The NBA free agency is off to a flying start, as we have seen some superstars like Kevin Durant demanding a trade or the possible overhaul of another team in the Los Angeles Lakers. The first day of the 2022 free agency was full of action.
But amidst all of the ongoing drama, we have a bunch of free agents who might become a game-changer for the franchise they end up with. While the 2022 free market isn’t as stacked as some previous seasons, we still have a bunch of superstars waiting for the right offer to arrive.
Be it the top scorer of the Chicago Bulls in Zach LaVine or be it the 2018 MVP James Harden who shockingly declined a team option for the 76ers, free agents in the current free-agent market aren’t shabby either.
Notable remaining Free Agents:
Harden
Zach Lavine
Ayton
Miles Bridges
Collin Sexton
Mitchell Robinson
Jusuf Nurkic
TJ Warren
Melo
Kevon Looney
Donte DiVincenzo
DeMarcus Cousins
Dennis Schroder
Blake Griffin
Otto Porter
Gary Payton
Montrezl Harrell
Thomas Bryant
Bruce Brown
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 1, 2022
In a recent post, The Hoop Central shared a list of 20 best available free agents. Boasting the likes of LaVine and Harden among Deandre Ayton and Jusuf Nurkic, the list is filled with players who can make an instant impact in any franchise.
Among the 20 players mentioned, 5 of them certainly pop up the most:
James Harden – Harden was arguably in one of the costliest deals in the NBA, and coming into the season, the Beard was set to up the ante with a salary of $47 million. But it seems like the 2018 MVP is convinced that Philly will be the place where he claims his first title as he shockingly declined his team option and most likely will sign a team-friendly deal.
Zach LaVine – LaVine was easily one of the best, if not the best, player for the Chicago Bulls last season. Despite the Bulls bringing in a superstar like DeMar DeRozan, LaVine proved that he could be as impressive, if not better than people’s expectations, with his performances. Given the number of moves the Bulls made last season, getting rid of some cap space might be a necessity if they want their superstar guard back on the team.
Deandre Ayton – Ayton, in the last two seasons, has shown that he can thrive under a competent system, and his raw numbers might not be that impressive, but his run in the playoffs, especially on both sides of the floor, was impressive. Despite his contributions to the team, the 2021 finalists are unwilling to offer the 2018 no. 1 pick a hefty extension.
Collin Sexton – The Cavaliers were a sight to behold last season, with Darius Garland leading the way alongside Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Still, before Garland, it was Collin Sexton who was the go-to man for the franchise. As he’s able to create his shot with decent shooting splits, Sexton might be a sleeper pick for many but might be a great return on investment.
Miles Bridges – The Charlotte Hornets standout isn’t having the best of times right now, as he was recently arrested on domestic violence charges. Many believe that this situation will affect the type of contract Bridges gets this offseason, either in Charlotte or somewhere else. He’s confident that he can get a big check, but things could go wrong for him if this drama doesn’t end up in a favorable way.
While these 5 names are the standout names in the list, it also contains names of players like Carmelo Anthony, TJ Warren, and Montrezl Harrell, who might end up as rotational pieces after all. Which player do you think is the biggest game-changer this free agency season?
Update: Gary Payton signs a 3-year, $28 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
