Sunday, December 22, 2024

The Top Remaining NBA Free Agents

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We are six days into NBA Free Agency and most of the top names have signed new deals. Some of these players include Paul George signing with the 76ers LeBron James resigning with the Lakers and Klay Thompson signing with the Mavericks. While most of the biggest stars are off the board, there are plenty of impactful free agents still available. Let’s explore some of the best players who are still free agents.

The Top Remaining NBA Free Agents

7. Malik Beasley

One of the league’s top three-point shooters is still available in free agency. Last season with the Bucks, Malik Beasley shot 41 percent from beyond the arc on 6.9 attempts per game. At this point, it’s likely Beasley will not return to Milwaukee. Despite, being a great shooter Beasley struggles mightily defensively. The Thunder, Warriors, and Pistons all have rumored interest in Beasley.

6. Caleb Martin

Caleb Martin is known for his incredible 2023 Eastern Conference Finals performance. He is a hard-nosed six-foot-five wing with 3-and-D qualities.  It feels unlikely that Martin will return to the Heat. The 76ers have known interest in Martin however, it’s worth noting he is seeking a $15 million dollar plus contract. The Bulls are another possible destination for Martin.

5. Spencer Dinwiddie

Spencer Dinwiddie is once again looking for a new home. The 10-year veteran has played with five different franchises. At the deadline, Dinwiddie was traded to the Raptors where he was bought out and eventually signed with the Lakers. The six-foot-five point guard is most impactful as a playmaker averaging 5.2 career assists. The Lakers and Mavericks are two teams with known interest in Dinwiddie. The Suns are another team to look out for as they desperately need playmaking however, Dinwiddie would have to take a veteran’s minimum deal in this scenario.

4. Gary Trent Jr.

Considering Gary Trent Jr.’s elite shooting ability it’s surprising he has yet to be signed. Trent shot 39.3 percent from three last year and is a career 38.6 three-point shooter. He will likely not return to the Raptors as they are entering a complete rebuild. Depending on what Trent is looking for contractually, the Lakers, Pistons, and Nuggets are all possible suitors. His fit with the Nuggets as a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope replacement is particularly exciting however, this would require Trent to accept a veteran’s minimum deal.

3. Miles Bridges

Controversial forward Miles Bridges is one of the best remaining free agents. Bridges’ off-the-court actions and charges are certainly a factor in him remaining unsigned. Considering the Hornets have yet to resign him the two sides could be looking to split especially as Charlotte enters a full rebuild. Basketball wise Bridges is an athletic 20-point scorer and versatile six-foot-seven forward. Bridges has garnered interest from the Clippers and Cavs.  Both teams could use a forward with Bridges’ skill set and could land him at a discount price.

2. Tyus Jones

It’s unclear why Tyus Jones has yet to be signed. The six-foot-one point guard is one of the league’s best floor generals. Notably, this season Jones posted an assist-to-turnover ratio of 7.3:1 to break his own record and led the league assist-to-turnover ratio for the fifth straight season. Jones would be immensely valuable to a contending team. The Heat, Lakers, Clippers, and Magic are all teams to watch for Jones. Perhaps this is the hold-up with Jones as a sign-and-trade deal needs to be in place for most of these teams to land him.

1. DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan is easily the biggest free agent still on the market. The 15-year-veteran wing is also a six-time All-Star. Last season DeRozan averaged 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. DeRozan is an elite wing creator who could greatly help a contender. Teams with rumored interest in DeMar include the Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Kings, 76ers, and Spurs. The hold-up with DeRozan finding a new team is partly due to his poor shooting abilities as he is a career 29 percent three-point shooter. Additionally, most of his suitors don’t have the cap space to sign him making a sign-and-trade necessary. Ultimately though, DeRozan is too talented to remain un-signed for much longer.

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