To end with our lists, we have our last top, in this case, the big men are the protagonists. Here they are, the best centers available to sign next summer.
We can find some remarkable young talents that are becoming free agents next summer,
Nic Claxton is on top. But what about the europeans
Jonas Valanciunas and
Isaiah Hartenstein, both playing solid basketball in successful teams, the same for Moritz Wagner and the surprising Orlando Magic.
1 Nic Claxton
Nic Claxton will be hitting
free agency for the first time as an unrestricted free agent. In 44 games, he's averaging 12.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. The Brooklyn Nets will have to compete in order to bring back Claxton because contender teams surely will have eyes on him. He's worthy of a $20 million per year contract, if he receives an offer like that, the Nets will have to let him go.
2 Jonas Valanciunas
In the last three seasons, Valanciunas has been consisten for the Pelicans, missing only 11 games in two whole seasons. New Orleans has plenty room to cover regarding contracts of their superstars, therefore, Valanciunas could end up in another team, maybe Memphis, or Phoenix, teams that will be looking for a reliable center.
3 Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein has found a home in New York, especially this year. he has averaged 8.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. The Knicks could try to keep him for a price of around $10 million per year. If he expects more money, then maybe he'll be going to the Bucks, or maybe the Warriors in the West.
4 Moritz Wagner
Mo Wagner is having a stellar season for Orlando with 11.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Playing with his brother Franz, the German Duo is having a lot of success with this Magic squad, therefore, it's very likeable for him to remain in Florida.
5 Andre Drummond
Drummond has had a decent season with the Bulls in 2023-24, averaging 8.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in 55 games played. With the Bulls on re-build, he could end up in another team in need of an experienced center. Maybe Denver or Milwaukee, or perhaps the Lakers could sign him for around $5 million a year.
6 Dario Saric
Saric has been really good for the Golden State Warriors off the bench, averaging 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds. He adapted very well to their offense, and could be signing a contract for $8 million annually, with the Dubs or maybe taking his talents to the Grizzlies for example.
7 Kelly Olinyk
Olynyk has averaged 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 50.0% shooting, playing for three different teams in the past 2 campaigns. He's going to try to sign a contract for around $10 million per year. This looks like a great deal for teams that need a back up center, like the 76ers, Pacers or Cavs.
8 Jalen Smith
Jalen Smith has improved season-by-season, averaging 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in this current campaign. This means that he will probably decline his $5.4 million player option and try to sign a bigger contract, maybe twice the mentioned value. Indiana will try to keep him, but Toronto and Atlanta could be looking for him as well.
9 Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa has fit in with the Knicks extremely well. In 23 games with the Knicks, he averages 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. His price will go up to the $9 million aproximatedly. New York will try to re-sign him.
10 Christian Wood
Christian Wood has failed in meeting expectations around him, averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. He's most likely to opt into his $3 million player option with the Lakers and try to improve his numbers to seek a better contract next year.
