10 Best Available Free Agents Still Unsigned
The 10 best available free agents are still unsigned. The NBA’s free agency period began on June 30 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
Over 60 contracts and 10 contract extensions had been signed by July 3, barely four days later (via Marc Stein).
Free agency has effectively come to a standstill because of Kevin Durant’s trade request. A lot is riding on what happens in Brooklyn right now because it will have a huge impact on the rest of the league.
This summer, only Durant has changed the way people think about free agency, and as a result, other outstanding players with the potential to make a big difference for their teams are still unsigned.
The following is a list of the top ten most sought-after unrestricted free agents.
10 Best Available Free Agents 2024
1. James Harden
There is no third pairing of Harden and Durant in the works, so don’t get your hopes up.
Multiple reports indicate that the Sixers will re-sign Harden. However, although Harden is still unsigned, reports claim that he met with a member of Philadelphia’s front office while on vacation in the Hamptons over the 4th of July weekend in order to discuss a new contract.
Shams Charania, an NBA insider, believes that Harden and the Sixers will soon sign a new two- or three-year contract.
2. Deandre Ayton
It’s still unclear whether or not Ayton will sign a new contract after his current one expires.
So why hasn’t any other team come forward with a bid for the Sun’s big man, who is just 23 years old?
Because of what Durant asked for? Because Ayton is a restricted free agent, perhaps. Is it possible that Ayton will never find a buyer?
As a result, Ayton is now eligible to accept the one-year qualifying offer from the Phoenix Suns and become a free agent next summer. That decision will be interesting to watch, especially if other teams aren’t showing any signs of interest.
3. Miles Bridges
Upon revocation by the Hornets of his qualifying offer as a result of his arrest for domestic violence felony, Bridges will be eligible to sign with any team.
4. Collin Sexton
Sexton’s unsigned status can be attributed to four primary factors:
- Ricky Rubio has been re-signed by the Cavaliers.
- Raul Neto has joined the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Restricted free agent: Sexton
- Sexton is making his way back from a major knee injury.
5. T.J. Warren
As with Sexton, Warren’s stock has taken a hit since the 2020 election bubble burst. He may be unsigned because of concerns about his health.
There are other possibilities as to why Warren hasn’t yet signed with an NBA team. First, he’ll wait to see how things shake out before making his move.
6. Montrezl Harrell
When it comes to picking where to play next season, Harrell could be following Warren’s lead and waiting to see what happens with Durant.
Harrell’s unsigned status may have anything to do with his conviction on a felony drug charge (marijuana). There is a market for Harrell’s hustling play, so teams may be waiting to see how it all unfolds.
7. Caleb Martin
So, since Cody, Martin’s younger brother, has already signed with the Hornets, what’s holding up Caleb?
Possibly Miami, this one is. Durant is said to prefer the Heat, and the Heat may be waiting to see if they can land the superstar forward before committing to re-signing Martin.
If the Heat doesn’t work out for Martin, he can always sign somewhere and see what happens. Martin was a target for the Timberwolves at the beginning of the free agency period, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe.
8. Dennis Schröder
Also, Schröder might wait to see where Durant ends up before deciding on his long-term career.
There’s no way Schröder will replace Rajon Rondo, but he’s a capable point guard (13.5 points and 4.6 assists last season) who’s sure to find a team to sign him soon.
9. Carmelo Anthony
To be honest, Anthony may not be one of the best free agents available this year. If this season is going to be the last one for him, it’s going to be tough.
Despite this, Anthony is a well-known player who excelled as a backup for the Lakers last season. With an efficiency rating of 44.1 percent from the field and a three-point percentage of 37.5% in 26 minutes a game, Anthony averaged 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds.
The possibility exists that he may be another player who is waiting to see how things go with Durant. It’s possible that Anthony may return to the New York Knicks, where he played for two seasons.
10. Thomas Bryant
Maybe labeling Bryant the best unsigned free agent is an exaggeration, but he’s still a very good player. However, in just four days, more than 60 contracts and 10 contract extensions were initiated.
The big man, on the other hand, is a useful one; last season, he played 27 games after returning from a 2020 knee injury. Bryant played 16.3 minutes per game and averaged 7.4 points and four rebounds during that brief stint.
The Lakers and Celtics are allegedly interested in acquiring Bryant, according to Yahoo’s Chris Haynes.
During the 2019-20 season, Bryant started for the Wizards and averaged 13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.