Update -signed with the Lakers for the minimum)
- Jeremy Lamb - He has been injured a lot in recent years but has a large upside. He is still fairly young and come be a steal at the minimum as a key bench player. If he stays healthy ....
- Carmelo Anthony - Had a decent year last year but is getting up in age and has already had a longer career than almost anyone else. It is very possible some team will give him one last hurrah and he will play one last year trying to win his first championship.
- Montrezl Harrell - He is also in trouble with the law, but it is not something that should end up with him being suspended long term or in jail. He brings a lot of energy and could boost a bench as a scoring big. Like the few before him, he will likely play somewhere this year. (Update - signed with the 76ers a big man off the bench)
- Hassan Whiteside - His career has had its ups and downs. He started out of nowhere, made it big and has come crashing down. He did have a pretty good season last year as a backup center. Any team that needs a backup center should look at him first.
- Demarcus Cousins - From All-star to injured to backup to barely in the league. The last couple of years he has been on the fringe of making a roster. Yet, he keeps surprising everyone and showing he could be a good backup big. Definitely a chance he ends up on a team this year.
- Markieff Morris - Hit hot headedness resulted in a play in which injured him for most of the year last year. Having been a backup the previous couple of years, this made him go from good player in the league to guy who might not make it back, at least certainly not on a guaranteed contract. (Update - signed with the Brooklyn Nets)
- Eric Bledsoe - A couple of year ago he was a starter in the league. Even the beginning of last year, he started a bunch of games and was a decent role player. He could still be a good backup point guard for a team, perhaps Charlotte if they dont sign Dennis Schroder or get a chance to reunite with Kemba Walker who as of now is still on the Detroit Pistons.
- Blake Griffin - He has had a major downfall from where he was a few years ago but could still be a bench player and give a decent amount of scoring and playmaking as a big off the bench for a team. He ain't going back to Brooklyn, so as he has said, he is hoping to get with a LA team, but at this point he should take any roster spot he can get.
Others who are available and have a shot at playing in the NBA this year still:
Dwight Howard - Has another year or so.
Lamarcus Aldridge - Might retire, but someone might want him as scoring backup big.
DJ Augustin - 3rd player who could take that Charlotte backup point guard job.
Tristan Thompson - Comes with a lot of spotlight, but could still play pretty well.
Elfrid Payton - Still very young and if someone gets injured this year, will get a call.
Rajon Rondo - Also, has had some trouble with the law this offseason, but has had a great career.
Others who should probably retire now for one reason or another, but haven't announced it:
Udonis Haslem - The Heat say he doesn't take up a roster spot, but he does and should become a coach. (Update - Signed with the ....... Heat again duh)
Andre Iguodala - Also would take spot on the Warriors, great career should retire and become a coach.
Lou Williams - One of the best 6th men ever, but his time has passed, should retire while he still can.
Paul Millsap - Showed last year he is not really capable of competing in the league anymore.
Trevor Ariza - Made it longer than most would have though. Great career, but over now.
There are quite a few other free agents still available, most of whom have not played in the NBA that long. It will be interesting to see who still signs, who announces retirement and who never gets a call while hoping they get one.
