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NBA free agency: Top power forwards on the market

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 13: LeBron James looks on at halftime of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 13, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
LeBron James is expected to return to the Lakers. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Whenever you start your list with LeBron James, Pascal Siakam and Paul George, you know it’s going to be a spicy offseason.

Also, Paul George at the four? We’ll get to it, don’t worry.

This year's top free agents: point guards | shooting guards | small forwards | centers


LeBron James headshot
LeBron James
SF - LAL - #23
2023 - 2024 season
25.7
Pts
7.3
Reb
8.3
Ast
0.5
Blk
35:16
Min

Status: unrestricted free agent agreed to deal
2023-24 salary: $47,607,350
2023-24 digits: 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists

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 is soon coming to an end.

Until then, he remains one of the best all-around players in the NBA, an otherworldly physical presence who's also one of the smartest players in the history of sports.

He agreed to a two-year, $104 million deal with a player option and a no-trade clause to remain with the Lakers.


Pascal Siakam headshot
Pascal Siakam
PF - IND - #43
2023 - 2024 season
21.7
Pts
7.1
Reb
4.3
Ast
0.3
Blk
33:13
Min

Status: unrestricted free agent who agreed to deal
2023-24 salary: $37,893,408
2023-24 digits: 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists

The 30-year-old has agreed to a four-year deal to stay with the Pacers for $189.5 million, which seems like a fair deal for both sides.

Siakam's scoring touch inside the arc is artful and hauntingly effective, and he balances it with a keen sense of playmaking, defensive versatility and rebounding.

While he might not be front of mind for most fans when listing stars, make no mistake, he's about as influential on game flow as they come and should remain so for years.


Paul George headshot
Paul George
SF - PHI - #8
2023 - 2024 season
22.6
Pts
5.2
Reb
3.5
Ast
0.5
Blk
33:49
Min

Status: unrestricted free agent agreed to deal
2023-24 salary: $48,787,676
2023-24 digits: 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists

"At power forward?" you might wonder. Indeed! He played a ton of it this season, and while position data can be wonky, 86% of his minutes were played at the four, per basketball-reference.com.

Whatever the position, George's play isn't going to change. He's a high-volume 3-point shooter, impactful defender and underrated post player who can still be a nasty off-ball presence.

He's getting up there in age at 34 and there are some injury concerns, but that didn't stop the 76ers, who agreed to a 4-year, $212 million maximum contract with the nine-time All-Star.


Tobias Harris headshot
Tobias Harris
PF - DET - #12
2023 - 2024 season
17.2
Pts
6.5
Reb
3.1
Ast
0.7
Blk
33:50
Min

Status: unrestricted free agent agreed to deal
2023-24 salary: $37,893,408
2023-24 digits: 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists

While Harris was never a fan favorite in Philadelphia, his game was often undervalued because of his $180 million contract, which overshadowed his performances year after year.

Now he's agreed to a two-year, $52 million deal with the Pistons.

Harris, after all, is a 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward who's a solid rebounder and nimble enough to twist his way to buckets off drives and has a reliable outside shot.


Obi Toppin headshot
Obi Toppin
PF - IND - #1
2023 - 2024 season
10.3
Pts
3.9
Reb
1.6
Ast
0.5
Blk
21:06
Min

Status: restricted free agent who agreed to a deal
2023-24 salary: $6,803,012
2023-24 digits: 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists

Toppin was important to Indiana's bench this season, making over 70% of his 2s and 40% of his 3s. That type of reliability isn't something easily replaceable.

The 26-year-old agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal to remain with Indiana.


Patrick Williams headshot
Patrick Williams
PF - CHI - #44
2023 - 2024 season
10
Pts
3.9
Reb
1.5
Ast
0.8
Blk
27:18
Min

Status: restricted free agent
2023-24 salary: $9,835,881
2023-24 digits: 10 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists

Everyone is still waiting for Williams to live up to being a the fourth overall selection in the 2020 draft, but he's turned into a perfectly reliable performer despite not meeting expectations.

Williams is a big wing, standing 6-8 and roughly 235 pounds, and he knows how to use it defensively, where he's taken considerable steps ever year.

His 3-point shot, 41% for his career, is one he'll need to take more of, but perhaps a change in scenery will do it for him. At 22, he's not a finished product.


Trendon Watford headshot
Trendon Watford
PF - BKN - #9
2023 - 2024 season
6.9
Pts
3.1
Reb
1.3
Ast
0.3
Blk
13:35
Min

Status: restricted free agent
2023-24 salary: $6,803,012
2023-24 digits: 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists

Don't sleep on Watford. The 23-year-old big man might not have had a full-fledged role so far in the league, but he's stayed remarkably consistent over his 173-game career, sporting high efficiency marks.

Is there a leap in him that turns him from rotation player to starter? That door shouldn't be closed. He's got the ability to hit 3-pointers, converts at a high rate inside, 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. For now, though, the Nets will dictate his future.


Nic Batum, Philadelphia 76ers
Status: unrestricted free agent agreed to deal

Aging forward who had a minor resurgence after being acquired by Philadelphia earlier this season. He's agreed to join the Clippers on a two-year, $9.6 million deal.

Torrey Craig, Chicago Bulls
Status: Exercised player option for $2.8 million

Veteran two-way forward who can still hit the 3 and defend at a solid level. Unquestionably worth having in the rotation for a contender.

T.J. 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 a toll, but he could be worth a minimum deal for the right team.