The NBA free agent market is deep and veteran players are still available to a variety of teams. Some of the more popular free agents include Klay Thompson, who averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds last season. He is considered the best two-way big man in the league. Another popular free agent is Serge Ibaka, who has improved his outside shooting since his rookie season. These are all excellent choices for a team in need of a two-way big man.
The two biggest free agents still available are Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton. Deandre Ayton will be 24 next season and has proven he can be a two-way center for a championship-winning team. This could result in a max contract for Ayton. However, Ayton’s negotiations with Durant have been complicated due to the KD sweepstakes.
Another player with a high ceiling is Collin Sexton. After missing 11 games last year with an injury, he should be able to return to a team that is ready to pay him. Sexton is still young, but could make a big impact in a rebuilding team. His salary is expected to be $10 million per season.
DeMarcus Cousins is another big who could be a good fit for a team in need of a backup center. While Cousins is not an All-Star, he has shown over the past couple of seasons that he can still play well as a backup center. His athleticism and ability to rebound will help a team bolster its frontcourt depth.
Jeff Teague is another player who should be considered by the Clippers. If the Clippers can sign him, it would be a win-win situation. Teague would be a good backup point guard for a team that needs a backup point guard. The Clippers should sign him to a veteran’s minimum contract.
Miles Bridges is another player who remains unsigned. The NBA free agent is a restricted free agent until the Charlotte Hornets pull his qualifying offer. However, his status is uncertain. The Charlotte Hornets haven’t made any announcements about him. The Charlotte Hornets are also holding off on signing him until his legal case is resolved.
The Philadelphia 76ers are in the process of negotiating a multi-year contract with James Harden. Harden had opted out of his player option for next season. He is expected to sign a multi-year deal with a lower annual salary and more guaranteed money for the duration of the contract.
While the Heat have two legitimate backup centers in PJ Tucker and Dewayne Dedmond, Leonard would fit best in Miami. Neither are true centers, so the Heat would be comfortable with Leonard playing less than 10 minutes per game.