Top 10 Remaining NBA Free Agents

July 8, 2024

A look at the top 10 remaining available NBA free agents, according to no one but Hoops Wire. Several names may be left off the list that deserve to be on. To form your own Top 10, check out our entire list of available NBA free agents, by position, right here.

1. Gary Trent Jr., G/F

Trent is a physical wing who can knock down shots and defend. Like most everyone on this list, it’s a surprise no one has signed him yet. There’s a chance he could return to the Raptors on a new deal. He has also been linked to the Lakers and Jazz.

2. Paul Reed, F/C

Reed played in all 82 games for the 76ers last season, showing a willingness to mix it up and filling in admirably for Joel Embiid. But Reed was the odd man out after the additions of Paul George and Andre Drummond. The Knicks sure could use a player like Reed after losing Isaiah Hartenstein (Thunder). But does New York have the money?

3. Markelle Fultz, G

The former No. 1 overall pick has had an up-and-down career, but he sure looked good off the bench for the Magic vs. the Cavaliers in the playoffs. In other words, Fultz can still occasionally shine. He’s not a starter, but who couldn’t use some instant offense off the bench?

5. Tyus Jones, PG

He was the one true professional for the entire season with the Wizards, sort of like a poor man’s Mike Conley. Jones will run the offense, play hard, play smart and never gripe. He truly is the consummate point guard. His issue is he’s somewhere between starter and backup in terms of ability. Nonetheless, he’s well worth taking a flyer.

6. Saddiq Bey, F

Bey is an old-school forward in the sense that he’s more of a power forward than small — though he’s a little undersized (6-foot-7ish) for his job. But he does work, as evidenced by his 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Hawks last season. Problem is, he doesn’t hit 3-pointers (31 percent last season) and he tore his ACL. No matter, the guy can play. He will eventually be signed?

7. Haywood Highsmith, F

Highsmith is gritty and a team-first guy who would be an ideal player off the bench or occasional fill-in as a starter. He sneaks his way to points and is often one of those players of which other teams will ask, “Where did this guy come from?” He also is a determined defender. Highsmith belongs in the NBA and will be somewhere next season. (Update: Highsmith is returning to the Heat.)

8. Luke Kennard, G/F

He can handle the ball and shoot and find the open man. A former starter for the Clippers and Grizzlies, Kennard is a career 44 percent shooter on threes. That includes 48 percent in each of over his last two seasons with Memphis. For an NBA that has become more perimeter-oriented, Kennard could be invaluable off a contender’s bench.

9. Kyle Lowry, PG

Yes, he’s 100 years old. (OK, actually 38.) But he’s a winner and can still beat his man via pure craftiness. Lowry remains tough, steady and smart. He is at the stage of his career where he never forces a thing and is instead focused on setting up teammates. But he can beat you if you leave him alone.

10. Talen Horton-Tucker, SG

Still just 23 years old, THT can drive and power his way to points. He’s scrappy and strong and may not have hit his ceiling. Even if he has, that ceiling is still pretty solid. With the right fit, he could become a decent contributor to a winner.