Latest On Top Remaining Free Agents

With the dust having settled after the frantic first few weeks of free agency, news and rumors of signings have slowed down, but there are still a number of useful players on the market. It's debatable which of the unsigned players are the best options, but here are the latest updates on a few free agents that would at least have to be in the conversation:

• Andrei Kirilenko: The Timberwolves are said to be close to finalizing a two-year, $20MM contract for Kirilenko, but that deal hinges on Minnesota clearing salary to clear room for the Russian forward. It's hard to imagine this near-agreement falling apart entirely, but until the T-Wolves officially move Wesley Johnson or another player, Kirilenko remains unsigned.
• Carl Landry: The Bobcats and the Warriors continue to be the two most aggressive suitors for Landry, but there's no guarantee he ends up with one of those clubs. The Bobcats are finding it difficult to work out a sign-and-trade for Landry, and the Warriors' financial restrictions mean Landry could get a larger offer elsewhere.
• Robin Lopez (R): Like Kirilenko, Lopez is stuck in limbo while the the Suns, Hornets, and Timberwolves continue to try to figure out a three-way trade that complies with CBA rules. If the deal eventually goes through, Lopez will be a Hornet, signing a three-year, $15MM contract.
• Brandon Rush (R): Like fellow restricted free agent Alonzo Gee, Rush is seeking an offer sheet from another club, but with the Warriors (or in Gee's case, the Cavs) expected to match any reasonable offer, teams haven't been lining up for the opportunity to have their offers matched. I'd expect both players to eventually end up back with their current clubs, earning about $3MM in 2012/13.
• Leandro Barbosa: The silence surrounding Barbosa this month has been awfully surprising — our rumors page for the former Pacer hasn't seen any action since May. I think Barbosa could be a valuable scoring option off the bench for a contender, if he was willing to play for the veteran's minimum. A team like the Lakers, for instance, would be a very nice fit. If Barbosa prefers a larger role and contract, perhaps a team like the Trail Blazers or Cavaliers would work.
• C.J. Miles: Miles had interest in signing with his hometown Mavericks, but Dallas went in a different direction and now has a full backcourt. Miles met with the Cavs this week and seems to be a decent fit for a team in need of a wing player and with plenty of cap space.
• Carlos Delfino: Delfino has reportedly received interest from a handful of teams, including the Hawks. However, he's disappointed to not have heard from the Bucks, as he told HoopsHype last weekend. Delfino could help a number of NBA teams, but if clubs aren't willing to offer much more than the minimum, I think he could also be a candidate to sign overseas.
• Darko Milicic: The Clippers, Heat, Nets, and Bulls were said to have interest in Darko, but the Clippers have since signed Ryan Hollins, while the Bulls added Nazr Mohammed. I'd guess that narrows Milicic's decision to the Heat and Nets, and I think he'd be a fit for both teams. If playing time is his primary concern, Darko might prefer Brooklyn, where Brook Lopez's injury history means there's a chance he could see solid minutes.
• Kenyon Martin: At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if Martin was waiting on Landry's decision. If the Warriors miss out on Landry, Martin seems to be a perfect fit for a team in need of toughness and physicality in the middle. The Warriors have interest in Martin, and I imagine they'd be open to offering a little more than the veteran's minimum if Landry is off the table.
• Honorable mention: Nate Robinson, Willie Green, Derek Fisher, Josh Howard, Jodie Meeks, Tracy McGrady, Andray Blatche, and Shelden Williams. None of these guys appear to be on the verge of inking deals at the moment.