NBA free agency 2025: Seven underrated players ready to impact

The landscape of NBA free agency for 2025 sees many of the marquee names already locked into contracts or exercising player options. However, the recent Finals, which featured two of the deepest rosters in the league, underscored a vital truth: true championship contenders need more than just star power. They require a robust supporting cast, players capable of filling strategic gaps, absorbing injuries, and offering diverse tactical options throughout a demanding postseason.

With that in mind, here are seven under-the-radar free agents who could prove to be invaluable additions for teams looking to make a deep playoff run. They might not be franchise-changers on their own, but they possess the skills and experience to be that critical final piece off the bench.

Chris Paul

At 40 years old, the 12-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer's current value often gets overlooked. Despite his age, Paul remains in excellent shape, evidenced by playing all 82 games last season. He’s still a pick-and-roll master, ranking ninth in points per play among high-volume ball handlers. His scoring and usage rate may have dipped, but he still ranks fourth in assists per 36 minutes among qualified players, showcasing his continued playmaking prowess. While a return to San Antonio is unlikely, a reunion with the LA Clippers, a move to the Lakers to finally team up with LeBron James, or joining Nikola Jokic on the Denver Nuggets are all appealing possibilities for Paul as he seeks his elusive championship ring.

Chris Boucher

Only two players last season with at least 800 minutes averaged at least 20 points, nine rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers per 36 minutes: Victor Wembanyama and Chris Boucher. While not on Wemby's talent level, Boucher's stat line is certainly eye-catching. He may be too slight for heavy minutes at center, but he brings a valuable, diverse skill set: three-point shooting, dunking ability, and shot-blocking on defense. He’s also an elite offensive rebounder. Though he might re-sign with Toronto, other teams should eye Boucher for an energy big role off the bench, akin to an Obi Toppin.

Bruce Brown

A key contributor to the 2022-23 championship-winning Denver Nuggets, Bruce Brown has since been primarily used as salary matching in trades. His production dipped without superstars, but in the right environment, he can still be impactful. A reunion with the Nuggets makes sense, as Nikola Jokic helped unlock his versatile, high-IQ game. Brown would offer cheap, veteran reliability to Denver's youthful bench.

Malcolm Brogdon

Like Brown, Malcolm Brogdon played a central role for a contender in 2022-23, earning Sixth Man of the Year for Boston. Since then, he's also been trade fodder, playing only 63 games for losing teams. However, Brogdon consistently performed as an above-average player for five seasons prior. Now 32 with an injury history, he’s a 39% three-point shooter with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio, capable of running an offense. He’d be an excellent third guard for contenders or a temporary starter for teams like the Dallas Mavericks.

Luke Kornet

The advanced stats darling of this free agent class, Luke Kornet, is a backup center who does all the little things right. He ranks highly in advanced metrics like xRAPM and LEBRON, sandwiched between elite defensive bigs. Kornet is a strong rebounder, draws fouls, limits turnovers, and is an excellent screener, second only to Steven Adams in "die on contact" screens. Crucially, he’s a stout interior defender, allowing the ninth-lowest field goal percentage at the rim among high-volume defenders. While favored to re-sign with the Celtics, contenders needing frontcourt solidity should pursue Kornet, who is due a significant raise.

De'Anthony Melton

De'Anthony Melton is back on the underrated list after a truncated 2024-25 season due to an ACL tear. The combo guard started strong with Golden State before his injury. The silver lining is that the injury occurred early enough (mid-November 2024) for a relatively quick return. Melton is a capable shooter (38% from three over five seasons), an opportunistic defender (1.4 steals per game), and a winning player whose teams are usually better with him on the court. At 27, he should make a full recovery, offering valuable backcourt depth. He'd complement a bigger, offense-oriented lead guard well, fitting alongside Luka Doncic on the Lakers or Cade Cunningham on the Pistons.

Gary Trent Jr.

Gary Trent Jr. represents a crucial player type flooding the market: the knockdown shooter. A career 39% three-point shooter, Trent is poised for a meaningful raise. Beyond his elite shooting, he's less of a defensive liability than many comparable players, is still young at 26, and has a strong track record, including double-digit scoring for five consecutive years and impressive postseason performances. The modern NBA demands perimeter shooting and depth, making players like Trent, Malik Beasley, Luke Kennard, and Seth Curry highly attractive targets this summer, as evidenced by the Indiana Pacers' deep playoff run fueled by their three-point prowess.