While everyone’s obsessing over the big-name superstars in NBA free agency, some of the most valuable championship pieces are flying completely under the radar. These seven underrated free agents might not grab headlines, but they possess exactly the kind of skills that separate good teams from great ones.
The recent Finals proved that depth matters more than ever in today’s NBA. Teams need role players who can step up when stars get injured, provide different looks against various opponents, and contribute winning basketball without needing the spotlight. That’s exactly what these overlooked free agents bring to the table.
Chris Paul proves age is just a number
Don’t let the 40-year-old age fool you – Chris Paul still has serious basketball magic left in his system. The future Hall of Famer played all 82 games last season, proving his body can still handle a full NBA grind when properly managed.
Paul’s pick-and-roll mastery remains elite, ranking ninth among qualified players in points per play despite reduced usage. His court vision and leadership haven’t diminished either, as he finished fourth in assists per 36 minutes behind only Trae Young, Nikola Jokic, and Tyrese Haliburton.
With San Antonio set at point guard after acquiring De’Aaron Fox and drafting Dylan Harper, Paul needs a new home. The veteran could provide instant championship credibility to contenders like the Lakers, Clippers, or Nuggets. Sometimes the final piece of a championship puzzle is an experienced floor general who’s desperate for his first ring.
Chris Boucher delivers Wembanyama-level production
Here’s a stat that’ll blow your mind: only two players with at least 800 minutes last season averaged 20 points, nine rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers per 36 minutes. One was Victor Wembanyama. The other was Chris Boucher.
Obviously Boucher isn’t anywhere near Wembanyama’s talent level, but those numbers reveal just how unique and valuable his skill set really is. The versatile big man brings legitimate three-point shooting, rim protection, and elite offensive rebounding to any frontcourt rotation.
Boucher’s 3.5 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes ranks in the top 25 among active players with significant experience. That combination of shooting, shot-blocking, and second-chance creation makes him perfect for teams needing energy and versatility off the bench.
Bruce Brown remembers how to win championships
Remember when Bruce Brown hit the championship-clinching basket for Denver in 2023? That feels like a lifetime ago after he spent the last two seasons getting traded as salary filler, but his championship DNA hasn’t disappeared.
Brown’s production cratered when he left Denver’s championship environment, but that says more about context than ability. Playing alongside superstars like Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic brought out his best basketball, and he could easily rediscover that form with another contender.
A reunion with Denver makes perfect sense for everyone involved. Jokic knows exactly how to maximize Brown’s jack-of-all-trades skill set, while the Nuggets desperately need proven veteran depth off their bench. Sometimes the best moves are the obvious ones.
Malcolm Brogdon brings championship-tested reliability
Malcolm Brogdon won Sixth Man of the Year for Boston just two seasons ago, but people seem to have forgotten how consistently excellent he was during his prime years. From 2018-19 through 2022-23, his PER ratings were remarkably steady: 17.8, 17.7, 17.9, 18.0, and 18.2.
That kind of year-over-year consistency is incredibly valuable for playoff teams that need reliable production from their rotation players. Brogdon’s 39% three-point shooting and strong assist-to-turnover ratio make him perfect for running second units or filling in when stars get injured.
Teams like Dallas could use Brogdon as a starter until Kyrie Irving returns from injury, then seamlessly move him to a bench role. That kind of versatility and professionalism is exactly what championship teams need from their role players.
Luke Kornet dominates advanced metrics
Luke Kornet might be the most undervalued player in the entire free agent class, and the advanced statistics back up that claim in spectacular fashion. According to regularized adjusted plus-minus, Kornet ranks in the top 20 among active players on a per-possession basis.
Those numbers aren’t fluky either – Kornet does all the little things that winning teams require. He’s an elite offensive rebounder, draws fouls without committing turnovers, and sets devastating screens that completely remove defenders from plays. His “die on contact” screen rate ranked second among high-volume screeners last season.
Most importantly, Kornet provides legitimate rim protection. Among 99 players who defended at least 200 shots at the rim last season, he allowed the ninth-lowest field goal percentage at 52%. That defensive impact alone makes him worth pursuing for any team needing frontcourt depth.
De’Anthony Melton offers post-injury value
Melton’s ACL injury early last season scared away some potential suitors, but smart teams should view his situation as an opportunity rather than a risk. The injury occurred in mid-November, which means he should be fully recovered and ready for the upcoming season.
Before getting hurt, Melton was playing excellent basketball for Golden State, showcasing the well-rounded skill set that makes him so valuable. His 38% three-point shooting over the past five seasons, combined with 1.4 steals per game and general stat-sheet stuffing ability, creates exactly the kind of impact teams need from role players.
At just 27 years old, Melton should make a complete recovery while potentially coming at a discount due to injury concerns. Teams like the Lakers or Pistons could pair him perfectly with their ball-dominant stars.
Gary Trent Jr. leads the sharpshooter revolution
The three-point shooting market is absolutely loaded this free agency period, with players like Gary Trent Jr., Malik Beasley, Luke Kennard, and Duncan Robinson all available. Among this talented group, Trent Jr. stands out as the most complete package.
Trent’s 39% career three-point shooting speaks for itself, but he brings more than just shooting to the table. Unlike some pure shooters, he’s not a complete defensive liability and has proven he can perform in high-pressure playoff moments, including games with 37 and 33 points in the first round this spring.
At 26 years old, Trent represents the perfect combination of proven production and remaining upside. After signing a minimum contract with Milwaukee last year, he’s due for a significant raise and could provide immediate shooting help for any contender.
Why depth matters more than ever
The modern NBA has proven that championship teams need more than just two or three superstars – they need seven or eight reliable players who can contribute winning basketball. The recent Finals showcased just how important depth can be when injuries and matchup problems arise.
These underrated free agents represent exactly the kind of players who make the difference between good teams and championship teams. They won’t be the primary reasons teams succeed or fail, but they could easily be the final pieces that push contenders over the top.
Smart front offices understand that value often comes from the margins rather than the marquee signings. While other teams chase expensive stars, the championship winners will be the ones who identify and acquire these overlooked contributors who know how to play winning basketball.
