NBA Free Agency Watch: Where the Last Remaining Players Could Sign Before Opening Night

Jul 5, 2023; Sacramento, CA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Kai Jones (23) dribbles against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

With the NBA season tipping off in just one week, we still have multiple free agents looking to find homes.

Russell Westbrook finally found his home in Sacramento with the Kings. That’s certainly an interesting pairing, and one I don’t see working out.

There are still plenty of available options to fill out the final open roster spots in the league. From veterans looking to squeeze out one more year, to young players looking to get a second chance, or even players dealing with interesting legal situations… looking at you, Malik Beasley.

Let’s find some landing spots for a few remaining free agents.

Kai Jones — Age 25: 5.0 PTS, 3.1 REB, 0.6 AST

Jones is a very interesting player. He’s had his share of off-court battles, but he seems to be in the right headspace to prove he is a valuable backup center in the league. Jones split time between the Clippers and Mavericks last season, and during his short stint with the Mavs, he averaged 11.4 points while shooting a ridiculous 84% from the floor.

Jones has no business currently playing in the Euroleague, as he has the talent to play in the NBA. His athleticism can hopefully shine overseas, earning him the chance to return to the NBA. Mostly, after some bumps in the road early on in his career, he’s a guy you want to see succeed.

Keon Johnson — Age 23: 10.6 PTS, 3.8 REB, 2.2 AST

I’m not sure why, at just 23, Keon Johnson is not on an NBA roster. After starting 56 games on the Nets last season and totaling career highs across the board in counting stats, I was shocked to see him waived by the Nets last month.

Johnson, just one year ago, was shooting 40% from three, and for several years before that, he had been shooting over 34% on lower volume. He’s a lengthy defensive player who can get into passing lanes and is somewhat switchable defensively on the perimeter.

With the Celtics in a bit of a rebuilding year, they feel like the perfect organization to take a shot on Johnson. If he’s healthy, I would be shocked not to see him in the NBA this season.

Alex Reese — Age 26: 5.1 PTS, 3.1 REB, 0.3 AST

After going undrafted in 2021, it took Alex Reese three years to finally make it onto an NBA roster. Then, he didn’t get a ton of opportunity with the Thunder and Sixers last season, but he flashed some promise in his limited time.

He’s 6’9, rebounds exceedingly well for his position, is very versatile on defense, and shot just under 37% from three. I think he could easily find minutes on a fringe playoff team and be a great spark plug off the bench.

The Detroit Pistons definitely still need more shooting, with Malik Beasley’s season still in jeopardy. They could find that from Reese, as he’s a bit of a Swiss-Army knife of a player, and could help shore up the back end of their bench.