The seven most underrated free agents this NBA offseason - ESPN

With the 2024 NBA draft out of the way, the start of NBA free agency is mere hours away. For weeks, front-office executives and fans have been thinking, planning, imagining what their teams could look like with some of the biggest stars in the game — Paul George, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan.

But in doing so, it's often easy to overlook the less-famous players who might actually provide more value for teams seeking to upgrade their rosters. With that in mind, here are seven of the most underrated free agents this offseason, with teams that could benefit the most from signing them.

The 28-year-old is coming off a career year in which he was, by far, the most impactful guard in Washington's rotation, having logged career bests in scoring, rebounding and assisting. But the boost in counting stats wasn't merely due to him becoming a full-time starter. His efficiency — field-goal percentage, three-point percentage, effective field-goal rate — was also the best it has ever been.

The Wizards — yes, the 15-67 Wizards — performed 2.7 points better on offense per 100 possessions when Jones was on the court. And his decision making has always been elite, evidenced again by his dazzling 7.3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio this past season; the best of any player who appeared in at least 50 games.

Best fits: Spurs, Magic, Pelicans

Jones, 27, gambled last summer by opting out of his deal with the Chicago Bulls in the hopes of contributing to a contender. He then signed in Dallas, where he took a pay cut. The result: He was an versatile, integral role player on both ends for the Mavericks, who reached the NBA Finals.

Now, he's set up to cash in on the gamble. Defensively, Dallas was two points better per 100 possessions with Jones Jr.