Free agency started out at a hectic pace with teams re-signing their players, stars switching squads, salaries rising fast and The DeCommitment punctuating a crazy week. Things have calmed down now, as most franchises have already secured their cores for the upcoming season. What’s left to do is round out the rosters, and there are still some free agents out there who can help with that.
The 10 best NBA free agents still available
The market has mostly dried up, but there’s still some talent available.
These are the 10 best remaining free agents, according to Tom Ziller’s guide (ranking in parentheses):
1. Tristan Thompson (17)
It was considered to be a formality, but Thompson has still not signed his extension with the Cavaliers despite his great performance in the playoffs. LeBron James was reportedly holding out before re-signing until Thompson was locked down, but he went ahead and inked his deal. It will be really hard for any team to poach Thompson because he's a restricted free agent and the Cavaliers can match offers on him. But if the situation drags out, Thompson might be forced to go hunting for offer sheets.
2. Josh Smith (48)
After being waived by the Pistons, Smith revitalized his career and improved his reputation by accepting a bench role with the Rockets and doing well in it. Yet teams still don't seem convinced about adding the athletic forward despite his price tag likely being low thanks to the $5 million he'll get from Detroit this year. The Kings and Clippers are reportedly interested, but nothing seems imminent.
UPDATE: Smith signed with the Clippers.
3. J.R. Smith (51)
Smith opted out of the last year of a contract that would have paid him over $6 million, hoping to sign a multi-year deal with the Cavaliers. While Cleveland is still reportedly hoping to bring him back, there hasn’t been much progress yet. Smith is an unrestricted free agent who can get hot and put up points, but few teams will likely take a chance on the mercurial guard. He’ll probably return to the Cavaliers.
4. Dorell Wright (56)
Wright shot 38 percent from outside last season as a member of the Trail Blazers and was willing to play some power forward in small units despite giving up inches. He's not a good defender or rebounder, but anyone who can punish teams from beyond the arc has value in the NBA. He's been linked to the Heat, but it's unclear if the interest is mutual.
5. Matthew Dellavedova (57)
The third Cavalier on the list. Dellavedova went from fringe player to folk hero thanks to his performance in the playoffs once Kyrie Irving went down, but he hasn't attracted much attention in free agency. Delly is looking to cash in on his fame, reportedly looking for a multi-year contract starting at $4 million, which the Cavaliers have understandably been hesitant to offer. He's a restricted free agent, so the negotiations could drag on.
6. Andre Miller (64)
Miller, who will turn 40 next season, is on his last legs. Point guards rarely age well, but because he never relied on athleticism, Miller has been able to transition to a small role while still being serviceable. He finished last season with the Kings after being traded by the Wizards. After the departure of Ray McCallum via trade, he could return to Sacramento as a third point guard.
7. Darrell Arthur (65)
Arthur has been trying to become a stretch four, taking more three-pointers last season than in his previous five years in the league combined. Unfortunately, he only connected on 23.6 percent of them. That’s why the athletic power forward is still on the market. If he improves on that area or goes back to shooting mid-range jumpers instead, he has value as a bench player thanks to his solid defense. The Clippers are reportedly interested.
8. Jason Terry (66)
Terry did better than anyone could have anticipated as the Rockets' starting point guard during the playoffs, but he will be 38 next season. He's still a knockdown shooter but he can't really create anymore. As a bench piece on a good team he still has value, so someone will pick him up. The Mavericks were interested in a reunion, but the Rockets will likely retain him.
9. Norris Cole (70)
Cole was good in New Orleans after being traded by the Heat, averaging 10 points and three assists per game as a Pelican. He's a restricted free agent and could return to New Orleans, but he's not their highest priority now that Jrue Holiday is healthy. The 76ers have emerged as a suitor and could really use someone with experience at the point guard position.
10. Kevin Seraphin (76)
Seraphin had been linked to the Mavericks prior to their trade for Zaza Pachulia and has also received interest from the Lakers and the Wizards, who could re-sign him. Seraphin is nothing special, but can protect the rim and score in the post in a pinch. For the right price, he could be a good addition. As the best center left in the market, he can afford to wait a little while to figure out his best option.
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