While many of the NBA’s top free agents reach agreements on new contracts shortly after they become eligible to on June 30, plenty of interesting names are still available three-plus weeks into free agency, including a handful of players on our top-50 FA list for 2023.
Here are some noteworthy players who have yet to sign new deals (along with the teams they finished last season with):
- P.J. Washington, F, Hornets (No. 11 on top 50)
- Christian Wood, F/C, Mavericks (No. 25)
- Kelly Oubre, G/F, Hornets (No. 27)
- Hamidou Diallo, G/F, Pistons (No. 43)
- Derrick Jones, F, Bulls
- Jaylen Nowell, G, Timberwolves
- Kendrick Nunn, G, Wizards
- Terence Davis, G/F, Kings
- Javonte Green, G/F, Bulls
- Romeo Langford, G/F, Spurs
Washington’s case is unique in that he’s a restricted free agent (all the others are unrestricted), and negotiations with Charlotte reportedly haven’t been very productive so far. However, almost no teams have cap room remaining, so if he were to join a new club this summer, it would almost certainly have to come via sign-and-trade.
Wood has been linked to the Lakers, Bulls, Heat and Cavaliers, while Oubre has drawn some interest from the Mavericks and Cavs. We haven’t seen many rumors about the other players listed above, though Jones has also been linked to the Mavs.
There’s also a group of players who didn’t start the summer as free agents, but saw their non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts waived this offseason and have yet to find new teams:
- Trendon Watford, F/C
- Edmond Sumner, G
- Lamar Stevens, F
- PJ Dozier, G/F
- Daishen Nix, G
- R.J. Hampton, G
- Garrett Temple, G/F
- Marko Simonovic, F/C
- Vernon Carey Jr., F/C
- Joe Wieskamp, G/F
- Tyrese Martin, G/F
- Martin is on waivers until July 23.
Veteran forward Rudy Gay is in his own category, as the Thunder waived his guaranteed $6.48MM contract to create roster space. OKC acquired him in order to add to its draft capital. He’ll clear waivers today.
Lastly, as is the case every summer, there are several longtime veterans who haven’t found new clubs. That group includes players like Blake Griffin, John Wall, Goran Dragic, Danny Green, Terrence Ross, Justise Winslow, T.J. Warren, George Hill, Will Barton, JaMychal Green, Gorgui Dieng, and Bismack Biyombo, among many others.
You can find our lists of current free agents by position and team right here.
I’m very surprised Terrence Ross hasn’t found a deal yet, assuming he’s healthy. He was a popular buyout target last season.
So why is PJ Washington still out there? Is his defense terrible? Or did he over play his hand thinking he was going to get a max contract?
Washington would be an excellent fit for the Bulls, whether he’d be alongside their bench squad or their starters, he should fit right in.
Maybe, they could work out a sign and trade giving up Ayo or Daylen Terry and a couple of 2nd Round picks…
Somewhat off-topic, but I’d honestly rather the Bulls trade Ayo away. I actually really like Terry, and think he could eventually develop into a solid 3&D wing that can also do a little bit of ball handling.
It didn’t really look like Terry got a whole lot of run last season, but he should be in their two deep this year.
If not, I’d really hope they utilize their G-League, so Sanogo, Phillips, and Terry can all gain the valuable experience and coaching they need in order to get to the next stages of their development.
Each of these younger players has a ton of upside, I just hope the Bulls staff can unlock it.
A lot of talent out there that is more than good enough to warrant a position in the NBA. The Salary cap has casualties. I sèe at least 4 players my team could use but their money’s already spent. And we already gutted our disposable players list signing Max Strus. As such a sign and trade would force us to move someone we’d like to keep.
Diallo ranked way too high, dude is G League, borderline-NBA.
DJJ should be on a team by now. BAE at least.
I’ve been saying since Toppin was traded that JaMychal Green is a great fit for the Knicks. He can easily fill the minutes Obi had, productively. I know Thibodumb wants to go with a 9-man rotation, but that only serves to wear guys down. They’re cooked before the playoffs even start. They need a 4, and Green is a great fit.
Why doesn’t San Antonio give Washington an offer sheet? They have the cap space and he’s a talented player and he’s young enough no to get in way of the rebuild.
San Antonio has 17 players on standard contracts. Not including 2-way deals. They would need to trade 3 contracts in a sign and trade deal to obtain Washington. Or more. Problem is Charlotte may not want all of the Spurs extra players. Making a 3 or 4 way deal necessary. Hard when everyone who isn’t them is over the cap.
Because the Spurs already have too many Forwards. Most are better than Washington. There is a reason that no NBA teams tried to sign or trade for him. Even Charlotte doesn’t think much of him. With Brandon Miller on board, Washington has become obsolete.
It’s crazy how John Wall still hasn’t gotten a contract.. Sure, he’s had injury issues the past few years but I can still see him produce as a backup. I think he would be a great fit on the Bucks or Raptors.
Why can’t the gsw warriors sign Blake griffin? His past wit CP3 makes him the perfect backup big for them he is a great fit
I think he’s had injury/health issues.
I don’t think he’s fast enough to keep up in their system. He’s aged a lot the last couple years
No too many open positions in the league. The NBA will need to expand sooner than later there is too many good players still out there looking for a job.
Or ditch the convoluted salary cap system that only serves to line the pockets of owners
Silver doesn’t like veterans. I’ve been telling everyone. Goodbye fair well.
Just a thought. 10 min a game several DNP vet min. GSW Blake. Maybe Dwight? Just 5 fouls for Joker, AD ect…someone big to bang in the west or against the bucs or Philly