The best available free agents right now could make a difference if given another chance in the NBA.
Rosters for the 2023/24 NBA season seem more or less set, with all 30 teams beginning their training camp this week. With preseason games just two days away as well, we can officially say the NBA is back after a very long and active offseason.
In the sea of players signed, there are always some good-value veterans left on the market after the summer. This year is no different, with multiple players who may have something left to prove sitting without a roster spot for next season. As the season goes on, these players are likely to be signed to fill out roster spots for injuries or to bring production to a struggling team.
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Who are the best available free agents right now as we head into the 23/24 season?
10. Kendrick Nunn
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Kendrick Nunn met the end of a two-season spell with the Lakers that was wrought with injury last season when he was traded to the Washington Wizards for Rui Hachimura.
Nunn played out the season as a rotational player in Washington, averaging 7.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over the course of 31 games. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t impressive for the former Rookie of the Year finalist to get a spot in the NBA this season.
Nunn is a utility-based two-way guard who could bolster the rotation of any team in the NBA. He won’t be signed to give big production but to have a defensive option on the bench that can also stretch the floor. The odds of him signing a contract right now are slim, but he could very well be rostered by a team before December.
9. Goran Dragic
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Goran Dragic has been a surprising name to have sat in free agency the entire summer. The veteran point guard has established himself as a solid end-of-the-bench option but is struggling to find a team that will guarantee him minutes.
He averaged 6.3 points and 2.6 assists for the Bulls last season, failing to show anyone why he still has a place in the league.
Dragic is 37 years old and serves a limited purpose for veteran teams. What can’t be doubted about him is his ability to provide steady point guard play on a contender. He was widely linked with the Miami Heat all summer, but his former franchise hasn’t shown interest in him yet. If their guard play falls off in the absence of Gabe Vincent, Dragic is always an option they can come back to.
8. Will Barton
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Will Barton went from being a part of the Denver Nuggets core to out of the league in the matter of one season. After being traded to the Wizards for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Barton seemed out of fuel in the NBA.
He had a poor year last season, averaging 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 37.9% shooting from the field. On the plus side, he did shoot 36.7% from three to prove he can still stretch the floor.
The 32-year-old swingman from Baltimore ended last season as a member of the Raptors, where he looked completely out of valuable production capabilities. He was also in non-contending situations for the entire season, so Barton could provide some reliable minutes to a contender that needs a 3-and-D option on their roster.
7. Terrence Ross
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Terrence Ross spent most of last season rotting away on the bench of the rebuilding Orlando Magic before securing a contract buyout and playing for the playoff-bound Phoenix Suns. Unfortunately, Ross didn’t provide anything of value to be one of the many minimum contract players they used to fill out their rotation.
Ross averaged 8.3 points and 2.4 rebounds last season with the Magic and Suns.
Ross will be picked up relatively soon due to his ability to provide reliable 3-and-D play, though at a very rudimentary level. There isn’t a big role in the NBA for him anymore, but a contending squad could use a microwave scorer like him deep on the bench for challenging end-of-quarter periods and to have an NBA-tested player on the court.
6. Bismack Biyombo
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Bismack Biyombo has been a very popular name in the NBA this season when it comes to looking for solid backup centers. The former Suns backup is not on the contending roster anymore but could provide tough defense and rebounding for any of the other 29 teams in the NBA.
Biyombo averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks last season, proving to be a decent backup option.
His limited s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁set, especially on offense, will hold his value back. Unless a team suffers multiple injuries at the center position, it’s unlikely that Biyombo will find himself in the league. He was contending with Christian Wood for the final roster spot on the Lakers but missed out to the former Maverick.
5. TJ Warren
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Completing a triplet of players on the Suns last season and out of the league right now is TJ Warren. Warren looked to be one of the league’s most polished offensive forwards a few years ago when he was with the Pacers, but a foot injury derailed his development when he missed the entire 2021-22 season.
He averaged 7.5 points and 2.9 rebounds last season with the Nets and Suns.
After not impressing anyone in both Brooklyn and Phoenix, Warren continued waiting for a call to join a roster. High-quality forwards are rare to find and Warren is an incredible player sitting in free agency. His lack of defense makes him a tough sell, but having a bucket like him on a bench in the NBA will not hurt.
4. DeMarcus Cousins
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DeMarcus Cousins has been waiting for his chance to return to the NBA since last offseason, last playing for the Nuggets in 2021-22. The 33-year-old has claimed he’s been blackballed from the league, with even teams that need a player like him overlooking Boogie.
He averaged 9.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in the 2021/22 season for the Bucks and Nuggets, finding favor with contending teams before being put out of the league.
Cousins is very offensively sound and could help teams play a spaced lineup. He’s one hell of a rebounder too, but his lack of defense after his injuries is a big negative for anyone who looks to sign him.
3. Dwight Howard
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From an offensive-minded former All-Star who’s out of the league to a defensive one, Dwight Howard has made his intentions to return to the NBA clear. The center, who’d be in Year 20 and play his 19th season in the NBA if he gets a contract, came very close to signing with the Golden State Warriors before they settled on Rudy Gay instead.
Howard averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds with the Lakers in his last stint in 2021/22, being one of the underperformers responsible for the Lakers missing the playoffs.
Dwight is still a big body in the middle that could pull down boards and provide intimidating shot-blocking. It isn’t the Howard we know from his DPOY days, but there is still a great player to be acquired if someone takes a chance on him.
2. Blake Griffin
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A man who was once touted as a future MVP is officially out of the league just 13 years into his career. Blake Griffin was drafted No. 1 overall in 2009 but hasn’t been able to withstand a scourge of debilitating injuries that took the prime of his career away from him.
Griffin averaged 4.1 points and 3.8 rebounds with the Celtics last season and wasn’t retained by the franchise. His veteran play will be of use to someone in the league, it’s just a question of who and when will they give him a contract.
Griffin will likely be one of the first free agents to be started after the start of the season given his veteran play and proven adaptability. He can stretch the floor and is a very solid playmaking option for his position.
1. John Wall
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The man who was supposed to be in conversation with the likes of Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, John Wall finds himself out of the NBA. After missing two seasons in his prime due to injury and another season due to being on a team that wanted to tank, he hasn’t had a team since February 2023.
Wall averaged 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists with the Clippers when he was playing but that didn’t entice anyone into signing him this season.
His numbers are that of any backup guard in the NBA. His lack of shooting makes him an undesirable fit, but teams in the league cannot ignore his solid production forever. Unless his age has closed the door on an NBA return.
