The calendar is about to flip to September, which means NBA
training camps will get underway in a few weeks. It's now been two
months since the 2022 NBA free-agency period tipped off, but there
are still a number of notable players who remain unsigned.
Editor's Note: Collin Sexton agreed to a four-year,
$72 million contract in a sign-and-trade that sent him to Utah, so
he is no longer on this list.
Here's a look at nine players who are still available:
MILES BRIDGES, RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Miles Bridges is coming off a breakout season, averaging a
career-high 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.9 threes and
0.9 steals. The forward seemed due for a massive payday, and
Charlotte Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak even said that the
team would re-sign him. Then, Bridges was arrested for domestic
violence on the eve of free agency. Bridges' wife, Mychelle
Johnson, spoke out about Bridges' alleged
abuse and documented her serious injuries. Not only has this
situation understandably scared teams away, but it's also very
possible that the NBA will suspend Bridges.
MONTREZL HARRELL, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Montrezl Harrell just delivered another productive and efficient
season as a reserve, averaging 13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.0
assists in 23.1 minutes per game, while shooting 64.5% from the
field. Harrell started the season with the Washington Wizards and
then got traded to the Hornets before the deadline. However, it's
worth noting that the 28-year-old is facing felony drug charges
after officers claimed to find three pounds of marijuana in his car
during a traffic stop back in May. That's likely why the former
Sixth Man of the Year is still available.
DENNIS SCHRODER, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last offseason, Dennis Schroder signed with the Boston Celtics
at a significant discount. After struggling during the first half
of the season, he was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for
Daniel Theis. He finished last season averaging 13.5 points, 4.6
assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 threes per game, while shooting 43.1%
from the field, 34.4% from three-point range and 85.3% from the
free-throw line. The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly considered
signing Schroder again.
HASSAN WHITESIDE, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Hassan Whiteside is a solid center who can come off the bench
and protect the rim. Last season, while backing up Rudy Gobert on
the Utah Jazz, he averaged 8.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks
in 17.9 minutes per game. In eight starts, the 33-year-old averaged
11.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks while shooting 63.5% from
the field.
CARMELO ANTHONY, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last season, a 37-year-old Melo put up 13.3 points, 4.2
rebounds, 2.2 threes, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals in 26.0 minutes per
game with the Lakers. In recent years, he has shot the ball much
better from three-point range, knocking down 37.5% of his
three-point attempts last year and 40.9% from deep the year before.
Earlier this offseason, Anthony was working out with his son,
Kiyan, at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas while preparing for next
season.
DEMARCUS COUSINS, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Cousins became a key contributor after joining the Denver
Nuggets in February, averaging 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 13.9
minutes per contest. He looked great at times during the playoffs,
scoring an efficient 19 points in 15 minutes during Game 5 against
the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the postseason. The
31-year-old can still help a team.
“I belong in this league,” Cousins said after Denver was
eliminated. “I was given the opportunity; I'm thankful for Mike
Malone. I spoke with him before. A lot of doors closed for me. Mike
looked out, gave me an opportunity. I just tried to take the best
advantage of it as I could. That's what I did.”
JEREMY LAMB, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last season, the Indiana Pacers traded Lamb to the Sacramento
Kings as a part of the Domantas Sabonis deal. In 56 games, Lamb
averaged 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 three in
16.7 minutes a night. The 30-year-old struggled with his shot,
knocking down just 38.3% of his attempts from the field and 32.4%
of his threes (after shooting 45.1% from the field and 40.6% from
three the previous year).
TRISTAN THOMPSON, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last season, Thompson suited up for the Kings, Pacers and
Chicago Bulls, averaging 6.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 15.7
minutes per game. At this stage of his career, the 31-year-old is a
solid backup big man who can provide frontcourt depth.
ANDRE IGUODALA, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Last season, Iguodala rejoined the Golden State Warriors,
averaging 4.0 points, 3.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.7
blocks in 19.5 minutes across 31 games. Entering his 19th season in
the league, the 38-year-old is mainly a veteran leader and strong
locker-room presence, but he can still produce in limited reserve
minutes. Don't be surprised if he re-signs with Golden State.