Top NBA free-agent power forwards: Julius Randle increased his value with a fine postseason

Yahoo

3 days ago

The power forward market offers an interesting mix of proven players and young talent still carving out its place in the league.
Let's break down the potential top power forwards in this year's free-agent market, with the negotiating window opening at 6 p.m. ET June 30.
Advertisement
(Note: Positions are being determined off Basketball-Reference's positional breakdowns, meaning a player will be listed at the position in which he played the most minutes.)
Free-agent position rankings: Point guards | Shooting guards | Small forwards
1. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
Status: Player option
Value of option: $30,935,520
It was genuinely nice to see Randle break his pattern of poor playoff performance and raise his value.
His timing couldn't have been better, as he can opt out and perhaps squeeze the Wolves for a little more dough, knowing full well how much they need his all-around offensive game and how well he seems to mesh with Anthony Edwards.
Advertisement
What makes sense: With money widely unavailable on the open market, the Wolves might try to squeeze Randle, but that would seem shortsighted, as he can pick up his option and then leave in a year. Minnesota should find common ground on a contract that's three to four years and extend the party.
2. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Status: Restricted free agent
Oh boy. Kuminga and the Warriors will need to figure this one out together, even if it looks like the two sides want to desperately split. Kuminga's contract status makes it difficult for the Warriors to explore sign-and-trades and losing him for nothing would be a significant hit.
Advertisement
Kuminga's athleticism, overall scoring prowess and raw upside are intriguing, so his camp will undoubtedly hope the Nets take a kind eye to him and hand over an expensive offer sheet.
What makes sense: If no offer sheet comes, Kuminga should sign a short-term deal with the Warriors, with the shared understanding they'll try to move him before the 2026 trade deadline.
3. John Collins, Utah Jazz
Status: Exercised $26,580,000 player option
Collins has enjoyed two good years in Utah, finally showing his decline in Atlanta was due to situational factors outside of his control.
That said, Collins is who he is: a high-scoring power forward who can rebound the heck out of the ball, and that's … mostly it. This isn't to say he doesn't have value, but interested teams have to be aware of the kind of player he is and not expect him to do much more.
Advertisement
While Collins has spent two years reshaping the narrative around him, there just isn't a lot of money out there this summer. Picking up the player option and kicking the decision down the road for a year is a wise decision.
4. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The 39-year-old big man remains as fundamentally solid as ever, but his athleticism has taken a hit, and it's clear Father Time is hastily tracking his steps.
Horford, though, is a thinker — and a damn good one — who has a knack for finding solutions to the limitations attached to his own game. He should have at least one more year in him, if he so chooses.
Advertisement
What makes sense: Horford and Boston go well together. The system allows him to be the best possible version of himself, and the Celtics still need big-man depth. A one-year deal seems logical.
5. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies
Status: Restricted free agent
Aldama, 24, is just getting started. The 6-11 big man has the touch of a wing, is capable of making 3-point shots and still does a lot of the big-man stuff in which he utilizes his size.
It's not great timing for Aldama to reach the free-agent market, given the lack of available money, but that doesn't mean there won't be interest.
Advertisement
What makes sense: Aldama shouldn't settle for a highly discounted deal. He's simply too good and too young to end up on a long-term deal that's too team-friendly. If anything, he can offer Memphis a short-term solution, which allows him the flexibility to become an unrestricted free agent sooner and for Memphis to possibly shop him later and get something in return.
Best of the rest
Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards
Status: Exercised $34,012,345 player option
There's no denying the current version of Middleton is a far cry from the prime version. Injuries and age have turned him into a role player as opposed to a two-way star. But that doesn't mean he can't be effective. He's broadly seen as a leader.
Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
Status: Player option
Value of option: $13,445,754
Advertisement
From a production perspective, Portis should probably be in a higher salary bracket, albeit not aggressively higher. The Bucks should unquestionably be interested in getting Portis back, even if they have to pay him more on a new deal.
Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles Lakers
Status: Player option
Value of option: $15,378,480
Defensively versatile combo forwards who can play a bit of center should have a market.
Finney-Smith is no exception. That said, will that market pay him more than his option? If he's given long-term money, probably, but then it'd have to be worth it.