Who Are the Top Remaining NBA Free Agents Still Available for Signing?
The morning sun filters through my office window, casting long shadows across the basketball statistics spreadsheets I've been studying since dawn. My coffee grows cold as I stare at the numbers, remembering last season's opening game at Araneta Coliseum—the roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers on polished hardwood, the electric tension in the air. That memory takes me back to something Coach Tim Cone once said about new experiences: "Last year, everything was new, being in my first practice with the guys, getting to know the guys, getting to coach my first game in Araneta or coach my first game at MOA Arena, all those were new. Getting the chance to coach against the other guys in our league, that was all bago, right?" That feeling of freshness, of uncharted territory, perfectly captures where we are right now in the NBA offseason—standing at the threshold of unknown possibilities with several talented players still waiting for their next chapter.
Just yesterday, I found myself scrolling through basketball forums where fans passionately debate who are the top remaining NBA free agents still available for signing. The discussion threads stretched for pages, filled with heated arguments about which unsigned players could still shift the balance of power in the league. It reminded me of those tense moments before tip-off, when anything seems possible and every decision carries weight. I've been covering basketball for over fifteen years now, and I can tell you this free agency period feels different—more strategic, more calculated. Teams are playing the long game, waiting for the market to settle before making their moves.
Let me tell you about Dennis Schröder—the man who just helped Germany win the FIBA Basketball World Cup while putting up 28 points against Team USA. At 29 years old, he's arguably the biggest name still floating in free agency waters, and frankly, I'm shocked he hasn't been snapped up yet. I watched him dismantle defenses throughout the tournament with that explosive first step and pesky on-ball defense that drives opponents crazy. He's proven he can be a starting point guard in this league, averaging 14.6 points and 4.6 assists last season with the Lakers. Yet here we are, deep into August, and Schröder remains available. It doesn't make sense to me—this is a player who dropped 21 points in Game 6 against Golden State during last season's playoffs. If I were running a team like the Clippers or Heat, I'd have his agent on speed dial.
Then there's Christian Wood, the walking double-double who put up 18.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game before Dallas decided to move in another direction. I've always been fascinated by Wood's offensive versatility—he can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting (37.6% last season) while still protecting the rim. Sure, his defense needs work, but at 27 years old, he's entering what should be his prime years. I remember watching him torch the Timberwolves for 22 points and 14 rebounds last December, thinking this guy could be the missing piece for a contender. The Lakers have shown interest, but nothing concrete has materialized yet. In my opinion, some team is going to get Wood at a bargain price and wonder why they didn't move sooner.
The free agent market this year feels like that moment Coach Cone described—everything fresh, everything new, with teams cautiously navigating unfamiliar territory. I was talking with a scout friend last week who mentioned how the new CBA rules have front offices second-guessing every move, calculating luxury tax implications down to the last dollar. It's created this strange limbo where quality rotation players like T.J. Warren (who shot 52.4% from the field with Phoenix) and Hamidou Diallo (14 points per game with Detroit) remain unsigned deep into the offseason. Warren particularly interests me—I watched him drop 53 points against Philadelphia back in 2020 before his injury troubles began. When healthy, he's a certified bucket-getter who could provide scoring punch off any bench.
What surprises me most is how many serviceable big men are still available. Blake Griffin, despite being 34, showed in Boston last season that he can still contribute meaningful minutes with his basketball IQ and occasional bursts of athleticism. Then there's Bismack Biyombo, who started 33 games for Phoenix and provided solid interior defense. I've always been partial to defensive-minded centers—there's something beautiful about watching a perfectly timed weak-side block—and Biyombo averaged 1.4 blocks in just 18.3 minutes per game last season. At this stage of free agency, teams aren't looking for stars anymore; they're hunting for specialists who can fill specific roles, and these big men fit that description perfectly.
The point guard market beyond Schröder includes some interesting names that could provide depth. Kendrick Nunn, who I watched develop in Miami before his injury setbacks, remains available despite showing flashes of his old scoring ability with Washington last season. Then there's the veteran presence of George Hill—a player I've admired for his steady leadership and playoff experience. Hill shot 40.6% from three-point range with Milwaukee last season and could mentor younger players while providing reliable backup minutes. In today's NBA, where perimeter shooting is currency, I'm surprised more teams haven't taken a flier on these available guards.
As I finish my coffee and look over my notes, I can't help but feel excited about where these remaining free agents might land. The landscape reminds me of those early season games Coach Cone referenced—everything feeling fresh and unpredictable. Some of these players will inevitably sign minimum contracts and become playoff heroes, while others might fill crucial rotation spots on teams looking to make a surprise playoff push. The beauty of this time of year is that we simply don't know how the story ends. What I do know is that several teams will look back in April and realize they had opportunities to improve their roster back in August when they were asking who are the top remaining NBA free agents still available for signing. The answers were right here all along, waiting for someone to make the call.
