NBA Free Agents 2015: Rumors and Predictions for Remaining Role Players

No remaining NBA free agent will cause a massive recruiting battle filled with Twitter barbs and a potential hostage situation. At this stage, franchises are filling holes and tying up loose ends, searching for one or two final pieces to the puzzle.

After a sudden flurry of free-agent signings, the offseason spending spree has died down. Several available players will net a sizable contract, but most remaining targets represent depth rather than a grand addition.

Rebuilding clubs need temporary placeholders, and championship contenders crave a game supporting cast. As the last postseason proved, superstars can only take a squad so far without a helping hand. 

Let's examine the latest gossip revolving around a few competent contributors.

Norris Cole

Brandon Dill/Associated Press

As a member of the Miami Heat, Norris Cole played his part in two championships. Then he played even better outside of the national limelight for the New Orleans Pelicans, but nobody noticed.

In 28 games with New Orleans, the 26-year-old guard averaged 9.9 points per game with a 44.4 field-goal percentage. As noted by Michael McNamara of ESPN TrueHoop Network's Bourbon Street Shots, Cole's shooting recovered once leaving the LeBron James-less Heat to join forces with Anthony Davis:

"

Norris Cole Catch and Shoot 3-pt % last year: Miami - 23.8% New Orleans - 42.6% #ADEffect

— Michael McNamara (@McNamara247) July 16, 2015"

According to Sheridan Hoops' Michael Scotto, Cole could go from playing alongside two of the league's brightest stars to trusting a rebuilding process:

After trading Michael Carter-Williams and missing out on D'Angelo Russell, the 76ers have a massive gap to fill at the point. Their frenetic, fast-paced offense would easily lead Cole to the best raw numbers of his career. Per 82games.com, point guards attempted 21 shots per game last season.

Even in mostly losing efforts, somebody needs to pass and shoot the rock for Philadelphia. After earning his rings early, Cole can parlay a heavier usage rate with the 76ers into a lucrative contract when the salary cap rises.

Prediction: Cole signs short-term deal with Philadelphia.

Jason Terry

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Since leaving the Dallas Mavericks, Jason Terry has suited up for a new team in each of the past three years. The 37-year-old guard has another chance to pack up, but Jet has found a comfortable home with the Houston Rockets.

RealGM's Shams Charania reported the two sides are inching closer to an agreement:

Terry registered 7.0 points per game as Houston's elder statesman last year, starting all 17 postseason games in place of Patrick Beverley. While the Rockets retained the tenacious point guard, Terry fits better as instant offense off the bench.

This latest update provides a stark contrast to previous speculation of him signing elsewhere in Texas. Earlier this month, Terry discussed rejoining the Mavericks with the Star-Telegram's Dwain Price.

“The word from [the Mavs] is they want me back,” Terry said. “But there have been no negotiations whatsoever. It’s on them. I’m going to let them make the decision.”

Dallas must have decided no. Owner Mark Cuban instead devoted his resources to landing Zaza Pachulia, Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews. Another big man is higher up on his wish list than an aging scorer, leaving Houston as Terry's logical landing spot.

Prediction: Terry re-signs with Houston.

Ryan Hollins

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Spurned by DeAndre Jordan, the Mavericks are searching for any tall scraps they can find. Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears threw Ryan Hollins into the mix of underwhelming choices: 

Never breaking through as more than a big body rounding out the reserves, the 30-year-old 7-footer has averaged a microscopic 3.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game. He had a brief foray with Dallas during the 2008-09 season, when he averaged 1.6 fouls through 9.6 minutes.

He'll have competition for the gig. ESPN's Marc Stein tossed out a bevy of alternatives the Mavericks are considering:

"

ESPN sources say Mavs' interest in JaVale McGee, to this point, more "exploratory." Yet rim protection/athleticism are certainly prime needs

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 13, 2015"

With Hollins or Samuel Dalembert, Dallas is getting a stopgap giant who can't make a major difference. Tyler Hansbrough offers energy and Elton Brand brings finesse, but neither answers the club's quest for rim protection.

Although the most unstable option, JaVale McGee also manifests the most potential. At his best, the mercurial center hammers home lobs and swats shots with abandon, exactly what the Mavericks need to replace Tyson Chandler.

McGee is also an inconsistent, maddening player coming off of a serious leg injury, but Dallas has held down the fort enough since its last championship. It's time to take a wild swing and see what happens.

Prediction: Mavericks pass on Hollins and sign McGee to one-year deal.