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NBA Free Agency 2015: Best fits for Top 25 remaining free agents

By Josh Hill

Mar 24, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (23) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (23) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) reacts during the third quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) reacts during the third quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

9. K.J. McDaniels, SF

Free Agent Status: Restricted 
Best Fits: Pistons, Magic, Lakers

When he entered the NBA Draft, it looked like he was going to be a sneaky sleeper steal — and then the 76ers drafted him. Despite this fact, he started playing really well for Philly who then traded him to the Rockets who hardly played him at all. He still has wicked upside and if the Pistons or Magic could get him and start working him in, he could be a steal in free agency. He’s restricted though, so the chances the Rockets let him get away is minimal.

8. Alan Anderson, SG

Free Agent Status: Unrestricted
Best Fits: Lakers, Knicks, Bucks

Not a lot of general NBA fans are familiar with a guy that has as vanilla a name as Alan Anderson, but he’s a big name to watch. The guard received some attention with the Nets last season and he could be a sneaky signing for a team like the Knicks, Lakers or Bucks who want to find some scoring at the two.

7. Jordan Hill, C

Free Agent Status: Unrestricted
Best Fits: Knicks

The Knicks drafted Jordan Hill and bringing him back as a guy to come off the bench behind Robin Lopez isn’t the worst idea in the world. Hill has the ability to be a solid contributor, and the question is whether or not Phil Jackson can get him to fit in with what he’s doing.

6. Josh Smith, SF

Free Agent Status:
Best Fits: Knicks, Rockets

Josh Smith is tricky, as he’s problematic if he gets in the wrong system but can flourish if he lands in a place he fits and wants to play. We saw the dichotomy of Smith between the Pistons and Rockets last season, and we might see that again. The Knicks have a need for him and a return to the Rockets isn’t out of the question.

5. Tristan Thompson, PF

Free Agent Status: Restricted
Best Fits: Cavaliers

It’s unlikely that Thompson gets away from the Cavaliers, if for no other reason than LeBron James won’t allow it. King James is making Dan Gilbert pay, in a very literal sense, for his antics after LeBron left for Miami in 2010 and part of that includes paying Thompson a near-max deal. He’s worth it though, as he played his value up in a big way without Kevin Love and is a major go for the Cavs moving forward.

Next: No. 4

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