While the top NBA free agents are often All-Stars already secured by their teams, the recent Finals demonstrated the critical role of a strong supporting cast. Winning championships requires more than just stars; teams need versatile players to fill roles, handle injuries, and offer strategic flexibility throughout a playoff run.
With these requirements in mind, here are seven under-the-radar free agents worth considering as the free agency period begins. They won`t single-handedly transform a team`s fortunes, but they can significantly enhance a contender needing that crucial final piece of depth.
Chris Paul
Approaching 40, the future Hall of Famer Chris Paul`s current value seems underestimated. Despite his age, he remains durable, having played all 82 games last season. Paul is still a highly effective pick-and-roll handler, ranking among the top players in points per play in that category. He also continues to be an elite facilitator, ranking fourth in assists per 36 minutes among qualified players.
While a return to San Antonio is improbable given their guard situation, Paul could significantly enhance a contender`s bench unit. Potential landing spots include reunions with the Clippers or a move to the Lakers alongside LeBron James, or perhaps joining star-studded teams like the Nuggets or Timberwolves. After a season away from the spotlight, Paul, who has yet to win a championship, is likely seeking to join a team poised for a deep playoff run.
Chris Boucher
Chris Boucher stands out statistically, being one of only two players last season to average at least 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers per 36 minutes (with over 800 minutes played). While not comparing him to Victor Wembanyama, these numbers highlight his unique contributions. Though not suited for extended minutes as a traditional center due to his frame, Boucher offers a valuable mix of skills: three-point shooting, finishing at the rim, and shot-blocking. He`s also a strong offensive rebounder, ranking among the active leaders in boards per 36 minutes.
While a return to Toronto is possible, other teams needing an energetic big man off the bench should consider him.
Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown was a crucial contributor to the Denver Nuggets` 2022-23 championship run. Since then, he`s moved between teams (Indiana, Toronto, New Orleans), primarily serving as salary ballast in trades. His individual production decreased when not playing alongside superstars, leading to expectations of a smaller contract this summer compared to his last one.
However, in the right system, Brown can still be impactful. A return to the Nuggets appears logical for both parties; playing with Nikola Jokic maximizes Brown`s versatility and high basketball IQ, and he could provide reliable, cost-effective veteran depth for their bench.
Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon, the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year for the Celtics, has similarly been involved in trades since his award-winning season, landing with losing teams and playing limited minutes over the past two years. Despite recent struggles and a history of injuries at age 32, Brogdon was remarkably consistent for five seasons prior, performing as an above-average player according to metrics like PER.
While his award-winning days may be behind him, his skill set remains valuable. As a strong three-point shooter (39%), efficient playmaker, and versatile guard capable of playing on or off the ball, he can effectively run an offense. Brogdon would be a solid addition for many contenders needing guard depth or could even fill a temporary starting role for a team like the Mavericks.
Luke Kornet
Luke Kornet is an intriguing case, highly valued by advanced metrics despite modest box score statistics (never averaging more than 7 points per game). He ranks remarkably high in metrics like xRAPM, LEBRON, and Estimated Plus-Minus, indicating a significant positive impact on a per-possession basis.
Kornet excels at fundamental aspects: strong offensive rebounding, drawing fouls, minimizing turnovers, and setting effective screens (`die on contact` screens second only to Steven Adams). Crucially, he is a formidable interior defender, ranking among the league`s best in limiting opponents` field goal percentage at the rim, placing him alongside elite defenders. With the Celtics needing center depth, Kornet is likely to return there, but other contenders seeking to bolster their frontcourt defense and rebounding should definitely inquire about him. He certainly deserves a raise from his previous salary.
De`Anthony Melton
De`Anthony Melton finds himself under-the-radar again after a 2024-25 season cut short by an ACL tear just six games in. He was traded from Golden State to Brooklyn. The timing of the injury (November 2024) suggests he should be ready for the start of the next season, which is good news for interested teams.
Melton offers a valuable package of skills: reliable three-point shooting (38% over the last five seasons), disruptive defense (1.4 steals per game career), and overall positive impact (his teams have generally performed better with him on the court). While the market might be cautious due to the injury, Melton is only 27 and expected to make a full recovery. He`s a versatile guard who could complement a larger, offense-focused primary ball-handler, fitting well on teams needing backcourt depth and defensive capability.
Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. represents a significant group of readily available free agent knockdown shooters this summer, including players like Malik Beasley, Luke Kennard, and Seth Curry. Apart from Beasley, whose situation is uncertain, Trent is arguably the most appealing. He boasts a career 39% three-point percentage and is poised for a substantial raise after playing on a minimum contract last season.
Trent`s advantages include being less of a defensive weakness compared to some pure shooters, his youth (26), and a solid track record of consistent scoring and strong performances in the playoffs. Generally, this class of high-volume, efficient perimeter shooters will be attractive targets across the league. The modern NBA heavily values outside shooting, as demonstrated by the Pacers` deep playoff run fueled by their league-leading three-point percentage. These free agents offer teams the chance to improve both depth and crucial shooting ability.
Adding players like these seven can significantly boost a team`s potential, providing the essential complementary skills and depth needed to compete at the highest level in today`s NBA.
