2017 NBA free agency: 5 best remaining free agents

1. Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel has yet to play a full 82-game season in the NBA, but that hasn’t stopped teams from coveting the dynamic big man.

Noel played 75 games his rookie year but that number has declined each season, culminating with 51 games last year.

Although his offensive numbers are not impressive, averaging only 8.7 points per game last season, it’s his defense that makes him so crucial. Over his career, Noel has averaged 2.0 blocks and 2.1 steals per 36 minutes.

He’s also agile enough to step out on the perimeter and can also bang down low with the big men.

At only 22 years old, Noel has a lot of potential that has yet to scratch the surface. Without a doubt, he has the highest ceiling of anyone on this list. That isn’t a knock on the other players, but rather, it speaks more to the caliber of player he can become.

Dallas is expected to match any offer for the lengthy big man, which has nullified any potential interest thus far, but according to Mavs Moneyball‘s Tim Cato, the two sides are currently far apart on a deal.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Sporting News believes an offer in the four-year, $85 million range will be enough to land the former Kentucky big.