Top 5 NBA free agents still unsigned after teams made big moves in free agency
Several high-profile NBA free agents like Paul George did not remain a free agent for long after he opted to leave the LA Clippers. LeBron James was strongly rumored to remain with the LA Lakers and there was no chance the Philadelphia 76ers were letting Tyrese Maxey go.
However, a few intriguing talents are still available in the free-agent market. Here are the top players who remain teamless after the front offices have already completed big moves.
Top 5 remaining NBA free agents who could help a team in the 2024-25 season
#5 Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. started his career on a high by averaging 15.2 points per game as a rookie. What was to be a prelude to an exciting career did not pan out the way people hoped. Smith Jr. only averaged 6.6 points per game for the Brooklyn Nets last season.
Smith Jr. is a young point guard teams can rely on to push the pace off the bench. He might not be putting up the same scoring numbers from his rookie season but he can serve as a sparkplug for a team.
#4 Killian Hayes
Some people might have been caught off guard when the Detroit Pistons released Killian Hayes this past season, just four years after being the seventh overall pick.
A huge reason Hayes was waived was because of his inefficient shooting which made him untradeable. Now, he is one of the NBA free agents waiting to be picked up.
While he has had some struggles, Hayes is only 22 (turns 23 on July 27). This means a team willing to take him as a project and help him improve on his weaknesses could gain a valuable asset. After all, he has some upside as a big guard with notable playmaking skills.
#3 Gordon Hayward
After his poor showing in the 2023-24 postseason where he failed to score a single point in seven games, Gordon Hayward remains among the top NBA free agents.
To say that Hayward struggled in the postseason would be an understatement. However, his uncharacteristic struggle could be attributed to being in the wrong situation or the wrong role.
Hayward is far from his days as an NBA All-Star but that does not mean he won't be a capable roleplayer for a team that wants to compete for a title. Alternatively, he can join a young team in a veteran mentor role.
#2 Tyus Jones
Unlike the other NBA free agents on this list, Tyus Jones had a solid campaign in 2023-24. The 28-year-old point guard averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 assists per game as a starter for the Washington Wizards.
While he has some defensive shortcomings, that hasn't deterred teams before from adding a capable playmaker and scorer to their squad. Teams who will reevaluate their rosters and see the need for a point guard before the next season starts will most likely reach out to Tyus Jones to fill that need.
#1 Isaac Okoro
3-and-D wings are among the most highly coveted roles in the NBA. Isaac Okoro just happens to fit that bill and also has the bonus of being only 23 years old. He was a first round pick for the Cavs in 2020 and despite his natural strength, Okoro has failed to improve his offense in the four seasons in Cleveland.
Perhaps one of the reasons why he remains among the NBA free agents is his restricted status.
This means that while he is one of the NBA free agents, the Cleveland Cavaliers can match any contract offers he receives.