This shot of LeBron James’ dunk in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game 🔥🤯 (📸: @bellikemike)
With the King on top of the list, these are the 10 best small-forwards of the next free agency
NBAThursday, 22 February 2024 at 13:34
In line with our previous lists, we are now breaking down the top small-forwards who will become free agents next summer.
Of course, listed as a wing and on top of the ranking there's none other than LeBron James. The King's tenure with the Lakers could be reaching to its end? we'll find out. In addition, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan and OG Anunoby are all going to be free agents in july as well.
1 LeBron James
LeBron James holds a $51.4 million player option, and he's a sought-after icon despite turning 40 this 2024. His decision could impact the NBA landscape, especially with the possibility of playing alongside Stephen Curry. The most likely scenario is for him to remain with the Lakers, who are going to make a pull for bringing on board a third superstar this summer. There's also the Bronny James situation, LeBron's son, with whom the King wishes to share the court at least for a full season, so any team that wants to acquire the services of the 4-time NBA Champion, might wanna try to draft Bronny.
2 Paul George
Another awesome superstar could be available, as Paul George primary focus is to stay with the LA Clippers, as he declared. Averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game this season through 50 appearances, PG has an important decision to make. He could opt for a 48.8 million player option, but there's a chance that he ends up opting out from it and signing a new contract with the Clippers, similar to what Kawhi Leonard did a few months ago.
3 DeMar DeRozan
In 2023-24, DeRozan has still been one of the best at his position, averaging 22.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. He's been in Chicago for 3 seasons now, and perhaps he could be looking for a change of air. The 35-year-old is most likely to try to join a contender team at any cost. The Lakers, Miami, Dallas, all of those teams could try to sign him.
4 OG Anunoby
Recently traded to the New York Knicks, OG's impact has been truly game-changing for the Knicks. He's a complete package with good efficient scoring and outstanding and versatile defense. OG came to New York with a $19.9 million player option but will most likely decline it and sign a new deal for about $30 million a year. The Knicks will try to secure him but Dallas is right there, along with the Lakers, Heat and Cavs.
5 Miles Bridges
It will be interesting to see which team decides to take a chance on Bridges following his off-the-court issues that kept him aside from action the entire 2023-23 season. Miles is back and he's been playing at a high level, so offers will be arriving. He decided to remain in Charlotte when Phoenix came looking for him a few weeks ago, so perhaps that's where he'll stay.
6 Gordon Hayward
Another player that was recently sent to a different team, Hayward is currently with the OKC Thunder. On the court, he has had good to great stretches of play. However, since 2018, recurring injuries have kept him off the court for the majority of the time, making him a rather risky player to bring on board. $5-12 million annually is what he could expect to receive, or maybe an anual contract.
7 Derrick Jones Jr
Jones has had a very successful season with the Mavericks thus far, averaging 9.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. His contribution on the defensive side of the floor have been remarkable as well so Dallas could be preparing him an offer, maybe $10 million per year to try to keep him on the squad.
8 Kelly Oubre Jr
Oubre is playing a crucial role for the Sixers this season, averaging 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in 42 appearances. There's interest in him from other franchises, but he's done so well in Philly that they most likely will try to re-sign him in the upcoming free agency.
9 Royce O'Neale
The Phoenix Suns recently acquired O'Neale services and has been decent so far, averaging 7.4 points coming from the bench. His defensive intensity and instincts have been essential to his success on the court, and this time he will be showcasing his skills in a playoff team, so his price could be higher after the season ends.
10 Saddiq Bey
Saddiq Bey is playing under a $4.5 million team option in 2023-24, averaging 13.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He's young and has potential, so there will be a lot of teams trying to meet with him. If the Hawks are aiming to re-build, Bey could be heading to the Warriors or the Rockets for around $15 million per year.
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