With the NBA regular season coming to a conclusion on Sunday, 20 of 30 teams know they have more basketball to play, whether it begins in the Play-In Tournament or the playoffs. For the other 10 teams, they can begin focusing on the offseason. Here is the most important free agent on each of the eliminated teams, today looking at the Western Conference. The most important free agent on each of the five eliminated Eastern Conference teams can be seen here.
Most Vital Free Agent On Eliminated Western Conference Teams
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 starts) for New Orleans. Playing 24.7 minutes per contest for the team, the 28-year-old averaged 8.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. While still a useful player, he hasn’t quite made the impact in the two years since winning a title with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, and he has played for three teams in the ensuing two seasons.
Other notable free agents: Brandon Boston Jr. (team option), Keion Brooks Jr. (restricted)
Phoenix Suns – Collin Gillespie (Restricted)
Perhaps Tyus Jones is the better player, but it seems highly unlikely Phoenix brings him back. Undrafted in 2022, Collin Gillespie was a nice story at the end of the season for a team filled with disappointment. He scored at least 12 points in six of his last 12 games including a career-high of 22 (along with a career-best 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. Right ankle and knee ailments allowed him on the court for only 15 contests. A defensive-minded player, the 28-year-old did shoot 43.8% from beyond the arc, albeit not on a huge sample size (went 21-48). Thybulle previously made the All-Defensive Second Team twice as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. His 2025-26 player option is valued at $11.55 million.
Other notable free agents: Dalano Banton, Jabari Walker (restricted)
San Antonio Spurs – Chris Paul
Turning 40 years old on May 6, Chris Paul played and started all 82 games for San Antonio in 2024-25. While his athleticism has dwindled and affected his ability to score, he still had nearly a 4.7 assist-to-turnover ratio. Time will tell if Paul decides to participate in his 21st season in the league, and if he will remain a strong mentor for Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.
Other notable free agents: Charles Bassey, Sandro Mamukelashvili
Utah Jazz – John Collins (Player Option)
In all likelihood, John Collins will pick up his $26,58 million player option. The question then becomes: do the Jazz keep him or look to trade him? The power forward doesn’t necessarily fit their rebuilding timeline, although he is still just 27 years old. It was an injury-shortened 2024-25 for Collins as he played in just 40 games. He averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks while shooting just shy of 40% on three-point tries (39.9%).
Other notable free agents: Micah Potter (restricted)
Photo credit: © Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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