By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA Free Agency will begin in August 2 and there are a couple of notable European players, from young dudes to veterans, that may find themselves on a different team in the next season.
Here are the top 10 European free agents.
The list includes players who become unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents, or have a team option. All players are in alphabetical order.
1. Nicolas Batum (France)
Nicolas Batum’s move to the Los Angeles Clippers worked wonders for him since he rejuvenated his career after struggling to find a place on the Charlotte Hornets rotation in his last year with the team. He averaged 8.1 points per game in both the regular season and the playoffs while shooting close to 40 percent on 3-pointers overall (138 – 344). He becomes an unrestricted free agent and it would make sense for the Clippers to keep him aboard since he’s a veteran who can provide on both ends of the floor.
2. Nemanja Bjelica (Serbia)
So far this summer, Nemanja Bjelica has seen his name involved in rumors regarding a possible return to Europe. The former EuroLeague MVP will be the star of a European team if he takes that route, but his NBA days aren’t likely over.
While Bjelica’s numbers saw a decline this past season in his run with both the Sacramento Kings and the Miami Heat, his combination of size and shooting ability is an element that should still make him a potentially appealing option for a couple NBA teams.
3. Goran Dragic (Slovenia)
Goran Dragic has a 19.4 million option on his contract with the Miami Heat. While the team may decline the option and make Dragic an unrestricted free agent, it won’t be surprising if they re-sign him to a lower salary to bring him back for his eighth year in Miami.
Despite some ups and downs in the aftermath of a foot injury he suffered in the 2021 Finals, the 35-year-old Dragic managed to post 13.4 points, 4.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds in the regular season, showing that he remains a veteran asset of a considerable value.
4. Evan Fournier (France)
Right now Evan Fournier is busy with being the leader of the French national team in the Olympic Games. His performances remind more of the guy that the Celtics grabbed from the Orlando Magic and less the one who finished the season in Boston.
The Celtics may want to keep Fournier and take full advantage of his overall scoring efficiency next season, unlike what happened in his 21 games with the team in 2020-21. The French swingman though is expected to be rather coveted as an unrestricted free agent.