NBA Today: 3 Veteran Free Agents that could contribute to contending teams

The 2019 offseason is now winding down, and much of the NBA's top free-agent talent were snapped up during the opening weeks of free agency. The likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, and Jimmy Butler all swapped teams - while less exciting names such as Steph Curry and Enes Kanter were quickly snapped up by teams looking to add depth with the aim of challenging for a playoff spot.

Nevertheless, with the season just over a month away - several notable free agents remain without a new team. Many of the remaining free agents are likely to be available on minimum short-term deals and will be keen to find a new team ahead of the season opener in October. So, as we approach the 2019-20 NBA season, here are three veteran free agents that could contribute to a team looking to contend.

#3 J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith helped the Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2016 Championship

J.R. Smith is well known for his off the court issues, and his latest departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers came after he had sat out much of the 2018-19 season after criticizing the direction of the franchise. However, Smith has always been a valuable role player in the NBA, and the 34-year-old has the skillset to help out a contending team.

Smith can make an impact from the backcourt without dominating usage, and he shot 37% from beyond the arc during his final full season with the Cavs. Smith is also a solid defender, and the shooting guard continually raised his game in the postseason during his time in Cleveland.

Contending teams could also protect themselves by offering Smith a similar contract to what Dwight Howard signed in Los Angeles - and the New Jersey native should have at least one more season of good basketball left.

#2 Kenneth Faried

Kenneth Faried impressed after joining the Houston Rockets from the Brooklyn Nets back in January

After struggling to get minutes during a short spell with the Brooklyn Nets, Kenneth Faried signed with the Houston Rockets back in January. Faried was instantly thrust into the starting lineup due to the Rockets' injury woes, and the veteran made an immediate impact. Over 25 appearances (13 starts), Faried averaged 12.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, although the 29-year-old's minutes dropped during Houston's run to the Western Conference quarter-finals.

Despite falling out of favor, Faried still managed to put up some of the best numbers of his career, and his ability to play multiple positions is also a huge plus. Faried won't turn 30 until later this year, and the former Denver Nuggets star still has the fitness to play either as part of the starting unit or from the bench.

#1 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony has not played since leaving the Houston Rockets back in November

Carmelo Anthony's ability to make a positive impact in the modern NBA has been intensely debated over the past year, although there is no doubting that he is the free agent with the most upside for a team looking to sign a veteran.

Anthony's performances with the Houston Rockets were widely criticized. However, the 10-time All-Star still managed to contribute 14.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The 35-year-old also embraced his role from the bench and appears to have finally put his personal needs aside in order to prolong his career in the NBA.

Admittedly, Anthony is no longer in his prime. Although, Melo can still offer solid production from the bench. His desire to prove his doubters wrong also gives him plenty of motivation, and there is no reason why a playoff team shouldn't swoop for the former All-Star.