2024 NBA Free Agency: Ideal Targets for Each Team
Photo Credit: NRM Steamcast
Every summer in late June- early July, the NBA landscape undergoes dramatic changes as players across the league either decide to stay with their respective teams or look for a new home.
From drastic signings to franchise altering trades, a few short months can turn the NBA world on its axis.
Despite players such as Paul George, Klay Thompson, Tyrese Maxey, and more already making a decision, there are still plenty out there who have been less decisive, and even for a team such as the Boston Celtics, getting the right player even in a smaller role could be the difference between a one-time champion to a back-to-back one.
Here is an ideal target for every NBA team this summer based on each team’s needs.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics: Dario Saric, Center
With Kristaps Porzingis having health problems throughout the postseason, the defending champs will be in need of some death at the center position. Saric would be a great fit for that role, displaying excellent shooting over a decade long career as well as providing a veteran presence for a young Celtics team.
Brooklyn Nets: Tyus Jones, Guard
Though they had plenty of issues this season, ball handling was at the top of the list, with Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroeder both struggling to fill that role. Tyus Jones could be a great addition for the team, as he is a very smart player on both sides of the ball.
New York Knicks: Kyle Lowry, Guard
A team that has drastically improved every season under the Tom Thibodeau regime, another veteran in the locker room in Lowry could be exactly what the Knicks need to take the next step, due to his long career and championship experience with the Raptors. He also still provides solid defense and playmaking.
Philadelphia 76ers: Kyle Anderson: Forward
Nicknamed “Slow-Mo”, Anderson certainly plays as his own pace, but also is extremely smart and a tremendous defender. His offensive skill has faltered some over the past few seasons, but he still has plenty to offer on the other side of the ball.
Toronto Raptors: Patrick Beverly, Guard
Perhaps the most notorious tough nosed defender in the modern NBA, Patrick Beverly has had a long career based entirely on his stellar defense and high basketball IQ. His experience could be very valuable to a young Raptors squad.
Central Division
Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan McLaughlin, Guard
The biggest issue with the Bucks this past season was defense from the backcourt, with Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley having trouble on that end. However, McLaughlin would be a perfect defensive minded backup point guard for the Bucks to get them back into title contention.
Chicago Bulls: Precious Achiuwa, Forward
Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic is one of the better offensive centers in the NBA, but his defense has always been deficient. Precious Achiuwa, on the other hand, may be undersized, but has the ability to guard all five positions, and is also great at finishing around the rim.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Simone Fontecchio, Forward
Size and length at the wing position has been the greatest need for the Cavs the last few seasons, something Fontecchio brings to the table. While he was not utilized too much in the first half of the season last year in Detroit, he averaged 15 points per game in the second half of the season, shooting 43% from three.
Indiana Pacers: Javonte Green, Guard
Green had his best season in the NBA this past year, with career highs in points per game, minutes, field goal percentage, steals, and blocks. While the Pacers are a very guard heavy team, Green’s contributions particularly on defense would be welcomed.
Detroit Pistons: Gary Trent Jr, Guard
5th overall pick Ron Holland provided much needed defense for Detroit, but they still lack shooting from the wing position. Insert Gary Trent Jr, and that need is fulfilled. At only 25 years old, Trent Jr has already proven himself on both ends.
Southeast Division
Orlando Magic: Malik Beasley, Guard
Orlando had a breakthrough season in 2023-2024, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. However, a consistent issue throughout the year was lackadaisical offensive play from the shooting guard position, an area which could be improved by a shooter such as Malik Beasley.
Miami Heat: Daniel Theis, Center
While Bam Adebayo is an excellent center on both ends of the floor, they still could use more shooting in that position, an area that Daniel Theis excels at. Theis is also an above average defender, making him a reliable backup to Adebayo.
Charlotte Hornets: Chuma Okeke, Forward
In his first four seasons in the NBA, Okeke has shown improvement every year. Coming in with defense as his calling card, he has struggled offensively, but his size and strength would make him a welcome addition in Charlotte.
Washington Wizards: Joe Ingles, Forward
Even though he is one of the oldest active players in the NBA, Ingles provides a ton of experience which could be very valuable to a young Washington team. He is also still an excellent three-point shooter and can defend at a high level when need be.
Atlanta Hawks: Dennis Smith Jr.
Despite Trae Young’s out of this world play at the point guard position, the Hawks could still use a reliable backup, especially due to Young’s lack of defensive skill. Dennis Smith Jr would be a perfect addition to help, as while he hasn’t always been a very skilled offensive player, he makes up for it with solid defense.
Western Conference
Northwest Division
Oklahoma City Thunder: Haywood Highsmith, Forward
He may not have the most eye-popping stats, but Haywood Highsmith is a very good shooter, and uses his size to provide great defense, two things that could very much benefit a young Thunder offense.
Denver Nuggets: Spencer Dinwiddie, Guard
With the departure of offensive minded backup point guard Reggie Jackson, the Nuggets will be looking for a new guard to backup star Jamal Murray, which is why Spencer Dinwiddie could be a great addition. A three-level scorer, Dinwiddie could be a great spark off the bench for them.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Robert Covington, Forward
A former Wolf, Covington may have lost a step offensively, scoring only 4.4 points per game last season with the 76ers, but he is still an excellent defender. He is also another veteran that could be useful to a young Wolves core.
Utah Jazz: Gordon Hayward, Forward
Gordon Hayward played the first seven years of his career in Utah, and a reunion would certainly be welcomed. While he isn’t the same all-star caliber player he once was, he still has a very high basketball IQ and could be a solid offensive weapon.
Portland Trailblazers: Isaac Okoro, Forward
Though he still hasn’t quite flourished as much offensively as the Cleveland Cavaliers would’ve liked, Okoro has turned himself into one of the better perimeter defenders in the entire NBA, an area that Portland struggled with.
Pacific Division
Los Angeles Lakers: DeMar DeRozan, Forward
There are few more skilled offensive players in the NBA than DeMar DeRozan. Arguably the most talented free agent still available, DeRozan’s lack of a three-point shot has caused him to faulter the past few years, but he still has plenty to give otherwise, and could be a great option to take pressure off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Los Angeles Clippers: Caleb Martin, Forward
With superstar Paul George taking his talents to Philadelphia, the Clippers now have a vacant spot at the wing position, one that Caleb Martin could fill perfectly. Despite being lackluster on defense, Martin is an excellent scorer at all three levels.
Phoenix Suns: Jordan Nwora, Forward
Nwora has shown plenty of signs of promise offensively, but his defense has still been called into question. However, he is still very young, and the right situation in Phoenix could be exactly what Nwora needs for his career to turn a corner. The Suns have been looking for a solid backup to the legendary Kevin Durant, and Nwora could be just that.
Sacramento Kings: Jae Crowder, Forward
Over the last two seasons, the Kings have taken a complete 180, making it to the post season the last two seasons. However, defense has been an issue, which is why Crowder would be a great fit. Even though he has taken a step back the past couple seasons, he is still a great on ball defender.
Golden State Warriors: Buddy Hield, Guard
When talking about the best shooters in the NBA, the two names that come up the most frequently are Stephen Curry and former Warrior Klay Thompson. However, a third name that continues to come up is Buddy Hield. Now that Thompson’s time in Golden State is over, Hield would be a perfect replacement.
Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks: Reggie Bullock Jr, Guard
If there is one thing the NBA Finals taught us, it’s that the Luka Doncic led Mavericks need scoring help. The addition of Klay Thompson will certainly help, but there are still vacant spots off the bench. Reggie Bullock Jr would fit this roll perfectly, making a fine career for himself on the perimeter.
New Orleans Pelicans: Saddiq Bey, Forward
With New Orleans shopping Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans will need a new small forward to take his place. Saddiq Bey is an offensive minded forward who is still very young and has proven himself as a scorer. Defense has been where he has struggled the most, but he will have plenty of time to improve in that facet.
Houston Rockets: Alec Burks, Guard
The Rockets showed plenty of signs of promise this past season, but there are still missing pieces they need if they want to take the next step. A veteran presence is one of those necessities, and Alec Burks could be perfect for that role. While he has made his money on offense, he is also a very good defender.
Memphis Grizzlies: Markelle Fultz, Guard
Due to Ja Morant’s absence the majority of last season, the Grizzlies were without a reliable point guard. Fultz could be a perfect backup to Morant, as even though he has struggled to score much of his career, he can do almost everything else at a very high level.
San Antonio Spurs: Luke Kennard, Guard
By this point, everyone knows that Victor Wembanyama is the future of the NBA. But just like the comics, every superhero needs a sidekick or two. While he isn’t the best defensively, sharpshooter Luke Kennard would be a welcome addition to the Spurs and could help space the floor for Wemby.