With the best teams in the NBA focused on getting to the playoffs at any cost, we decided to take a look at which players could be playing the last season with their current team. The 2024 Free Agency is closer than it seems, with franchises already checking the amount of talent that could be available after June 30. In this analysis, we are breaking down the league's best guards. Let's dive in.
The NBA is enjoying perhaps one of its best moments. talent wise. There are different type of guards in the mix, some of them with plenty experience and championship pedigree, players who might've lost a step physically, but compensate this with veteranship and savvy play. These older guys are often a great way to mentor new, younger upcoming stars.
A great example of this kind of players would be Klay Thompson. Thompson has been loyal to Golden State Warriors since they drafted him, back in 2011. With four championships under his belt, Klay is heading to his first free agency with real possibilites of signing with another team. Although he has expressed his desire to stay with the Warriors, many teams would be thrilled to have his services. His playing style makes him a valuable addition to almost any rotation. His elite shooting and his ability to play off the ball, combined with his experience make Klay the best shooting guard available next summer.
James Harden and Jrue Holiday are behind Klay. Harden declared that he wishes to remain with the Clippers, where he seems truly happy and enjoying his time along Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and the rest of the squad. Perhaps his scoring has declined the past few years, but 'The Beard' remains a skilled, versatile guard who can still provide quality shooting and great passing.
Jrue Holiday is on his first year with Boston Celtics and his present couldn't be better, playing for the best team in the regular season. Holiday is known for being an outstanding defender, but throughout his career he's gotten better with his three-point shooting. In addition, his big frame allows him to post smaller guards and take them to the basket with ease.
At 38 years old, Kyle Lowry is the oldest guard on the list. Currently playing for his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers, Lowry is a smart point guard with reliable offensive skills and the ability to handle high-pressure moments. He is a great player to mentor the younger guys.
Also with the Philadelphia 76ers is Buddy Hield, who joined the team after the trade deadline from Indiana. Hield is a natural scorer who can create his own shots, making him an excellent choice to boost a team's offense coming off the bench.
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | EXPERIENCE | TEAM | CONTRACT TYPE | SALARY |
| Klay Thompson | SG | 34.1 | 13 | GSW | UFA : Bird | $37.9M |
| James Harden | SG | 34.5 | 14 | LAC | UFA : Bird | $34.3M |
| Jrue Holiday | PG | 33.7 | 15 | BOS | Player | $33.4M |
| Kyle Lowry | PG | 37.9 | 18 | PHI | UFA : Non-Bird| $28.5M |
| Buddy Hield | SG | 31.2 | 8 | PHI | UFA : Bird | $23.5M |
| Bruce Brown Jr. | SG | 27.5 | 6 | TOR | Club | $22.5M|
| Lonzo Ball | PG | 26.3 | 7 | CHI | Club | $20M |
| Evan Fournier | SG | 31.3 | 12 | NYK | Club | $18.2M |
| D'Angelo Russell | PG | 28.0 | 9 | LAL | UFA : Bird | $18M |
| Gary Trent Jr. | SG | 25.1 | 6 | TOR | UFA : Bird | $17.2M |
| Markelle Fultz | PG | 25.8 | 7 | ORL | UFA : Bird | $16.6M |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope| SG | 31.0 | 11 | DEN | Player | $15M |
| Malik Beasley | SG | 27.2 | 8 | MIL | UFA : Non-Bird| $15M |
| Tyus Jones | PG | 27.8 | 9 | WAS | UFA : Bird | $14.5M |
| Luke Kennard | SG | 27.7 | 7 | MEM | Club | $14M |
| Gary Harris | SG | 29.4 | 10 | ORL | UFA : Bird | $13M |
| Talen Horton-Tucker | SG | 23.2 | 5 | UTA | UFA : Bird | $10.2M |
| Alec Burks | SG | 32.6 | 13 | NYK | UFA : Bird | $10M |
| Malik Monk | SG | 26.1 | 7 | SAC | UFA : Early Bird| $9.7M |
| Grayson Allen | SG | 28.4 | 6 | PHX | UFA : Bird | $9.3M |
| Monte Morris | PG | 28.7 | 7 | MIN | UFA : Bird | $9.2M |
| Gary Payton II | PG | 31.2 | 8 | GSW | Player | $8.7M |
| De'Anthony Melton | SG | 25.8 | 6 | PHI | UFA : Bird | $8.6M |
| Isaac Okoro | SG | 23.1 | 4 | CLE | RFA : Bird | $7.2M |
| Reggie Jackson | PG | 33.8 | 13 | DEN | Player | $5.1M |