Lakers Add Guard? Chris Paul-Suns Reunion? Best Fits for NBA Free Agents

National Basketball Association: Lakers Add Guard? Chris Paul-Suns Reunion? Best Fits for NBA Free Agents

Published Jul. 18, 2025 2:55 p.m. ET

The NBA offseason has been relatively underwhelming in terms of free-agent moves www.spin. While notable transactions such as Myles Turner moving from Indiana to Milwaukee and Dorian Finney-Smith signing with Houston stand out, many starting-caliber players remain available, ready to be plugged into any NBA team. Below are the best fits for the top five remaining NBA free agents, listed in alphabetical order.

Note: Restricted free agents are not included due to the high probability that their teams will either re-sign them or match any offer sheets they sign with another team. Malik Beasley is still a free agent but likely won’t be signed until his ongoing gambling investigation reaches a conclusion.

Chris Boucher: Philadelphia 76ers

Chris Boucher has spent the past seven seasons with the Raptors. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

After emerging as a key rotation player for the Toronto Raptors following their 2018-19 NBA championship run, Boucher has established himself as one of the best reserve frontcourt players in the league. He could provide much-needed depth for the 76ers in that area.

Standing at 6-foot-9, Boucher can put the ball on the floor, score efficiently, and contribute on the boards. Last season, he averaged 10.0 points in 17.2 minutes per game with shooting percentages of 49.2% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range, and 78.2% from the free-throw line. With the 76ers losing forward Guerschon Yabusele to free agency and Joel Embiid likely sidelined for the 2025-26 season recovering from a knee injury, Boucher would be an excellent option to fill minutes at both power forward and center, even as a potential starter. He would be a strategic acquisition for a 76ers franchise aiming to remain competitive. phdream44

Malcolm Brogdon: Los Angeles Lakers

Malcolm Brogdon has played for four teams in the past four seasons. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Brogdon is a versatile player who can handle the ball, facilitate the offense, shoot efficiently, and drive to the rim. He would be a significant addition for the Lakers.

While the Lakers feature a ball-dominant superstar in Luka Dončić, a capable lead playmaker in LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, who thrives with the ball, they lack a prototypical point guard to run the offense smoothly in half-court settings. Brogdon could bring that much-needed presence off the bench, serving as a reliable perimeter shooter alongside Dončić and James. He would enhance the Lakers’ offensive dynamics and lead the second unit, contributing on both ends of the floor.

Al Horford: Golden State Warriors

Al Horford is coming off his second tenure with the Celtics. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Warriors are committed to maintaining their championship window, as evidenced by their trade for Jimmy Butler during last season’s trade deadline. Having won four championships in eight years, with Hall of Famer Stephen Curry still performing at an All-NBA level, the Warriors can make bold moves such as adding Horford, who aligns well with their timeline.

While Golden State’s strategy hasn’t heavily relied on its starting center, the departure of Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans leaves a gap. Horford could fill this role and potentially be a starter right away. His reliability as an outside shooter and his defensive skills make him a valuable asset, especially in high-stakes playoff situations, which he has experience with during his four seasons with the Boston Celtics. With Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green averaging 36.3 years in age, adding a 39-year-old big man like Horford could prove beneficial.

Chris Paul: Phoenix Suns

In his age-39 season, Chris Paul appeared in all 82 regular-season games for the Spurs. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

It’s challenging to gauge the Suns’ direction following several aggressive moves: firing head coach Mike Budenholzer, trading Kevin Durant to the Rockets for a package including Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No betso88 casino com ph. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, acquiring big man Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, extending Devin Booker to a two-year, $145 million deal, and waiving Bradley Beal.

One clear aim for Phoenix is becoming a top-eight seed in the Western Conference, and bringing back Paul would offer them a skill set that’s currently lacking. After playing three seasons with the Suns (from 2020-21 to 2022-23), Paul would fill the role of a primary ball-handler, likely coming off the bench to facilitate the second unit, replacing the outgoing Tyus Jones. Last season, Paul boasted a shooting line of 42.7% from the field, 37.7% from beyond the arc, and 92.4% from the charity stripe while averaging 7.4 assists with the San Antonio Spurs.

Although Booker and Green can both handle the ball, Paul remains the most experienced facilitator, adept at getting the ball to his teammates in ideal scoring positions. His familiarity with Booker from their previous three seasons together would surely benefit the team.

Russell Westbrook: Indiana Pacers

Russell Westbrook is seeking his seventh NBA team. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Pacers will miss Tyrese Haliburton for next season due to a torn Achilles tendon he sustained in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and Turner has moved on to Milwaukee after spending a decade with the franchise. Indiana is in need of scoring and another guard, which brings Westbrook into play.

The Pacers might start T.J. royal 888 casino download McConnell alongside Andrew Nembhard to maintain familiarity in the starting lineup, with Westbrook potentially leading the second unit as a scoring option. If the Pacers start slowly, head coach Rick Carlisle could promote Westbrook into the starting five. Last season, Westbrook started 36 of the 75 regular-season games he played for the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 assists per game.

Westbrook provides the Pacers with a seasoned scorer capable of playing point guard, making it a two-for-one advantage. His aggressive style ensures he always attacks the rim. The Pacers will need players who are willing and capable of taking on a significant scoring role next season. taya777.me

What players do you think would be the best fit for your favorite NBA team this offseason?