Technically NBA free agency started on July 7, as that's the first day contracts can actually be signed. Negotiations can begin a week before then, however, which means that by the time high profile free agents officially hit the market, the vast majority of them already have the framework of a deal in place.
The best NBA free agents still available
The stars are off the market but there are still some role players available that could help plenty of teams.
Kevin Durant and Al Horford were the biggest dominoes to fall and once they made up their minds, a barrage of smaller signings followed. Considering LeBron James is a lock to return to Cleveland, 24 of Tom Ziller's top 25 free agents are already off the market. Things have gone fast this year.
That doesn’t mean there’s no talent left in the free agency pool. These players won’t turn the fate of a franchise around but they can still contribute in smaller roles. Here are the top 10 free agents still on the market, according to Ziller’s ranking.
Top 10 free agents still available
1. Dion Waiters (Restricted free agent, No. 24 in Ziller's ranking)
Granted, there have been more intriguing story lines in Oklahoma City this offseason, with Serge Ibaka being traded and Kevin Durant leaving, but everyone seems to have forgotten about Dion Waiters. That may have to do with the Thunder's front office, which has not offered the restricted free agent a new contract. In all likelihood, they will wait to see what kind of deal Waiters can get on the open market and see if it's in their best interest to match that offer or let him walk and rely on Victor Oladipo to provide a spark off the bench.
Waiters, who averaged 10 points, two rebounds and two assists in the regular season and was solid in the playoffs, has reportedly received interest from the Kings, the Bulls and the 76ers. Chicago has acquired Dwyane Wade and no longer has cap space, while Sacramento covered its needs at the wing with Arron Afflalo and Garrett Temple. Philadelphia is looking like the most likely destination for Waiters, who would probably welcome the green light he could have on a young team that lacks proven scorers.
2. J.R. Smith (unrestricted free agent, No. 33 in Ziller's ranking)
NBA Champion J.R. Smith did everything right last season and yet the Cavaliers have not agreed to bring him back yet. The 30-year-old gunner started 77 games for Cleveland during the regular season and all 21 playoff games and provided valuable three-point shooting and solid defense all year long. He's earned one last big contract, which he will surely get.
The Cavaliers are expected to retain Smith, who’s probably still too busy celebrating the championship to worry about his next deal. LeBron James has not signed yet, but once he does, Smith’s return to Cleveland will likely become official. The only thing that could derail the negotiations is if J.R. asks for too much money. Considering he will probably want to get a chance to go for a repeat, it’s hard to see that happening.
3. Jared Sullinger (restricted free agent, No. 48 in Ziller's ranking)
The arrival of Al Horford in Boston has left Sullinger without a role on the Celtics, which is why it's not surprising that he hasn't received an offer from them yet. If another team comes in with a big offer, it's not hard to imagine Danny Ainge refusing to match it, considering the team has a loaded front court with players that are better than Sullinger, more versatile or both.
Sullinger can score and rebound, so he could definitely help some team. The fact that he’s a restricted free agent has reportedly scared off some suitors, but maybe later in the offseason someone will take a stab at trying to pry him away for cheap. If no one does, he can always accept the Celtics’ qualifying offer and enter unrestricted free agency next summer.
4. Jordan Hill (unrestricted free agent, No. 55 in Ziller's ranking)
Jordan Hill might be the most unremarkable yet useful NBA player out there. He spent last season with the Pacers and did some Jordan Hill stuff, namely rebound adequately, defend with energy and score efficiently. The problem is he's not a rim protector and can't stretch the floor, which makes him a limited player. It was not a surprise to see him losing his rotation spot later in the year in Indiana.
The Timberwolves were reportedly interested at one point and the Hornets were linked to him as well. Some team will sign Hill and bring him off the bench and get steady but unspectacular production from their fourth big. It's only a matter of time before a front office settles for the 28-year-old veteran.
5. Greivis Vasquez (unrestricted free agent, No. 64 in Ziller's ranking)
The Bucks traded a first round pick for Vasquez last summer. They would surely love a redo on that one, as the 29-year-old point guard struggled with injuries and suited up for just 29 games. He never got a chance to become the secondary ball handler and floor-spacer Milwaukee needed and the front office seems to have moved on, signing Matthew Dellavedova to fill that role.
If he's healthy now, however, he could definitely help a team looking for a backup. He hasn't been linked to any franchise but if he's willing to take a small, short-term contract to build his value back up, he will surely get offers. The Bulls, Pistons and Cavaliers, to name a few, could all use a veteran playmaker off the bench. Vasquez will just have to be patient.
The next five
6. Donatas Motiejunas (restricted free agent, No. 68 in Ziller's ranking)
The Rockets won't likely let him go, as they can match any offer. If healthy he's a borderline starting-caliber player. Could be Houston's third big man next season.
7. Luis Scola (unrestricted free agent, No. 69 in Ziller's ranking)
Scola started for the Raptors last season but at this point in his career, he's better off coming off the bench, where his poor defense is not that big of an issue.
8. Terrence Jones (unrestricted free agent, No. 70 in Ziller's ranking)
The Rockets rescinded their qualifying offer, making Jones an unrestricted free agent. The 24-year-old forward has showed flashes when healthy but has been very inconsistent.
9. Meyers Leonard (restricted free agent, No. 71 in Ziller's ranking)
Leonard got hurt last season and the Trail Blazers missed his shooting, as no other big on the roster could hit three-pointers. It's hard to see him leave Portland.
10. Mario Chalmers (unrestricted free agent, No. 72 in Ziller's ranking)
Chalmers tore his Achilles last season but says he will be ready to go by training camp. If that’s true, he could receive interest from a contender. A reunion with LeBron James seems like a good idea.
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