With the NBA regular season coming to a conclusion on Sunday, 20 of 30 teams know they have more basketball to play, whether it begins in the Play-In Tournament or the playoffs. For the other 10 teams, they can begin focusing on the offseason. Here is the most important free agent on each of the eliminated teams, starting with the five from the Eastern Conference.
Most Vital Free Agent On Eliminated Eastern Conference Teams
Brooklyn Nets – Cam Thomas (Restricted)
The 27th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cam Thomas has been a walking bucket at times for Brooklyn the last two seasons. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard has scored at least 40 points nine times in the last two years. The three-point shot has been inconsistent, but Thomas’ driving ability helps him frequent the foul line most games. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just 25 games in 2024-25.
Other notable free agents: Keon Johnson (player option), De’Anthony Melton, D’Angelo Russell, Day’Ron Sharpe (restricted), Trendon Watford, Ziaire Williams (restricted)
Charlotte Hornets – Tre Mann (Restricted)
Selected 18th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Tre Mann had fallen out of the Oklahoma City Thunder rotation. Traded to Charlotte in February of 2024, Mann entered the starting lineup due to LaMelo Ball being out for the season. A back injury limited the 24-year-old Mann to only 13 outings in 2024-25. While no longer a starter, he still played 24.5 minutes per contest. The 6-foot-3 point guard posted averages of 14.1 points and 3.0 assists while connecting on 40% of his three-point tries.
Other notable free agents: Seth Curry
Philadelphia 76ers – Quentin Grimes (Restricted)
Quentin Grimes really took off after Philadelphia acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks. Yes, a lot of his production happened while Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey were all sidelined. And yes, the 76ers certainly weren’t winning. Still, in his last 20 outings, the 24-year-old averaged 25.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.8 steals. Grimes likely earned himself a few million more with his play at the end of the season.
Other notable free agents: Andre Drummond (player option), Justin Edwards (restricted), Eric Gordon (player option), Kyle Lowry, Kelly Oubre Jr. (player option), Guerschon Yabusele
Toronto Raptors – Chris Boucher
The longest tenured member of the Raptors, Chris Boucher just completed his seventh season with the team. In his 50 games in 2024-25, the 32-year-old averaged double figures in scoring for the second time in his career (exactly 10.0). Boucher also had his second-most accurate season from deep, making 36.9% of his three-point attempts.
Other notable free agents: A.J. Lawson (restricted)
Washington Wizards – Tristan Vukcevic (Restricted)
Standing at 6-foot-10, Tristan Vukcevic was the 42nd overall pick by Washington in the 2023 NBA Draft. He barely played as a rookie and agreed to a two-way deal for this season. With the Wizards fast out of playoff contention, the 22-year-old saw an expanded role later in the season. Over his last 14 games, Vukcevic played 21.6 minutes per contest while averaging 14.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. He had at least 17 points in eight of those outings.
Other notable free agents: Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton (player option)
Photo credit: © David Banks-Imagn Images
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