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The NBA season has arrived, but several players capable of helping a rotation still need jobs. The Lakers waived Dalton Knecht, Milwaukee released Kevin Porter Jr., and Dallas moved on from Dwight Powell just before opening night.
Those decisions added to a market that already included championship contributors, promising young players, and established scorers. Teams have largely settled their rosters, but injuries and uneven bench production could create openings quickly.
The strongest options offer something specific. Bruce Browncan complement a contender’s stars, per Fadeawayworld. Porter and Cam Thomas can generate offense. Knecht and Rob Dillingham give rebuilding teams reasons to invest in development.
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For front offices still considering an addition, the question involves identifying which available player can fill minutes that actually need filling.
There is a problem if the 17th pick in the NBA draft is getting WAIVED before year 3 even starts.
Rob Dillingham, pick 8 in the same draft, is also currently unemployed. https://t.co/g8shf3cITN
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) October 19, 2026
Bruce Brown offers the strongest immediate fit
Brown would be my first choice for a contender seeking another dependable rotation player. He played all 82 games for Denver last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.5% from deep.
That combination of availability and versatility deserves attention. Brown can defend multiple positions, contribute as a secondary ballhandler, and work alongside teammates who need the offense to run through them.
New York chose James Wiseman for its remaining roster opening because of its frontcourt needs and financial situation. Another team could have more use for Brown’s particular strengths.
His championship experience also gives a contender some understanding of how he handles a supporting assignment. A return to Denver or an opportunity with another playoff hopeful would make sense, provided the team has actual minutes available.
Aaron Holiday deserves consideration for similar practical reasons. His 39.4% shooting from three last season and experience backing up different guards make him a reasonable option for teams seeking backcourt depth.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas offer offensive upside
Porter’s availability creates the biggest opportunity for an NBA team that needs someone to initiate offense. He averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals last season.
Those numbers suggest he could take responsibility for a second unit that struggles to create shots. His passing also gives him a way to help when teammates have better scoring opportunities.
His injury history complicates the decision, and interested teams must evaluate whether they can depend on him. Still, few available guards bring that level of recent production.
Thomas presents a more specialized scoring case. He averaged 24 points with Brooklyn in 2024-25 before dropping to 13.5 last season across appearances with the Nets and Bucks.
His defensive limitations and tendency to control possessions narrow his potential fits. However, a team whose reserves consistently struggle to score should consider what he can provide.
Thomas needs a coach willing to give him a defined offensive assignment. Bringing him in without allowing him to create would undermine the value of signing him.
Dalton Knecht and Rob Dillingham deserve development opportunities
Knecht’s release should interest teams with room to evaluate his shooting over a meaningful stretch.
He scored 37 points and made nine threes in one game as a rookie, but averaged only 4.2 points last season before shooting 25% from the field during preseason. His recent struggles explain the hesitation around him.
At 25, he still offers enough offensive potential to justify another look. His next team should give him a clear assignment and enough consistency to determine whether he can execute it.
Dillingham represents an even younger development opportunity. The 21-year-old averaged 6.3 points and 2.2 assists last season, with those figures improving to 9.6 points and 2.8 assists after he joined Chicago.
His size and defense remain concerns. A rebuilding team, however, could reasonably decide that his offensive potential warrants regular minutes.
Both players need purposeful opportunities. Another crowded bench would provide little clarity about whether either can become a lasting contributor.
Kevin Love and Seth Curry can still fill specific needs
Love remains an interesting option for a contender seeking rebounding, passing, and frontcourt shooting. He averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds for Utah last season while making 37.3% of his threes.
At 38, he requires careful defensive matchups and realistic expectations about his workload. A Minnesota reunion would offer an appealing possibility if the Timberwolves want another experienced frontcourt option.
Curry’s appeal also starts with a clearly defined skill. His career 43.3% accuracy from three gives an offense valuable spacing, particularly alongside players who draw extra defensive attention.
Availability creates the larger concern. He appeared in only 10 games for Golden State last season while dealing with a sciatic nerve-related injury.
A healthy Curry could still help a team that needs shooting during the season. Like Love, he makes the most sense when a coach has a limited, deliberate role in mind.
That should guide every decision in this market. The best addition will come from understanding exactly how a player can help and giving him the opportunity to do it.
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