The fast start to NBA free agency has come to a quick halt as the basketball world prepares for resolution following the reported trade request of Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. Teams and players could officially begin signing on July 6, and we’ve tracked all reported and official free-agency moves, as well as offseason trades completed since the June 23 NBA draft. It looks like we now have at least some breathing room with the league turning some of its attention to the 2022 NBA Summer League. However, several talented free agents in the NBA are looking for new contracts. Here’s a quick look at seven of the NBA’s top remaining free agents in 2022, listed alphabetically (the list does not include Charlotte’s Miles Bridges, who was reportedly arrested for domestic violence on the eve of free agency):
LaMarcus Aldridge, Brooklyn Nets, unrestricted
2021-22 Stats: 12.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.9 apg You probably forgot about Aldridge because the 36-year-old hasn’t played a single second since Brooklyn’s brief postseason run in 2022. But the man can still go (just not as fast as we’ve seen in the past), and he remains almost automatic in the post and in the middle. category. Aldridge shot 55% from the field last season and is still hungry for his first title in 17 seasons.
Carmelo Anthony, Los Angeles Lakers, unrestricted
2021-22 Stats: 13.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 apg We hear a lot about the need for teams to keep veterans around to teach young players the ropes similar to how Miami uses Udonis Haslem. It’s an added bonus when this vet can help teams win games, which is exactly what we’ve seen from Anthony in his last two stops. Over the past three seasons, the 38-year-old has shot 37.5 percent or better from 3-point range.
Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns, limited
2021-22 Stats: 17.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.4 apg Ayton’s immediate future appears to be somewhat complicated and has been put on hold due to Durant’s reported preference to join the Suns in a trade. The 23-year-old is expected to likely remain unsigned until a decision is made on the Durant front, and there appear to be multiple multi-team options on the table for the former No. 1 overall pick, who entered the 2021-22 season aiming to secure a maximum deal.
James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, unrestricted
2021-22 Stats: 22.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 10.3 apg Harden is expected to sign a new contract in Philadelphia for less than the $47.3 million option for next season that he opted out of. Harden made the move to take less on a shorter deal to give himself more flexibility as well as the team, which is working to improve a roster that already features 2022 MVP runner-up Joel Embiid.
Montrezl Harrell, Charlotte Hornets, unrestricted
2021-22 Stats: 13.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.0 apg It’s crazy to think that Harrell has played for three teams since 2020, when he won Kia Sixth Man of the Year with the LA Clippers, because his game certainly hasn’t dropped, not to mention the big man is just 28 years old. Harrell’s future may be somewhat in doubt as he faces felony drug charges stemming from a traffic stop last month.
Dennis Schroeder, Houston Rockets, unrestricted
2021-22 Stats: 13.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.6 apg He played 49 games for the Boston Celtics last season before being traded to the Rockets. Schroeder seems to be another player who is likely on hold until something happens with Durant. The speedy 28-year-old could be a good fit for many teams looking to add backcourt depth. Given the youth movement currently taking place in Houston, it’s unlikely that Schroder will re-sign there.
Colin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers, limited
2021-22 Stats: 16.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.1 apg It is possible that Sexton will return to Cleveland, as there appears to be a desire on both sides to reach a deal. The 23-year-old played just 11 games last season before suffering a torn meniscus that forced him to miss the rest of the 2021-2022 campaign. Sexton averaged 20-plus points in the two seasons prior to 2021-22. So while Darius Garland has emerged as an All-Star, there’s still room for a scorer like Sexton.
Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can email him here, find his archive here, and follow him on Twitter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
