None of the series in the 2018 NBA Conference Semifinals lasted longer than five games. While the four teams who were eliminated all performed well over the course of the year, it showed that there is work to be done for any of them to become a championship contender. Here is the most important free agent for each team that was eliminated in the conference semifinals.

To see the most important free agent on teams that did not qualify for the playoffs, click here.

To see the most important free agent on teams that were eliminated in the first round, click here.

New Orleans Pelicans

  • DeMarcus Cousins, C - Unrestricted (Age: 28)

The Pelicans exceeded expectations by advancing to the second round despite Cousins seeing his season end in late January with a ruptured Achilles. In 48 games this season, the near seven-footer averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks in 36.2 minutes per game. Both his rebounding and assist averages were the best of his eight-year career.

Other notable free agents: Rajon Rondo (Unrestricted), Ian Clark (Unrestricted)

Philadelphia 76ers

  • J.J. Redick, SG - Unrestricted (Age: 34)

While Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid received most of the headlines from the Sixers’ surprising season, Redick arguably had the best season of his 12-year career.

He averaged a career-high in scoring (17.1) and connected on 42 percent of his treys on 6.6 attempts per game. He also averaged a career-best 2.5 rebounds and his three assist per game average was his second-best.

Other notable free agents: Amir Johnson (Unrestricted), Marco Belinelli (Unrestricted), Ersan Ilyasova (Unrestricted)

Toronto Raptors

  • Fred VanVleet, PG - Restricted (Age: 24)

After not receiving much playing time in his rookie season of 2016-17, VanVleet may receive votes for both Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player after his past season.

He posted per game averages of 8.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.9 steals playing approximately 20 minutes an outing. He averaged 10.8 points on 44.9 percent shooting from long range from January 1 until the end of the regular season.

Other notable free agents: None

Utah Jazz

  • Derrick Favors, PF/C - Unrestricted (Age: 27)

Favors, a member of the Jazz since 2011, played in 77 games (all starts) this season.

He went on to average 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 28 minutes per game. His 56.3 field goal percentage was the highest of his eight-year career.

Other notable free agents: Dante Exum (Restricted)
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