In the NBA's free market, every team dreams of signing superstars like Paul George, LeBron James, or James Harden.
But there is often a huge gap between dreams and reality. In reality, on the free-to-market stage, only six or seven teams actually have the purchasing power to spend a lot of money.
This year has been particularly special as eight teams — Nuggets, Lakers, Grizzlies, Heat, Bucks, Celtics, Timberwolves and Suns — have crossed the luxury tax line, and their inability to use sign-and-trade to attract superstars certainly makes trading in free agency more tricky.
For most teams, their options will be limited to a $13 million non-taxpayer mid-class exception, a $5 million taxpayer mid-class exception, or a base-salary contract. But that doesn't mean they don't have good players. While there are fewer top stars in free agency this year, high-quality role players abound.
In the heat of the playoffs, we've seen time and time again how critical having a reliable fifth, sixth or seventh man is to win at the highest level. Here are the top role players that most teams have the ability to sign and have the potential to fill key positions on the team.
1, Royce O'Neill| Full free agent
The 31-year-old Royce O'Neill still has a few years in his prime. The 3-and-D wing, who has a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.1 percent, can fit into almost any team. Since being traded to the Suns, O'Neal's performance has been recognized. According to Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto, O'Neal is expected to re-sign a $10 million annual contract with the Suns.
The Suns have early bird rights to Royce O'Neal, which can be extended first-time. On June 30, Beijing time, according to ESPN reporter Woj, free agent Royce O'Neal is expected to sign a new contract of 4 years and $44 million and return to the Suns in the new season.
2, Deron Wright | Full free agent
Deron Wright is a nine-year veteran of the league and has played for eight different teams. As a shooter who shoots 35.4 percent from three-point range and a solid defender, Wright is better suited to play as a backup point guard.
After being cut midway through the season, Wright joined the Heat on a base-salary contract. In the future, he may be signed on a veteran base salary contract and continue to play in the league.
3, Naji Marshall | Full free agent
Naji Marshall is a fantastic wing player who has improved significantly over the past few seasons. This season, Marshall is shooting a career-high 38.7 percent from three-point range while also showing great performance on the defensive end. Known as the "Swiss Army Knife" for his all-round skills, Marshall is expected to earn a salary close to the middle class.
4, Nicholas Batum| Full free agent
Batum has just finished his 16th season in the NBA, but he still has gas in his tank. In the playoffs this season, Batum has performed well, solidifying the team's starting lineup with his defense and three-point shooting. While Batum's pace has slowed down, leading him to play more of a power forward role now, he's still a level-headed player who can contribute to the team in the playoffs.
5, Obi Topping | Restricted Free Agent
Obi Toppin has excellent scoring ability and athleticism, shooting a career-high 40.3 percent from three-point range last season, and has excelled in transition offense, while also adapting to a less defensive role.
However, with Siakam's contract extension and the Pacers close to the luxury tax line, Topping may have to make room for Jerrez Walker, the No. 8 pick in 2023. Still, as a 26-year-old sixth man, Topin's talent and potential are still something to look forward to.
6, Derek Jones Jr. | Full free agent
After joining Dallas on a one-year contract last season, Derrick Jones Jr. not only managed to start the team, but also showed his athleticism and defensive potential. Having won the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest, he has established himself as a capable three-point shooter.
Today, Jones Jr.'s market value is not what it used to be, and he is expected to earn a near-middle-class salary on the free market. Before Tim Hardaway was traded, there was a limit to how much the Mavericks could offer Jones in a contract. With the Hardaway trade, the Mavericks are expected to keep Jones.
7, Andre Drummond | Full free agent
Drummond is expected to leave the Bulls, according to multiple Bulls reporters.
Over the past few years, Drummond has been one of the Bulls' best interior players off the bench, and has been just as good as a starter on occasion. Drummond is one of the best rebounders in NBA history, with a decent passing ability and a surprising steal on the defensive end. However, his performance on the offensive end has been quite limited, with one or two confusing commotions every week.
Despite this, Drummond was able to fill the stat sheet in the game and become an important interior force on the bench. He's been on contract for two seasons in a row, and with his value remaining very affordable this summer, Drummond would be a great value for money for teams that need interior depth.
8. Gordon Hayward | Full free agent
Since being traded to Oklahoma City in February, Hayward seems to have lost his former glory. With the Thunder, Hayward struggled to get consistent playing time, and his indecision on the court was a cause for concern. At the end of the season, Thunder general manager Sam Presti had to admit that the deal didn't work out as expected.
However, Hayward's struggles came as a surprise. During his time with the Charlotte Hornets, he averaged 14.5 points per game and made a mark on the defensive end. Although injuries have always been with him, his three-point shooting percentage is still excellent. If Hayward can regain his form with the Hornets, he will undoubtedly be a great signing on the free market.
9. Markelle Fultz | Full free agent
Markelle Fultz, the former No. 1 pick, found his starting spot with the Magic two seasons ago and showed consistent breakaway and mid-range shooting.
But injuries this season have completely disrupted Fultz's pace of progress, leaving him looking lost all year. While Fultz may not be what was expected when he was drafted in 2017, he still has a chance to be a great backup point guard if he recovers.
10, Monte Morris | Full free agent
During his time with the Nuggets, Morris was considered one of the best backup point guards in the NBA. But since being traded to the Wizards two years ago, he has faded into obscurity, and last year's injury prevented him from getting back into the game.
When Morris was at his best, he was a very accurate three-point shooter and one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the league. He rarely makes mistakes and is an outstanding game master.
11, Heywood Highsmith | Full free agent
Every team is looking for the next Derek Jones II, and Highsmith is just that candidate.
Possessing a slender build and exceptional athleticism, Highsmith is capable of finishing offense and hitting open threes accurately as an underrated defender despite his limited creativity on the offensive end.
With a projected value in the mid-range exception, Highsmith is an option worth considering for teams looking for defense and three-point ability.
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