While the biggest names in the 2025 NBA free agency class have largely committed to their current teams or exercised options, the recent NBA Finals underscored a critical truth: championship contenders need more than just superstars. Roster depth and a capable supporting cast are essential for navigating the rigors of the playoffs, providing strategic flexibility, and covering for injuries.
With this in mind, several under-the-radar free agents are worth targeting as the signing period gets underway. These players might not single-handedly transform a franchise, but they possess the skills and potential to significantly upgrade a team`s depth and playoff viability.
Chris Paul
Despite his future Hall of Fame status and 12 All-Star selections, Chris Paul`s current value might be undervalued as his storied career winds down. At 40 years old, Paul demonstrated surprising durability by playing all 82 games last season. He remains a highly effective pick-and-roll operator, ranking among the league`s best ball handlers in points generated from those plays. While his personal scoring and usage have declined, his exceptional passing skills endure; he ranks near the top in assists per 36 minutes among qualified players.
A return to San Antonio is unlikely given their roster situation. However, Paul could significantly stabilize a contender`s bench unit. Potential destinations include revisiting former teams (LA Clippers), finally joining forces with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers (assuming no league intervention), pairing with Nikola Jokic in Denver, or even potentially slotting into a starting role in Minnesota. As he looks set to join his fourth team in as many years, Paul, who has reached the Finals only once (a loss), is clearly seeking a move to a contender to chase his first championship ring.
Chris Boucher
Only two players logging at least 800 minutes last season averaged a per-36-minute stat line of at least 20 points, nine rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers: Chris Boucher and Victor Wembanyama. While obviously not suggesting Boucher is comparable to Wemby`s talent level, this highlights his unique and valuable combination of skills.
Though perhaps too slender for significant minutes as a primary center, Boucher brings versatility to the frontcourt. He can stretch the floor with threes, finish strong at the rim, and protect the paint with blocks. He is also a standout offensive rebounder, ranking highly among active players in offensive boards per 36 minutes. While re-signing with Toronto is a strong possibility, other teams should look to acquire Boucher to provide valuable energy and depth as a bench big man, similar to the role played by Obi Toppin.
Bruce Brown
Following a key role on the 2022-23 NBA champion Denver Nuggets, including hitting the game-winning shot in the Finals clincher, Bruce Brown has largely served as a `walking contract,` included in major trades (Pascal Siakam, Brandon Ingram) that sent him through Indiana, Toronto, and New Orleans. His output declined sharply without the presence of superstars, and he is now poised to sign a significantly smaller contract compared to the two-year, $45 million deal he secured two summers ago.
Nevertheless, in the right system, Brown can still contribute meaningfully. A reunion with the Denver Nuggets appears mutually beneficial. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic previously maximized Brown`s versatile skills and high basketball IQ, fostering strong chemistry with the starting unit. For Denver, Brown would offer cost-effective, dependable veteran support for their otherwise young bench.
Malcolm Brogdon
Like Bruce Brown, Malcolm Brogdon was integral to a contender`s success in 2022-23, winning Sixth Man of the Year with the Boston Celtics. And similarly, Brogdon has since served primarily as a trade asset for higher-profile players (Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija), limiting him to just 63 games on non-contending teams over the past two seasons.
However, he is not far removed from a five-season span (2018-19 to 2022-23) where his performance was remarkably consistent and above average according to Player Efficiency Rating (PER). Now 32 years old with a history of injuries, Brogdon is unlikely to add more awards to his résumé. Yet, his skills remain valuable: a 39% career 3-point shooter with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio, and the versatility to handle both guard positions effectively, capable of running an offense. Brogdon represents an excellent fit for numerous contenders needing a reliable third guard. He could even potentially start for a team like the Dallas Mavericks temporarily, transitioning to the bench upon Kyrie Irving`s return.
Luke Kornet
Luke Kornet emerges as something of an “advanced stats darling” in the 2025 free agent pool, despite being a backup center who has never averaged more than 7 points per game in any season. However, various advanced metrics paint a picture of significant impact.
According to different analyses (like xRAPM, LEBRON, and Estimated Plus-Minus), Kornet consistently ranks highly among active players in per-possession impact, often found near players widely considered much more prominent stars. This is attributed to his proficiency in fundamental areas: strong rebounding (especially on offense), drawing fouls while avoiding turnovers, and effective screening, particularly setting “die on contact” screens that effectively remove a defender from the play. Furthermore, Kornet is a reliable interior defender; among players defending a substantial volume of shots at the rim last season, he allowed one of the lowest opponent field goal percentages, placing him in the company of recent Defensive Player of the Year winners.
Kornet is widely expected to remain with the Boston Celtics, who have a clear need at the center position and have seen his subtle contributions firsthand. However, other contenders looking to bolster their frontcourt depth should definitely consider targeting him. After earning just $2.8 million last season, Kornet has certainly earned a raise.
De`Anthony Melton
De`Anthony Melton was viewed as an under-the-radar free agent last summer and remains in that category after his 2024-25 campaign was significantly shortened. He began the season strong with Golden State but suffered a torn ACL just six games in, subsequently being traded to Brooklyn.
The timing of his injury in mid-November 2024 offers a potential advantage, suggesting a possible earlier return compared to players injured later in the season. This stands to benefit whichever team secures his services this summer. Melton provides several key assets: a solid outside shot (38% from three over the last five seasons), impactful defensive play (career 1.4 steals per game), and the ability to contribute across the stat sheet. He`s generally a player who positively impacts his team`s performance; his teams have been better with him on the court in six of his seven NBA seasons.
Concerns about his athleticism post-injury might temper his market somewhat, but at 27 years old, a full recovery is anticipated. While Melton could enhance backcourt depth for any team, his 6-foot-2 frame and profile as a combo guard might make him an ideal complement to a larger, offensively focused lead guard. He could potentially thrive next to Luka Doncic on the Lakers or Cade Cunningham on the Pistons (where he`d incidentally replace free agent Schroder).
Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. serves as an excellent example of a specific player type abundant in this free agency class: the pure knockdown shooter. While several players fit this mold this summer, excluding Malik Beasley (whose future is uncertain), Trent is arguably the most appealing. He holds a career 39% shooting mark from three-point range and is poised for a substantial pay increase after signing a minimum contract last season.
Trent benefits from several factors: he is considered less of a defensive liability than some other sharpshooters like Luke Kennard, he`s still relatively young at 26, and he possesses a strong track record, scoring in double figures for five consecutive seasons and delivering notable performances in past playoff runs. Broadly speaking, players filling the role of reliable seventh, eighth, or ninth men with consistent perimeter shooting are highly sought after in today`s NBA. The success of teams prioritizing depth and high-level three-point shooting in the playoffs underscores the value of this profile. This group of free agent shooters, led by Trent, directly addresses that need.