NBA: Ranking the 5 best remaining buyout candidates/free agents

Will Barton (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Will Barton (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
6 of 6
Will Barton
Will Barton ((Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)

1. Will Barton

At least for now, Will Barton is probably the best free agent that is still available on the open market. And considering he’s being patient in selecting his next team, Barton is probably doing his due diligence in trying to find the right fit for him while also considering his potential next contract heading into the offseason.

Does Barton just want to be a rental or does he want to find an opportunity that could open the door to a real contract extension during the offseason? Barton played a diminished role this season for the Washington Wizards and only averaged eight points on 39 percent shooting from the field and less than 20 minutes per game.

But he’s just a year removed from averaging 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game on 44 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point season last year with the Denver Nuggets.

At 32 years old, Barton should be patient in finding his next team. And he could be a real contributor for a team heading into the playoffs.