The Top 35 Unrestricted Free Agents for the Summer of 2022

June 29^th, 2022

By Alan Lu

After having reviewed all 30 NBA teams in the league this year, I decided that it would be an interesting idea to rate the top free agents for this year’s offseason.  There are several important categorizations of free agents, which are unrestricted free agents (UFA), restricted free agents (RFA), players that have team options (TO), and players that have player options (PO). Recently, NBA teams have made decisions on whether or not to pick up the team options, and players have made their choices to pick up player options prior to the start of this offseason. 

Today, I will rate the top unrestricted free agents in the NBA that are available in the 2022 offseason, and I will make my assessments on them, as they are expected to be key contributors for the 2022-23 NBA season and beyond.

1. James Harden, guard (last played for the Philadelphia 76ers)

2021-22 (BRK/PHI): 22.0 PPG, 10.3 APG, 7.7 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 41 FG%, 33 3PT%, 88 FT%, 58 TS%, 20.9 PER, 7.6 WS
2022 Playoffs: 18.6 PPG, 8.6 APG, 5.7 RPG, 41 FG%, 37 3PT%, 89 FT%, 58 TS%, 16.8 PER, 1.1 WS

James Harden is a superstar guard that had a roller coaster ride this year.  He was having a down year with Brooklyn, and then when he was traded to Philadelphia, he was rejuvenated and played close to his former MVP self.  Harden is a tremendously skilled scorer that can make shots all over the floor, he does a great job of drawing free throws, and he also will get assists and rebounds to help his team in games. 

Recently, Harden opted out of his player option, but intends to re-sign with the 76ers in free agency. He will need to improve his defense and he can sometimes dominate the ball too much and stagnate the flow of his team’s offense, but Harden has proven that when he’s playing well, that he can be one of the best players in the NBA, and he will likely be a very good player that will probably make the All-Star team next season.

.

2. Zach LaVine, guard (last played with the Chicago Bulls)

2021-22 (CHI): 24.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.5 APG, 48 FG%, 39 3PT%, 85 FT%, 61 TS%, 20.0 PER, 5.8 WS
2022 Playoffs: 19.3 PPG, 6.0 APG, 5.3 RPG, 43 FG%, 38 3PT%, 93 FT%, 55 TS%, 13.8 PER, 0.1 WS

He is a tremendously athletic, skilled combo guard that can really shoot and score the basketball.  LaVine thrives at making plays on offense, and he is one of the most athletic, explosive players in the league.  He also is a solid playmaker that is capable of comfortably running the point with the ball in his hands.

If there’s one knock on his game, it’s that he can sometimes languish and not give enough effort on the defensive end.  Still, LaVine is a terrific talent, and he is an All-Star guard that would be a great addition for any team that signs him in the offseason this year.

.

3. Bradley Beal, guard (last played for the Washington Wizards)

2021-22 (WAS): 23.2 PPG, 6.6 APG, 4.7 RPG, 45 FG%, 30 3PT%, 83 FT%, 54 TS%, 17.5 PER, 1.4 WS
2020-21 (WAS): 31.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 48 FG%, 35 3PT%, 89 FT%, 22.7 PER, 59 TS%, 5.9 WS

Bradley Beal is a star guard that had a down season, as he struggled with his shooting more this year before getting hurt and missing the second half of the season due to injury.  He is a very skilled combo guard that can really shoot, score, and pass the basketball when healthy, but he’s struggled with his three-point shot, and he will also need to improve his defense. 

Recently, he opted out, but will sign a max contract extension with the Washington Wizards that will reportedly be a massive, 5-year, $246 million deal. He might not be the franchise player that he was thought to be, but he could still thrive as a strong offensive player for the NBA team he chooses to sign with in the offseason.

.

4. Jalen Brunson, guard (last played with the Dallas Mavericks)

2021-22 (DAL): 16.3 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.9 RPG, 50 FG%, 37 3PT%, 84 FT%, 58 TS%, 17.1 PER, 7.5 WS, 3:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio
2022 Playoffs: 21.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.7 APG, 47 FG%, 35 3PT%, 80 FT%, 55 TS%, 20.1 PER, 1.6 WS, 3.5:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio

He is an agile, skilled scoring point guard that can knock down shots to score the basketball, and he also is a solid playmaker that can distribute the basketball.  Brunson is a crafty player that can maneuver his way in the paint to score and rack up assists.  He doesn’t have great size nor is an elite athlete, but Brunson’s strong offensive skills combined with his feel for the game has enabled him to be a very good player in the NBA, and he will likely continue to excel in this league next season.

5. Kevon Looney, center (last played with the Golden State Warriors)

2021-22 (GSW): 6.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 57 FG%, 0 3PT%, 60 FT%, 59 TS%, 15.7 PER, 6.8 WS
2022 Playoffs: 5.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 66 FG%, 0 3PT%, 61 FT%, 66 TS%, 18.3 PER, 1.9 WS

He is an athletic, energetic big man that thrived in his role for the Warriors this year.  He excelled as a finisher around the basket, and he did a very good job of rebounding and defending to help his team.  He is a quick, agile player that can defend out on the perimeter as well as in the paint, and he did a good job of operating in a motion offense, as he could score and finish plays on off-ball motion plays.  Looney has been a very good system player for the Warriors, and he will most likely be a solid role player next season in the NBA.

.

6. Bobby Portis, center (last played for the Milwaukee Bucks)

2021-22 (MIL): 14.6 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 48 FG%, 39 3PT%, 75 FT%, 57 TS%, 17.7 PER, 5.5 WS
2022 Playoffs: 10.6 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 42 FG%, 30 3PT%, 77 FT%, 51 TS%, 13.7 PER, 0.6 WS

He is a strong, athletic big man that thrived in his role with the Bucks this past season.  Portis really stepped up in Brook Lopez’s absence when his teammate when down early in the year due to injury, and Portis showed off versatile scoring skills, played solid defense, and brought toughness and tenacity to his team.  He helped his team win the 2021 NBA championship, and he could be due for a hefty payday in the offseason.

.

7. Gary Payton II, guard (last played with the Golden State Warriors)

2021-22 (GSW): 7.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 62 FG%, 36 3PT%, 60 FT%, 68 TS%, 17.8 PER, 5.2 WS
2022 Playoffs: 6.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 66 FG%, 53 3PT%, 67 FT%, 75 TS%, 20.6 PER, 1.0 WS, 2.7:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio

He is an athletic, energetic combo guard that especially thrived as all-around player and defender in his role for the Warriors this year.  He played tough, tenacious defense, and he is a high-motor player that showed off versatile scoring skills.  He was one of the best defenders in the league this year, he was very valuable to his team this season, and he will most likely be a solid role player for the team he signs with later this year.

8. Otto Porter Jr., forward (last played with the Golden State Warriors)

2021-22 (GSW): 8.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 46 FG%, 37 3PT%, 80 FT%, 58 TS%, 15.9 PER, 4.9 WS, 2.5:1, Assist to Turnover Ratio
2022 Playoffs: 5.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.8 APG, 49 FG%, 40 3PT%, 78 FT%, 63 TS%, 13.0 PER, 1.0 WS, 2.8:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio

Porter is a smart, skilled combo forward that played very well in his role for the Warriors this year.  He is a good shooter that was very effective in knocking down threes, and he is also a good passer that will find the open to get assists.  He thrived in playing for the Warriors this year, and his size, shooting, and passing skills would create favorable mismatches that would swing in his team’s favor.  He was also a reliable player in the playoffs, and he will likely be a solid role player for the team he signs with later this year.

.

9. Nicolas Batum, forward-center (last played for the Los Angeles Clippers)

2021-22 (LAC): 8.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 46 FG%, 40 3PT%, 66 FT%, 61 TS%, 13.5 PER, 3.7 WS
2022 Playoffs: 8.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 49 FG%, 39 3PT%, 83 FT%, 64 TS%, 14.9 PER, 1.8 WS

He is a versatile, skilled frontcourt player that can shoot, pass, defend, and play a lot of different positions on the court.  Batum had a strong 2021 NBA playoffs last year, and he has been a very valuable role player in the NBA.

.

10. P.J. Tucker, guard-forward (last played for the Miami Heat)

2021-22 (MIA): 7.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 48 FG%, 41 3PT%, 74 FT%, 59 TS%, 11.3 PER, 5.0 WS
2022 Playoffs: 7.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 50 FG%, 45 3PT%, 69 FT%, 61 TS%, 12.9 PER, 1.6 WS

He is a strong, physical swingman that shoots and defends well when he is on the court.  He will play tough, tenacious defense, and he is a pesky defender that can also be an agitator when called upon to do so.  He’s not an elite scorer and doesn’t look to shoot much, but Tucker will likely thrive in a 3 and D role in the NBA next season.

.

11. Bruce Brown, guard-forward (last played with the Brooklyn Nets)

2021-22 (BRK): 9.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 51 FG%, 40 3PT%, 76 FT%, 58 TS%, 15.0 PER, 4.8 WS, 2.6:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio
2022 Playoffs: 14.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 57 FG%, 43 3PT%, 80 FT%, 68 TS%, 15.4 PER, 0.2 WS

He is a tough, tenacious swingman that played solid defense this year, and he is a capable scorer that showed a much-improved jump shot this season.  He’s a low volume role player that doesn’t look to score much, but Brown has thrived in his role in Brooklyn, and he is a defensive-minded player that will defend, and also can play the point, as he has played the point before when he was with Detroit.  He’s been a solid role player for Brooklyn, and he will likely provide teams with fairly efficient play and good defense for the NBA team he decides to sign with.

.

12. Mo Bamba, center (last played for the Orlando Magic)

2021-22 (ORL): 10.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 48 FG%, 38 3PT%, 78 FT%, 58 TS%, 16.5 PER, 4.5 WS

He is an athletic, versatile big man that played very well for the Magic this past year.  He thrived as an interior player, and he also shot the ball well from beyond the arc.  He took the next step in his development to show that he can be an impact player on the floor, and he will be a solid role player for the NBA team that signs him for next season.    

.

13. Kyle Anderson, forward (last played with the Memphis Grizzlies)

2021-22 (MEM): 7.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 45 FG%, 33 3PT%, 64 FT%, 51 TS%, 14.4 PER, 3.5 WS, 2.6:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio
2022 Playoffs: 6.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 57 FG%, 25 3PT%, 61 FT%, 61 TS%, 15.0 PER, 0.7 WS

He is a smart, skilled point forward that has shown to be a solid secondary ball mover and facilitator, and is also a plus-level rebounder and defender that can guard multiple positions.  On the other hand, he’s not overwhelmingly athletic, and he’s not an elite shooter or scorer.  Still, he is a versatile playmaker whose skill set and feel for the game could enable him to be a solid role player for the NBA team he signs with later this year.

.

14. Thaddeus Young, forward (last played with the Toronto Raptors)

2021-22 (SAS/TOR): 6.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 52 FG%, 35 3PT%, 47 FT%, 55 TS%, 17.0 PER, 2.2 WS
2022 Playoffs: 3.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 50 FG%, 14 3PT%, 25 FT%, 51 TS%, 14.3 PER, 0.1 WS

He is a smart, veteran combo forward that has excelled in a complementary role for various NBA teams recently.  He is an unselfish player that can score efficiently and distribute the basketball, and he also can guard multiple positions.  He’s not an elite shooter or scorer, but Young’s versatility, skill set, and feel for the game has enabled him to be a solid role player in this league.

.

15. T.J. Warren, forward (last played with the Indiana Pacers)

2019-20 (IND): 19.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 54 FG%, 40 3PT%, 82 FT%, 61 TS%, 18.4 PER, 6.5 WS

He is a strong, skilled, but oft-injured forward that has only played 4 games in the past two seasons, which includes this year.  He missed all of this season due to a foot injury, but he’s excelled as a scorer when healthy.  He has once scored 53 points in the Orlando bubble late in the 2019-20 NBA season.  That now seems like a distant memory, as I keep repeating like a broken record that Warren has once scored 53 points in an NBA game, but he is a solid scorer with a mid-range game, and if healthy, he would be a solid player for the team that he signs with later this year.

.

16. Joe Ingles, forward (previously was with the Portland Trail Blazers)

2020-21 (UTA): 12.1 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.6 RPG, 49 FG%, 45 3PT%, 84 FT%, 67 TS%, 15.9 PER, 7.0 WS, 2.7:1 Assist-to-Turnover Ratio

Ingles is a smart, skilled point forward that shoots the ball well and can reliably run the point when healthy.  He had a really good season last year when fully healthy for the Jazz, but he struggled more with his jump shot this year before getting hurt midway through and missed the rest of the season.  He’s not an elite shot creator nor overwhelmingly athletic, but Ingles is a solid, fundamentally sound player whose skills and feel for the game will likely enable him to be a solid role player once again for the NBA team he signs with in the offseason.

.

17. Mitchell Robinson, center (last played with the New York Knicks)

2021-22 (NYK): 8.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 76 FG%, 0 3PT%, 49 FT%, 72 TS%, 20.7 PER, 8.5 WS

He is a very athletic, energetic center that has thrived as an interior player for the Knicks.  He is a solid rim protector that will rebound, block shots, and defend in the paint, and he will finish plays around the basket and take high percentage shots on offense.

He hasn’t really expanded upon his game on offense, so he’s fairly limited offensively and has sometimes been injury-prone, so Robinson may not quite have as much upside as previously thought.  Still, he’s played well for the Knicks when healthy, and he will likely be a solid role player in the NBA once again next season.

.

18. Victor Oladipo, guard (last played with the Miami Heat)

2021-22 (MIA): 12.4 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.9 RPG, 48 FG%, 42 3PT%, 74 FT%, 61 TS%, 16.8 PER, 0.4 WS
2022 Playoffs: 10.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 37 FG%, 27 3PT%, 79 FT%, 50 TS%, 11.5 PER, 0.4 WS

He is a very athletic and skilled, but oft-injured combo guard that has struggled to stay healthy after having made 2 All-Star teams in 2018 and 2019.  He’s proven that he can really knock down shots and score when healthy, but he also has had trouble doing so, and has been streaky with his jump shot recently.  He’s capable of playing at a high level, and a full season out of Oladipo could enable him to be a solid role player for the team that he signs with in the offseason.

19. Tyus Jones, guard (last played with the Memphis Grizzlies)

2021-22 (MEM): 8.7 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.4 RPG, 45 FG%, 39 3PT%, 82 FT%, 54 TS%, 16.5 PER, 5.1 WS, 7:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio
2022 Playoffs: 9.2 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.3 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 39 FG%, 40 3PT%, 93 FT%, 52 TS%, 16.2 PER, 0.7 WS, 4.2:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio

Tyus Jones is a reliable, game-managing backup point guard that has been a steady playmaker for the Grizzlies.  He runs the point efficiently and well, and he also plays tough, tenacious defense.  He doesn’t look for his shot enough and isn’t an elite scorer, but Jones has proven to be a steady, reliable role player in this league.

20. Montrezl Harrell, forward-center (last played with the Charlotte Hornets)

2021-22 (WAS/CHO): 13.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 65 FG%, 24 3PT%, 72 FT%, 68 TS%, 23.2 PER, 7.3 WS

He is a strong, energetic big man that thrives at scoring and rebounding in the paint.  He especially has excelled in a sixth man role off the bench, and Harrell will likely be a solid role player in the NBA next season.

.

21. Jalen Smith, forward-center (last played with the Indiana Pacers)

2021-22 (PHO/IND): 9.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 50 FG%, 33 3PT%, 76 FT%, 60 TS%, 18.4 PER, 2.8 WS

He’s a former top 10 pick that was selected in the 2020 draft.  After having a very disappointing rookie season, the Suns declined his team option, and after barely playing for them this year, they traded him to the Pacers.

Smith played very well for the Pacers after they acquired him during the middle of the season, and he became an impact player for them in the second half of the year.  He is an athletic, energetic big man that showed off versatile scoring and promising defensive skills.  He had a greatly improved second season in the NBA, and he is an underrated player that may have plenty of upside and could likely be a very good pickup for the team he signs with for next season.

22. Jusuf Nurkić, center (last played with the Portland Trail Blazers)

2021-22 (POR): 15.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 54 FG%, 27 3PT%, 69 FT%, 59 TS%, 20.0 PER, 3.6 WS

Nurkić is a strong, sturdy big man that can score and rebound the basketball in the paint.  He is quite effective at operating in the post, and he also passes the ball well, especially for a player his size.  However, he is a rather injury-prone, lumbering big man that struggles in a faster, more perimeter-oriented games.  He will need to improve his mobility, defense, and expand upon his shooting range, but his ability to operate in the paint has enabled him to be a solid player in this league.

23. Nemanja Bjelica, forward (last played with the Golden State Warriors)

2021-22 (GSW): 6.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 47 FG%, 36 3PT%, 73 FT%, 57 TS%, 14.2 PER, 3.0 WS
2022 Playoffs: 2.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 53 FG%, 38 3PT%, 57 FT%, 58 TS%, 11.4 PER, 0.3 WS

He is a tall, offensively skilled big man that can create favorable mismatches that can swing in his team’s way.  Bjelica is a good shooter and facilitator, and he can ably knock down shots both out on the perimeter and in the post.  He’s a situational player, as he doesn’t possess elite athleticism or defensive skills, but his basketball IQ and unique skill package should enable him to be a solid role player for the team that signs him.

24. Chris Boucher, forward-center (last played with the Toronto Raptors)

2021-22 (TOR): 9.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 46 FG%, 30 3PT%, 78 FT%, 57 TS%, 17.9 PER, 6.0 WS
2022 Playoffs: 11.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 62 FG%, 40 3PT%, 90 FT%, 72 TS%, 24.5 PER, 0.6 WS

He is a very athletic, energetic big man that can score, block shots, and defend on the court.  Boucher is a terrific athlete that runs the floor very well, and he also has floor spacing capabilities.  He is also a good shot blocker that can cover plenty of ground.  However, he’s rail thin and will need to add more muscle to his frame, and he can tend to be too inconsistent at times in games.  Still, Boucher is a talented player that has a variety of skills that could allow him to be a solid role player for the team that signs him in this offseason.

25. Malik Monk, guard (last played with the Los Angeles Lakers)

2021-22 (LAL): 13.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.9 APG, 47 FG%, 39 3PT%, 79 FT%, 60 TS%, 14.4 PER, 3.6 WS

He is an agile, skilled sharpshooting combo guard that can knock down shots, and he has done a good job of spacing the floor for NBA teams in the past two seasons.  His role is mainly to knock down shots and get his team buckets.  While Monk may be more limited in other areas, his strong ability to knock down shots in a supporting role could make him a good signing for an NBA team, and he will likely be a solid rotation player for the team he signs with next season.

26. Derrick Jones Jr., forward (last played with the Chicago Bulls)

2021-22 (CHI): 5.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 54 FG%, 33 3PT%, 80 FT%, 63 TS%, 13.0 PER, 2.2 WS
2022 Playoffs: 3.8 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 41 FG%, 27 3PT%, 67 FT%, 52 TS%, 6.0 PER, 0.0 WS

He is a very athletic, energetic combo forward that will make hustle plays to help his team on both ends of the floor.  He’s neither an elite shooter nor the most skilled offensive player, but he brings great athleticism and energy to teams off the bench, and he’s been effective as a role player in this league.

27. Isaiah Hartenstein, center (last played with the Los Angeles Clippers)

2021-22 (LAC): 8.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 BPG, 63 FG%, 47 3PT%, 69 FT%, 66 TS%, 22.0 PER, 5.5 WS

Hartenstein is an energetic, skilled big man that culled together his best season yet.  He thrived as the backup center for the Clippers, and he thrived at making plays on both ends of the floor.  He was a very good per-minute big man this year.  He was finally able to be a regular rotation player after three seasons toiling at the end of rosters, and Hartenstein could be a very good pickup as a quality rotational center in the NBA.

28. JaVale McGee, center (last played with the Phoenix Suns)
2021-22 (PHO): 9.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 63 FG%, 22 3PT%, 70 FT%, 65 TS%, 22.6 PER, 4.9 WS
2022 Playoffs: 6.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 70 FG%, 0 3PT%, 85 FT%, 73 TS%, 26.3 PER, 0.6 WS

JaVale McGee is an athletic, energetic center that has thrived as an interior player off the bench, and he has won 3 NBA titles, two with the Golden State Warriors and one with the Los Angeles Lakers respectively. It can be argued that he hasn’t been utilized enough by NBA teams over the years, but McGee is a solid backup center that will provide energy and solid production as a backup center in this league.

29. John Wall, guard (previously was with the Houston Rockets)
2020-21 (HOU): 40 GP, 20.6 PPG, 6.9 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 40 FG%, 32 3PT%, 75 FT%, 15.4 PER, 50 TS%, -0.2 WS

He is a very athletic, but oft-injured veteran point guard that has been known for his foot speed and tremendous athleticism, and ability to score the basketball. He’s missed a lot of time over the years due to injuries. He had returned to play for Houston last year, but this year, he ended up siting out the season after a disagreement with his role and future with the team.

He’s been rumored to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers in this offseason.

30. Donte DiVincenzo, guard-forward (last played for the Sacramento Kings)

2020-21 (MIL): 66 GP, 10.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 42 FG%, 38 3PT%, 72 FT%, 13 PER, 54 TS%, 3.6 WS

He is an athletic, skilled swingman that has a variety of skills that has helped him in the NBA.  He can shoot and pass the basketball, and he’s a much better athlete than advertised, but he’s also been injury-prone, and he had a down season this year, as he was later traded to Sacramento midway through the year.  Still, he is a versatile player that could get a fairly sizable contract from the NBA team he decides to go to later this year.

31. Delon Wright, guard (last played with the Atlanta Hawks)

2021-22 (ATL): 4.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 45 FG%, 38 3PT%, 86 FT%, 58 TS%, 13.8 PER, 3.6 WS, 4.2:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio
2022 Playoffs: 8.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 52 FG%, 38 3PT%, 67 FT%, 62 TS%, 15.9 PER, 0.4 WS, 2.8:1 Assist to Turnover Ratio

Wright is a versatile, skilled playmaker that can be a big point guard or play off the ball, and he also plays solid defense.  He arguably had his best season last year as he split time with Detroit and Sacramento.  He’s not an elite shooter or scorer, but he may be an adequate enough floor spacing threat from the perimeter, and his all-around skills could make him a quality rotation player for the NBA team that signs him next year.

.

32. Carmelo Anthony, forward (last played with the Los Angeles Lakers)

2021-22 (LAL): 13.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 44 FG%, 38 3PT%, 83 FT%, 58 TS%, 14.8 PER, 3.6 WS

He is an aging, veteran former superstar that can shoot and score the basketball.  While he’s no longer the tremendous offensive player he used to be, Anthony can still score and make plays to help his team in games, and he can more than capably knock down shots in a complementary role.

33. Patty Mills, guard (last played for the Brooklyn Nets)

2021-22 (BRK): 11.4 PPG, 2.3 APG, 1.9 RPG, 41 FG%, 40 3PT%, 81 FT%, 56 TS%, 10.4 PER, 2.8 WS
2022 Playoffs: 6.3 PPG, 56 FG%, 54 3PT%, 78 TS%, 10.7 PER, 0.1 WS

He is an agile, skilled combo guard that can shoot and score the basketball, and he thrived in his role for the Nets this past year.  He is a microwave type of scorer that packed quite a scoring punch for his team, and he also is a poised, veteran playmaker that can reliably run the point.  He played very well off the bench this year, and he would likely thrive in a similar role for next season.

34. Thomas Bryant, center (last played with the Washington Wizards)

2019-20 (WAS): 13.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 58 FG%, 41 3PT%, 74 FT%, 65 TS%, 21.1 PER, 3.9 WS

He is a skilled, but oft-injured big man that can score the basketball in a variety of ways, but he’s had trouble staying healthy, and hasn’t been on very good defensive teams in this league.  Still, he’s shown that he can be a solid role player when healthy, and he could be a quality rotational big man for next season.

35. Ricky Rubio, guard (previously was with the Indiana Pacers)

2021-22 (CLE): 13.1 PPG, 6.6 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 36 FG%, 34 3PT%, 85 FT%, 49 TS%, 14.0 PER, 1.3 WS

He is a pass-first point guard that has thrived as a playmaker and defender in the NBA, but he’s struggled to consistently shoot or score the basketball. He’s improved his jump shot over time, but has had trouble making shots consistently, and he also missed the second half of the season due to a knee injury. When healthy, he’s proven that he can be a solid rotation player in this league.

Grading Key:

Just in case if you were wondering, here is my grading and rating scale that I used to rate players:

Thank you for reading my thoughts and opinions on the top unrestricted free agents that will be available in the 2022 offseason.  I went to No Trade Clause and Basketball-Reference for research purposes. Hope you enjoyed reading this, and found it to be informative.  Thanks for reading.