We’re going to see some NBA free agents get shockingly huge contracts this summer. Players such as James Harden are no longer what they used to be. But their reputation is going to play a role on the open market.
On the other hand, there are several underrated players set to hit the open market. Teams might be able to get some value on the cheap with these veterans. Here is a look at the 10-most underrated NBA free agents of 2024.
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10. Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings
Monk, 26, never really lived up to expectations as a top-11 pick of the Charlotte Hornets in the 2017 NBA Draft. The guard has since turned into a darn good role player and is among the most-underrated NBA free agents of the cycle. Over the course of the past two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, he’s averaged 14.4 points on 35% shooting from distance. Sacramento would love to retain Monk. But it’s all going to come down to his market.
9. Moritz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner has received more of the attention in Orlando in comparison to his brother. With that said, Moritz has turned in a pretty good past couple campaigns. He played a big role in the Magic earning a surprise playoff appearance in 2023-24, averaging 10.9 points and 4.3 rebounds. Wagner will not be mistaken for a star or even a starter. But he’s a rotational option for teams stuck up against the NBA salary cap.
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8. Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans
The issue with Valanciunas when looking at underrated NBA free agents is his status as a throw-back big man in a league that values those who can extend the floor. In no way does this mean that he won’t draw a nice amount of interest on the open market. Since the start of the 2017-18 season, Valanciunas is averaging 14.8 points and 10.2 rebounds. Rarely does a big who has double-double capability hit the open market.
7. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
Still only 25 years old, we expect Claxton to receive a ton of interest in NBA free agency. It was back in 2022-23 with the Nets that he finished in the top-10 of Defensive Player of the Year voting. That season saw the center lead the league in field goal percentage while adding 2.5 blocks per outing. While he took somewhat of a step back this past season, interest will certainly be there.
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6. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
Just how much of an impact did Anunoby make last season after being acquired from the Toronto Raptors? The Knicks posted a 20-3 regular-season record in games the wing suited up in. His defensive capabilities are by now well known. But Anunoby has picked it up offensively recently. That included shooting 49% from the field and 38% from three-point range in 2023-24. Once Anunoby declines his option, he’ll be among the top NBA free agents this summer.
5. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
DeRozan has simply been one of the Association’s most-underrated players since his sophomore campaign with the Toronto Raptors back in 2010-11. The 34-year-old wing continues to age like fine wine. Since the start of the 2016-17 season, DeRozan is averaging 24.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 49% shooting from the field. He’ll certainly be one of the most decorated and accomplished NBA free agents this summer.
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4. Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards
Teams such as Phoenix Suns who are up against the cap will certainly target Jones as a potential stopgap starter at point guard. He averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 assists on 49% shooting for the Wizards a season ago. Jones also shot 41% from three-point range. He’s not going to awe anyone. But the veteran presence and calming mentality will loom large moving forward.
3. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Denver Nuggets
Unfortunately for the Nuggets, Caldwell-Pope will likely be out of their market in NBA free agency. Other teams are going to be willing to give the veteran three-and-D wing a big contract for his veteran savvy and ability to guard multiple positions. KCP has also shot at over 40% from distance in three of the past four seasons.
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2. Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers
When it comes to second-string centers with the ability to make an impact, Plumlee has proven to be extremely underrated. He’s averaging 8.4 points and 6.8 rebounds since entering the league with the Brooklyn Nets in 2013-14. Rim protection coupled with the ability to provide extra possessions will not go unnoticed.
1. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
As it relates to NBA free agents, Pascal Siakam is by far the most underrated. His ability to both play and guard three different positions can’t go unnoticed. The 30-year-old forward is also averaging 22.6 points to go with 7.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists since the start of the 2019-20 season. Sure, Siakam might not be a No. 1 option on a contending team. But his body of work speaks for itself.
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