With most big names off the board, NBA free agency has entered the phase where smart signings separate contenders from pretenders. Amir Coffey’s name isn’t going to trend on social media or sell jerseys, but it’s the kind of move that could age into a steal.
Amir Coffey Emerges as Top Remaining Role Player in NBA Free Agency
The 6’7”, 210-pound wing didn’t play a single minute in the Clippers’ playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. But now he’s drawing interest from teams like the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. Why? Because role players who shoot 40.9% from deep don’t stay unsigned for long.
Coffey averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 72 games last season while knocking down over 40% of his threes on moderate volume. He isn’t a flashy name, but there’s a reason Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus ranked him ninth among the top remaining free agents. He also speculated that the Warriors, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Nuggets wanted to bring him in on a minimum deal.
“Coffey is an underrated 3-and-D wing who shot 40.9 percent from three-point range on 3.4 attempts for the Clippers…He may be the best, still relatively young (28), role player available on the market. Unfortunately, most teams face a similar issue, with limited roster space,” Pincus wrote.
His contract status adds to the intrigue. With Full Bird Rights and a $3.9 million salary, the Clippers could keep him. However, Coffey may not secure the final roster spot with the Clippers already carrying 13 players (including three on two-way contracts) and possibly bringing in another.
“If Coffey gets stuck accepting the minimum, perhaps the Warriors, Cavaliers, Nuggets, or Timberwolves?” Pincus added.
Amir Coffey’s 3-Point Shooting Boosts Value in NBA Free Agency
Coffey’s late-season slide in minutes had more to do with timing than talent. Before the All-Star break, he was averaging over 25 minutes per game. Then came a wave of midseason reinforcements and a minor knee issue that pushed him down the pecking order. In March, that number dipped to just under 19.
That lack of playing time in the postseason might explain why he’s still available, but front offices aren’t ignoring the tape. His length, shooting touch, and ability to defend multiple positions make him a plug-and-play 3-and-D option, especially for teams with limited cap space and title aspirations.
If Coffey ends up settling for the minimum, he could become one of the most efficient value signings of the summer. And if he lands with the Warriors, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, or Nuggets, he may carve out a meaningful role during the regular season.
