While the roster of centers in this year’s free agent class isn’t made up of Tier 1 talent, it does have depth and a wide variety of vastly different players who can fill different roles.
Defensive-oriented shot blockers, inside scorers, excellent rebounders, hustle players and 3-point shooters: this list has it all, further underscoring just how big a transformation the center position has undergone over the past decade.
This year’s best free agents: point guards | shooting guards | little forward | power forward
Status: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $9,625,000
2023-24 figures: 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists
It’s not often you come across a 25-year-old center on the market who is both unrestricted and a legitimate candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. However, that is the case with Claxton, who finds himself in the position where he has control over his own destiny.
The two-way threat is extremely agile and only scratches the surface of the nuances of homeland defense. As good as he already is, he is sure to continue to improve given his work ethic and the fact that centers often take longer to reach their full potential.
It will likely cost a lot to acquire him – or keep him, if you’re the Nets. While centers have taken a contractual hit in recent years, Claxton’s combination of age, game influence, skills and plug-and-play ability could see him break that pattern.
Status: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $9,245,121
2023-24 figures: 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists
When Hartenstein signed with the Knicks two years ago, he signed for much less than his current value, meaning it will be difficult for the Knicks to keep him because they only have his early bird rights and can’t pay him what they want.
Has Hartenstein played himself out of New York’s price range? Possibly. If no other big offer comes along, maybe he can convince himself to move back to New York and keep the party going.
Hartenstein is a strong defender, elite rebounder, underrated playmaker from the high post and is more than just a lob threat. His ability to find the right spot and even create his own chances are all reasons why teams should pursue him this summer.
Status: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $15,435,000
2023-24 figures: 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists
It has already been reported that the Pelicans are moving in a different direction, meaning Valančiūnas will have to find a new home.
Who needs an interior scorer who is also an elite rebounder? Probably quite a few teams, assuming they can convince the Lithuanian big man to come off the bench of course.
At 32 years old and not yet strong defensively, now seems a good time for Valančiūnas to move to the bench, which opens an interesting door of possibilities with potential contenders in play – if he is willing to play a different type of ball to play.
Status: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $3,360,000
2023-24 figures: 8.4 points, 9 rebounds and 0.5 assists
In recent years, Drummond has come off the bench. He has reached the pivot that Valančiūnas is on the threshold of. Through the right lens, though, Drummond’s impact can be considered starter-worthy.
As the best rebounder of his generation and one of the best of all time in that department, Drummond is elite on the offensive glass (3.4 in 17.1 minutes this year), which will give very powerful offensive teams more bites for the apple to give.
Drummond’s ability to step into the starting lineup, which is a familiar concept for him, is an added luxury in case a team suffers a few big man-related injuries. He should have a strong market.
Status: unrestricted free agent (player option)
Salary 2023-24: $5,417,386
2023-24 figures: 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1 assist
There’s no other way to say this: On a per-minute production basis, Smith is one of the most impressive young big men in the league. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have warts. It was not without reason that he had an average of 17.2 minutes.
But he gives teams strong offensive production, a steady presence on the glass, three-point shooting and a high conversion rate near the rim, all packaged into a strong, physical 24-year-old body.
Some teams may see more in him than a bench player, especially at his age, so it’s not out of the question that a club could sign him with the idea of developing him into a starter. Of course, a prospective team must consider whether its numbers have been inflated in part by playing in Indiana’s fast-paced offense.
Status: restricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $4,379,527
2023-24 figures: 7.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists
While he never broke out like some people thought, Achiuwa is a rock-solid big man coming off the bench. He is versatile, can play a position next to another center and help on the glass.
If he ever gets to grips with that three-point shot, which he hasn’t done so far, his value will skyrocket as teams will be able to use him in many more sets.
For now, he’s a ball of energy and someone who is steadily building a reliable floor game on top of his enthusiastic play. It’s tough to watch a team break the bank for him, and the Knicks have every right to match. If Hartenstein is signed by someone else, retaining Achiuwa becomes a much bigger priority.
Status: restricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $12,119,440
2023-24 figures: 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists
Look, the trade to Detroit never made sense, and it didn’t help his development in any way. That puts him in an odd position heading into free agency.
If the Pistons allow him to become an unrestricted free agent, which shouldn’t be ruled out, he could sign a one-year deal somewhere where he knows he’ll get minutes and then try the market again next year.
Alternatively, he could sign a longer contract, if one is offered, and hope he gets a chance to prove himself during the term of that contract. He’s young, athletic and desperately needs a situation where he gets a real opportunity.
Notable free agents
Mo Wagner, Orlando Magic
Status: unrestricted free agent (team option)
Offensive big man who scores a lot of points efficiently. Would probably want to stay on the same team his younger brother is on.
Xavier Tillman, Boston Celtics
Status: unrestricted free agent
Underrated young big man who moves the ball, is a good defender and has some scoring potential. Boston would certainly like to keep him, if he’s willing to do so.
Daniel Theis, Los Angeles Clippers
Status: unrestricted free agent
Veteran center that has always been consistent on both ends of the floor. Very flawless. Contenders can always use someone like him on the bench.
Kevin Love, Miami Heat
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent (Player Option)
We’re coming to the end of Love’s impressive career, but until he’s out for good, he’ll give you three-point shooting and rebounding.
