NBA Free Agency started in ferocious fashion on Tuesday, August 3. Lonzo Ball headed to the Bulls, Kyle Lowry headed to the Heat, and both Chris Paul and Mike Conley stayed where they were in Phoenix and Utah. Almost a week later while most of the big names are gone, some hidden or uncut gems still remain on the market. In this article, we will take a look at the five best remaining NBA free agents.
Best Remaining Players In NBA Free Agency
Dennis Schröder – Los Angeles Lakers – Unrestricted Free Agent
Dennis Schroder is having a very interesting offseason thus far. He went from reportedly declining an $84 million dollar contract from the Lakers because he thought he deserved $100 – $120 million dollars, to now having his market completely dry up. Schröder is a very talented player who most teams would seemingly want however, he usually overvalues himself in most situations. This past season Schröder averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game for the Lakers. The Lakers bolstered their backcourt this offseason by adding Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk, and Kendrick Nunn so Schröder will likely not be back next season. Schröder will likely take a one-year deal from a contending team and hope to improve his play and value for the next free agency. The Boston Celtics are reportedly having contract discussions with Schröder.
Lauri Markkanen – Chicago Bulls – Restricted Free Agent
Lauri Markkanen, who once looked like the savior of Bulls basketball is likely on his way out of the Windy City. Markkanen flew onto the scene as a rookie and was looking like a tremendous young player. He was the fastest NBA rookie to ever make 100 threes and made all-rookie first team. The Bulls seemed to have found themselves a rookie who could shoot, pass, rebound, and defend. However, in the NBA, availability may be more important than all of those previously mentioned attributes. Injuries continue to hamper Markkanen and last season he began to see fewer minutes. A year ago Lauri averaged 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. It would be hard to see a team investing major money for many years into Markkanen but teams reportedly have interest. Markkanen is a restricted free agent so the Bulls could match any possible deal.
Josh Hart – New Orleans Pelicans – Restricted Free Agent
Josh Hart has become a very solid 3-and-D player in the NBA. Hart was acquired by the Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade with the Lakers. Last season Hart averaged 9.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Hart’s three-point shooting percentage took a bit of a plunge down to 32.6 percent which could be concerning for a team looking to invest in him. However, Hart was a decent fit next to Zion Williamson so the Pelicans may look to retain him. Hart, like Markkanen, is a restricted free agent so the Pelicans could match any possible deal.
DeMarcus Cousins – Los Angeles Clippers – Unrestricted Free Agent
DeMarcus Cousins was on his way to superstardom until injuries derailed his prime. In his prime Cousins averaged a whopping 27 points per game. Midway through last season, Cousins was signed by the Los Angeles Clippers. For the Clippers, Cousins averaged 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. On the Clippers’ run to the Western Conference Finals, Cousins scored in double figures three times. Cousins understands his role at this point in his career and would be a decent backup center option for a contending team.
Paul Millsap – Denver Nuggets – Unrestricted Free Agent
Paul Millsap is coming off yet another very solid season in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets. The fifteen-year veteran at the age of 37 can still give a team solid minutes and a shooting wing who can defend. Last season Millsap averaged 9.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Millsap would be a great bench option for a contending team next season.
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