NBA free agents 2023: Which players are still available after major names signed with different teams?

There are plenty of NBA free agents available that can impact a contending team down the stretch.

Here's a look at 10 players that could affect the postseason race.

#1 LaMarcus Aldridge

There is probably no player available that can have a bigger impact than LaMarcus Aldridge. The seven-time All-Star was forced to retire during the 2020-21 season after playing just 26 games due to an irregular heartbeat.

Aldridge returned for 47 contests last season, however, and averaged 12.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.3 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting 55.0% from the field in just 22.3 minutes per game.

While he may no longer be the player he was in his prime when he earned five All-NBA selections, Aldridge still has the ability to impact the game on both ends in a limited role.

#2 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is easily the biggest name of any available NBA free agent. Like Aldridge, Carmelo's best days are behind him. However, the 10-time All-Star can still provide a scoring punch off the bench.

The six-time All-NBA selection finished the 2021-22 season averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field, 37.5% from 3-point range and 83.0% from the free-throw line.

#3 John Wall

Injuries have derailed John Wall's career, but the five-time All-Star still has upside as a playmaker. In 34 games this season, Wall averaged 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 40.8% from the field, 30.3% from 3-point range and 68.1% from the free-throw line.

Despite his lack of efficiency, the 2016-17 All-NBA selection remains the best playmaker among NBA free agents.

#4 Will Barton

Will Barton has seen his role significantly decrease this season, however, he still provides value as an outside shooter. In just 19.6 minutes per game, Barton averaged 7.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 38.7% from the field, 38.0% from 3-point range and 77.8% from the free-throw line.

#5 Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside has the ability to provide elite rim protection off the bench. In the 2021-22 season, Whiteside averaged 8.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.3 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 65.2% from the field in just 17.9 minutes per game.

While he won't receive the minutes to lead the league in blocks for a third time, Whiteside can still have a defensive impact in a limited role.

#6 DeMarcus Cousins

Similar to his Kentucky teammate and fellow NBA free agent John Wall, injuries have derailed DeMarcus Cousins' career. The four-time All-Star averaged 9.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks while shooting 46.0% from the field in just 15.0 minutes per game last season.

#7 Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka has also declined following a serious injury. The three-time All-Defensive selection averaged 4.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.1 steals and 0.4 blocks while shooting 48.1% from the field in just 11.6 minutes per game this season. While he is well out of his prime, Ibaka can still provide upside defensively.

#8-10 David Nwaba, Stanley Johnson, and Michael Carter-Williams

David Nwaba, Stanley Johnson, and Michael Carter-Williams have never been stars in this league, however, each of these NBA free agents can provide value to a team through their defense.

While Carter-Williams is likely the biggest name of these NBA free agents, he has not averaged double-digit points since the 2015-16 season. Nevertheless, he has reinvented himself as a strong perimeter defender. In a league where wings are more valuable than ever, don't be surprised if one of these three players gets picked up.