The NBA offseason has been dominated by big names and blockbuster trades, but not every impact move comes with fireworks. Sometimes, it’s the subtle signings—the mid-level gambles, the buy-low veterans, or overlooked role players who end up making the biggest difference when it matters most. As rosters start to take shape ahead of training camp this year, a handful of underrated pickups are flying under the radar with the potential to flip games, seasons, and maybe even playoff runs.
From defensive glue guys to bounce-back candidates looking to revive their careers, these players didn’t generate massive headlines, but they could wind up as some of the most important acquisitions of the summer. Here are three underrated team additions that could prove to be absolute steals in 2025-26.
Dallas Mavericks – D’Angelo Russell
As one of the NBA’s most gifted perimeter shooters, D’Angelo Russell has shown flashes of being a top-tier offensive guard when in rhythm. The thing with D’Lo, however, is that he’s rarely at his best. Despite solid career averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game on 42.7% shooting, he’s bounced around to several teams, serving various roles on each.
At this stage of his career (29), Russell may be feeling some extra motivation to play his best next season, especially since he’s only on a two-year, $13 million deal. He could thrive in a place like Dallas, where he’ll have the ball in his hands early and often as Kyrie Irving recovers from his ACL injury. While he’s known for being a streaky performer, the Mavericks believe D’Lo can provide steady veteran minutes as a stabilizer for a team reshaping its identity post-Luka.
Phoenix Suns – Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks might be one of the league’s most polarizing players, but it doesn’t mean he can’t (and won’t) be effective for the Suns next season. During his stay with the Grizzlies and the Rockets, Brooks proved himself as an elite defender, but he was often too much of a liability to lean on in the clutch. There were also complaints about his demeanor on the court and in the locker room, which may have led to his trade out of Houston.
Now on a veteran-heavy Suns team, Brooks is in a role that minimizes his offensive pressure and maximizes his defensive edge. With averages of 14.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 42.9% shooting last season, if he can just return to his peak defensive form, it may end up changing the entire trajectory of his career and help him outgrow his two-year, $41 million contract.
Orlando Magic – Tyus Jones
At 29 years old, Tyus Jones is long overdue for his breakout moment. He’s been the most efficient backup point guard in the league for years now and still hasn’t gotten a full runway to run a team. With averages of 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game last season, Jones is a low-mistake, high-IQ guard who’s ready to run a steady second unit or serve as a fill-in starter.
While he’s primarily a backup guard, Jones can easily net eight to 10 assists per game in extended minutes. He’s consistently top-five in assist-to-turnover ratio, and quietly raises the floor of any team that signs him. For the Magic, he adds depth at a much-needed position for just $7 million for one year. It’s hard to do better than that, especially for a Magic team that’s looking to take the next step in the East.
Who Will Rise?
While splashy superstar signings tend to dominate headlines, it’s often the quiet pickups that separate good teams from great ones. Players like Russell, Brooks, and Jones may not command max contracts or jersey sales, but their roles are just as vital in shaping a winning culture. If each stays healthy and buys into the system, they could become major value plays by midseason.
With training camp on the horizon, these low-key additions may wind up as the biggest surprises of 2025-26. Whether it’s scoring off the bench, defensive grit, or veteran stability, these under-the-radar signings could swing games—and even playoff series—when it matters most.
