Top Remaining NBA Free Agents Who Could Still Impact Contenders

As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA free agency updates, I can't help but think about the hidden gems still floating around unsigned. We're past the initial frenzy of July, but let me tell you—some of these remaining free agents could genuinely shift the championship landscape. I've been covering the league for over a decade, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that contenders aren't built solely on superstars. It's the role players, the specialists, the veterans who know their job and do it without ego—those are the pieces that often make the difference in a seven-game series.

Just last week, I was watching some international basketball highlights and came across Justin Brownlee and Raymond Aguilar's performances in the Philippine Basketball Association. Brownlee dropped 23 points with nine rebounds, while Aguilar added 19 points and nine rebounds against Meralco. Now, I know these aren't household NBA names, but that kind of production—efficient scoring combined with strong rebounding—is exactly what playoff teams crave off the bench. It reminds me of when the Raptors picked up Marc Gasol a few years back; nobody was screaming from the rooftops, but his presence completely transformed their defense and helped them win it all. Brownlee, for instance, has that smooth wing game that could slot into multiple systems. At 6'6" with a proven track record overseas, I'm surprised more teams haven't kicked the tires on him. He's 34, sure, but we've seen veterans like PJ Tucker provide immense value well into their late 30s. If I'm running the Celtics or the Bucks, I'm at least making a phone call.

Then there's the crop of big men still available. I've always been partial to centers who can stretch the floor and protect the rim—it's why I loved the Cavs picking up Kevin Love years ago. Right now, someone like Dwight Howard, despite being 37, could still offer 12-15 solid minutes per game in the right situation. He put up 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in limited action last season in Taiwan, but his NBA experience is invaluable. I remember covering the Lakers' 2020 bubble championship, and Howard's defense on Nikola Jokić in the Western Conference Finals was a masterclass in role player execution. Contenders like Denver or Phoenix, who might need one more big body for the playoffs, should be considering these types of low-risk, high-reward signings.

Guards who can create their own shot are another area where I see opportunity. Look, I'll be honest—I've never been a huge fan of teams stacking All-Stars without considering fit. What wins in April and May is often a reliable third or fourth option who can get a bucket when the play breaks down. I'm thinking of players like Austin Rivers or Dennis Schröder, both of whom remain unsigned as of this writing. Schröder, in particular, averaged 12.6 points and 4.5 assists last season. He's not perfect, but his ability to pressure the rim and defend multiple positions would be huge for a team like the Warriors, who need backcourt depth behind Curry. I've spoken with several scouts who believe he could still command around $5-7 million annually, which seems like a steal given today's cap.

Wing defenders are my personal favorite category—I've always valued them more than most. In the playoffs, when offenses become more predictable, having a stopper on the perimeter can change everything. Right now, I'm shocked that someone like Jae Crowder hasn't found a home yet. He's 33 and his scoring has dipped to around 6.1 points per game, but his defensive versatility and playoff experience are off the charts. I recall his time with the Heat and Bucks; he was often tasked with guarding the opponent's best player, and he relished that role. If I'm the Celtics or the 76ers, I'm offering him a veteran minimum tomorrow. These kinds of signings don't make headlines, but they win games when it matters most.

What about the younger players who haven't quite found their footing? I'm a firm believer in second chances, especially for guys drafted in the late first or second round. Take someone like Moses Brown—he's only 24, stands 7'2", and averaged 8.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per 36 minutes last season. He's raw, but with the right coaching, he could develop into a reliable rotation piece. I've seen it happen time and again; sometimes all a player needs is the right system and a coach who believes in them. The Spurs, for example, have a history of turning projects into productive players. If I were them, I'd be looking at Brown as a potential development project.

As we approach training camp, the market will inevitably thin out, but the smartest front offices are still scanning for value. I've always admired teams like the Heat or the Spurs—organizations that find contributors where others see leftovers. They understand that roster building isn't just about the starting five; it's about depth, chemistry, and having players who accept their roles. The free agents I've mentioned might not move the needle for casual fans, but for those of us who follow the league closely, they represent opportunities. In my experience, it's these under-the-radar signings that often determine who's holding the trophy in June. So keep an eye on these names—I certainly will be, because history has shown us time and again that the final piece of the puzzle is often hiding in plain sight.