Shortly after the 2023-24 season ended with the Boston Celtics defeating the Dallas Mavericks to win the championship, attention turned to the free agent market. This time, the NBA's free agency market is occupied by several superstar-caliber players, including four-time NBA champion LeBron · James and perennial All-Star Paul · George.
James signed a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, while Paul · George parted ways with the Los Angeles Clippers and signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Other notable unrestricted free agents such as Pascal · Siakam, DeRozan and Malik · Monk also signed contracts after entering the free agent market.
That being said, there are still several talented players on the free market who can improve their roster and fight for an NBA championship next season. Let's take a look at the top five free agents in the NBA who have not signed with a team as of July 26.
5. Bismarck · Biyombo
Bismarck · Biyombo doesn't have the same deep arsenal as other free agents. The 31-year-old center's biggest strength is the blocking and pumping energy into the game with quick offense.
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Over the course of his career, Biambo averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Last season, the experienced center played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder.
4. Lonnie · Walker
Lonnie · Walker is gifted and the 25-year-old defender has what it takes to be an excellent goalscorer. The former Lakers star also has skills for mid-range layups and dunks.
Last season, Walker played in 58 games for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 9.7 points per game. He shot 42.3 percent from the field, including 38.4 percent from three-point range. As a substitute, Lonnie Walker can provide a scoring boost for a good team.
3. Isaac · Okoro
Isaac · Okoro has some of the most sought-after skills in the NBA today. The 23-year-old shooting guard can shoot three-pointers and has an elite level of defense. Okoro is not an unrestricted free agent, as the Cavaliers have the option to match the offer he receives.
Okoro averaged 9.4 points, three rebounds and 1.9 assists per game with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. He shot 49 percent from the field, including a career-high 39.1 percent.
2. Markelle · Fultz
Markelle · Fultz was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the overall pick in 2017. After a few run-of-the-mill seasons with the 76ers, Fultz joined the Orlando Magic and developed his game. The 26-year-old has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, but he has the potential to be a substitute for some of the better teams in the league.
Last year, Fultz came off the bench for the Magic, averaging 7.8 points per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field, including 22.2 percent from the field. The former champion played just 43 games. Fultz's best performance came in the 2022-23 season, when he averaged a career-high 14.0 points per game while shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range.
1. Tyus · Jones
Jones is probably the most sought-after player on the free market, after an early moment with the player and a contract extension in July. The former Duke University point guard was the on-court general for the Washington Wizards last year. Despite the Wizards' poor overall performance, the 28-year-old has excelled on an individual level.
The nine-year veteran averaged 12 points per game in 66 games while shooting 48.9 percent from the field, including 41.4 percent from three-point range. Jones' playmaking skills are unquestionable, as he was outstanding off the bench with the Memphis Grizzlies.
At the Wizards, Jones proved that he has the potential to organize offense with skill and discipline. The point guard averaged 7.3 assists per game with just one turnover. His scoring ability and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates make him one of the big fish in the free agent market.
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