Pacers should consider Kessler Edwards, 2 more players who just became available
There were a flurry of reported deals when the NBA free agency negotiation period began June 30 at 6 p.m. Three of the five free agents I said the Pacers should consider were quickly snatched up, with Bobby Portis and Chris Boucher agreeing to return to the Bucks and Raptors, respectively, and Kyle Anderson leaving the Grizzlies for the Timberwolves.
Indiana didn't act quite as fast but joined the action July 1 by retaining 22-year-old forward Jalen Smith — a feat that once seemed nearly impossible — and trading injury prone Malcolm Brogdon to Boston for a 2023 first-round pick and five players.
Phoenix's Deandre Ayton, a restricted free agent, is still the most notable free agent on the market, and the Pacers could make a run at him. However, it could take a while for Ayton and the Suns, whose relationship has soured, to part ways as the whole league holds its breath to see where superstar Kevin Durant ends up after he requested a trade from Brooklyn.
Jalen Smith news: Pacers retain Jalen Smith despite limits on contract offer, according to report
While we wait, here are three more free agents who just became available Indiana should consider:
Kessler Edwards
Status: Unrestricted free agent. Position: Forward. Last team: Brooklyn Nets. 2021-22 Stats: 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds
Kessler Edwards was originally a restricted free agent, but his qualifying offer was rescinded by the Nets, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported Saturday, making him an unrestricted free agent. The 21-year-old could be a perfect fit the Pacers.
Sources: The Brooklyn Nets have rescinded the qualifying offer on forward Kessler Edwards, @hoopshype has learned. Edwards now becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Nets retain his Non-Bird Rights and can still re-sign him.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 2, 2022
Edwards began last season on a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and G League, and earned a standard deal from Brooklyn by the end of his rookie season. The 6-8 forward appeared in 48 games for the Nets and shot 35.3% on 3s, and his ability to guard multiple positions shows that he could become a strong 3-and-D player. Aside from Oshae Brissett, Indiana doesn't have another wing player who possesses that size and skill set, so he'd have ample opportunity to grow in that role.
Edwards is also young enough, and presumably cheap enough, for the Pacers to take a chance on him. He was the No. 44 pick in 2021 NBA Draft and has exceeded expectations, but if signing him doesn't work out, it wouldn't be a huge blow toward Indiana's rebuild.
Malcolm Brogdon traded: Pacers trade Malcolm Brogdon to Celtics for 2023 1st-round pick, clear salary cap space
Isaiah Roby
Status: Waived. Position: Forward. Last team: Oklahoma City Thunder. 2021-22 stats: 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds.
After having his best season yet, Isaiah Roby was waived by the Thunder, Scotto reported Sunday. That's the price of doing business for Oklahoma City, which has stockpiled draft picks in recent years and added three lottery picks to their roster this season, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren, France's Ousmane Dieng and Santa Clara's Jalen Williams.
Sources: The Oklahoma City Thunder will waive Isaiah Roby, @hoopshype has learned.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 3, 2022
Roby will have plenty of suitors hoping to claim him off waivers or if he clears waivers and becomes an unrestricted free agent. I think the Pacers should be one of them. The 24-year-old averaged a career-high in points last season and shot 51.4% overall and a career-high 44.4% on 3s. Roby has a strong frame, allowing him to hold his own in the post but he has the lateral quickness and length to defend on the perimeter.
He's another player that fits with Indiana's youth movement and would add depth on the wing alongside Brissett. Roby could also slot in next to Smith and center Myles Turner if the Pacers want to play small-ball.
Juancho Hernangomez
Status: Unrestricted free agent. Position: Forward. Last team: Utah Jazz. 2021-22 stats: 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds
No, this isn't a joke. Hernangomez, who starred as "Bo Cruz" in the hit Netflix movie "Hustle," is available, and the Pacers should take a look at him.
Hernangomez was a lottery pick in 2016 but has turned into a journeyman. He played for three teams last season alone — Boston, San Antonio and Utah — and became an unrestricted free agent after being waived by the Jazz, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported June 30.
Utah is waiving forward Juancho Hernangomez, sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022
Roby and Edwards are younger and have more upside. However, Hernangomez is still just 26 and a career 35.1% 3-point shooter. With his 6-9 frame and outside shooting, he could fill some of the Pacers' offensive and defensive holes as a reserve swingman. Hernangomez was previously a member of star-studded playoff teams in Denver, Boston and Utah, so he may also feel more comfortable in a less pressurized environment like Indiana, similar to how Smith's career took a positive turn after being traded from the title-contending Suns to the Pacers.
Follow IndyStar Pacers beat writer James Boyd on Twitter: @RomeovilleKid. Reach him via email: jboyd1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NBA free agency: 3 more players the Indiana Pacers should consider
