I'm going through the available names this year, and it's a mix of veterans, potential stars, and some surprising free agents still on the market. I mean, for fans who keep track of free agency madness, it's a bit wild to see guys like Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard still unsigned. These are big names with significant career accomplishments. Anthony, for instance, has a career average of 22.5 points per game. That's no small feat for anyone—it's impressive consistency over years.
When you look at the age factor, it’s crucial to consider these players' impact. Dwight Howard is 36, but he can still be a solid asset. We're talking about a guy who was named Defensive Player of the Year three times. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities are not things you find just anywhere, even in a league filled with young, athletic talent. But obviously, teams are wary about how many minutes they can actually get out of an aging veteran. They have to balance the risk and the return.
Take a look at Collin Sexton, for example. He’s a younger, dynamic player—only 23 years old—coming off a season where he averaged 24.3 points. You might wonder why someone like him is still available. The answer? Contract negotiations and injuries. Reports suggest he's looking for a deal worth around $80 million over four years. That’s a hefty investment for any team, especially when his health is in question after a major knee injury.
Then you have someone like Montrezl Harrell. Here’s a guy who won the Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging about 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds last season. What’s holding him back? Legal issues. Harrell faces drug charges this summer, which obviously complicates his free agency status. Teams don't just look at numbers; they evaluate the baggage players come with, and this situation is a prime example.
Now think about Dennis Schroder. He played 64 games last season, averaging 13.5 points and 4.6 assists. Those are solid numbers for a backup point guard, but remember last year when he turned down a $84 million offer from the Lakers? That decision backfired when his market value dropped. He ended up signing for just $5.9 million with the Celtics. It’s a stark reminder of how volatile the market can be. Sometimes, the gamble doesn't pay off.
There are also interesting cases like Eric Bledsoe. He averaged 9.9 points and 4.2 assists per game last season but got waived by the Trail Blazers. His defensive skills and veteran experience make him a decent pick-up, but he’s probably looking at a minimum contract at this point. It's tough because teams have to decide between fostering young talent and taking a chance on a well-traveled player who might have something left in the tank.
If you’re wondering how some of these decisions play out in real time, just look at what happened with Isaiah Thomas. He’s had a rough go the last few seasons, bouncing around on 10-day contracts. Despite showing flashes of his former self, like scoring 81 points in a pro-am game, teams remain hesitant. It shows how crucial timing and situation are in a player’s career. His height (5'9") and age (33) don’t do him any favors in a league that’s steadily getting younger and taller.
Then there’s the business side of things. Contracts aren't just about what's offered; they’re about what fits within the team’s budget and future plans. Contracts like John Wall’s buyout situation become relevant. He opted out of his $47 million player option to become a free agent, later signing with the Clippers for the veteran minimum. Sometimes the numbers don’t tell the whole story; it’s about where players see the best opportunity.
Of course, one can’t forget about the possible return of old faces. DeMarcus Cousins comes to mind. After averaging 9 points and 5 rebounds per game in limited minutes with the Nuggets, he's still without a job. Tough luck for someone who was once considered one of the best centers in the game. But injuries and team dynamics matter—a lot.
Click on this nba free agents 2022 to see updates and detailed contracts from last season and beyond. Keeping track of these guys is exciting, especially when surprises always pop up. Basketball fans know the thrill of seeing where these talented players end up and how they might impact their new teams.