NBA Today: 3 NBA Free Agents who may be forced to retire

The opening week of 2019 free agency was perhaps the most exciting in NBA history. Several of the NBA's biggest names such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Jimmy Butler opted to switch teams, while a host of lesser stars were quickly snapped up by teams looking to contend.

However, a number of notable veteran free agents remain without teams despite the off-season quickly coming to an end. With most rosters already full ahead of training camp, free agents now face a major battle to land a new team - and here are three players that could be forced to retire.

#3 Raymond Felton

Raymond Felton has spent the past two seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Raymond Felton was selected 5th overall in the 2005 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, and the point guard has enjoyed an accomplished career in the NBA. After spending five seasons in Charlotte, Felton has enjoyed spells with the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Felton has spent the past two seasons with the Thunder, making a solid impact from the bench while also growing into a senior role in the locker room. However, the 35-year-old is unlikely to be offered a route back to Oklahoma City for a third season as Billy Donovan can now call upon Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chris Paul, and Dennis Schroder at point guard.

Felton is set to attend the Houston Rockets' upcoming minicamp, but Jeremy Lin's inability to land on a new NBA team earlier this summer demonstrated the task facing Felton to find a spot on a new roster, and the South Carolina native could be forced into retirement.

#2 Luol Deng

Luol Deng didn't make much of an impact during his season in Minnesota

Back in early 2013, Luol Deng had been named as an All-Star for the second season in succession, and the then 27-year-old was a vital cog of a competitive Chicago Bulls side. However, Deng's career has headed in the wrong direction since his surprise trade to the Cavs in 2014.

Deng spent just one season in Cleveland and his subsequent two-year spell with the Heat was considered a disappointment. Deng still earned a huge four-year, $72 million contract with the Lakers in 2016, but was soon frozen out by the franchise, and played just once during the 2017-18 season.

Deng was finally waived last summer, although his attempt to rebuild his career with the Timberwolves didn't work out as planned. The 34-year-old made just 2 starts during his 22 appearances with the team, averaging career lows in points (7.1) and rebounds (3.3). Despite his desire to play on, it appears that Deng has been left behind, and the former Chicago man is unlikely to suit up this season.

#1 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony has not played since November

Carmelo Anthony still has the ability to make an impact for an NBA team, but it is a worrying sign that the 10-time All-Star is still without a team. Melo has now been free to sign with a new team since his ill-fated spell with the Houston Rockets came to an end back in November, and the Los Angeles Lakers are still the only team to publicly express an interest in Melo.

The Lakers' interest came back in early 2019, although the team eventually pulled its interest after falling out of playoff contention. After the franchise looked elsewhere in free agency, the chances of Anthony moving to LA are now slim, and the Brooklyn Nets have yet to make a move despite several senior players lobbying for Anthony's arrival. Ultimately, things don't look good, and the future Hall of Famer may have played his final game in the NBA.