Malik Beasley Tops Shrinking NBA Free-Agent Market

A week before most openers, the free-agent market is nearly bare. Merlin sees Bleacher Report’s top-10 leftovers: mostly veterans, reclamation projects and a few young wings — with Malik Beasley the clear shooting standout and Ben Simmons the headline name with huge question marks. That matters because roster spots and cap room are scarce; teams needing one or two bench pieces will pick from role players like Alec Burks, Cory Joseph or Patty Mills, while long-shot gambles such as Markelle Fultz, Keon Johnson or Dariq Whitehead chase two-way deals or training-camp invites. Merlin predicts fits more than surprises. Contenders will chase reliable shooters if Beasley’s legal cloud clears; rebuilding clubs might bet on upside with Fultz or Whitehead on cheap deals; veterans seeking closure (or paradise jobs) may walk away. Expect most names signed to minimums or two-way pacts, not splash contracts.