NBA Free Agent Rumors: Top 5 Best Players Still Available
NBA free agency began with a bang. Notable stars such as LaMarcus Aldridge, Rajon Rondo and Greg Monroe will all be playing elsewhere next NBA season. The first two weeks of NBA free agency saw just about every elite player sign elsewhere or re-sign with their current team.
However, there are some players currently unsigned who could have an impact next season.
Here are five notable players left on the free agent market.
1. Ray Allen
Though he recently turned 40 years old, Ray Allen can still shoot effectively from the perimeter. Allen is the single greatest three point shooter in NBA history, and he could help a number of teams next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs are the favorites to land Allen because they are "ready to win now" teams, and they could always use a veteran shooter. Allen would thrive with the Spurs in Gregg Popovich's system. Although it would be kind of awkward considering he destroyed the Spurs dreams in the 2013 NBA Finals.
2. Carlos Boozer
He's one of the most criticized players in the league, but he can still rebound. Boozer spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers grabbing 6.8 rebounds per game despite playing under 24 minutes a night. Boozer has also averaged double digit scoring every single year of his career dating back to the 2002-2003 season. At 33 years old, Boozer won't score a lot or provide a lot of offense, but he can provide huge bench minutes and grab critical rebounds. The Miami Heat and New York Knicks ranked last in rebounding last year, and could be possible destinations for Boozer.
3. Matthew Dellavedova
He was the talk of the 2015 NBA Finals, for a while. Matthew Dellavedova shut down MVP Stephen Curry for a game or two, but then faded away. He even made some big shots lifting the Cavaliers to a 2-1 series lead. Dellavedova is just 24 years, and he can play good one on one defense. He's one of those pesky players some teams use to get in the minds of the opposition. According to reports, the Portland Trailblazers have shown interest in Dellavedova.
4. J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith bet on himself and he lost. Smith opted out of exercising his player option that would have guaranteed him $6 million next season. He can provide a three point threat for any team that signs him, but it's unlikely he'll get $6 million per season. He's a very streaky, inconsisten shooter. Still, when Smith catches fire from beyond the arc, he can prove valuable. The Memphis Grizzlies could certainly use a another three point shooter to aid their elite front court led by Marc Gasol.
5. Jason Terry
Jason Terry has always been a great teammate, clutch shooter and an underrated defender. He played a huge role on the Dallas Mavericks squad that won the NBA Championship in 2011. Terry has played on four different teams in the last four seasons, but it looks like the Houston Rockets will re-sign him. Terry is a solid free throw shooter, and he has proven able to work well with Dwight Howard and James Harden. Calvin Watkins, who covers the Rockets for ESPN, firmly believes they will re-sign Terry this offseason.
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