It's been seven days into NBA free agency. All of the best free agents are off the board for sure now. It's been a crazy offseason as Gordon Hayward, Chris Paul, and Paul Millsap have all found different teams. There are still some productive NBA players out there, but these are the best available.
1. Nerlens Noel
Noel is just 23 years old. He spent the first three seasons of his career with the 76ers before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks. There has not been a lot of attention thrown towards Noel because the Mavericks intend to match any offer sheet given to Noel.
The center is a rim protector that still has growth in him. Noel is likely to remain with the Mavericks even more now since Dirk Nowitzki restructured his contract to give the Mavericks plenty of money to sign Noel.
2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Pope was a casualty in the Avery Bradley-Marcus Morris trade. The Pistons knew they would not be able to sign Caldwell-Pope and Bradley to extensions, so they elected to move on from their former first round pick in 2013. Caldwell-Pope has averaged around 11 points a game during his four seasons in Detroit. The Nets are likely to make a run at the free agent after losing out on Otto Porter Jr.
3. Rajon Rondo
Rondo was the floor general for the Chicago Bulls this past season.
That was proven when he was injured and missed the rest of the playoff series against the Boston Celtics. The Bulls lead the series 2-0 before losing the next four games when Rondo was out. At age 31, Rondo can produce off the bench for a contender. He led the league in assists two years ago. He has plenty of experience, and young players have been said to look up to him.
He could benefit a team like the Lakers or Knicks, who both have rookie point guards.
4. Pau Gasol
Gasol averaged 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds last season in a reserve role. At age 37, he has transitioned to a bench player but can help a contender win games. Gasol has plenty left in the tank and is likely to return to the Spurs for less money after opting out of his deal.
5. Derrick Rose
Rose has plenty of pride left in him to make it hard for him to transition to a reserve role, but it might be that time for the man that has had four knee surgeries. The 2011 MVP had a meeting with the Clippers recently, and that could be a potential destination. Rose would battle Patrick Beverley for the starting job. Beverley was acquired in the Chris Paul trade. Rose has the desire to play for the Knicks potentially, but the Clippers would be his best fit.
