🤸
As the NBA offseason approaches, basketball fans eagerly await the slew of events that free agency will bring. This is a time when teams are looking to bolster their roster, aiming to pick up missing pieces needed for championship contention or revive a franchise’s fortunes. With the signing of a free agent, the landscape of the league could change dramatically, making this period an exciting and pivotal one in professional basketball.
Now’s the time to delve into the world of NBA free agency and rank the top five players available at each position. From dominant centers to lightning-fast point guards, versatile forwards to sharpshooting shooting guards, the talent pool is deep and diverse. Each role has its own unique skills and requirements, and our rankings are designed to showcase the best in each category.
Free agency rankings take into account a variety of factors, including a player’s performance, statistics, versatility, leadership qualities and future growth potential. We will consider their contribution to the previous team, their impact on the court and the potential impact they can bring to the new team. It’s worth noting that free agency is moving fast, and the flow of players can reshape rankings in a matter of hours. At this point, however, these five stand out as the most coveted free agents at their respective positions. We’ve already predicted where some of the top free agents will go this summer, but let’s dig a little deeper and rank the top 25.
point guard
5. Russell Westbrook
Image credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
Even with his age and declining skill set, Russell Westbrook remains a very valuable free agent due to his extraordinary talent, versatility and successful record in the NBA. A dynamic point guard, Westbrook possesses a rare combination of athleticism, scoring ability and playmaking skills. Despite a poor season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Westbrook left his mark on the Clippers, averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
He keeps filling out the stat sheet, showing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Plus, Westbrook’s intensity and relentless work ethic make him a fierce competitor and leader on the court. As a result, expect a title contender such as the Miami Heat to be a contender for Russell Westbrook, while the Los Angeles Clippers will try to keep him with a team-friendly deal.
Most realistic destinations: Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers
4. D’Angelo Russell
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
Will D’Angelo Russell re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers? There is no doubt that this player is a valuable free agent due to his excellent scoring and playmaking skills. A skilled point guard, Russell has a fluid shot and a knack for creating his own. Russell is averaging 17.8 points and 6.2 assists this season, so he’s clearly an above-average talent in his position, especially when he’s shooting 39.6 percent from 3-point range. His ability to break through defenses and find open teammates makes him a dual threat on the floor.
Russell has proven the potential to be a high-impact scorer and primary playmaker who can effectively lead an offense. Plus, at just 27 years old, he has room to grow and develop, making him an attractive long-term investment for a team that needs fire from the backcourt. If the Lakers can’t find an All-Star deal, Russell will likely return to the team. Beyond that, the Toronto Raptors are rumored to be interested in the former No. 2 pick.
Most realistic destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors
3. Fred VanVleet
Image credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Fred VanVleet is a very valuable free agent because of his excellent ball handling. Known for his tenacity, basketball IQ and clutch play, VanVleet has become a reliable leader and playmaker for the Toronto Raptors over the past few years. The guard is an All-Star for the 2021-22 season and put up 19.3 points and 7.2 assists for the same team last season. His ability to control the tempo, distribute the ball effectively and hit timely 3-pointers (career 37.3 percent) makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Additionally, VanVleet’s defensive prowess and ability to disrupt opposing guards adds another dimension to his game. A proven winner with playoff experience, VanVleet brings a must-win mentality and championship pedigree, making him an ideal choice for those looking to bolster the backcourt and add a stretch to the roster. Attractive goals for rival teams. Unless the Raptors can bring him back, the Houston Rockets will be willing to pay the 29-year-old star to be their best player.
Most realistic destinations: Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets
2. Kyrie Irving
Image credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving has become a bona fide superstar due to his unparalleled offensive skills and ability to take over games. With excellent ball handling, scoring ability and a dizzying array of moves, Irving is a defensive nightmare. Despite having to deal with inconsistencies in Brooklyn and Dallas, Irving averaged an impressive 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 37.9 percent from 3-point range. His ability to create his own shot, finish around the rim and make clutch shots still makes him one of the most exciting players in the NBA.
Irving’s basketball IQ and organizational skills also allow him to be an excellent organizer and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Plus, his championship experience and proven ability to perform under pressure make him an enticing asset for any team looking to boost their playoff aspirations. The Dallas Mavericks want to keep the superstar guard and pair him with Luka Doncic, but the 2016 NBA champion could head to the Lakers if the Lakers go all-in on a deal involving Kyrie.
Most realistic destinations: Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers
1. James Harden
Image credit: Brian Westerholt – USA TODAY Sports
James Harden may have no choice but to re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Considering that Beard wants a maximum salary contract, there may only be two teams participating in the competition: Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets. The former is a meaningful team for Harden, since he has a new coach who can play under Joel Embiid, who is arguably the best two-way player in the world. center. Players with offensive talent like Harden don’t often have a first-choice big man they can rely on.
The Houston Rockets may have cooled off on Harden, especially after Harden’s games 6 and 7 against the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2023 playoffs, though it could be a two-way street of. Houston could go in a different direction, meaning Harden could be forced to re-sign with the Sixers, a team that still boasts elite talent like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Most realistic destinations: Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets
shooting guard
5. Max Struth
Image credit: Trevor Ruszkowski – USA TODAY Sports
Max Strouse is a valuable free agent because of his impressive shooting ability and growth potential, although he has received some criticism for not playing in the NBA Finals. As a sharpshooter, Strus showed his stable and efficient three-point shooting skills. The shooting guard is shooting 37.1 percent for his career from 3-point range and is confident from the perimeter, too.
His shooting percentage, combined with his size and athleticism, make him a valuable asset in today’s perimeter-dominated NBA. Additionally, Struth has shown versatility and defensive potential, making him a well-rounded player. At only 27 years old, he still has room to further develop his skills and make a significant impact on both ends of the floor. For a reasonable long-term deal, the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic are two teams that need outside shooting and could acquire this player to bolster their backcourt.
Most realistic destinations: Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic
4. Caris LeVert
Image credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports
Caris LeVert is a very valuable free agent because of his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. A dynamic scorer, LeVert possesses the ability to create his own shot and drive to the rim with explosive force. His size and athleticism also make him a threat on the defensive end, capable of defending multiple positions when locked down. For the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, LeVert is averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists off the bench. most of the season.
Despite his injury setbacks early in his career, LeVert has proven his resilience and potential to be a key contributor on a contending team. His combination of scoring, playmaking and defensive ability makes him an attractive free agent for teams in need of a versatile wing player. We see LeVert averaging 17.0 points per game in 2021-22, so he could get back to that number if he joins a team that needs more scoring like the Detroit Pistons. Otherwise, expect the Cavaliers to try and keep their sixth man.
Most realistic destinations: Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons
3. Jordan Clarkson
Image credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Clarkson will be a target for many teams this summer due to his scoring ability and instant offensive impact. A dynamic scorer, Clarkson has the ability to heat up quickly and make an immediate difference off the bench or as a scoring option in the starting lineup. His ability to create his own shot, attack the rim and knock down outside jumpers makes him a valuable asset in today’s NBA.
Clarkson’s versatility as a combo guard allows him to play both on and off the ball, providing flexibility for teams that need to score. Plus, his experience and playoff background add valuable intangibles to his value as a free agent. Clarkson is averaging 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 33.8 percent from three, so expect teams like the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets to chase the explosive offensive guard.
Most realistic destinations: Miami Heat, Houston Rockets
2. Bruce Brown
Image credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Brown has proven to be an elite role player due to his tenacious defense, versatility and high basketball IQ. A relentless defender, Brown has the ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents with his physicality and anticipation. That was on display in this year’s NBA playoffs, as Brown averaged 12.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 51.1 percent from the field for the champion Denver Nuggets.
As good as Brown is on defense, his versatility extends to offense as well, where he can contribute as a playmaker and finisher around the rim. Brown’s ability to make smart ball-handling decisions and contribute to every aspect of the game makes him a valuable asset for any team. That’s why Brown is expected to receive the largest paycheck of his career, likely from the Minnesota Timberwolves or Dallas Mavericks.
Most realistic destinations: Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks
1. Austin Reeves
Image credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Ladies and gentlemen, Austin Reeves is getting paid this summer. No shooting guard is more valuable than Reeves because of his well-rounded skill set and growth potential. A versatile defender, Reeves has shown his ability to contribute in multiple ways this season with Los Angeles…
Discover more articles in our categories Sports & NFL et Football.