The 20 biggest free agent steals in NBA history

Nash famously wanted to stay with the Mavericks, but after the team refused to match an offer from Phoenix, he joined the Suns. He was an All-Star in Dallas, but in Phoenix he blossomed into a multi-time MVP, winning the award in his first two seasons with the team. Nash helped transform Phoenix into one of the league's best teams and made them competitive for years.

The 2026 offseason was busy, and one of the biggest topics was where LeBron would wind up after both he and the Lakers confirmed they were moving on from each other. James ended up heading back to the Eastern Conference, signing a deal with the 76ers. Perhaps the most surprising part is the discount he gave Philadelphia, signing a two-year, $8 million contract.

Towards the end of his Dallas tenure, Brunson worked his way up to being the team's starting point guard, with the 2022 postseason being a real coming-out party for him. That offseason, though, he signed with the Knicks and proved himself further, becoming a consistent All-Star. Most notably, he was the driving force behind New York's 2026 championship.

Billups was a promising guard early in his career, though he failed to find a consistent NBA home for his first few seasons. In 2002, though, he signed a 6-year, $34 million contract with the Pistons. It quickly paid off, as Billups became one of the league's best defensive and playmaking guards, helping the squad win a title in 2004.

Though Harper had been a scorer with the Clippers and Cavaliers, he found more of a niche in Chicago with mid-range scoring and defense. Harper was a reliable veteran alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and his contributions were a significant reason why the Bulls won three consecutive titles. He did this all on a modest contract, too, allowing the Bulls to field a championship-caliber team.

Bowen became recognized as a top-tier defender with Miami, making an All-Defense team in his final season with the Heat. He signed with San Antonio the next offseason and elevated his game further, becoming one of the NBA's best role players. Bowen played a non-negligible role in three Spurs championships in the 2000s.

By the time Horry signed with the Spurs in 2003, he was approaching his mid-30s. Still, he remained a key component of two championship teams. In fact, he was the hero of Game 5 of the 2005 Finals, which was decided in overtime and in which Horry poured in 21 points, going 5-for-6 from three.

After flaming out with the Warriors and playing some international ball, the Knicks took a chance on Starks. That worked out swimmingly, as within a couple of seasons, he was one of the team's most valuable players. He built a deep relationship with New York and its basketball scene, serving as one of the Knicks' faces for nearly a decade.

From 1991 to 1993, Grant was a starter on the three-peat Bulls. Right after, Orlando snagged him on a 5-year, $17 million deal, and he remained a top defensive anchor. The team was most successful in Grant's first year, when he helped them reach the Finals.

Battier wasn't Miami's biggest signing of the LeBron James era, but he proved to be critical to a pair of championships. He's been called the "no-stats All-Star," and that subtle impact remained during his time in Miami. He especially came through in Game 7 of the 2013 Finals, scoring 18 off the bench in a close win.

Bell was a steal when Utah signed him in 2003, and he was again a steal when Phoenix snagged him in 2005 on a 5-year, $23.75 million contract. For the Suns, Bell earned recognition as one of the NBA's best defenders, making first-team All-Defense in 2007. He was also critical during the team's deep postseason run in 2006.

For seven seasons in Utah, Millsap was on the very edge of All-Star recognition. With increased visibility and an expanded offensive role in Atlanta, Millsap was an All-Star for each of his four seasons with the Hawks. Those teams were routinely among the NBA's best, and it was thanks in part to his versatility and leadership.

Ingles enjoyed a prosperous overseas career before first making it to the NBA in 2014. His initial contract was for just half a million dollars, but he quickly became a vital contributor. A swing on an older first-time NBA player worked out fantastically for the Jazz, as he was a beloved role player there for nearly a decade.

West was 36 when he joined the Warriors, doing so on a mere $1.5 million deal. He didn't return to his All-Star heights, of course, but he ended up being a critical depth piece for two championship teams. He logged some important minutes in those two title runs, ending his career on an especially high note.

After being traded to the Raptors and playing out his contract, he decided to stick with the team. That worked out well for both parties: Lowry developed into an All-Star, and in 2019, he was part of a championship core. He had a terrific nine seasons in Toronto, making him one of the franchise's biggest icons.

A couple of seasons before joining Denver, Miller led the league in assists per game. He remained an elite distributor for the Nuggets on a six-year, $51 million contract. There, he teamed up with Carmelo Anthony to elevate the Nuggets, lifting them from the bottom of the NBA standings.

After starting his NBA life with the Lakers, he later returned to the team as a veteran on a modest contract. He was part of championship cores early in the decade, and the same proved to be true for his second stint, as he was the starting point guard for the 2009 and 2010 championship teams.

After some back-and-forth between the Spurs and the D-League, Green was brought into the fold as a more regular contributor for the team. In fact, he became an elite perimeter defender and could shoot from long range, too, making him an especially valuable complementary piece. The Spurs were great while Green was there, particularly in 2014 when they won a championship.

Okur helped the Pistons win the title in 2004, but he landed a more prominent role after signing with the Jazz that offseason. He was given more minutes and touches, which led to an All-Star appearance within a few seasons. As a big man with long-range shooting abilities, he was a unique offensive weapon.

After years spent overseas, Tucker made a name for himself as a rugged and versatile defender in the NBA. He eventually found his way to the Rockets for a four-year stint. There, he was a key three-and-D complement to James Harden and helped power a significant postseason run in 2018.