The best free agent from the 5 teams already eliminated in the Western Conference

With the NBA regular season coming to an end on Sunday, 20 of the 30 teams know they still have basketball to play, either in the play-in or in the playoffs. For the other 10 teams, they can start focusing on the offseason. Here is the most important free agent on each of the eliminated teams from the Western Conference.

New Orleans Pelicans - Bruce Brown Jr.

Acquired by the Pelicans in February as part of the return for Brandon Ingram, Bruce Brown Jr. appeared in 23 games (12 as a starter) for New Orleans. Playing 24.7 minutes per game, the 28-year-old averaged 8.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Although still a useful player, he has not had the same impact in the two years since winning a title with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, and has played for three teams in the following two seasons.

Other notable free agents: Brandon Boston Jr. (team option), Keion Brooks Jr. (restricted).

Phoenix Suns - Collin Gillespie (restricted)

While Tyus Jones may be the best player, it seems highly unlikely that Phoenix will bring him back. Undrafted in 2022, Collin Gillespie was a nice story late in the season for a team full of disappointments. He scored at least 12 points in six of his last 12 games, including a career-high 22 (along with a career-high 10 assists). He won a national championship with Villanova as a freshman.

Other notable free agents: Bol Bol, Tyus Jones, Mason Plumlee

Portland Trail Blazers - Matisse Thybulle (Player option)

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see much of Matisse Thybulle in 2024-25. Ankle and knee issues only allowed him to be on the court for 15 games. A defensive-minded player, the 28-year-old shot 43.8% from beyond the arc, though not in a large sample (21-48). Previously, Thybulle was a two-time All-Defensive Second Team member with the Philadelphia 76ers. His player option for 2025-26 is valued at 11.55 million dollars.

Other notable free agents: Dalano Banton, Jabari Walker (restricted)

San Antonio Spurs - Chris Paul

Turning 40 on May 6, Chris Paul played and started in all 82 games for San Antonio in 2024-25. While his athleticism has declined and affected his scoring ability, he still had nearly a 4.7 assist-to-turnover ratio. Time will tell if Paul decides to partake in his 21st season in the league, and if he will continue to be a strong mentor for Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.

Other notable free agents: Charles Bassey, Sandro Mamukelashvili

Utah Jazz - John Collins (Player option)

Most likely, John Collins will pick up his 26.58 million dollar player option. The question then is: do the Jazz keep him or try to trade him? The power forward may not necessarily fit their rebuilding process, although he is only 27. The 2024-25 season was short for Collins due to injuries, as he played in only 40 games. He averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks, while shooting just under 40% from three-point range (39.9%).

Other notable free agents: Micah Potter (restricted)

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El mejor agente libre de los 5 equipos ya eliminados en la Coferencia Oeste