Top 5 2024 NBA free agents as of July 25 feat. Tyus Jones
Soon after the 2023-24 NBA season culminated with the Boston Celtics winning the championship against the Dallas Mavericks, the attention shifted towards free agency. This time around, the NBA's free agency was headlined by several superstar-caliber players, featuring four-time NBA champion LeBron James and perennial All-Star Paul George.
James re-signed with the LA Lakers on a two-year deal while Paul George parted ways with the LA Clippers and signed a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Other notable unrestricted free agents like Pascal Siakam, DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk also inked deals after entering free agency.
Having said that, there are still several talented players available in the market in free agency, who could improve the roster of a franchise looking to compete for the NBA championship next season. Let's look at the top five NBA free agents who are yet to sign with a team as of Jul. 25.
Top 5 2024 NBA free agents
#5, Bismack Biyombo
Bismack Biyombo doesn't have a deep arsenal like some of the other remaining players in free agency. The 31-year-old center's biggest strength is shot blocking and infusing energy into the game with hustle plays.
For his career, Biyombo averages 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Last season, the veteran center played for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
#4, Lonnie Walker
Lonnie Walker is gifted with athleticism and the 25-year-old guard has the tools to turn into an excellent shooter. The ex-Lakers star also boasts the skillset to pull up and knockdown shots from the mid-range.
Last year, Walker averaged 9.7 points in 58 games for the Brooklyn Nets. He shot 42.3% from the field, including 38.4% from the 3-point range. Lonnie Walker can provide the scoring boost for good teams while coming off the bench, as his energy is an added bonus.
#3, Isaac Okoro
Isaac Okoro has some of the most sought-after skills in today's NBA. The 23-year-old shooting guard can shoot the three-ball and defend at an elite level. Okoro is not an unrestricted free agent as the Cavaliers have the option to match the offers received by him.
The former Auburn star averaged 9.4 points, three rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He shot 49% from the field, including a career-high 39.1% from deep.
#2, Markelle Fultz
Markelle Fultz was selected as the No.1 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017. After a couple of ordinary seasons with the 76ers, Fultz joined forces with the Orlando Magic and developed his game. The 26-year-old's career has been marred with injuries but he has the potential to make an impact as a reserve player for some of the better teams in the league.
Last year, Fultz came off the bench for the Magic and averaged 7.8 points on 47.2% from the field, including 22.2% from deep. The former No.1 pick played only 43 games. Fultz's best performance came in the 2022-23 season when he averaged a career-high 14.0 points on 51.4% shooting from the field and 31% from beyond the arc.
#1, Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones is probably the most sought-after player remaining in free agency after the early player moments and re-signings in July. The former Duke point guard was the floor general for the Washington Wizards last year. The 28-year-old had an excellent year on an individual level despite the Wizards being a bad team overall.
The 9-year veteran averaged 12 points in 66 games and shot 48.9% from the field, including 41.4% from the 3-point range. There was never any doubt about Jones' play-making ability as he excelled in the role with the Memphis Grizzlies while coming off the bench.
With the Wizards, Jones proved that he has the potential to orchestrate offense with finesse and discipline. The point guard averaged 7.3 assists on just one turnover per game. His ability to knockdown shots and create scoring opportunities for his teammates puts him as one of the big names in the free agency.