We are now well into this years NBA free agency period, and a lot of money has already been spent. With names such as LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan and Mike Conley all earning contracts worth over $100 million, this off-season has been hectic and the amount of money given out has been incredible.
The most notable off-season move was Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors. The all-star forward agreed a 2-year deal worth $54.3 million. Some other newsworthy signings were the likes of Al Horford signing with the Boston Celtics and Dwyane Wade leaving Miami for the Chicago Bulls.
But we are here to discuss the best available free agents. The players yet to find a home and decide where they will be playing next season. Let’s find out which five players have made the list.
Top 5 Remaining NBA Free Agents
1. J.R. Smith – Shooting Guard
After winning an NBA championship last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, J.R. Smith will hope to re-sign with Cleveland. Smith had a good year with the Cavaliers and should remain with the team. It’s just a matter of time before we see Smith back in a Cavaliers uniform.
Smith averaged 12.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 77 games last season. Smith played a solid role in helping Cleveland win their first ever NBA championship. In 21 postseason games with the Cavaliers, Smith averaged 11.5 points per game. A very valuable contribution, helping Cleveland reach its ultimate goal.
Smith is a very good shooter, and will very likely end up back with the Cavaliers. But let’s not forget that he’s on the market for everyone. But where ever Smith lands, at least he will have some money to go and buy a shirt.
Best fits – Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets.
2. Lance Stephenson – Small Forward
The ever unpredictable Lance Stephenson is still looking for an NBA team. But the question is who is willing to take the risk. It is almost impossible to tell what a team is going to get with Stephenson. One game he can be great, but then be awful the next. Stephenson is unreliable and never plays at a consistent level. He’s always at one end of the spectrum but never in between. There have been reports that he may have to take his game overseas for the upcoming season.
Stephenson can play either the small forward or shooting guard positions. Providing versatility in the NBA is a very valuable asset for any player.
Stephenson averaged 8.3 points and 3.2 rebounds last season with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies decided to decline his team option, which is what made him a free agent. Stephenson was once a good NBA contributor for the Indiana Pacers. But those days seem like ages ago. Stephenson is definitely a player worthy of taking a risk on.
Best fits – Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets.
3. Ty Lawson – Point Guard
Ty Lawson has a history of off the court issues. This is clearly harming his free agency value. He basically forced his way out of Denver with his DWI’s. Lawson is a player who many would have trouble trusting. But he is still only 28 years old and can contribute for a team off the bench.
At one point in his career, Lawson was considered one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA. This was mainly during his time in Denver.
Lawson averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 assists last season with the Indiana Pacers. Lawson was a solid bench contributor in Indiana and can do the same elsewhere. Teams are always looking for quality bench point guards. As the Warriors have proved, having guard depth is invaluable. Lawson will find a new home and the seven year veteran should do a solid job for that team.
Best fits – Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings.
4. Kevin Seraphin – Center
With the New York Knicks signing Joakim Noah, Kevin Seraphin will need to find a new home. Spending just one season with the Knicks, Seraphin will have to look elsewhere for minutes. Seraphin is a competent center, who is used to coming of the bench. Having played 374 games in the association but only starting 31 of them, Seraphin is the definition of a benchwarmer.
Seraphin is a good rebounder, and earns a living under the basket. With tip-ins and dunks, Seraphin is a high effort player who can fit with any team.
Seraphin averaged 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds off the bench last season in New York. Having a solid center coming off the bench is key to success in the NBA. Now Seraphin may not be an elite backup, but he’s certainly a good one. Seraphin will find a bench to sit on somewhere and will play his normal role well.
Best fits – Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies.
5. Kevin Martin – Shooting Guard
If your team needs a shooter to come off the bench, then chances are Kevin Martin is your guy. Martin is a very good shooter, and is a 12 year NBA veteran. Having spent most of his early career as a starting shooting guard, Martin has slowly fitted into the role of a bench player.
Martin is valuable because of his good scoring ability. Teams are always looking for good scorers to have on the bench. Martin can be that guy for a number of teams in the league.
Martin averaged 9.3 points and 2 rebounds per game last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs. The 33 year old only managed to play 55 games last season.
Best fits – Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out the LWOS 2016 NBA Free Agency Tracker.
Main Photo
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 16: J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts while taking on the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 16, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
