When you start your list with LeBron James, Pascal Siakam and Paul George, you know it’s going to be a tough offseason.
Even if Siakam is already taken care of and James likely returns to Los Angeles, there is still a nice collection of power forwards available to the broader NBA population.
Also Paul George among the four? We’ll get there, don’t worry.
This year’s best free agents: point guards | shooting guards | little forward
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Status: unlimited free agent (player option)
Salary 2023-24: $47,607,350
2023-24 figures: 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists
There’s nothing to see here other than perhaps the greatest player of all time potentially being a free agent even if he’s expected to return to the Lakers.
While age seemingly never matters when it comes to James, he does turn 40 this year and has hinted that his time as an active player may soon come to an end.
Until then, he remains one of the best all-around players in the NBA, an otherworldly physical presence who is also one of the smartest players in sports history. If that’s not a clear maximum for however long it takes, what is?
Status: unrestricted free agent who agreed to trade
Salary 2023-24: $37,893,408
2023-24 figures: 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists
The 30-year-old has agreed to a four-year contract to remain with the Pacers for $189.5 million, which seems like a fair deal for both parties.
Siakam’s scoring touch inside the arc is artful and terrifyingly effective, and he balances this with a keen sense of playmaking, defensive versatility and rebounding.
While he may not be most fans’ top priority when listing stars, make no mistake: he’s about as influential on game flow as they come and should remain so for years to come.
Status: unrestricted free agent (player option)
Salary 2023-24: $45,640,084
2023-24 figures: 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists
At power forward you might wonder. Indeed! He played a ton of them this season, and while position data can be shaky, 86% of his minutes were played at the four, according to basketball-reference.com.
Whatever the position, George’s game won’t change. He’s a high-volume 3-point shooter, a powerful defender and an underrated post player who can still be a pesky presence off the ball.
He arrives at the age of 34 and there are some injury concerns, but that hasn’t stopped several teams from showing interest.
Status: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $37,893,408
2023-24 figures: 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists
While Harris was never a fan favorite in Philadelphia, his play was often underrated due to his $180 million contract, which overshadowed his performance year after year.
Since his new number will likely come in much lower, it will be easier to move him lower on the batting chart, which will likely optimize his efficiency, and he should be viewed in a better light.
After all, Harris is a 6-foot-1, 240-pound forward who is a solid rebounder and agile enough to punch his way into buckets-off drives and has a reliable outside shot. There should be a market.
Status: restricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $6,803,012
2023-24 figures: 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists
With Siakam planning to return to the Pacers and Jarace Walker also looking to join the team, Toppin’s future isn’t exactly uncertain.
He was important to Indiana’s bench this season, making over 70% of his 2s and 40% of his 3s. That kind of reliability isn’t something that can be easily replaced.
The Pacers can match any offer for Toppin, but there will be a limit to how high they are willing to go. The question now becomes: who is willing to break the bank for the 26-year-old goalscorer?
Status: restricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $9,835,881
2023-24 figures: 10 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists
Everyone is still waiting for Williams to live up to the fourth overall selection in the 2020 draft, but he has turned into a completely reliable performer despite falling short of expectations.
Williams is a big wing, at 6-8 and about 235 pounds, and he knows how to use it defensively, where he has made significant strides each year.
His three-point shot, 41% for his career, is one he will need to capitalize on more, but perhaps a change in environment will do it for him. At 22 years old, he is not yet a finished product.
Status: restricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $6,803,012
2023-24 figures: 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists
Don’t sleep on Watford. The 23-year-old big man may not have played a full-fledged role in the league so far, but he has remained remarkably consistent throughout his 173-game career and boasted high efficiency numbers.
Is there a leap in him that will take him from rotation player to starter? That door should not be closed. He has the ability to hit three-pointers, converts at a high rate, is an active rebounder and moves the ball effortlessly within a team scheme.
It all comes down to finding the right coach and the right situation. But for now, the Nets will determine his future.
Notable free agents
Nic Batum, Philadelphia 76ers
Status: unrestricted free agent
Aging player who had a bit of a resurgence after being acquired by Philadelphia earlier this season. There has been some talk about retirement, which is worth mentioning.
Torrey Craig, Chicago Bulls
Status: unrestricted free agent (player option)
Veteran two-way forward who can still hit the 3 and defend at a solid level. Definitely worth having in the rotation for a contender.
TJ Warren, Minnesota Timberwolves
Status: unrestricted free agent
Historically a strong scorer who uses his physicality to get to the rim and has a reliable jumper. Injuries have taken their toll, but he could be worth a minimum deal for the right team.
