The first two days of free agency brought plenty of action and some surprises. After the first wave of free agent signings, there are still some remaining free agents who can help contenders. While they are not flashy names, these role players still hold value in the right situation.
7 Remaining Free Agents That Can Help Contenders
While stars get all the accolades, role players have a crucial role in winning. Each of the last three champions, the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, added crucial role players in the summer to bolster their championship chances. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best remaining free agents on the market.
Mo Wagner
After the Orlando Magic declined his team option, Mo Wanger is now a free agent. He had an $11 million option for the 2025-26 season. There are rumors that he will re-sign with the franchise after having a career year last season prior to getting hurt. The problem is that Wagner is scheduled to miss time next season due to a torn ACL. But if a contending team can wait, they can have a great contributor for the stretch run. Last season, he averaged 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 56.2% shooting from the floor and 36% from three-point range.
Chris Boucher
For numerous seasons, Chris Boucher has been on the trade block and now eventually has made it into free agency. He might be too slight to take on heavy minutes at center, but he is great as a power forward. Boucher can make threes, rise for dunks, and challenge shots at the rim. On top of that, he is a prolific offensive rebounder. Save for one game, he has spent his entire career in Toronto. If he decides to switch teams, Boucher is a solid backup big man for contenders.
Chris Paul
One of the reasons why Chris Paul is one of the remaining free agents is his preference to play close to his home in Los Angeles. If he doesn’t find common ground with teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, or the Los Angeles Lakers, Paul might have to rethink his preference. Last season, he appeared in 82 games, showing he is still healthy and able to help a team win.
Russell Westbrook
Back in 2022-23, it seemed like Russell Westbrook might be out of the league. His time with the Lakers was awful, but he found a way to re-establish himself as a serviceable contributor off the bench. Last year, he had a great season with the Denver Nuggets, who now seem to be moving in a different direction. Westbrook might be on the wrong side of 30, but he probably still has one or two good years left.
Malcolm Brogdon
Three seasons ago, Malcolm Brogdon won the Sixth Man of the Year Award playing a crucial role for the Boston Celtics. Since then, he has been traded two times. Last season, his efficiency from behind the arc took a dip, but playing for a contender might rejuvenate him. Brogdon is still 32 years old and has plenty of gas left. The challenge is that he will have to take a significant pay cut, after playing for $22.5 million last season.
Al Horford
Teams needing a big man should take a good look at Al Horford. As a backup center/power forward, he can play 20 to 25 minutes and provide good defense and shooting. Despite his age, Big Al has played in 60+ games for four consecutive seasons. There are rumors that the Knicks and the Lakers might be interested in him.
De’Anthony Melton
De’Anthony Melton was one of the new guys leading the resurgence of the Golden State Warriors early on last season. He was excellent for six games, serving as a bench guy (also started two outings) who provides energy. Then, a season-ending injury prevented him from competing in the playoffs. The good news is that he suffered an injury early in the season and will likely be ready by November or December.
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