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Why Is Former Nets Wing Ochai Agbaji Still Unsigned?
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- Why Is Former Nets Wing Ochai Agbaji Still Unsigned?
Why Is Former Nets Wing Ochai Agbaji Still Unsigned?
(Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)
Ochai Agbaji entered the 2026 offseason as an unrestricted free agent looking for his next NBA opportunity. Nearly two months into free agency, the former No. 14 overall pick remains unsigned, with surprisingly little reported interest surrounding him.
The surprising part, though, is that there haven't really been many rumors connecting Agbaji to teams.
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The Brooklyn Nets declined to tender Agbaji an $8.77 million qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. The decision wasn't necessarily a major indictment of Agbaji, as Brooklyn also declined Jalen Wilson's qualifying offer while continuing to reshape its roster.
Still, it's somewhat surprising that Agbaji hasn't generated more reported interest.
Agbaji, who is only 26 years old, has already played for three NBA teams after being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022. He spent his first two seasons with the Utah Jazz before being traded to the Toronto Raptors. Brooklyn acquired him from Toronto at the trade deadline last season.
In 20 games with the Nets, Agbaji averaged 6.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range.
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Those numbers aren't eye-popping, but that's not really what teams would be signing Agbaji for.
His biggest selling point is his defense. Agbaji has the size, athleticism and effort to defend opposing guards and wings, and he has developed a reputation as a high-motor player willing to do the less glamorous work. He's also a solid rebounder for his position and doesn't need the ball in his hands to have an impact.
That type of player should still have value around the league, particularly for teams looking for inexpensive wing depth.
The Los Angeles Lakers are one team that has been mentioned in that context. Lakers reporter Jovan Buha recently noted that the team is looking for wings with size, athleticism, defense, and youth. Agbaji was among several available free-agent options, along with Bruce Brown and Matisse Thybulle, whom the Lakers went on to sign.
The New Orleans Pelicans have also been floated as a potential landing spot. New Orleans is looking for competition for the final roster spots and could use another wing. Agbaji fits the type of defensive-minded player the Pelicans could consider, especially on a minimum contract.
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Golden State has also been mentioned in speculation surrounding Agbaji. The Warriors have been looking for young, athletic wing depth, and Agbaji would be a relatively low-risk option if he's willing to sign for the minimum.
Beyond those teams, there are plenty of rosters where Agbaji could make sense, including the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings.
So why is he still available?
The biggest question is his shooting.
Agbaji shot 39.9% from three on 4.0 attempts per game in 2024-25, which looked like a major step forward. But that number fell all the way to 26.6% on 2.1 attempts last season. He's a career 33.9% three-point shooter, making it difficult to know which version of his outside shot teams are going to get.
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And for a player whose offensive role is likely to be limited, shooting consistency matters.
Teams can live with a wing who doesn't create much offense if he's knocking down open threes and defending at a high level. If the three isn't falling, however, there is less reason to keep him on the floor.
That could be the biggest reason his market has been so quiet.
Still, it's difficult to look at his age, defensive ability and 2024-25 shooting season and believe there isn't an NBA roster for him somewhere. He doesn't need a big contract or a featured role. He just needs a team willing to give him a chance.
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For now, the lack of buzz surrounding Agbaji is arguably more surprising than the fact that he's still unsigned.
The market could ultimately come down to training camp opportunities, where teams may decide they want another defensive wing competing for a roster spot. If that happens, Agbaji could finally get the opportunity he has been waiting for.
At 26 years old, Agbaji still has time to turn things around. For now, though, it's fair to wonder why a player with his defensive ability and recent shooting success has generated so little interest.
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