Most of the players on the Hoops Rumors’ Top 50 Free Agents list came to terms on new contracts fairly quickly. But more than three weeks after the start of free agency, there are a handful who still remain on the market.
Setting aside Hornets forward Miles Bridges, whose domestic abuse case has clouded his future in the league, and center Montrezl Harrell, who is dealing with legal issues of his own, only three players from our top 50 remain unsigned: Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton, Rockets guard Dennis Schröder and Bucks forward Jordan Nwora.
Sexton is a restricted free agent who’s trying to bounce back from a torn meniscus that limited him to 11 games last season. Cleveland is reportedly focused on staying under the luxury tax line and has about $15MM to work with. Sexton is believed to want “starting guard money” with a first-year salary in excess of $20MM. Only the Spurs and Pacers have enough cap room left to offer him that much without a sign-and-trade.
Schröder played 15 games for Houston after being acquired from the Celtics at the deadline. Although the unrestricted free agent has a good relationship with the team, he’s not expected to return as Houston is focused on providing minutes for its young players.
Nwora, who is restricted, is in limbo as he waits for an offer that Milwaukee will have the option to match. General manager Jon Horst said the team is working with Nwora’s agent to find an acceptable solution for all parties. However, there’s no rush to get anything done with training camp still two months away.
Apart from the top 50, there are several intriguing veterans who remain on the open market, including Carmelo Anthony, LaMarcus Aldridge, Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard.
We want to get your opinion. Which remaining free agents do you think can provide the most help and where do you think they should end up? Please leave your answer in the space below.
Schröder and Sexton can play for Lakers one season then sign big contracts with other teams
Both are better and cheaper than Westbrook
If that were true, why aren’t they signed right now?
IMO
Best case for the Lakers is
Waive and Stretch Westbrook in June 30 2022, then use salary cap room to sign 3 good free agents (all 3 are better than Westbrook)
But the Lakers fans thought that was the worst case.
Irving wants money, Lakers give him money and keep all future draft capital
If you read this backwards does it make more or less sense?
For starters because all but 2 teams are up against the cap if they try and sign either one for what they are worth. Those 2 teams do not need starters at either Guard position. 3rd is that Sexton is a restricted Free agent which means the Cav’s can match any offer another team makes without being penalized for going over the cap. 4th is that Schroder is known for turning down high dollar offers. If you had been paying attention you would know these things.
You still go over the cap if you match. Phoenix owes approximately 34 million in tax after matching Ayton. If you had been paying attention, you would know these things.
Sexton to Dallas for a S/T. ( Maybe Hardaway)
Cleveland has too many 2 Guards as it is. Unless Hardaway Grew 2 inches over the Summer they do not need him.
Hardaway can playSF
Harrell and Bridges legal trouble is so much different, I’m surprised Harrell is being held up by his not illegal in 27 states action, while miles bridges should serve time in the joint and no team should be willing to take on that PR headache ever again
Harrell had a lot of MJ on him for one of the worst/strictest states. He may try to just live in a MJ legal state that wont extradite him to KY for MJ crimes, but otherwise its not just small time crime in that state, and he probably gets at best differed jail time.
3 P’s is still illegal. But jail time illegal? No. That’s absurd.
Theoretically so can Ochai Agbaji who the Cavaliers already have.Look at the numbers they are almost the same player. Why would Cleveland Trade Sexton for a player they already have? If Hardaway rebounded or played defense like a Forward it would be a different thing. But as a SF Hardaway is more like having an extra Guard.
What is going on with Dennis Smith Jr, or Isiah Thomas?
What’s going on with Isiah Thomas is he hasn’t played any meaningful basketball since 2017.
Try 1993
Correct. He means Isaiah Thomas who was named after Isiah Thomas after his father lost a bet, but the father (and/or mother) changed the spelling.
I mean, no kidding.
DSJ can jump out of the gym, but dumb as a box of rocks…. that’s why the Mavs got rid of him after getting Luka…. can’t shoot, and makes bad decisions with the ball.
Nwora most likely getting back to warming the Bucks bench (sadly). Don’t understand why Schroeder hasn’t been signed yet, decent scorer. Teams overspent I guess.
Man I love Nwora’s potential. I hope he comes back to my Bucks but if he does it’ll take a bit for him to emerge as a rotation player. He could be a starter if he improves his defense.
I think he’s a long way from starting anywhere. If his defense improves to the point that he’s a regular rotation player, that’s a success. I just don’t see it happening, though.
I think it definitely could happen. I think the Bucks are the best fit for him because if he goes somewhere like Houston, Orlando, Detroit, etc he’ll get thrust into the spotlight and I don’t know if he’s ready just yet. Here he can slowly develop into a rotation wing player, which the Bucks could always use more of.
Schroder to the Mavs. It’s time for Carmelo to go back home to Denver. Dwight to the Celtics. LaMarcus to Philly.
I like everything but lamarcus to philly, id rather see him go back to portland before he retires.
Same, reunion w Blazers please
Celts wouldn’t give him any playing time in the postseason but he would be a nice depth piece.
Glad I’m not alone on the Dwight Howard-to-Celtics train. I don’t see it happening, though.
Celtics got a “culture” thing going on.
The hold up on Schroder (and Kemba Walker’s buyout) is Westbrook/Kyrie.
Most contenting teams would also prefer to trade for Patrick Beverley rather than sign Schroder.
A Charlotte reunion seems like a hyper-logical destination for Kemba.
Schroder is probably looking at Dallas to replace Jalen Brunson on the cheap.
I did see a thing for the Lakers signing Dennis Schroder Plus making the Russ plus picks deal for Heild and Turner.
Schroder Heild Bron AD Turner
That would be a good side.
ADs health would be key but the defence from those two down low and Schroder on the perimeter would be good. Then shooting wise you wouldn’t have anyone clogging the paint and all 5 a good three point shooters.
The two limitations would be willingness to give up 2 firsts to get rid of Russ and how good is the depth?
I would just pull the trigger and get rid of Russ. This could be your last season to compete for a title with Bron getting older and ADs health.
This will be LeBron’s last year in LA unless they can win a title with Westbrook still there. The only way the Laker’s get rid of Westbrook is to send 4 #1 picks with him. LeBron want’s another title and that will not happen with these Laker’s.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs a one-year extension to become a free agent in 2024 – *not* coincidentally when Bronny becomes draft-eligible.
Why? The Lakers will not be any more competitivein 2024 than in 2023.I do not think at his age he wants to spin his wheels on a team going nowhere. He needs to win it all 1 more time to be seen as equal to Jordan. He can’t do that with the Lakers.
In his eyes he needs 2 more to be equal with MJ. After he won his third ring he said he’s always wanted 6 like MJ. LeBron, AD, and Russ had their phone call and (supposedly) cleared things up and are all in to win a championship in LA. I don’t think LeBron will give up on LA so easily – especially with a bunch of cap space opening up next year with Westbrook a free agent. I entirely think that the Lakers will be more competitive in 2024 – as it is now they could be a championship contender as they have more youth and a new coach. LeBron and AD already won it together. They can do it again.
@ cuffs2:
Lol, as if 5 = 6?
Lebron equaling Jordan is not going to happen.
I totally forgot Sexto was still unsigned.
Clearly Cleveland doesn’t value him at his asking price, and neither do any other teams
Interesting to see where he ends up, and for how much.
Cleveland goes into the Luxury Tax penalty if they Give Sexton his 20 million per season. They had hoped to get around this by matching some other teams offer sheet which would then wave the penalty. Problem is that 27 other clubs are in the same spot in regards to the Cap. 2 are not but both are well stocked with Shooting Guards. Cleveland most likely will move Sexton in a Sign & Trade deal with some team that has a Small Forward of similar skill & value.
Ignoring players either already connected to certain places, waiting in returning decisions, waiting on legal situations, or summer league guys from this year and last year, generally off the top of my head, these are probably the best remaining available players, in my opinion, with possibly some accidental omissions
Paul Millsap, Josh jackson, Jeremy Lamb, Eric Bledsoe, LaMarcus Aldridge, james johnson, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Abdel Nader, DeAndre Bembry, Rodney McGruder, TLC, Tony Snell, DJ Stewart jr, ishmail Wainright, Juan Hernangomez, Jabari Parker, isaac Bonga, Mamadi Diakite, Blake Griffin, Eric Paschall, Semi Ojeleye, Robert Woodard II, Justin Jackson, Louis King, Juwan Morgan, Nik stauskas, Justin Anderson, Solomon Hill, Hassan Whiteside, E’twaun Moore, Lance Stephenson
…that being said, it depends on what teams we’re talking about, as there would probably be some guards or bigs on that list, or even other options I didnt mention
Divide these guys up into two teams and send one to Seattle and one to Vegas then send Min to the East.
East
Atlantic
Bos, NY, Phi, Cha, Mia, Was, Bkn, Orl
Central
Mil, Chi, Det, Ind, Min, Cle, Atl, Tor
West
South
NO, Mem, SA, Dal, LV, OKC, Hou, Den
Pacific
LAL, LAC, Sea, Sac, Por, GS, Pho, Uta
Makes way too much sense to actually happen.
You need to be running the NBA !!
Collin Sexton wanting starter’s money is a joke. Yes, he scores 16 points a game. He doesn’t do much else, less than 3 rebounds or assists. His turnovers, 2.8, are higher than his assists, 2.2, I call him average, at best.
Sexton is below average. Sexton is the rare No “D” and No “3” player. He is an accurate mid-range scorer and nothing else. Needs to find the best 6th man, instant offense off the bench situation he can find.
Sexton has shot 38% from 3 points for his entire career. The last full season he played he scored 24.4 points a game on 37% shooting. He only played in 11 games last year before getting hurt. 24.4 points per game with 4.4 assists per game is oustanding. His start to last year was nothing more than a shooting slump.
He’s definitely not below average. He’s an outstanding scorer.
You are basing your opinion of Sexton on his play in 11 games last year before getting hurt. The Previous year He scored 24.4 points a game with 4.4 assists. If that is average we need a lot more average players. The Guy shoots 38% from 3 points lifetime and nails the 2 as well.Try reading stats back more than just 1 season.
The Warriors had Demarcus Cousins & he seemed happy. Unfortunately, he got hurt, sprinting down the court to play defense ( believe or not ). He was a beast on the boards & was incredibly efficient scoring around the basket. I could see him being of great value as a backup center if he could play like a rebounder & not as a 3 Point shooter. Him drifting away from the basket is not effective.
DeMarcus Cousins is a starter and an NBA all star caliber player, he should be starting for a team in this league and getting 30 minutes a game.
Cousins and Sexton could immediately make any team in this league a playoff contender.
The Lakers could waive and stretch Westbrook if they could get Sexton and Cousins on complimentary three year deals. Far better of a deal than trading for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
Boogie is at best a 10-12 minute backup in this league my friend, if hes still in this league. Sexton is rfa doubtful the cavs allow him to walk away getting nothing in return.
Yeah the days of all-star DeMarcus Cousins are over – too many injuries. Even if he were that good, he never did lead the Kings or Pels to the playoffs – unless you count the time where they made it without him. He was OK in GS but clearly they would have made it without him. I am pretty high on Sexton but he hasn’t ever made the playoffs in his career either . . . his ceiling could be like a slightly lesser version of Trae Young.
Only if they have a time machine to get 2015 Cousins. DeMarcus, if this is you, apologies.
I’m guessing that Whiteside, Howard, and Cousins will get signed before the season starts.
It wasn’t that long ago that Schroder turned down a 4 year $84 mil extension from the Lakers?
Bet he regrets that now – so does Bridges
Shabazz Muhammad
So Indy and SAS are the only teams with cap space to outright sign Sexton. And Indy already has Buddy and Hal. Spurs could offer him a 4/80 or slightly less and get good value out of that deal.
Then The Cavaliers could match that offer. Why would the Spurs even bother?
Talks are at a standstill. They don’t want to go into the Luxury. He wants 20M per. They don’t want to discuss 20M per.
If Bridges QO is still on the table, he should sign it to at least be under contract. He may never see that money and, if all of the allegations are true, he shouldn’t, but it’s the best offer he’s going to get now. I can’t see another team touching him right now.
The NBA probably wouldn’t let that happen.
Whiteside to MN??? vets min?
as a 4th C? why?
Aldridge should go to Portland. End it right. He gives them depth.
Sexton is not a FA. He has a 7.2 mill qualifying offer from Cavs. So unless some gives him a contract for Cavs to match. He is staying at 7.2 mill. Then following yr will be UFA.
“He has no market,” a league executive told Fedor.
There is a certain Cavs fan here. Who thinks Sexton is the starting SG of the Cavs. Please enlighten us all NOW.
Heat should sign Griffin. He can give them good bench mins.
Dwight should go mentor Bamba. And ended it in Orlando.
Melo should just go away ……
I think at the very least by the end of the season Sexton is starting, if not right away. LeVert, Mobley, Allen and Garland can start beside him. Cavs can finally get away from the huge lineup of Mobley, Allen and Markkanen. Love, Agbaji, Cedi Osman and Ricky Rubio later in the season can also mix in from the bench. I think they’re a top-6 team in the league if they stay healthy.
LaVert did not look right. But I think he is a better fit. I’m a big Agbaji fan. Imo he is going to be special. So I would move on from Sexton. Build his value and trade him for a shooter, or pick.
Maybe if he signs his QO, they can trade him so they don’t have to let him walk for nothing. But the Cavs are a better team with Sexton, and also he gives them more depth if they get hurt again. I just really don’t like Markkanen in the starting lineup. It’s just a really awkward fit. If they start Sexton they can bring Markkanen off the bench and rotate him, Love, Mobley, and Allen and not have to play more than two of those players at a time, even if one gets hurt,
Nwora is not good. I don’t understand why he was inside the top 50 free agents. He’s a minimum guy or close to it. I have a feeling whoever did the rankings didn’t watch Nwora actually play this season, when he provided close to no value for Milwaukee.
I would guess Carmelo. He may be a t the point where he can focus on what his team needs at a given time. He can also be a big help in practice. Most players don’t get to play against someone with his skills every day.
I’d love to see a sign and trade for Nwora and Bridges.
Giannis is one of my favorite players to watch. I think Carmelo Anthony would be excellent off the bench in Milwaukee.
Hernangomez just made a movie he should get more attention than just on the big screen. Stevenson had a sneaky good time off the bench in his return also.