These Free Agency Signings Flew Under The Radar

Joel Piton
Jul 25
9 min read

Another few weeks have passed, and with them comes a fresh wave of free agency signings that continue to shape the landscape of the 2025–26 NBA season. Just when you thought things were starting to settle, the league reminds us that the offseason is a marathon that keeps going. From under-the-radar additions to headline-worthy moves, the action hasn’t slowed one bit. Some of these names are likely already on your radar…and if they’re not, they should be. Who knows—maybe your team just made this list.

Damian Lillard (PG) — Portland Trail Blazers

2024-25 Stats — 24.9 PPG — 4.7 RPG — 7.1 APG — 1.2 SPG — 44.8 FG %

In a move that nobody saw coming, Damian Lillard is back in Portland—lacing up for the franchise he once carried for over a decade. After suffering a devastating Achilles injury, Lillard admitted it’s the most serious setback of his career. At 35, it’s fair to wonder if he will return the same? Still, before the injury, Dame was far from washed, averaging 25 points and 7 assists over 58 games with the Bucks. Now, paired up with Jrue Holiday in the backcourt, Portland suddenly has one of the most experienced and dangerous duos in the league. If Dame comes back anywhere close to his prime, Rip City could be on the rise again.

Bradley Beal (SG) — Los Angeles Clippers

2024-25 Stats — 17.0 PPG — 3.3 RPG — 3.7 APG — 1.1 SPG — 49.7 FG %

On a two-year, $11 million deal, three-time All-Star Bradley Beal joins an already-loaded Clippers backcourt alongside James Harden and Chris Paul. With the guard spots spoken for, Beal may be asked to slide into uncharted territory at the small forward position—and how Ty Lue manages that rotation remains to be seen.

Still, one thing is certain: the Clippers are getting a proven bucket-getter who can drop 20 a night without breaking a sweat. Beal is a three-level scorer with playoff experience and plenty left in the tank. His stint in Phoenix didn’t go as planned—now L.A. gives him a chance to override that chapter.

Chris Paul (PG) — Los Angeles Clippers

2024-25 Stats — 8.8 PPG — 3.6 PG — 7.4 APG — 1.3 SPG — 42.7 FG %

In what's likely the beginning of a farewell tour, Chris Paul is heading back to the team where everything really clicked—the Clippers. Entering his 21st season at age 40, the 12-time All-Star and first ballot Hall of Famer has checked nearly every box in his illustrious career…except one. Now surrounded by an experienced, star-studded roster, CP3 makes one final push for that elusive championship. Whether or not he gets it, this return to L.A. is the perfect full-circle moment for one of the greatest point guards to ever do it—and there may not be a more fitting way for him to go out.

D'Angelo Russell (PG) — Dallas Mavericks

2024-25 Stats — 12.6 PPG — 2.8 RPG — 5.1 APG — 39.0 FG %

D’Angelo Russell returned to not one, but two former teams last season—rejoining both the Lakers and Nets in hopes of rediscovering his rhythm as a second or third option. However, this season was a struggle for him and the Mavericks have given him a new opportunity. At 29 and heading into his 11th season, D-Lo still has the tools to burn you: crafty handles, solid passing instincts, and a smooth offensive arsenal. However, this past season saw a noticeable dip in his field goal percentage and a lack of consistency that made him tough to rely on nightly. That said, with Kyrie Irving expected to miss time, the Mavericks are betting on Russell’s scoring spark to help keep the offense steady. It’s a smart, low-risk pickup with upside—if he finds his footing.

Caris LeVert (SF/SG) — Detroit Pistons

2024-25 Stats — 12.1 PPG — 3.2 RPG — 3.4 APG — 46.7 FG %

Caris LeVert quietly had one of his most efficient seasons to date, pouring in solid offense off the bench for Atlanta, averaging around 15 points and shooting career-best splits from the field. Now, the 6'7" swingman heads to Detroit—a team in desperate need of instant offense. With Jaden Ivey still sidelined and Tim Hardaway Jr. off to Denver, the Pistons need someone who can score in bunches—and LeVert fits the bill. He’s capable of shooting over smaller defenders, slashing to the rim, and creating his own shot without hesitation. It’s a strong, under-the-radar pickup for a team still searching for consistent firepower.

Marcus Smart (PG) — Los Angeles Lakers

2024-25 Stats — 9.0 PPG — 2.1 RPG — 3.2 APG — 1.1 SPG — 39.3 FG %

Marcus Smart hasn’t been able to shake the injury bug, appearing in just 54 games over the past two seasons. But when healthy, the former Defensive Player of the Year brings the kind of grit, toughness, and winning mentality that every contender needs, and now, it’s the Lakers who reap the benefits. Smart hasn’t seen enough consistent court time to suggest he’s lost his edge as a tenacious perimeter defender. And with the Lakers' backcourt needing a defensive anchor, this move could be huge. If he can stay healthy, Smart’s impact—both on the floor and in the locker room—could be felt deep into the postseason.

Spencer Dinwiddie (G) — Charlotte Hornets

2024-25 Stats — 11.0 PPG — 2.6 RPG — 4.4 APG — 41.6 FG %

Spencer Dinwiddie quietly bounced back this past season, showing steady improvement from his brief stint with the Lakers and emerging as one of the few Mavericks to stay healthy all year. Now in Charlotte, Dinwiddie brings veteran stability and lineup flexibility to a young Hornets squad. Whether he starts alongside LaMelo Ball or comes off the bench to run the second unit, Dinwiddie can be effective in either role. While he’s no longer the 18-point-per-game scorer he once was, he doesn’t need to be—his playmaking, shot creation, and willingness to make the extra pass still make him a valuable piece. This is a smart, versatile pickup for a team looking to take the next step.

Jonas Valanciunas (C) — Denver Nuggets

2024-25 Stats — 10.4 PPG — 7.7 RPG — 2.0 APG — 1.4 BPG — 55.0 FG %

Jonas Valanciunas is still very much a starting-caliber center—a double-double machine with the ability to clean the glass, protect the rim, and knock down shots from midrange and beyond the arc. It’s rare to find a big man this skilled and this consistent...who’s willing to come off the bench. But when the starting center is Nikola Jokic, it makes perfect sense. In Denver, Valanciunas embraces a complementary role for the first time in years, providing serious value as a backup big. His experience, versatility, and physical presence give the Nuggets one of the deepest frontcourts in the league—and another weapon in their hunt for another title.

Cameron Johnson (F) — Denver Nuggets

2024-25 Stats — 18.8 PPG — 4.3 RPG — 3.4 APG — 47.5 FG %

With Michael Porter Jr. out, Cam Johnson steps into a near-identical role—and it might be an even better fit. Coming off a season where he posted career highs in scoring and expanded his playmaking arsenal, Johnson proved he could thrive as a featured offensive weapon in Brooklyn. Now, he brings that momentum to Denver.

At 6'8", Johnson offers elite floor spacing, smooth shooting mechanics, and the ability to move without the ball—a perfect complement to Nikola Jokic’s playmaking. His improved passing adds another layer to his game, making him more than just a catch-and-shoot option. In many ways, Johnson is exactly what Denver needed to make up for the MPJ departure—and possibly more.

Cole Anthony (PG) — Milwaukee Bucks

2024-25 Stats — 9.4 PPG — 3.0 RPG — 2.9 APG — 42.4 FG %

Caught in the middle of Orlando’s crowded and youth-heavy backcourt, Cole Anthony struggled to find his footing this past season. Despite starting 22 games, he posted career lows in scoring and never quite carved out a consistent role. A change of scenery felt inevitable—and Milwaukee might be the ideal landing spot.

With Damian Lillard gone, the Bucks needed fresh energy at the guard spot, and Anthony brings just that. A vocal leader and aggressive driver, he has the tools to push the pace, create for others, and give the offense a jolt off the bench. This move gives him a shot at a reset—and gives Milwaukee a hungry, high-upside playmaker in return.

Clint Capela (C) — Houston Rockets

2024-25 Stats — 8.9 PPG — 8.5 RPG — 1.1 APG — 1.0 BPG — 55.9 FG %

The high-flying Swiss Army knife is back in H-Town. Clint Capela returns to the team where he once led the NBA in field goal percentage and ranked top 10 in rebounding consistently. While he’s no longer the shot-blocking force or vertical lob threat he once was, his game still holds value. Capela brings inside scoring, rim-running, and physical rebounding to a Rockets squad that missed his presence more than they realized. He may not stuff the stat sheet anymore, but you can count on him for a steady 10 and 10 on efficient shooting. This reunion might not be flashy—but it’s exactly the kind of low-maintenance, high-impact addition Houston’s rotation needed long term.

Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) — Houston Rockets

2024-25 Stats — 8.7 PPG — 3.9 RPG — 1.4 APG — 44.8 FG %

Dorian Finney-Smith proved his worth on a playoff-caliber team last season—a lengthy 3-and-D wing who does all the little things and defends at a high level. Now heading to Houston, he joins a squad that already features star swingmen in Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson, but that doesn’t diminish his value. Off the bench, DFS gives the Rockets a reliable catch-and-shoot threat and a versatile defender with a 7'0" wingspan that can guard multiple positions. His three-point percentage has steadily climbed in recent years, and with continued consistency, he’s the kind of player you simply can’t afford to leave open. It’s a quiet move, but one that could make a loud impact come playoff time.

Ty Jerome (PG) — Memphis Grizzlies

2024-25 Stats — 12.5 PPG — 2.5 RPG — 3.4 APG — 1.1 SPG — 51.6 FG %

Ty Jerome quietly emerged as a serious Sixth Man of the Year candidate this past season, averaging a career-high 12 points while flirting with prestigious 50-40-90 shooting splits. The former NCAA champion plays smart, efficient basketball—and for a Grizzlies team that’s long been searching for a Tyus Jones replacement, Jerome might be an even better value. He checks every box you want in a backup point guard: three-level scoring, playmaking for others, and the ability to create for himself when the offense stalls. Jerome’s one of the most underrated bench points in the league, and Memphis may have just found a difference-maker they didn’t know they needed.

Saddiq Bey (SF) — New Orleans Pelicans

2024-25 Stats — N/A

After missing the entire 2024–25 season with an ACL tear, Saddiq Bey is looking to bounce back in a new city. Acquired as part of a loaded trade package, the 6'7" wing will suit up for the Pelicans with no official timetable yet for his return—but all eyes will be on what he can bring once he's healthy. Bey is a proven scorer with serious upside—a player who once dropped 50 and has the ability to heat up in an instant. Once compared to the likes of Paul George and Rudy Gay, he showed flashes of star potential early in his career. Now, we’re all hoping this injury was just a pause and not a setback for a young player still brimming with promise.

Kevin Love (PF) — Utah Jazz

2024-25 Stats — 5.3 PPG — 4.1 RPG — 1.0 APG — 35.7 FG %

Kevin Love has quietly built a resume that nudges Hall of Fame consideration—but at this stage of his career, it’s clear he’s no longer chasing statistics. Last season saw career lows across nearly every statistical category, leading many to wonder if the end is near. But the Utah Jazz aren’t rushing to buy him out, and there’s a real chance Love stays put. While his on-court impact may be limited, his presence in the locker room could be invaluable. Utah has quietly assembled a competitive roster, and Love’s veteran leadership, championship experience, and basketball IQ could go a long way in guiding a team eager to return to the playoffs. He may not be the double-double stretch four he once was—but that doesn’t mean he’s done contributing altogether.

Dennis Schröder (PG) — Sacramento Kings

2024-25 Stats — 13.1 PPG — 2.6 RPG — 5.4 APG — 40.6 FG %

Dennis Schröder played for three different teams this past season alone, and while it’s likely he won't be staying put, we’ve seen what he’s capable of when he finds his rhythm. In Brooklyn, he looked nearly unguardable at times—stringing together multiple 20-point games and taking over stretches with ease. In contrast, his stints in Golden State and Detroit were forgettable, marked by inconsistency and limited opportunity. Now in Sacramento, Schröder has a real chance to reset. With De’Aaron Fox gone, the Kings have a clear opening at the point—and Schröder’s offensive skill set makes him more than capable of stepping up. If he can find comfort and stability in this system, we may see flashes of the dynamic scorer and floor general he's always had the potential to be.

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Some of these signings might seem minor on paper, but don’t sleep—team chemistry can shift with just one move. Whether it’s a seasoned vet or a second-round steal, the right fit in the right system can be a game-changer. And even with Summer League wrapping up, the hoops conversation never really stops. Can’t keep up with it all? Stay locked in with FOSN for all your NBA coverage—because every move matters.