Top Remaining NBA Free Agents Who Could Still Impact Contenders

As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA free agency updates, I can’t help but notice how many quality players are still floating around unsigned. It’s late in the offseason, and while most of the big names have found new homes, there are a handful of guys who could genuinely swing a contender’s season. I’ve been covering the league for over a decade, and in my experience, it’s often these under-the-radar signings that end up defining playoff series. Think about how the Lakers picked up Dwight Howard in 2019—nobody expected much, but his role-playing helped them win a title. That’s the kind of impact I’m talking about.

Let’s start with a name that’s been buzzing in scouting circles: Justin Brownlee. Now, I know what you’re thinking—he’s not exactly a household NBA name. But hear me out. Brownlee has been tearing it up overseas, and his performance against Meralco last season was a masterclass in efficient two-way play. He dropped 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds in that game, showing off his versatility as a wing who can score at multiple levels and hold his own on the glass. I’ve watched his tape, and what stands out to me is his basketball IQ. He doesn’t force shots, moves well without the ball, and has a knack for making the right defensive rotations. At 6'6", he’s got the size to guard multiple positions, and in today’s positionless NBA, that’s pure gold. Contenders like the Miami Heat or Denver Nuggets could use a player like him off the bench—someone who can come in, provide instant offense, and not be a liability on defense. I’d even argue he’s a better fit for certain systems than some of the bigger names still out there.

Then there’s Raymond Aguilar, another guy flying under the radar. His stat line against Meralco—19 points and nine rebounds—might not jump off the page at first glance, but when you dig deeper, you see a player with a unique skill set. Aguilar is a stretch big who can knock down threes at a respectable clip (around 36% last season, from what I’ve gathered) and crash the boards with intensity. I remember watching him in the G League a couple of years back, and his improvement has been impressive. He’s added muscle, which helps him hold his own in the post, and his footwork on closeouts is solid for a player his size. In my opinion, teams like the Golden State Warriors or Milwaukee Bucks should be all over him. They need frontcourt depth, and Aguilar’s ability to space the floor would open up driving lanes for their stars. Plus, he’s only 26, so there’s room for growth. I’ve spoken to a few scouts who think he could average 8-10 points and 5-7 rebounds in a limited role, and for a contender, that’s valuable production.

But it’s not just about individual stats—it’s about fit. I’ve seen too many teams sign players based on name recognition alone, only to realize they don’t mesh with the system. Take Brownlee, for example. His game reminds me a bit of Joe Ingles—not the fastest guy on the court, but smart, efficient, and reliable. Put him on a team like the Phoenix Suns, and he’d thrive as a secondary playmaker alongside Devin Booker. Or consider Aguilar: his rebounding and shooting could be a perfect complement to a center like Joel Embiid, allowing Philly to play five-out lineups without sacrificing size. I’ve always believed that the best free agent signings are the ones that address specific needs, not just accumulate talent. And right now, there are at least five or six contenders with glaring holes that these players could fill.

Of course, there are risks. Brownlee is 32, so his athleticism might decline soon, and Aguilar has limited NBA experience, which could lead to an adjustment period. But in my view, the upside far outweighs the downside. These aren’t max-contract guys; they’re likely looking at veteran minimums or partially guaranteed deals. For a team like the Boston Celtics, who are tight against the cap, that’s a steal. I’ve crunched the numbers (or at least, my version of them—admittedly, some might be off by a decimal point or two), and adding a player like Brownlee could boost a contender’s bench scoring by 3-4 points per game. In the playoffs, where every possession counts, that’s huge.

As we head into the final stretch of free agency, I expect a few of these names to start popping up in rumors. Personally, I’d love to see Brownlee land with the Lakers—they need wing depth, and his experience would fit well with LeBron’s timeline. Aguilar, on the other hand, would be a perfect fit for the Clippers, who could use another big to pair with Ivica Zubac. But regardless of where they end up, one thing’s for sure: ignoring these players would be a mistake. I’ve seen it happen before—teams get so focused on stars that they miss the glue guys who actually win championships. So, to all the GMs out there: do your homework. Watch the tape, talk to scouts, and take a chance on these impact-free agents. Your season might depend on it.