Most of the free agency fireworks have subsided with the biggest acquisitions already entrenched members of their new, or old-but-with-new-guns, teams. Chris Paul stayed a Clipper (mostly because of Doc’s arrival). Dwight Howard ended up in the Lone Star State. And even Metta World Peace put on new colors.
Still, 90-plus free agents remain on the market with a few more unrestricted agents available for the kind of money their home teams can’t match. Not all are worthwhile acquisitions―can’t think of a team that would benefit from signing a 40-year-old Juwan Howard, for one―but a few remain who can turn the tide of a quarter or two, or, who could fill in a much needed hole on a team aiming for the playoffs.
D. J. Augustin
Unrestricted Free Agent
Augustin had the worst year of his career and has never been a dependable bench point guard as he needs 25 minutes-plus to average 11 PPG and 5 APG. That the Pacers decided to go with C.J. Watson over him says hordes. Can see him end up with the Jazz, however.
Unrestricted Free Agent
Harris should be a Maverick but a toe injury got him scrapped by Dallas. The man played sound ball for Atlanta, can play a good amount of minutes for you, though he really can’t shoot the three-ball. For the type of game he plays, I can see the Rockets or the Nuggets going after him.
Restricted Free Agent
Henderson can score, shoot well, and does a little bit of everything on the court. He’s still only 25, so teams might be willing to leapfrog the $4.2 million qualifying offer the Bobcats extended him. Of course, Charlotte can match those offers but someone like Cleveland has the cap space and need for a shooting guard to maybe be interested in him.
Unrestricted Free Agent
Old and doesn’t do one of anything particularly well. Still, teams like Portland or Cleveland can do with a third-string point that brings some veteran expertise to the franchise.
Restricted Free Agent
Possibly the best pickup after Pekovic, Jennings doesn’t want to remain in Milwaukee. He’s still only 23, and can be stellar when “on,” but for the type of money he’s asking for, teams who can tap into his potential might not want him. I feel like he stays in Milwaukee.
Unrestricted Free Agent
Can be the bruiser any contender needs. Martin also gives you energy off the bench, highly efficient scoring, and rebounds. He might not fit as well with the Knicks anymore, since they have a surplus of forwards now, but he can be a solid piece for the Pacers, Thunder, or Heat.
Restricted Free Agent
The Bucks are in the mix for Neal and word is that San Antonio won’t match any offers. Provides good shooting for Milwaukee, or could be a nice outside threat to add on to Memphis.
Restricted Free Agent
The best remaining free agent. There’s no way the Timberwolves don’t hold on to him, even if major offers are thrown his way. None of those have really come, so, in all likelihood, Pekovic remains in Minnesota.
Unrestricted Free Agent
Odom played some sound ball last year after being little more than a circus for Dallas. He leads all remaining agents in the plus-minus category with +9.5 and can provide size and rebounding. Word is that he wants to be a Laker again. Wouldn’t be a bad pickup by the Heat.
Unrestricted Free Agent
Nate’s size and shot selection will forever be the cross he has to bear. Even after a stellar year with Chicago, helping them trounce the Nets, he’s having a hard time finding a team for those reasons. The Knicks are interested, and I can even see him being a good fit on another defensive juggernaut like the Memphis Grizzlies, where he can help during scoring droughts.
Unrestricted Free Agent
Udrih has a stellar assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking in the top 15 last year. He’s smart, can shoot the three well, and seems to be a good locker room presence. Would be a nice pickup for the Dallas Mavericks, since they had to part ways with Devin Harris, or, can even be a good addition to the Knicks if they decide to use Felton or Prigioni at the 2 at all.
Unrestricted Free Agent
Mo is still a high-scoring, lightning-quick point even as a veteran and helped out Utah to the tune of 12.9 PPG and 6.2 APG. He’s Ginobili-like in that he can be a good starter on a fringe playoff team, or who can provide a nice punch off the bench for someone like Dallas. He’s also a savvy guard who can help refine talents like Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum in Portland as a locker room presence.
