The upcoming 2004 free agency class is filled with top-notch NBA talent at every position from point guard to center.

This summer, the 2024 NBA free agency class is going to make some serious noise. At every position, there is at least one game-changing playmaker, scorer, rebounder, and defender ready to sign for big money and write the next chapter of their legacy, whether it be with the team they are currently with or elsewhere.

Today, we are going to take an in-depth look at the 10 best potential free agents becoming available this summer in the NBA per position. We will discuss potential landing spots as well as what kind of deals they can each expect to sign in terms of total money and length of contract. This is the ultimate, still a little bit early, 2024 free agency guide.

Nikola Jokic Says He Won’t Leave The Nuggets To Join LukaDoncic On The Mavericks: “If He Gets Pissed In Dallas, He Can Come”Read More10 Best Point Guards In 2024 Free Agency1. Tyrese Maxey

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In 2023-24, Tyrese Maxey entered the season having to once again take over at the point guard position for the Philadelphia 76ers after a disgruntled former player forced himself out of town. The results have been tremendous with Maxey averaging 25.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, all career-highs for the fourth-year point guard. He earned the first All-Star selection of his career and has the Sixers at 32-22, fifth in the East at the All-Star break.

Maxey will undoubtedly have a large number of suitors ready to pull him away from Philadelphia this summer. He has proven he can lead a complex offense and be the main option at times when called upon. It will likely take more than the five-year, $200 million deal that the Sixers can offer him to get him out of there but for the best point guard available this summer, he may be worth the financial risk. If not Philadelphia, I expect teams like the Lakers, Heat, and Bulls to make a run at him.

2. James Harden

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James Harden entered the season embroiled once again in drama between him and the front office of another NBA organization. After forcing his way out of Philadelphia via trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, he was labeled a “problem” and a “locker room cancer”. His play and camaraderie with teammates in Los Angeles have completely shed those labels as they sit 36-17, just two games out of first in the Western Conference.

Harden’s play hasn’t been the same since he left Houston and with talent like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George around him, it hasn’t needed to be. Through 48 games played, he is averaging 17.5 points and 8.4 assists per game while shooting 45.0% from the floor. If the Clippers have a deep playoff run this season, I think it is guaranteed that he re-signs with them on a one or two-year deal this summer to run it back.

3. Jrue Holiday – Player Option (39.4 Million)

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Spending his first season with the Boston Celtics in 2023-24, Jrue Holiday has fully bought into their winning ways. Through 50 games played this season, the elite perimeter defender Holiday has averaged 13.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. The Celtics currently enjoy a six-game cushion over the Cavaliers atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 43-12.

Holiday has a big decision to make this offseason when it comes to his future. He can remain with Boston if he opts into his $39.4 million player option unless they decide to deal him considering how much money he will be making at 34-35 years old. If he declines it, he will run the risk of not only going to a far less competitive team but also a much lesser amount of money in any free agency deal. I expect him to opt into the option and remain with the Celtics for 2024-25.

4. D’Angelo Russell – Player Option ($18.0 Million)

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D’Angelo Russell was nearly donning a new uniform at this season’s trade deadline before his play before it helped keep him with the Lakers through the end of the year. Through 51 games played, Russell has averaged 17.5 points and 6.3 assists per game for the Lakers who are 30-26 on the year and currently ninth in the Western Conference.

Russell will likely be a popular target among teams who need a low-end starter or backup. The Atlanta Hawks may be a serious landing spot considering the Lakers reported pursuit of Trae Young being inevitable according to multiple sources and the Hawks’ move toward a rebuild. If Russell opts into his player option this summer, look for his name to be at the center of any deal that involves Young or Dejounte Murray from Atlanta.

5. Mike Conley

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Even at 36 years old, Mike Conley is enjoying a superbly efficient and impactful season with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023-24. In 50 games as their starting point guard, Conley has averaged 10.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, helping lead the team to a 39-16 record which is the best in the Western Conference at the All-Star break.

Although he will not command as much money as he once did, Conley will still have plenty of suitors bidding for his services this summer. If Minnesota’s pursuit of a title falls short this season, Conley will be looking to find himself a contender before his time is up in the NBA. As a veteran point guard who is the quintessential mentor for younger guards, there is so much Conley can bring to a team like the Thunder or even the Nuggets as a veteran while still being able to compete for a championship.

6. Russell Westbrook – Player Option ($4.0 Million)

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If it were about the money for Russell Westbrook, we likely would not be sitting here right now talking about his status as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. Once again in 2023-24, Westbrook made sacrifices for his team, voluntarily heading to the bench after acquiring James Harden so the Clippers could gel more smoothly. Both he and the team have benefited greatly from that decision.

As Westbrook continues to be one of the most impactful bench players in the NBA this season, he also is having the most fun we have seen him have in years while his team continues to win games at a rapid rate. This leads me to believe he is not going anywhere this summer and will remain with the Clippers for at least one more season. With California being his home state and the energy the way it is right now in the Clippers’ locker room, there is no way he moves on on his own accord.

7. Tyus Jones

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Point guard Tyus Jones of the Washington Wizards has been having a career year in 2023-24 through 54 games played. He is currently averaging 12.6 points and 6.8 assists per game for the lowly Wizards while shooting a career-high 50.0% from the field and 42.6% from three.

The market for Jones will likely be hot this summer as he will command a lower-end contract of around $15-$20 million per season. Teams who will be looking at his services will be acquiring a point guard who doesn’t take unnecessary risks with the ball and is an efficient shooter. Look for the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns to all at least make an offer to him this summer.

8. Markelle Fultz

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For the last five seasons since leaving Philadelphia, Markelle Fultz has been silently building his stock back up as an NBA point guard. With the Magic since 2020, he has averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. In 2023-24, Fultz has been dealing with a knee injury that has limited him to just 21 games played but all of the tools and skills are still there for any team that wants him this summer.

Fultz will likely command anywhere from $12 million to $18 million annually in a deal this summer, a number most teams would be willing to go to for a player of his caliber. A reunion with Orlando is highly unlikely although not completely impossible just yet. I also expect teams like the Lakers and Heat to consider bringing him in for depth purposes and the Phoenix Suns as an outside chance as well.

9. Spencer Dinwiddie

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After being dealt to the Toronto Raptors on February 8, Spencer Dinwiddie was then bought out of his contract and signed with the Lakers for the remainder of the season. This means the Raptors are covering $20.4 million of his contract for the rest of the season just for him to play elsewhere which is never a good sign. Through 50 games with the Nets and Lakers, Dinwiddie is averaging 12.4 points and 6.0 assists per game which is great for a team looking for a solid veteran presence off the bench this summer.

Dinwiddie’s days as a starter on a contending team are likely past him for the foreseeable future and likely the remainder of his career. He, too, is likely to have a deal between the $12 million and $18 million mark this summer. Dinwiddie has already made it known he wants to be on a playoff contender so look for a team like the Lakers to retain him for cheap if he is willing or Dallas, Denver, and even Miami to inquire about his services.

10. Jose Alvarado

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In the last three seasons, Jose Alvarado has proven to be one of the more impactful bench players in the NBA. From his incredibly effective and elusive defensive play to his propensity to remain calm in big situations, Alvarado will be an asset to any team that courts him this summer.

Alvarado is averaging 6.9 points and 1.1 steals per game off the bench for New Orleans this season and likely wishes to remain with the Pelicans into the future. There is no doubt that he will test the free agency market at the very least but I would almost guarantee he ends up back in New Orleans. If not, a team such as the Kings or even the Knicks may take a run at him for depth off their bench at the point guard position.

10 Best Shooting Guards In 2024 Free Agency1. Klay Thompson

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Heading into this season, the talk of the town for the Golden State Warriors was the status of Klay Thompson and an extension with the team for the future. At the All-Star break, it seems we are heading toward a breakup between the four-time champion and the only team he has ever known in his 13-year career.

Through 50 games, Thompson has struggled mightily on the floor, averaging just 17.3 points per game on 42.1% shooting overall and 37.3% from three. Thompson’s decline has thrown the Warriors for a loop and left them with even more big decisions to make this summer. However, this is still one of the greatest shooters ever and all 29 other teams know that he can help them in any capacity. I expect a path to the Los Angeles Lakers to be carved out for him, the team where his dad played from 1987 through 1991. I also expect the Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks, and others to get involved heavily in discussions.

2. Malik Monk

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As it stands right now, Sacramento Kings shooting guard Malik Monk is leading the race for the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year award. Monk is having a tremendous season off the bench for the Kings this season, averaging 15.1 points and 5.3 assists per game on 37.5% shooting from beyond the arc. The Kings are currently 31-23, eighth in the Western Conference but just 1.5 games behind New Orleans for fifth.

In the last two seasons, Monk has found the perfect role in Sacramento and thrived both on an individual and team level. I expect the Kings to bring him back at the right price which seems like it will be in the $15 million-$20 million range. If not, it would be a monster loss for them and a large win for another team looking for bench depth or even a starting shooting guard. Miami is going to be there to try and pry him away from the Kings as will other teams like the Spurs and Orlando Magic.

3. Immanuel Quickley

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One player whose stock has been on the rise over the last two seasons is Immanuel Quickley with the Knicks and Raptors. After a season that saw him nearly named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2022-23, Quickley followed that up with 15.0 points per game in 30 games with the Knicks this season. Quickley was then traded to Toronto in December where he averaged 16.2 points per game on 40.1% shooting in 20 games played.

The market is going to be abundant for Quickley who is going to test free agency for the first time in his young career. Teams will be coming from all directions to land one of the better, and younger, available shooting guards this summer. I expect him to listen to an offer from the Raptors but most likely, his time with them will be done this summer. Once again, the Heat, Clippers, and Kings will find themselves in the middle of the race for his services.

4. Buddy Hield

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The 2023-24 season has been full of ups and downs for shooting guard Buddy Hield who was finally granted his wish and traded by the Indiana Pacers to the Philadelphia 76ers at this year’s trade deadline. Hield was averaging just 12.0 points per game with the Pacers before the deal and maybe playing himself into a large contract this summer now that he is in Philadelphia.

In four games with Philly so far this season, Hield is averaging 22.3 points and 7.5 assists per game on 45.0% shooting from three. The old Buddy Hield is back and teams are chomping at the bit to make a run at him this summer if his play continues this way. I expect teams to give him between $15 million and $20 million this summer. The first offer will be made by the 76ers but the Lakers, Mavericks, Heat, and Bucks will all be interested in his services this summer as well.

5. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Player Option (15.4 Million)

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Since joining the Denver Nuggets before the 2022-23 season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been instrumental in their success on the court. In 2023, he helped Denver capture their first NBA title averaging 10.6 points per game on 38.0% shooting from three in the playoffs. Caldwell-Pope has continued to shine in 2023-24 as well, shooting 38.0% from three and averaging 10.0 points per game for the 36-19 Nuggets.

First, I expect Denver to do everything they can to retain him this offseason but that all lies in Caldwell-Pope’s hands. If he opts into his $15.4 million player option, Denver will gladly take him back at that price. If he opts out, it means he is looking for more money, something that will make Denver’s decision a lot more difficult.

6. Malik Beasley

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One of the biggest surprises of the 2023-24 season thus far has been the play of Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Malik Beasley. Through 54 games played, Beasley is averaging 11.4 points per game while shooting an incredible 44.4% from three on 6.5 attempts. Beasley is playing under a one-year, $2 million contract meaning his price tag is skyrocketing as he heads toward free agency this summer.

Beasley is going to command at the very least $5 million to $10 million per year this summer for any deal considering how well he has fit into Milwaukee’s changing system this season. Any team would love to acquire his services, especially his perimeter scoring abilities in today’s game. Beasley can expect to be courted this summer by teams with money to spend who need depth and three-point shooting. The Lakers, Magic, and Heat all fit that mold to a T.

7. Bruce Brown – Team Option ($23.0 Million)

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Bruce Brown has been the gold standard of what it means to be a “glue guy” in the NBA over the last two seasons. In 2023, he helped the Nuggets capture their first NBA title with timely defensive plays and even more timely offensive plays and made shots. After assigning a massive deal with the Pacers this offseason, Brown was traded to Toronto in the deal that landed Indiana Pascal Siakam.

His play for the Raptors has been up-and-down as well in 14 games as he is averaging 9.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Brown is likely to see Toronto decline his $23 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent once again this summer. I would not be surprised if the Denver Nuggets bring him back into the mix or if a team like the Bucks or Celtics try to bring him in for elite bench depth but it will not be for the $22 million he made this season.

8. Grayson Allen

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Although he has been labeled, rightfully so, as one of the NBA’s biggest villains in the last few years, Grayson Allen has a ton he can offer any NBA squad. We are seeing this firsthand in 2023-24 as Allen plays his first season with the Phoenix Suns. Through 49 games as the starter for Phoenix this season, Allen is averaging 12.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 51.0% overall and leading the NBA by shooting 48.2% from three on 5.2 attempts.

Putting up numbers like that on a team loaded with offensive firepower is sure to catch anyone’s eye when that player hits the open market. While many will be turned off by his past, there are plenty of coaches who love his passion for the game and energy on the court. Expect Allen to get a deal between $8 million and $12 million this summer from a team like the Suns bringing him back or other contenders such as the 76ers and Heat.

9. Gary Trent Jr.

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After reaching its peak in the last four seasons with the Toronto Raptors, Gary Trent Jr.’s stock on the open market is taking a huge hit in 2023-24. After averaging 17.9 points per game on 42.3% shooting in his first two full seasons with the team, Trent is averaging just 11.5 points per game this season on 41.6% shooting through 50 appearances. A lesser role off the bench has contributed slightly to the decrease in numbers but does not excuse the spike on both sides of the ball.

Trent Jr. still displays all of the talent in the world to be a potential 18.0 to 20.0 point-per-game scorer in the league. He just needs a bigger role to reach it. I expect Trent Jr. to get paid from elsewhere this offseason with the Raptors likely headed in a different direction built around Scottie Barnes. The Pelicans, Kings, and Warriors are the three teams I would look out for in making a deal for the 25-year-old this summer.

10. Alec Burks

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With only a few winners at this year’s NBA trade deadline, Alec Burks ended up as one of the biggest when he was dealt from the Detroit Pistons, one of the worst teams in the league, to the New York Knicks, one of the hottest at the moment. Burks has been enjoying a stellar season in both uniforms, averaging 12.6 points per game on 40.0% shooting from three in 46 total appearances.

It is the perfect time for Burks to continue to put on a show for potential suitors this summer and show what he can do for a contender in big moments in the playoffs. If he continues to play well, the Knicks will have no issues in making him an offer in the $10-$15 million range to keep him off the bench if they so choose. Other teams such as the Warriors, Suns, and Lakers could look for his services on the lower end of cost as well.

10 Best Small Forwards In 2024 Free Agency1. LeBron James – Player Option ($51.4 Million)

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It is not often that we refer to a 40-year-old free agent as one of the best available in a certain class but not every free agent is LeBron James. With a big decision regarding his $51.4 million player option looming this summer, the market for James is heating up, beginning with a trade inquiry from the Warriors at this year’s deadline. With interest in James from Golden State likely to continue, James could very well rock the NBA world once again this summer should he decide to entertain it.

It is also worth noting what is to come in this year’s NBA Draft concerning James’ son, Bronny. It has long been known that James is sticking around to play with his son and wherever he is drafted, LeBron is sure to follow. With the Lakers reportedly ready to pursue a third star like Trae Young this summer, James’ best bet would be to stay in L.A. if a fifth title is what he is after and opt into his player option. Although we cannot help but get excited at the chance to see LeBron James and Stephen Curry on the court as teammates.

2. Paul George – Player Option ($48.8 Million)

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Another star small forward who could potentially hit the open market this summer is Clippers All-Star Paul George. George is having his third All-Star season in four years with the Clippers, averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game this season through 50 appearances. Faced with a $48.8 million player option this summer, George has a huge decision to make regarding his future.

First, there is the chance he opts into the player option and plays for $48.8 million in 2024-25. Then, he runs the risk of losing money in free agency next season if he shows any lingering injury issues or declines in play. This makes me think George is ready to opt out of the player option and command a deal similar to Kawhi Leonard signed earlier this year worth $152.4 million over three years. The Clippers will likely meet George’s demands depending on how their season plays out in 2023-24. If not, the market will be red hot for one of the NBA’s biggest stars.

3. DeMar DeRozan

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It has been three years since DeMar DeRozan was on the open market and signed with the Chicago Bulls. During that time, he has been a two-time All-Star and MVP candidate at one point in 2021 with Chicago. In 2023-24, DeRozan has still been one of the best at his position, averaging 22.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. The only problem is, Chicago is lightyears away from being a legitimate contender.

DeRozan will be 35 next season which will be another factor in his deal when teams look at him this summer. I expect his days in Chicago are done and he will seek out a chance at a championship over all else. Expect DeRozan’s next deal to be in the two or three-year range and to be with a team like the Mavericks, Lakers, Heat, or Cavaliers.

4. OG Anunoby – Player Option ($19.9 Million)

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OG Anunoby is the third player on our list of top small forwards who controls his destiny with a player option for 2024-25. Although facing extended time off the court due to elbow surgery, Anunoby has made his presence and impact known since arriving in New York in December in a trade with the Toronto Raptors. Before the injury, Anunoby and the Knicks were on a roll, winning 12 of 14 games played with the team and averaging 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.

Seeing how successful and fun it is playing in New York could contribute to how he makes his decision this summer. Likely to decline his option, Anunoby will command a deal with over $30 million per year when he enters free agency, something only a few teams will pay to bring him in. Expect the Knicks to be the frontrunner but the Mavericks, Warriors, and Lakers to also be in the mix.

5. Miles Bridges

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A controversial addition to the NBA free agency market this summer will be Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets. It will be interesting to see which team decides to take a chance on Bridges following his off-the-court issues last year which resulted in missing the entire 2022-23 season. The Hornets gave him a path back to the NBA in 2023-24 which he has used to average 21.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game on 46.4% shooting in 43 games played.

The market for Bridges will be the most interesting one to watch this summer. Teams could shy away from his services due to their feelings about his charges off the court. The market could also be highly competitive thanks to his stellar play this season and the team owners’ innate ability to look past things that are rather unsightly. Bridges will have a job in the NBA there is no doubt but where and for how much is a guess at this point but do not rule out a long-term deal to remain with the Hornets.

6. Gordon Hayward

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For the first time since being given one of the worst contracts in NBA history in 2017 with the Celtics, Gordon Hayward will hit the free agency market this summer. Hayward is expected to hit the court again for the Thunder after the All-Star break, nursing a calf injury that has kept him out since Christmas.

That has been the story with Hayward for most of the last eight years. On the court, he has had good to great stretches of play. However, since 2018, recurring injuries have kept him off the court for the majority of the time, playing in more than 55 games in a season only once. Hayward is likely to have a market this summer but it will be on the lower end of the pay scale. A deal worth maybe $5-12 million annually will be far more likely and do not rule out the possibility that teams are only willing to do smaller, one-year deals.

7. Derrick Jones Jr.

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Derrick Jones Jr. is another surprising small forward this season playing under a one-year deal. Jones has had a very successful season with the Mavericks thus far, averaging 9.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Even more importantly, Jones has become a reliable option in the Mavericks system next to stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving while being a major factor defensively as well.

Jones’ value has certainly increased as 2023-24 has gone on but no team has him higher than Dallas does right now. I expect the Mavericks to bring him back on a $5 million to $8 million deal this summer and even a bit more if it comes down to it with competition from other teams.

8. Kelly Oubre Jr.

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This past offseason, Kelly Oubre Jr. did not sign with a team until the end of September. When the phone finally rang, it was the 76ers with a $2 million deal for the 2023-24 season. Oubre has taken this experience to heart, playing a pivotal role for the Sixers during their 2023-24 campaign and playing a big part in their early-season success with 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in 42 appearances.

Oubre Jr. has certainly captured the attention of the Sixers brass and other teams around the NBA monitoring his availability this summer via free agency. Oubre hits the market once again but something tells me the phone is going to ring a lot sooner than last time. The 76ers will be first in line to bring him back considering what he has meant to their team this season and other contenders in need of depth will certainly have a look as well.

9. Royce O’Neale

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Royce O’Neale is heading toward free agency this summer as well, given a gift in his recent trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns. That gift is the chance to showcase what he could mean to a team in pursuit of an NBA championship as the Suns continue to surge their way up the Western Conference standings,

O’Neale has been decent in 2023-24 so far with Brooklyn and Phoenix, averaging 7.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game off the bench. His defensive intensity and instincts have been essential to his success as well on the court. A tryout for lack of better terms with a playoff team this season could be the difference between an $8 million deal and a $13 million deal this summer.

10. Saddiq Bey

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Quietly, Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey is also getting ready to hit free agency, playing under a $4.5 million team option in 2023-24. Through 54 games with the Hawks this season, Bey is averaging 13.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. At just 25 years old when free agency starts, Bey is likely to be a hot commodity for most teams this summer.

Bey will likely command a deal in the $12-$16 million range annually for his services. I could see teams like the Warriors, Jazz, Magic, and Rockets making a run for Bey. I do not expect a reunion in Atlanta considering the increasing likelihood they will head toward another rebuild next season.

10 Best Power Forwards In 2024 Free Agency1. Pascal Siakam

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One of the hottest names on the market this year in free agency will be power forward Pascal Siakam. After spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Toronto Raptors, Siakam is finishing out his 2023-24 season with the Indiana Pacers following a January trade. In 15 games with the Pacers, the team is 7-8 and Siakam is averaging 21.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

While the prospect of playing with Tyrese Haliburton was exciting at first for Siakam, the lack of winning and sliding down the standings has to be getting to him. This summer, I expect the Warriors and Mavericks to be heavily involved with talks surrounding his future after they both tried to acquire him via trade this season. Expect him to command a deal worth somewhere in the $40-$45 million annually range with him likely getting between $35 and $40 million somewhere.

2. Tobias Harris

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For the first time since signing his massive extension with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, Tobias Harris is ready to hit the open market this summer. Harris is having a comeback season of sorts, averaging 17.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game in 48 games this season. With money likely heading Tyrese Maxey’s way, Harris is almost certainly in his final season with the 76ers.

My guess is that Harris will catch anywhere from $15 million to $20 million on his next deal this summer, along the same lines as Harrison Barnes and PJ Washington are making with their deals. Teams such as the Hawks, Spurs, and Grizzlies would be great fits for him if they should decide he is worth the price tag.

3. Obi Toppin

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After spending his first three seasons with the New York Knicks, Obi Toppin was dealt to the Indiana Pacers this offseason to play under a $6.8 million team option. Toppin has responded with the best season of his young career so far, appearing in all 56 games this year while averaging a career-high 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Splitting time between the Starting lineup and the bench, Toppin has helped the Pacers reach sixth in the East at 31-25.

Toppin will likely want to return to Indiana as long as the money is right. Anywhere from $7 million to $10 million annually should be enough for him to want to run it back with the Pacers for at least one more season. Toppin has meshed well with his new teammates in Indiana but should he test the market, other Eastern Conference contenders could be lurking to snatch him away.

4. Patrick Williams

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For the first time in his young career, Patrick Williams is set to hit free agency as a restricted free agent following the season. Williams’ restricted status makes the rest of the 2023-24 interesting for his situation with the Bulls heading into the offseason. Through 43 games played so far in 2023-24, Williams is averaging 10.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game on 44.3% shooting for the struggling 26-29 Bulls.

After exercising their $9.8 million team option on him this past summer, it may be time the Bulls move away from their former No. 4 overall pick. Williams has been marred by injury issues early on in his career but has shown flashes of the player Chicago thought they were getting four years ago. The Bulls will likely match any lower-end offers in the $10-$12 million range but anything significantly higher with an offer sheet signed will likely mean the end of the Patrick Williams era in Chicago.

5. Kyle Anderson

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The rest of the power forward selection is quite slim compared to other positions on this list. The first of these lower-tier players hitting the market is Kyle Anderson. With his deal expiring this summer, Anderson hits the market currently averaging 6.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 21.0 minutes of action.

Anderson has been a welcomed defensive addition in the last two seasons with Minnesota as the team sits 39-16 in first place in the West so far in 2023-24. Despite his contributions, I expect Anderson to either sign with the Timberwolves for less money than he is after or catch a deal within the $7 million to $11 million range elsewhere.

6. Haywood Highsmith

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Playing in his third and final season with the Miami Heat in 2023-24, Haywood Highsmith has found a role with this Heat team where he can be comfortable with what they are asking of him. Highsmith is seeing just over 21.0 minutes of action this season and averaging 5.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game, all career-highs. Highsmith has even gotten 24 starts this season, more than double his previous career high of 11 in 2022-23.

I do not see a way that the Miami Heat let Highsmith just walk away. Adversely, even if presented with a bigger contract, I do think Highsmith gives a long thought about how comfortable he is in Miami and how much he has grown in their system. I would be shocked if the Heat didn’t bring back Haywood Highsmith for around $4 million to $7 million annually.

7. Jeff Green – Team Option – $8 Million

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Every NBA franchise looking to accomplish something in a particular season needs an NBA veteran in some capacity along for the ride. Jeff Green has been the type of NBA veteran his entire career that has gone above and beyond the call of duty on more than one occasion in every stop he has made around the NBA.

Green’s future is going to be decided by the Houston Rockets this summer when they likely decline his $8 million team option for 2024-25. Green is currently averaging 6.3 points and 22 rebounds per game for Houston this season, appearing in 52 games off the bench. It looks more and more apparent that Green will be seeking his 12th home in 15 years this summer, likely accepting a one-year deal again for around $4 million.

8. Kevin Love – Player Option ($4.0 Million)

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Facing a player option worth $ million this summer, Kevin Love is potentially headed for free agency in 2024. Love is currently in his first full season with the Miami Heat, averaging 9.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in 17.6 minutes per game off the bench. Love’s production has been a surprise for Miami and their second unit but has not helped their standing at 30-25 and seventh in the Eastern Conference at the All-Star break.

Where things stand right now, Love is a lock to opt into his $4 million deal to stay in Miami. Whether the Heat will try to move him or not after that remains to be seen but likely he will not be in high demand. The most likely outcome of this scenario is that Love remains with the Heat in 2024-25 on a $4 million player option, remaining in South Beach and possibly retiring following the season.

9. P.J. Tucker – Player Option ($11.5 Million)

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In recent days, Clippers forward P.J. Tucker was fined $75,000 for publicly requesting to be traded. Tucker is clearly frustrated with his role with the Clippers having not played in a game since November 27 after starting 75 games for the 76ers in 2022-23. Tucker’s situation with Los Angeles makes this summer as complicated as can be.

Tucker has an $11.5 million player option on the table for next season. Now, he is not likely to get that type of money in free agency at this point in his career so financially, he should opt-in, no question. This would force the Clippers to trade or buy him out in which case he still gets his money. He could also opt out of the deal and hit unrestricted free agency, taking less money for a bigger role with another team that needs bodies to defend the elite bigs as well as Tucker does.

10. Nicolas Batum

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Earlier this season, Nic Batum was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers in the deal involving James Harden. As he has fought through injuries, Batum has played in 31 games so far for the Sixers with 27 starts. He is currently averaging 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game for the team who are 32-22 at the All-Star break.

Batum is currently making $11 million in the final year of his contract and is set to hit unrestricted free agency. Batum is likely heading toward a one-year veteran’s minimum type deal from a contender looking to add depth to their bench. Batum is still a capable defender who could help a team like the Suns or the Celtics make a run come playoff time for the right price.

10 Best Centers In 2024 Free Agency1. Nic Claxton

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When NBA free agency opens up this summer, the amount of impactful starting centers available is going to be slim to none. That is not the case when it comes to Nic Claxton, however, who will be hitting free agency for the first time as an unrestricted free agent. In 2023-24, Claxton followed up arguably his best season ever with a year that just may top it for the Nets. In 44 games, Claxton is averaging 12.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game for the 21-33 Brooklyn squad.

Claxton’s continued improvement as a scorer, rebounder, and defender will have him in high demand when he becomes available this summer. I could see a team serious about contending such as the Warriors giving him anywhere from $15 million to $20 million annually for his services. If he does get an offer in that range, it will be Sayonara Brooklyn for Nic Claxton. Otherwise, they do have a chance at bringing him back if offers remain close.

2. Jonas Valanciunas

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As he gets ready to finish his third full season with the New Orleans Pelicans, big man Jonas Valanciunas may be saying goodbye to Bourbon Street before he knows it. In the last three seasons, Valanciunas has been a steady and consistent presence for the Pelicans in their frontcourt. He missed just 11 games combined in 2022 and 2023 and has averaged 15.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game since getting to town.

While the Pelicans have found success with him as their center, the organization will likely move in a different direction this summer centered around one of Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram. If that is the case, the $15 million to $20 million it will take to bring Valanciunas back will likely be used elsewhere. Look for Valanciunas to be in high demand and don’t rule out a reunion with Memphis or a team such as the Mavericks, Warriors, and Suns taking a look.

3. Isaiah Hartenstein

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If there is any player at any position who has seen his stock rise massively in 2023-24, it is Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks. Currently in his sixth season overall, Hartenstein has found a home in New York, especially this year. While filling in for an injured Mitchell Robinson in the last 24 games, he has averaged 8.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game as the Knicks have ascended up the Eastern Conference standings.

This has shown not only the Knicks but 29 other teams what Hartenstein is capable of with the right opportunities in front of him. A chance to be the physically imposing and energetic player he is has worked wonders for his game and his team. I expect the Knicks to try and keep him for a price within the $10 million range but one or more teams in need of a big man could like what they see and offer him more such as the Bucks in the East or the Warriors and Mavericks in the West.

4. Moritz Wagner

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Down in Orlando with the Magic and their successful start to the 2023-24 season, another big man is getting ready to hit the market. Mo Wagner is having a stellar season for Orlando with 11.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 53 appearances off the bench this season. Wagner’s play has been a big part of their journey to a 30-25 record and a current spot in the NBA Play-In tournament.

As it stands, I do not see any scenario in which the Magic do not bring Wagner back or where Wagner doesn’t continue to play with his brother, Franz. At 27 years old, he fits their plans perfectly in the role he has now with the team, and could even likely move into the starting role depending on what the team does with Wendell Carter Jr.

5. Andre Drummond

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The Chicago Bulls were close to dealing Andre Drummond at this year’s deadline but ultimately decided to make no significant moves and trudge forward with what they have. Drummond has had a decent season with the Bulls in 2023-24, averaging 8.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in 55 games played.

Drummond will most likely be a casualty of the Bulls’ rebuild this summer should they decide to go that route and rid themselves of stars such as Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Similar to the deal he is on now, I can see Drummond taking a deal to join a team like the Nuggets, or Bucks, or return to the Lakers for a deal of around $5 million annually.

6. Dario Saric

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Dario Saric is another player who has helped himself for the future by playing on a one-year, $2 million deal in 2023-24. Saric has been a blessing on some days for the Golden State Warriors off the bench, currently having his best season in the NBA since 2021 with Phoenix. Through 51 games this year, Saric is averaging 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while also tapping into his playmaking repertoire with a career-high 2.4 assists per game.

Saric has done enough to impress at least one team that will be on the hunt for center help this summer whether that is Golden State or somewhere else. His ability to adapt to the Warriors system is even more impressive and something teams will be looking to add to their own ways on the court. I expect Saric to get a pay increase to around $8 million annually and look out for a team such as the Grizzlies to be in the mix.

7. Kelly Olynyk

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Now with his fifth team in four seasons, Toronto Raptors big man Kelly Olynyk will be hitting the open market this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Over the last three seasons with the Pistons, Jazz, and Raptors, Olynyk has averaged 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 50.0% shooting. While his numbers are not jaw-dropping, Olynyk’s physicality and effort are things that continue to be held in high regard.

Olynyk is going to seek a deal in the $10 million to $12 million range this offseason. Teams who need frontcourt depth off the bench will be all over the deal they are getting for him at that price. I think middle-of-the-pack teams such as the Pelicans, Cavaliers, and 76ers could be looking to bring him in this summer if the numbers align on both sides.

8. Jalen Smith – Player Option ($5.4 Million)

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Since arriving in Indiana with the Pacers in 2021-22, big man Jalen Smith has improved season-by-season. So far in 2023-24, Smith is having one of the best starts, averaging 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game on 63.2% shooting. Smith’s continued improvement in every aspect of the game makes it almost a lock for him to decline the $5.4 million player option that awaits him this summer.

If Smith were to decline his option, a much larger deal is sure to await him in free agency. Smith will look to command $10 million+ annually for possibly two or three years from a mid-tier to championship-level contender. Right now, Indiana is probably the front-runner to retain him but look for teams like Toronto, Atlanta, and Golden State to do their due diligence.

9. Precious Achiuwa

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After two and a half seasons in Toronto, Precious Achiuwa gets to put his skills to the test playing meaningful basketball for the Knicks in New York for the remainder of 2023-24. After coming over to the Knicks in the OG Anunoby deal, Achiuwa has fit in with the Knicks extremely well. In 23 games with the Knicks, he averages 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.

Achiuwa has done enough for since 2021-22 to be in higher demand than most in 2024 free agency, especially since the center market is scarce. This will likely bring his price tag up to the $7 million to $9 million range. Do not be surprised if the Knicks bring him back on that type of deal over one or two years.

10. Christian Wood – Player Option ($3.0 Million)

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For the second season in a row, Christian Wood signed with a Western Conference hopeful looking to be a difference-maker in their rotations. For the second season in a row, he has fallen short of expectations with mere flashes of what he was signed to do. In 50 games for the Lakers this season off the bench, Wood is averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6% from the floor.

Given his drop-off in production this season in the Lakers rotation, Wood has only hurt his stock entering free agency, especially if an early playoff exit or worse is in the near future for the Lakers. This leads me to believe Wood will opt into his player option and attempt to lift his numbers once more in 2024-25 to secure a far better offer in 2025. Whether he enters next season with the Lakers or they trade him after opting in remains to be seen.