As free agency begins to wind down, all of the big names and the majority of the top role players have found homes.
But with many NBA teams needing to fill roster spots, there are still plenty of capable contributors on the market.
Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson headline a handful of has-beens hoping they can hang on for just a little bit longer.
Fallen stars Richard Jefferson and Josh Howard look to resurrect their careers.
Former lottery-picks Adam Morrison and Joe Alexander just want a job.
Here’s a look at 20 players remaining on the market as of July 18 that could make a difference next season.
No. 20 Allen Iverson, G, Philadelphia 76ers
There is no evidence to support Iverson’s claim that he will happily accept any role to help a team win.
There is also no evidence that any NBA team has serious interest in giving Iverson the chance to answer to his critics by signing him to a one-year deal.
If A.I. actually backs up his Tweets and assumes a role as a spot bench player, he would still have some value.
NBA teams aren’t exactly lining up to deal with potential distractions from the 10th or 11th man off the bench.
No. 19 Flip Murray, G, Chicago Bulls
Flip Murray can do one thing and one thing only: score.
NBA teams looking for some punch off the bench could pursue the 30-year-old who finished last season in Chicago.
Murray’s poor shot-selection and apathetic view of applying himself on the defensive end has prevented him from staying in one place for long.
Don’t expect Murray to be in the rotation for a contender next season, but he should find a home.
No. 18 Jason Williams, G, Orlando Magic
White Chocolate won’t be returning to the Magic next season and could be on the market for a few more weeks before NBA teams come calling.
At 34 years of age, Williams showed he still had a little juice left in his legs while backing up Jameer Nelson last season.
His ability to run a team would make him a valuable backup, but he probably wouldn’t be able to contribute much more than 10 minutes per game off the bench.
No. 17 Josh Boone, F/C, New Jersey Nets
Boone and former UConn teammate Marcus Williams were once considered to be the future of the New Jersey Nets.
That didn’t quite work out.
Unlike Williams, Boone still could have some value as a reserve. His size and relatively decent athleticism is enough to outweigh his limited skills.
He won’t be a hot commodity among the few players remaining on the market, but he could attract attention late in the free agent process.
No. 16 Damien Wilkins, G/F, Minnesota Timberwolves
Did you know Damien Wilkins made $3.6 million last season?
He figures to make considerably less at his next stop in the NBA.
Dominique’s nephew has the ability to defend and finish on the break. He could be a valuable reserve on a contender, but isn’t good enough to be a starter in the NBA.
No. 15 Joey Graham, F, Denver Nuggets
A rugged defender, Graham played well when he got minutes for the Nuggets last season.
His offensive game is limited, but his willingness to defend will keep him in the league for years to come.
Graham isn’t likely to return to Denver now that Al Harrington is on board.
No. 14 Rodney Carney, G, Philadelphia 76ers
Carney has the makings of an NBA journeyman and isn’t likely to get another long-term deal.
He is one of several swingmen remaining on the market in free agency. Like his counterparts, he might have to wait for a call.
His athletic ability and 3-point range will get him a contract eventually.
No. 13 Roger Mason, G, San Antonio Spurs
The Portland Trail Blazers are among several teams in hot pursuit of Mason’s services.
His 3-point accuracy disappeared last season, but Mason can be a weapon if he is able to regain his touch from the outside.
Coming off a year of futility, Mason isn’t likely to get a long-term deal.
No. 12 Tracy McGrady, G/F, New York Knicks
T-Mac just won’t go away.
Although there have been rumors that he might end up in L.A., McGrady will likely have to wait before an offer comes his way.
His value as a bench player is certainly debatable, especially considering his injury history.
McGrady is likely to command more than the NBA veteran’s minimum, which could keep him on the market into the start of next season.
No. 11 Eddie House, G, New York Knicks
The designated shooter is likely to latch-on with a contender in the coming days.
House would be an ideal signing for NBA teams searching for an offensive spark off the bench, including the Miami Heat.
He is likely to command a decent salary, which makes joining the Heat a bit of a long shot.
Although he could end up staying in New York, House would be a perfect fit for the Clippers, Nets, and Jazz.
No. 10 Marquis Daniels, G/F, Boston Celtics
Daniels spent much of the 2009-2010 season injured and on the bench for the Celtics.
His career appears to be on the decline, and he would be wise to seek a one-year deal in hopes of improving his future value.
Earlier in his career, Daniels showed decent potential as a scorer and defender. His inability to hit perimeter jumpers and stay healthy has certainly held him back.
Daniels is a very capable NBA role player and would fit in well with a number of contending teams.
No. 9 C.J. Watson, Golden State Warriors
Watson has worked hard to become a decent NBA contributor.
One of the few Golden State Warriors who was actually willing to play defense throughout the last two seasons, Watson is a good spot-up shooter capable of running a team.
The Bulls and Heat could take a long look at the former Tennessee Volunteer.
Watson is slated to participate in Heat executive Alonzo Mourning’s charity game Sunday at American Airlines Arena in Miami.
No. 8 Rasual Butler, G/F, L.A. Clippers
Former teammate Travis Outlaw gets a five-year, $34 million deal and Rasual Butler doesn’t get anything?
Not yet at least.
Butler is a streaky shooter who can provide instant offense off the bench.
He rarely puts together back-to-back good games and does little besides score, which is the main reason that NBA teams aren’t giving him offers thus far in free agency.
Butler will sign somewhere, but it might take a good deal of time before he gets an offer.
No. 7 Antoine Wright, G/F, Toronto Raptors
Wright isn’t quite good enough to make a consistent impact as a starter in the NBA, but his abilities make him a nice piece off the bench.
The former New Jersey Net isn’t likely to get a long-term deal this summer and could re-sign with the Raptors in hopes of getting big minutes.
No. 6 Shannon Brown, G, L.A. Lakers
Brown is likely to re-sign with the Lakers, but hasn’t inked a new deal just yet.
Raja Bell’s decision to sign with the Utah Jazz appeared to signal Brown’s return to the Lakers. But L.A. has interest in journeyman Matt Barnes, who would provide insurance behind Ron Artest.
It's likely going to come down to either Barnes or Brown for the Lakers.
At 24 years of age, Brown’s best days are still ahead of him, especially if he continues to improve his jump shot.
Brown, who recently made his acting debut in Monica's music video, would provide much-needed athleticism to the aging Lakers’ lineup.
No. 5 Will Bynum, G, Detroit Pistons (Restricted Free Agent)
A restricted free agent, Will Bynum is likely to end up returning to Detroit next season.
Pistons General Manager told the Detroit Free Press that negotiations are “coming along.”
Despite Bynum’s explosive scoring ability, there hasn’t been much interest in landing his services from other NBA teams. His diminutive stature and shoot-first mentality could be scaring teams off.
The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket averaged 10 points and 4.5 assists while battling injuries throughout the entire 2009-2010 campaign.
Bynum would be a nice addition to a number of contending teams, but he will probably be stuck in Detroit amidst the abundance of combo guards already on the Pistons’ roster.
No. 4 Louis Amundson, F/C, Phoenix Suns
Amundson is an energetic young player with considerable upside, which makes the fact that he is still on the market a bit puzzling.
The Nuggets had a great deal of interest in landing the former UNLV Runnin’ Rebel, but that ended with the signing of Al Harrington.
That leaves the Knicks, Bobcats, and Jazz free to pursue Amundson's services.
No. 3 Richard Jefferson, F, San Antonio Spurs
How badly did Jefferson want out of San Antonio? He left a cool $15 million on the table to test the free agent waters.
By the end of last season with the Spurs, Jefferson’s offensive game had completely deserted him. It’s safe to say that he needs a fresh start.
Jefferson’s name has been tied to the Knicks, but New York has plenty of small forwards and probably wouldn’t want to overpay another free agent, even if it is only for one year.
It will be interesting to see what R.J. has left in his legs.
No. 2 Matt Barnes, G/F, Orlando Magic
Matt Barnes is the archetype of an NBA role player.
It appears that he will decide to sign with either the Heat or Lakers this week.
Either way, he will have the chance to contribute on a championship contender while being underpaid based on his value.
An intense competitor willing to do whatever it takes to win, Barnes has worked hard to become a very good role player.
The ability to defend multiple positions would make him a huge addition to any NBA roster.
No. 1 Josh Howard, F, Washington Wizards
Howard is another player looking for a fresh start.
His chronic ankle issues and off-court habits led to an unceremonious ending to his career with the Mavericks. After spending the remainder of last season with the Wizards, it’s time for Howard to show that he can still play.
Perhaps more importantly, it’s time to show that he still actually wants to play.
NBA teams aren’t getting anywhere near Howard at this point, which is a sign of how far his perceived value has diminished. His attitude appears to have turned off contending teams looking for another piece through free agency.
If he ever figures it out, he could be a very solid NBA player.
Don’t count on that happening.
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