NBA free agency: Top small forwards on the market
A lot of money will be spent on small forwards this summer, as the position has become one of the most important in the league. You’ll find all kinds of different types, too: scoring wings with playmaking chops, star defenders, 3-and-D guys, athletic anomalies, you name it.
While some are expected to stay with their current teams, there is some real potential in this group for some jersey-changing — if teams with considerable cap space are up for it.
This year's top free agents: point guards | shooting guards | power forwards | centers
1. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
Status: unrestricted free agent
2023-24 salary: $28,600,000
2023-24 digits: 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists
The Chicago Bulls have adored their time with DeRozan and are keen to let the good times roll, with the former All-Star reportedly being offered a two-year deal worth in the area of $80 million to keep him in the Windy City.
DeRozan, who will turn 35 in August, is no spring chicken, nor does he fit what the Bulls need, which is a thorough rebuild after years of ineptitude. That said, he's still got a wicked game built on footwork, strength, ball-handling and the ability to knock down 500 mid-range jumpers a season.
While it would be far more interesting to see DeRozan playing for a contender, being handed $40 million per year, while having the green light to shoot, is an extremely attractive offer.
2. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
Status: unrestricted but agreed to new deal
2023-24 salary: $18,642,857
2023-24 digits: 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists
When the New York Knicks traded for Anunoby in late December, it wasn't just to make a deep run in this year's postseason. They wanted to keep him long term and make him their No. 1 priority this offseason.
Well, they did it. Anunoby intends to re-sign with the team on a five-year, $212.5 million contract.
3. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Status: unrestricted free agent agreed to deal
2023-24 salary: $43,219,440
2023-24 digits: 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists
"Isn't Thompson a two-guard?" you might wonder. He used to be. But injuries and increasing age have taken a step, particularly on defense, which has led him to play the three in recent years.
Dallas will have a spot for him after securing an agreement on a three-year, $50 million deal with a player option.
4. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets
Status: unrestricted free agent
2023-24 salary: $7,921,300
2023-24 digits: 21 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists
Any team taking on Bridges will have to navigate his reputation off the court and decide if it's worth being associated with a player who pleaded no contest in a domestic violence case.
Bridges is a physically strong wing who can score in bunches, play multiple positions and finish next to strong playmakers.
His aforementioned situation makes it difficult to project which salary bracket he'll find himself in, as well as how much competition there will be for his services.
5. Kelly Oubre Jr, Philadelphia 76ers
Status: unrestricted free agent agreed to deal
2023-24 salary: $2,019,706
2023-24 digits: 15.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists
The lanky 6-foot-7 forward found new life after coming to Philadelphia, where he proved he could play a significant role on a winning team.
Oubre isn't the best shooter, so his fit on any team is very much dependent on the star quality around him, but he's unquestionably better in a third or fourth scoring role, as opposed to being at the top of the food chain.
That may be the plan as Oubre has agreed to return to the 76ers on a two-year, $16.3 million deal.
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Notable free agents
Saddiq Bey, Atlanta Hawks
Status: restricted free agent
A combo forward with floor-stretching capabilities who will probably lose some money due to an ill-timed ACL tear in his left knee.
Simone Fontecchio, Detroit Pistons
Status: restricted free agent
Detroit installed him as a rotation piece (30.3 minutes per game) due to his size and shooting touch. Others can compete for his services, but the Pistons have the inside track on the 6-10 combo forward.
Royce O'Neale, Phoenix Suns
Status: unrestricted but agreed to new deal
A do-it-all wing for the Suns whom they couldn't afford to lose. O'Neale's defense, 3-point shooting and positional fluidity allow Phoenix to play a broad variance of lineups. He agree to a four-year, $44 million deal to return to Phoenix.
Naji Marshall, New Orleans Pelicans
Status: unrestricted free agent agreed to deal
Marshall broke into the Pelicans' rotation and never left. He has a big motor and has developed as a shooter in recent years. He agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal with Dallas.
Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics
Status: restricted free agent (if option is declined)
Boston can decide to pick up his option and kick the can down the road when they won't have matching rights, or they can decline his option to gain matching rights this year.
Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers
Status: restricted free agent
A defensive-minded wing with developing 3-point range who could benefit from a change in scenery. The Cavs, however, have matching rights.
