It’s a crime that Eric Bledsoe is on this list to begin with, as he has proven time and time again that he can contribute both offensively and defensively to any contender that has the desire to sign him.
Last season, Bledsoe returned to the team that drafted him, the L.A. Clippers, where he posted 9.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals in the 54 games that he appeared in. It could have been likely that Bledsoe re-signed with the Clippers, but due to a contract buyout between the Houston Rockets and John Wall, Bledsoe’s former Kentucky teammate cleared waivers to sign with LA.
With a backcourt that already features Reggie Jackson, Paul George, and now John Wall, Bledsoe’s services are not needed for the Clippers. I could envision Bledsoe playing for a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, having traded Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley, among others, for three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
Having solid two-way capabilities as a role player at this point in his career, Eric Bledsoe could be a crucial piece to this Timberwolves team as they try to correct their failures from years past.
The Timberwolves have won just a mere 3 playoff games in the last 18 years. Having Bledsoe on board could certainly boost that number in a year’s time. If the Timberwolves don’t capitalize on Bledsoe this late into free agency, I could also see Bledsoe making a return to the Milwaukee Bucks to bolster their backcourt.
@spotrac I broke down where all 30 teams fall as spenders this summer:<br>-Cap space teams<br>-Non-Taxpayer MLE teams<br>-Taxpayer MLE teams – both close and definitely over</p>
<p>Enjoy!<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"https://t.co/UoEp8WYVum">https://t.co/UoEp8WYVum
<p>— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1540473272801828866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>June 24, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>Which players in free agency can help title contenders this season?</h2>
<p>Despite the limited market with diminishing cap space for most teams, there are still some free agent gems that should be picked up heading into next season, especially for some contenders around the league.</p>
<p>Whether they know it or not, some of these players could be the missing piece to a championship contender, providing a boost a team never knew they truly needed.</p>
<p>There’s plenty of time for these free agents to get signed, but if a team is looking to contend for the title this season, it’s important for NBA title hopefuls to get a jump on the competition before they’re snatched away by another squad.</p>
<p>I would add names such as Collin Sexton to this list, but with him looking to demand an expensive contract this late into free agency as a restricted free agent, it’s unlikely that teams will have enough cap space to sign him.</p>
<p>Furthermore, here are three of the best remaining players that contenders should look to sign before training camp starts in September.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Target #1 </a>
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July 9, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Last season, Bledsoe returned to the team that drafted him, the L.A. Clippers, where he posted 9.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals in the 54 games that he appeared in. It could have been likely that Bledsoe re-signed with the Clippers, but due to a <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"https://www.nba.com/news/john-wall-agrees-to-contract-buyout-with-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contract buyout between the Houston Rockets and John Wall</a>, Bledsoe’s former Kentucky teammate cleared waivers to sign with LA.</p>
<p>With a backcourt that already features Reggie Jackson, Paul George, and now John Wall, Bledsoe’s services are not needed for the Clippers. I could envision Bledsoe playing for a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, having traded Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley, among others, for three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.</p>
<p>Having solid two-way capabilities as a role player at this point in his career, Eric Bledsoe could be a crucial piece to this Timberwolves team as they try to correct their failures from years past.</p>
<p>The Timberwolves have won just a mere 3 playoff games in the last 18 years. Having Bledsoe on board could certainly boost that number in a year’s time. If the Timberwolves don’t capitalize on Bledsoe this late into free agency, I could also see Bledsoe making a return to the Milwaukee Bucks to bolster their backcourt.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Target #2 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-447070" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1388424682.jpeg" alt="NBA Free Agency: 3 best players for contenders to sign" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1388424682.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1388424682-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court prior to the start of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, NBA Free Agency: 3 best players for contenders to sign. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Free Agency: 3 best players for contenders to sign: Carmelo Anthony</h2>
<p>One of the best players from the 2003 NBA Draft class, Melo has had a successful career in the league. As of late, he has bounced from team to team, signing one-year deals. Melo has yet to win a ring in his career as he continues his search for contenders across the league. Most recently, Anthony played with former Team USA teammate and friend LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Most points by active players: </p>
<p>37,062 — LeBron James<br>28,289 — Carmelo Anthony<br>25,526 — Kevin Durant<br>23,477 — James Harden<br>23,298 — Russell Westbrook <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"https://t.co/9Byl1Q3emq">pic.twitter.com/9Byl1Q3emq
<p>— StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1546846646432055297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>July 12, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Anthony averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in his 69 games for the Purple and Gold. Since leaving the New York Knicks, Anthony has taken on lesser roles around the league, coming off the bench. While it may not be something he’s used to, Anthony is a great bench player to have, as he can score at will against opposing second units.</p>
<p>The veteran’s only concern remains his defense as he reaches the tail end of his career. Any vast improvements to his defensive game would be surprising, but with him coming off the bench, Melo and his game should be welcomed on any contender.</p>
<p>Although they may not be contenders at this current time, it will be interesting to see if Anthony is monitoring what the Knicks are doing. If the Knicks were to acquire Donovan Mitchell, New York could be a ‘dark horse’ candidate for Anthony in free agency.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/nba-free-agency-players-contenders/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Target #3 </a>
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<span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> NBA Free Agency - 3 SFs that need to be signed </a> </div>
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