It's been nearly one month since the NBA's free-agency period
got underway, and most of the notable players have already been
signed. However, there are still a handful of available
players.
Here's a look at the remaining free agents:
COLLIN SEXTON, RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Collin Sexton injured his left knee last November, and an MRI
revealed a torn meniscus that required season-ending surgery. The
market has dried up for Sexton, and his best bet may be re-signing
with the Cleveland Cavaliers on the qualifying offer (worth $7.2
million) and then hitting unrestricted free agency next summer.
During the 2020-21 season, Sexton averaged 24.3 points and 4.4
assists while shooting 47.5% from the floor, 37.5% from downtown
and 81.5% from the free-throw line. However, he struggled
defensively, and the Cavs registered a league-worst 60-159 record
over the first three years of his career. With Sexton out of action
last season, Darius Garland emerged as an All-Star and the 44-38
Cavs made the Play-In Tournament.
MILES BRIDGES, RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Miles Bridges is coming off a breakout season, averaging a
career-high 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.9 threes and
0.9 steals. It seemed like the forward was due for a massive pay
raise and Charlotte Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak even said
that the team was going to re-sign him. However, that was before
Bridges was arrested for domestic violence on the eve of free
agency. Bridges' wife, Mychelle Johnson, recently spoke out about
Bridges' alleged abuse and documented her serious injuries. Not
only has this situation understandably scared teams away, it's also
very possible that the NBA will suspend Bridges.
MONTREZL HARRELL, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Montrezl Harrell just delivered another productive and efficient
season as a reserve, averaging 13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.0
assists in 23.1 minutes, while shooting 64.5% from the field.
Harrell started the season with the Washington Wizards and then got
traded to the Charlotte Hornets prior to the deadline. However,
it's worth noting that the 28-year-old is facing felony drug
charges after officers claimed to find three pounds of marijuana in
his car during a traffic stop back in May. That's likely why the
former Sixth Man of the Year is still available.
DENNIS SCHRODER, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last offseason, Dennis Schroder signed with the Boston Celtics
at a significant discount. After struggling during the first half
of the season, he was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for
Daniel Theis. He finished last season averaging 13.5 points, 4.6
assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 threes per game, while shooting 43.1%
from the field, 34.4% from three-point range and 85.3% from the
free-throw line.
HASSAN WHITESIDE, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Hassan Whiteside is a solid backup center who protects the rim.
Last season, while backing up Rudy Gobert on the Utah Jazz, he
averaged 8.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 17.9 minutes
per game. In eight starts, the 33-year-old averaged 11.5 points,
11.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks while shooting 63.5% from the
field.
CARMELO ANTHONY, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last season, 37-year-old put up 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2
threes, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals in 26.0 minutes per game with the
Los Angeles Lakers. In recent years, he has shot the ball much
better from three-point range, knocking down 37.5% of his
three-point attempts last year and 40.9% from deep the year before.
Anthony has been working out with his son, Kiyan, at Impact
Basketball in Las Vegas as he prepares for next season.
DEMARCUS COUSINS, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Cousins became a key contributor after joining the Denver
Nuggets in February, averaging 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 13.9
minutes per contest. He looked great at times during the playoffs
too, scoring an efficient 19 points in 15 minutes during Game 5
against the Golden State Warriors. The 31-year-old can still help a
team.
“I belong in this league,” Cousins said after Denver was
eliminated. “I was given the opportunity; I'm thankful for Mike
Malone. I spoke with him before. A lot of doors closed for me. Mike
looked out, gave me an opportunity. I just tried to take the best
advantage of it as I could. That's what I did.”
JEREMY LAMB, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last season, the Indiana Pacers traded Lamb to the Sacramento
Kings as part of the Domantas Sabonis deal. In 56 games, Lamb
averaged 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 three in
16.7 minutes a night. The 30-year-old struggled with his shot,
knocking down just 38.3% of his attempts from the field and 32.4%
of his threes (after shooting 45.1% from the field and 40.6% from
three the previous year).
TRISTAN THOMPSON, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last season, Thompson suited up for the Sacramento Kings,
Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls, averaging 6.0 points and 5.1
rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game. At this stage of his career, the
31-year-old is a solid backup big man who can provide frontcourt
depth.
ANDRE IGUODALA, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last season, Iguodala rejoined the Golden State Warriors,
averaging 4.0 points, 3.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.7
blocks in 19.5 minutes across 31 games. At this stage of his
career, the 38-year-old is mainly a veteran leader and strong
locker-room presence, but he can still produce in limited reserve
minutes. Don't be surprised if he re-signs with Golden State.
HONORABLE MENTION: LaMarcus Aldridge (UFA),
Wayne Ellington (UFA), Blake Griffin (UFA), Markieff Morris (UFA),
Isaiah Thomas (UFA), DJ Augustin (UFA), Sharife Cooper (UFA),
Dwight Howard (UFA), Rajon Rondo (UFA), Jordan Nwora (RFA), Lou
Williams (UFA), Eric Bledsoe (UFA), Juan Hernangomez (UFA), Josh
Jackson (UFA), Duane Washington Jr. (UFA), Paul Millsap (UFA), Eric
Paschall (UFA), Moses Brown (UFA), Jarrett Culver (UFA), Rodney
Hood (UFA), Avery Bradley (UFA), Kent Bazemore (UFA), Michael
Carter-Williams (UFA), Brandon Goodwin (UFA), Tony Snell (UFA), Ben
McLemore (UFA), Langston Galloway (UFA), Elfrid Payton (UFA)