While most NBA teams have finished rounding out their lineups for the upcoming season, several free agents remain available for those interested in adding talent to their rosters. With the NBA training camp only a couple of weeks away, some notable players haven’t yet signed a contract. The best days for these players are probably behind them; however, these veterans offer experience and superb resumes that could be welcome additions to many teams.
Keep reading to learn about the top free agents still on the market.
Carmelo Anthony—Los Angeles Lakers
Few NBA players have a resume as impressive as Carmelo Anthony. The league named him in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team last year, and he’s a ten-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA forward. Given his record, it’s surprising to many that he’s still on the free agent market.
Although past his prime, the veteran player has played consistently throughout his career and proven to be a key talent off the bench. During the offseason, Anthony’s name has been linked to several teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics.
Fans will be excited to see where Carmelo Anthony ends up. Anthony averaged 13.7 points per game coming off the bench for the LA Lakers last season. Whatever team picks him up can expect to improve their chances of making a deep run in the playoffs next year, and get a boost to their odds for the upcoming year.
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Dennis Schroder—Houston Rockets
Life could be a lot different for Dennis Schroder right now. The guard decided to turn down a four-year $84 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, thinking he could make even more money elsewhere. Unfortunately, he performed poorly in the playoffs, suffered from an injury, and had to settle for a one-year contract worth $5.9 million from the Boston Celtics.
Despite everything that went wrong, Schroder remains a strong player that could be a valuable addition to most teams. He probably won’t get an offer close to what the Lakers offered him anytime soon, but he has a lot to contribute, and a team will likely sign him before the new season begins.
DeMarcus Cousins—Denver Nuggets
As the start of the season approaches, much of the league’s attention has turned from free agency to the NBA contract extension landscape, with many expecting teams to reach sizeable deals with start players. However, behind-the-scenes players like DeMarcus Cousins are still waiting to be signed. While Cousins won’t attract top dollar, it would be surprising if the center doesn’t find a home before the new season begins.
The former All-Star Center has had some problematic injuries that have slowed down his career, but he looks ready to bounce back. He would be a solid addition to teams looking for a backup center. Cousins showed what it takes to succeed when he scored 19 points in 15 minutes against the Golden State Warriors before Denver was eliminated from the playoffs last season.
LaMarcus Aldridge—Brooklyn Nets
Despite his career being temporarily interrupted when he had to retire due to an irregular heartbeat, LaMarcus Aldridge continues on pace to be a future hall of famer. He re-signed with the Nets last September and played 47 games, averaging 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game on 55% shooting.
Aldridge could be a key addition to young teams looking for veteran talent to add stability and leadership. He’s a versatile player who can take up position as a power forward or center off the bench, and would add frontcourt depth to any team that signs him.
Dwight Howard—Los Angeles Lakers
As one of the greatest centers in NBA history, it shocked many when Dwight Howard wasn’t named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team. Despite the snub, he’s had an undeniably incredible career as an eight-time All-Star, five-time All-Defensive, and five-time rebound champion. Howard doesn’t spend as much time on the court as he used to, but has averaged 6.9 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 64.3% from the floor since the beginning of the 2019-2020 season.
The veteran player performs best when coming off the bench, and struggled last year having to start 27 games for the Lakers. However, he should be able to give teams a solid 10 to 20 minutes per game of defense and rebounding. Although his best years are behind him, this veteran would be a reliable frontcourt option for teams looking for a big man.
Rajon Rondo—Clevland Cavaliers
The NBA hasn’t had many passers better than Rajon Rondo, who currently comes in at number 14 on the list of all-time total career assists. The backup guard played for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, giving the team a needed boost while continuing to rack up assists.
In addition to passing the ball, he was a threat from beyond the arc, with 46.8% 3-point shooting during the 21 games he played with the Cavaliers last season. Rondo could be a key acquisition for a championship-contending team, adding depth at the guard position. The future hall of famer is an unselfish player who knows what it takes to win a title.
Lou Williams—Atlanta Hawks
Teams looking for a guard to come off the bench would be wise to consider Lou Williams. The veteran is a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and consistent scorer off the bench who likely has a couple of solid years left in the league. Williams played 56 games with the Atlanta Hawks last season, averaging 6.3 points and 1.9 assists per game on 39.1 shooting from the floor and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
Blake Griffin—Brooklyn Nets
Knee and lower leg injuries have plagued Black Griffin during his last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, but he remains one of the smartest players in the league. He’s a solid passer and plays well on the perimeter, which may make him an attractive option for a championship-contending team. He doesn’t put up big numbers, but he’s a talented defender who could give the right team a boost off the bench.
