5 of the top remaining 2022 NBA free agents
Carmelo Anthony has shot 35% or better from 3-point range in 5 of the past 6 seasons.
NBA free agency’s fast start quickly lurched to a near standstill, as the basketball world braces for resolution on the heels of Kevin Durant’s reported trade request from the Brooklyn Nets.
Teams and players could officially commence signings on July 6, and we’ve kept track of all the reported and official free-agency moves, as well as the offseason trades consummated since the June 23 NBA Draft. It appears now we have at least a little breathing room with the league turning some of its attention to 2022 NBA Summer League.
Still, several talented free agents around the NBA find themselves looking for new contracts.
Here’s a quick look at five of the top remaining 2022 NBA free agents, listed alphabetically (the list does not include Charlotte’s Miles Bridges, who was reportedly arrested for domestic violence on the eve of free agency):
LaMarcus Aldridge, Brooklyn Nets, unrestricted
2021-22 stats: 12.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.9 apg
You probably forgot about Aldridge because the 36-year-old didn’t play a second of Brooklyn’s brief 2022 postseason run. But the man can still go (not as fast as we’ve seen in the past), and he remains almost automatic in the post and in the mid-range. Aldridge shot 55% from the field last season, and he’s still hungry to capture his first title after 17 seasons.
Carmelo Anthony, Los Angeles Lakers, unrestricted
2021-22 stats: 13.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 apg
We hear quite a bit about the need for teams to keep around veterans to teach young players the ropes similarly to the way Miami uses Udonis Haslem. It’s an added bonus when that vet can help teams win games, which is exactly what we’ve seen from Anthony in his last two stops. Over the last three seasons, the 38-year-old has shot 37.5% or better from 3-point range.
James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, unrestricted
2021-22 stats: 22.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 10.3 apg
UPDATE: James Harden and the 76ers have reportedly agreed on a two-year, $68.6 million deal. Harden made the move to take less in what’s 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 2022 Kia MVP runner-up Joel Embiid.
Montrezl Harrell, Charlotte Hornets, unrestricted
2021-22 stats: 13.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.0 apg
It’s wild to think Harrell has played for three teams since 2020, when he won Kia Sixth Man of the Year with the LA Clippers because his play certainly hasn’t fallen off, not to mention the big man is just 28-years-old. Harrell’s future could be somewhat in doubt, as he’s facing a felony drug charge stemming from a traffic stop last month.
Dennis Schroder, Houston Rockets, unrestricted
2021-22 stats: 13.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.6 apg
Played 49 games for the Boston Celtics last season, before moving on to the Rockets in a trade. Schroder appears to be another player likely sitting in limbo until something happens with Durant. The speedy 28-year-old could be a fit for several teams looking to add depth in the backcourt. Given the youth movement currently taking place in Houston, it’s unlikely Schroder re-signs there.
* * *
Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
