Carmelo Anthony has shot 35% or more from the 3-point range in 5 of the last 6 seasons.
The NBA’s quick start to free agency came to a quick halt as the basketball world prepared to settle after Kevin Durant’s change request from the Brooklyn Nets.
Teams and players could officially begin signings on July 6, and we’ve kept track of all reported and official free agency moves, as well as the low-season changes consummated since the June 23 NBA Draft. . It looks like we now have at least some breathing space with the league focusing some of its attention on the 2022 NBA Summer League.
Still, several talented NBA free agents are looking for new contracts.
Here’s a look at seven of the NBA’s top free agents remaining in 2022, listed in alphabetical order (the list doesn’t include Charlotte’s Miles Bridges, who was arrested for domestic violence on the eve of the free agency ):
LaMarcus Aldridge, Brooklyn Nets, no restrictions
Statistics 2021-22: 12.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.9 apg
You probably forget Aldridge because the 36-year-old didn’t play a single second of Brooklyn’s brief postseason career in 2022. But the man can still go (not as fast as we’ve seen in the past), and he it keeps it almost automatic on the stick and mid-range. Aldridge shot 55% from the field last season and is still eager to capture his first title after 17 seasons.
Carmelo Anthony, Los Angeles Lakers, no restrictions
Statistics 2021-22: 13.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 apg
We’ve heard about the need for teams to stand by veterans to teach the ropes to young players in the same way that Miami uses Udonis Haslem. It’s an added bonus when this vet can help teams win games, which is exactly what we’ve seen of Anthony in his last two stops. Over the past three seasons, the 38-year-old has shot 37.5% or more from 3 points.
Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns, restricted
Statistics 2021-22: 17.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.4 apg
Ayton’s immediate future seems a bit complicated and halted by Durant’s preference to join the Suns in a change. The 23-year-old is expected to remain unsigned until there is a resolution on Durant’s front, and there appear to be several options involving several teams on the table for the former No. 1 general team, which came in. in the 2021-22 season looking for make sure you get a maximum deal.
James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, no restrictions
Statistics 2021-22: 22.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 10.3 apg
Harden is expected to sign a new deal in Philadelphia for less money than the $ 47.3 million option for next season that he opted not to. Harden took the step to grab less in what is expected to be a shorter deal to give himself more flexibility, as well as the team, which is working to improve a roster that already features Kia MVP runner-up 2022, Joel Embiid.
Montrezl Harrell, Charlotte Hornets, no restrictions
Statistics 2021-22: 13.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.0 apg
It’s wild to think that Harrell has played three teams since 2020, when he won the Kia Sixth Man of the Year with the LA Clippers because his game has certainly not fallen, not to mention that the big man is only 28 years old. Harrell’s future could be somewhat in doubt as he faces a drug offense stemming from a traffic stop last month.
Dennis Schröder, Houston Rockets, no restrictions
Statistics 2021-22: 13.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.6 apg
He played 49 games with the Boston Celtics last season, before moving on to the Rockets in a change. Schröder seems to be another player who is probably sitting in limbo until something happens to Durant. The fast 28-year-old could be suitable for several teams looking to add depth to the backcourt. Given the youth movement currently taking place in Houston, Schroder is unlikely to sign there again.
Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers, restricted
Statistics 2021-22: 16.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.1 apg
Sexton is likely to return to Cleveland, as there appears to be a desire on both sides to reach an agreement. The 23-year-old played just 11 games last season before suffering a meniscus break that forced him to miss the rest of the 2021-22 season. Sexton averaged more than 20 points in the two seasons leading up to 2021-22. So even though Darius Garland has emerged as an All-Star, there is still room for a scorer like Sexton.
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Michael C. Wright is a senior NBA.com writer. You can email him here, find his file here and follow him on Twitter.
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