NBA Free-Agent Rumors: Latest Buzz on Best Available Players

With a week left in July, the number of talented and roster-worthy NBA free agents available on the open market has dwindled down to a few.

There are a handful of players to be found that can make a difference, but it’s going take some front office legwork to separate the wheat from the chaff.  

Let’s take a look at some of the top talents available, highlight the latest buzz regarding interested parties and more in Tuesday’s free agency-focused rumor roundup.

Bulls Cutting Ties with Malcolm Thomas, For Now

The Chicago Bulls are going to have to let a summer league standout go, as Malcolm Thomas just doesn’t fit in due to the franchise’s current salary cap issues.

According to Shams Charania of RealGM, the guaranteed date on the forward’s contract was rapidly approaching and the club had to make a tough cut.

Thomas averaged 11 points, 15 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in Las Vegas and could have helped bolster the team’s thin front line that was pushed to its limit in the 2013 NBA playoffs.

The Bulls would ideally like to make some room for Thomas and bring him back, but his awesome offseason showing has him on a number of competing organization’s radars, according to Charania.

It’ll be interesting to see if he ends up in the Windy City after all, or takes the first deal that comes along to play in the Association.

Lou Amundson in Discussions

“Sweet” Lou Amundson is a serviceable, high-energy forward that can help a contender as a reserve coming off the bench.

He’s bounced around the league over the past few seasons, playing a total of 39 games last year for three different teams.

The 30-year-old is likely looking for something more permanent, as he is reportedly in discussions with a number of clubs, according to ESPN New York’s Jared Zwerling.

When given a chance, Amundson has been productive in limited minutes.

His best season came back in 2009-10, when the 6’9”, 225-pound frontcourt player averaged 4.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 14.8 minutes per night.

Despite his recent struggles to see the court and play with consistency, it may be worth it for a playoff-bound squad to roll the dice and offer the big man a non-guaranteed minimum contract.

Mike Miller Weighing Options

Mike Miller was cut loose by the Miami Heat via the amnesty clause and now—after going unclaimed on waivers—will have the option to choose where he signs next.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Denver Nuggets have emerged as suitors for the long-range specialist, joining the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets as teams that have expressed interest.

Miller won back-to-back championships with the Heat and helped space the floor with his accurate three-point shooting. He could do the same for another contender as he goes for a personal three-peat outside of South Beach.

Keep a close eye on this situation, as the sniper is bound to catch on with a new club soon.