Whenever you start your list with LeBron James, Pascal Siakam and Paul George, you know it’s going to be a spicy offseason.
Even if Siakam is already taken care of, and James is likely to return to Los Angeles, there’s still a nice collection of power forwards available to the broader NBA population.
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
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Status: unrestrictedfree agent (player option)
2023-24 salary: $47,607,350
2023-24 digits: 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists
Nothing to see here, except arguably the greatest player of all time possibly being a free agent — even though 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 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. If that’s not a clear-cut max for however long it lasts, what is?
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.
Status: unrestricted free agent (player option)
2023-24 salary: $45,640,084
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 up getting up there in age at 34 and there are some injury concerns, but that won’t stop multiple teams from showing interest.
Status: unrestricted free agent
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.
With his new number presumably coming in much lower, it’s easier to place him lower on the shot chart, which will likely optimize his efficiency, and he should be viewed in a better light.
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. There should be a market.
Status: restricted free agent
2023-24 salary: $6,803,012
2023-24 digits: 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists
With Siakam planning to return to the Pacers and prospect Jarace Walker also on the team, Toppin’s future isn’t cut and dred.
He 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 Pacers can match any offer for Toppin, but there will be a limit as to how high they’re willing to go. The question now becomes: Who is willing to break the bank for the 26-year-old scorer?
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.
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.
Notable free agents
Nic Batum, Philadelphia 76ers
Status: unrestricted free agent
Aging forward who had a minor resurgence after being acquired by Philadelphia earlier this season. There’s been some chatter about retirement, which is worth noting.
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. 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.
