Top 5 NBA free agents still available as offseason winds down

The NBA free-agent market has thinned considerably, but there are still some recognizable names sitting out there as August winds down.

Here’s our look at the five best players still available.

1. Jalen Duren

Duren is easily the biggest name of the group, though calling him “available” comes with an asterisk. He’s a restricted free agent, and the Pistons can match any offer.

The bigger issue is that negotiations have apparently turned contentious. Duren is coming off an All-Star and All-NBA season and is seeking a massive payday, while Detroit reportedly has been reluctant to approach max-contract territory.

Unless somebody produces a workable sign-and-trade, this still feels like it ends with Duren in Detroit. How and for how much are considerably bigger questions.

2. Jonathan Kuminga

Another free agent whose summer has lasted considerably longer than expected.

Kuminga finished last season with Atlanta and remains one of the more intriguing players available because of his age, athleticism and ability to score around the basket. The Lakers and Timberwolves are among the teams that have surfaced as possibilities.

The problem is money. Kuminga reportedly wants something in the neighborhood of $20 million annually, and most interested teams would need Atlanta’s cooperation in a sign-and-trade.

3. Bruce Brown

Brown isn’t the player he was during Denver’s 2023 championship run, but there should still be a place for him somewhere.

He appeared in all 82 games for the Nuggets last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.5 percent on limited 3-point attempts.

At 30, Brown remains the sort of versatile, low-maintenance veteran who can make sense for a contender.

4. Bennedict Mathurin

Mathurin remains unsigned after splitting last season between Indiana and the Clippers, averaging better than 17 points with both teams.

The 24-year-old can score, attack the rim and create his own shot. Questions remain about efficiency and defense, but there’s enough offensive talent here to make him one of the more interesting names left.

5. Cam Thomas

Nobody has ever questioned whether Thomas can score. The questions involve just about everything surrounding it.

Injuries derailed his momentum in Brooklyn, and his stint with Milwaukee lasted just 18 games before he was waived. Still, Thomas is only 24 and once averaged nearly 25 points through the first 17 games of a season.

For a team that needs instant offense and is willing to live with the limitations, he’s worth a look.