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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top NBA free-agent power forwards: Julius Randle increased his value with a fine postseason
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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top NBA free-agent point guards: Rockets keep Fred VanVleet in the fold with new contract
As we approach the NBA offseason, several players' situations are unclear, either due to unrestricted free agency status, or team/player options hanging over their heads. Still, it's time to break down the potential top point guards in this year's free-agent market. 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. So if you're looking for James Harden and Kyrie Irving, you'll find them in the shooting guard section.) Free-agent position rankings: Shooting guards | Small forwards 1. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets Status: Agreed to 2-year, $50 million deal Since becoming an All-Star in 2022, VanVleet has seen his scoring diminish every year since. That doesn't mean he isn't important to the Rockets as their main facilitator, but almost $45 million for a guy who barely cracked 14 points and didn't even crack 38% shooting overall is a lot. Advertisement Given that this year's market flat-out isn't flush with cash, the Rockets were wise to decline the $44.9 million option and negotiate a deal at a lesser price. 2. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs Status: Unrestricted free agent Paul loved his stay in San Antonio, which is worth noting in terms of his future, but the franchise did not make the postseason, which you have to assume is a priority to him. Also a priority is spending time with his family, which means he's likely exploring all angles. At 40 years old, could one of those options be retirement? What makes sense: With Paul residing in California, and the Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić this past season, it may make sense to link up with him and LeBron James, the latter of whom is a close friend. 3. Tyus Jones, Phoenix Suns Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement Jones' plan of signing with the Suns for a starting role and perhaps competing for a title didn't go as planned as Phoenix failed to make the postseason. Could this influence his value? Given that he signed a minimum deal last summer, the arrow only points up if he decides to chase the money this summer. The 29-year-old remains one of the league's most secure ball-handlers and a strong 3-point shooter (41.4%), which virtually everyone has a use for. What makes sense: Jones as a backup point guard on a good team, especially behind a young player in need of further development. Portland wouldn't be a bad destination. 4. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls Status: Restricted free agent Advertisement The raw numbers make Giddey look like a future All-Star, but the advanced numbers unearth several concerning areas, such as a general shooting inefficiency and defensive issues — two key elements for most highly paid players in today's league. Chicago, however, appears to love the guy, which raises the question: Will it make him an offer outright, as opposed to letting him go through restricted free agency? If the Bulls jump the gun, that could add several million onto the books. What makes sense: The Bulls hold all the cards here. Entering free agency believing otherwise could prove catastrophic. Let someone else dictate his market, because odds are good no one will break the bank for him despite the headline-grabbing stats. 5. Ty Jerome, Cleveland Cavaliers Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement There's no question that Jerome turned in one of the most surprising seasons of any player in the league, as he carved out a role for himself on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, thus significantly raising his own value. Of course, Cleveland's roster is already expensive, and it doesn't have Jerome's full Bird rights, which only makes the situation that much more complicated. The Cavaliers have to prepare themselves for the likelihood Jerome is off to somewhere else for a bigger payday. What makes sense: Jerome probably isn't a starter on a team with tall aspirations, but he could be a perfectly valid sixth man who plays more than he did this year and puts up starting-caliber numbers with high shooting efficiency. There aren't any teams around that couldn't use that, so he should have several suitors to choose from. The Toronto Raptors, who are in need of guard depth, wouldn't be a bad destination. Advertisement Best of the rest 6. Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards Status: Unrestricted free agent The 32-year-old is efficient and effective when on the floor, but his injury history indicates his floor time will be limited. Teams are keenly aware of this, so while he'll have several suitors, don't expect anyone to hand out a large contract. He'd make an interesting fit with the Lakers as a backup to Luka Dončić. 7. D'Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets Status: Unrestricted free agent Russell has reached the point in his career, where the secret is out. He's not year-to-year consistent in his performance, and his defensive warts remain substantial. He can score a bit, shoot a bit and pass a bit, but rarely put it all together. Orlando should give him a look, but only at a price point it feels comfortable with. 8. Dennis Schröder, Detroit Pistons Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement Schröder is capable, he's fast and he can get you points if you need them, even if you need them at a scaled up capacity. However, he remains an iffy shooter, his defense isn't what it once was, and he's getting older. He'll get a contract, but don't expect it to run more than a couple of years and at a modest compensation level.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top NBA free-agent small forwards: It's tough to imagine LeBron James leaving the Lakers
There's a legend at the top of the list, but things drop off pretty quickly after that. Let's break down the top small 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 1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Status: Player option Value of option: $52,627,153 Another year, another LeBron James player option. The man likes his control, and who can blame him? After all, he's 40 now and the most statistically accomplished player in NBA history. Keeping his own options open seems fair, especially as the end has to be near. (Right? It has to be, doesn't it? He's 40 for crying out loud!) Advertisement James remains a top-20 player — some will argue he's higher, and there's certainly a case to be made for that — so his decision will have ripple effects for the Lakers, but it would be fairly surprising if wasn't back with L.A. What makes sense: His son, Bronny, is a Laker, so another year of on-court bonding should be of interest to James. More than likely, he opts out and signs a new one-plus-one deal, maintaining control of his future. 2. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers Status: Player option Value of option: $8,382,150 The 29-year-old wing might not be an All-Star, but he can score at a fairly high level (16.6 points over his past three seasons), is a decent rebounder and will compete defensively even if that side of the floor doesn't always come naturally to him. Advertisement That type of production isn't always easy to install onto a team, as Oubre does need shots and touches without being super efficient, but if he were to accept a sixth-man role on a good team, perhaps there's a path to success that could see him and the team he signs with level up. What makes sense: The Sixers are a bit of a mess, but that also means they could have a need for scoring. If Oubre dreams of producing a lot of numbers, sticking around makes sense. If his priority is to join a good team, taking a smaller deal in Boston to serve as a one-year replacement for Jayson Tatum shouldn't be ruled out. 4. Caris LeVert, Atlanta Hawks Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement LeVert isn't usually a pillar of efficiency, but this year he seemed more deliberate and careful with his shots, leading to one of the best years of his career, albeit in somewhat low volume. The 30-year-old seems to be embracing his new life as a backup wing, one that suits him given that a starting spot is a bit too much for him. What makes sense: There are minutes to be found in Atlanta, so sticking around isn't the worst idea. He won't be receiving starter-money offers regardless, so optimizing the situation should be his priority. 5. Taurean Prince, Milwaukee Bucks Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement Sometimes, you just need someone who is predictable and consistent within his own role. That's Prince. He'll take open 3-pointers — and make them at a high clip — play some out-of-position defense and give you a solid locker-room presence. The best part? It won't break the bank to bring him in, and he's perfectly capable of playing off more dynamic players. He might not be a starter you rely on deep into the postseason, but he's a card you can play when you need veteran leadership. What makes sense: Prince joined Milwaukee last year in hopes of making a Finals push. While that didn't materialize, the strategy wasn't bad. Could he and the Denver Nuggets have a shared interest that could benefit both sides? 6. Amir Coffey, Los Angeles Clippers Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement Coffey got better this season, and a large part of that was his floor-spacing capabilities. The 6-foot-7 wing shot almost 40.9% from 3-point range on a career-high 3.4 attempts per game, which should make him interesting to multiple teams in need of a player who can bend defenses. At almost 28, Coffey's next contract will presumably take him through his prime years, so if he and his agent were to prioritize money, that'd be an entirely fair approach. What makes sense: Sniff out the teams most desperate for 3-point shooting and leverage that need into the biggest payday possible. 7. Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers Status: Team option Value of option: $1,955,377 Advertisement You'd be excused if you aren't too familiar with Edwards' game, as the rookie played for a Sixers team that most fans turned their attention away from after a gruesome start, middle and end to the year. The 21-year-old did well under the circumstances. He scored at a decent clip (10.1 points), was a solid rebounder and proved to be able to hit outside shots with some regularity. While young, you can see the path toward a larger role. What makes sense: Philadelphia represents an avenue for minutes and general opportunity, and it has the control to bring him back and perhaps keep him long term next summer. On the off chance the 76ers don't keep Edwards, every team with an average age of under 26 should be calling his agent. Advertisement Best of the rest Jae'Sean Tate, Houston Rockets Status: Unrestricted free agent Tate lost a ton of minutes this season due to a crowded roster, and he's knocking on the door of entering his 30s. That doesn't mean he isn't good, or that he won't help a team. But it does mean he should be very gettable this summer. Ziaire Williams, Brooklyn Nets Status: Restricted free agent The athletic wing can play multiple positions and is still young. While his game is still more theoretical than practical, there's enough juice there for teams to keep squeezing. Who knows? In the right place and in the right role, perhaps there's a breakout looming.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top NBA free-agent shooting guards: Yes, James Harden and Kyrie Irving played most of their minutes at off guard last season
Teams can begin negotiating with free agents at 6 p.m. ET June 30, and shooting guard is perhaps the best position of an unremarkable overall class. Let's dive in and break down the potential top shooting guards in this year's free-agent market. 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. That's why you'll find James Harden and Kyrie Irving in the shooting guard section.) Free-agent position rankings: Point guards 1. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers Status: Player option Value of option: $36,346,154 Harden silenced plenty of critics by displaying an ability to return to his high-volume ways, which seemed to have deserted him the previous season. That should raise the level of optimism around him despite the fact he'll be entering next season at t36. Advertisement Additionally, for the first time in a fairly long while, it appears Harden has found a home in which he's comfortable and has found some stability. The Clippers' success only suggests an added interest in returning. What makes sense: Should Harden opt out and sign a new one-plus-one deal worth max money, that would allow both him and the Clippers to play the rest of his career by ear. That said, if Harden has reached the point in his career where financial compensation means less to him, all the better for the Clippers and their hope of improving the roster. 2. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks Status: Player option Value of option: $42,962,963 Advertisement Irving would have been first on the list had it not been for the ACL tear he suffered, which raises questions about his future, given that he's 33 and often relies on speedy dribbles and shifty changes of direction to gain separation. Then there's the added drama of being in Dallas, an organization that traded Luka Dončić and then won the NBA Draft Lottery. Does it make sense for Irving to rehab for a year and then join 19-year-old Cooper Flagg? What makes sense: Irving is famous for not always doing the obvious, but this time around — due to his injury — it's probably fair to expect him to pick up his option and then hash out his future in 2026. That said, should he ask for a trade and point to a location that's closer to winning a title, that shouldn't come as a shock. 3. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers Status: Restricted free agent Advertisement The numbers don't do Grimes justice, as he averaged nearly 22 points per game after his midseason trade to Philadelphia. The sweet-shooting guard displayed a previously unknown ability to create consistent looks off the dribble, putting him in a tier or two higher than most originally had him in. He's a player who should be receiving plenty of attention and interest from the outside, but given how the market is overall low on available money, this gives the Sixers a significant advantage. What makes sense: Grimes could sign a shorter deal with the Sixers to give him an easier out in a few seasons. Given the contract complications of Joel Embiid and Paul George, the future is on extremely shaky ground, so having an out wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. 4. Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement The Pistons proved to be the right fit for Beasley, who was dangerously close to entering 'perpetual journeyman' territory. Of course, now the real challenge begins. Beasley signed just a one-year contract last offseason, outplayed it spectacularly, and now the Pistons are left with two options to keep him: find a way to create cap space to sign him into that, or see if he'll bite on the non-tax MLE. What makes sense: Beasley, 28, knows the system works for him, which should lead to even more money down the road. If he accepts three years of the non-tax MLE, with a player option for the third season, he can opt out and Detroit will have full Bird rights due to him being on their team for three straight seasons. This would allow the Pistons to re-sign him to a major contract in the summer of 2027. 5. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets Status: Restricted free agent Advertisement Look, opinions differ greatly on Thomas due to his lack of size, shaky defense and the fact he isn't much of a playmaker. But one thing that should be indisputable is his ability to put the ball through the damn rim. The question with Thomas should exclusively center around his future role. Is he a starting two guard or a high-volume sixth man with the potential to drop 20 off the bench for years to come? The answer to that question will heavily influence his compensation level. What makes sense: Thomas, 23, will seek starter money, but the Nets aren't in a position to know whether that will be his long-term role. They should squeeze as hard as they can, if only to make him more attractive on the trade market within the next few years. Thomas and his team could respond by arguing for a richer contract that runs for a shorter term, such as two years. That should satisfy both parties. Advertisement Best of the rest Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves Status: Unrestricted free agent Alexander-Walker is a formidable two-way role player who has become more consistent with his 3-point shot. Nevertheless, he is still a role player who will likely be overtaxed as a starter. The full non-tax MLE seems like a reasonable expectation. Bruce Brown, New Orleans Pelicans Status: Unrestricted free agent Since winning the championship with Denver in 2023, Brown, 28, has seemed lost while he's been touring the NBA. With his large contract now concluded, making his return to Denver to play alongside Nikola Jokić would be a strong outcome. The all-around connector still has age on his side, and he could greatly rehab his value in a familiar system. Keon Ellis, Sacramento Kings Status: Team option (but less straightforward) Advertisement The Kings can either decline his option and see him enter restricted free agency this season, or they can pick up the option and hope to extend him when he becomes eligible on Feb. 9, 2026. The safe bet is restricted free agency, as Ellis can otherwise decline any extension and head into the summer of 2026 as an unrestricted free agent.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
The Suns are curiously expected to keep Jalen Green after Kevin Durant trade
After months of speculation, the Phoenix Suns finally agreed on a deal to trade Kevin Durant. They even got a decent package back for him in return. The draft capital that Phoenix received is fairly interesting as they now have the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They also received five additional second-round picks as part of the deal as well. But the most notable acquisition is Jalen Green, who has shown some flashes of greatness during his professional career. That includes two nods as Western Conference Player of the Week last season and one the season prior to that. Green was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and is still just 23 years old, born on the exact same day as Nique Clifford, who is a projected top-20 pick in the upcoming class. Even though Green has already signed his second NBA contract, which will officially begin next season, he is still younger than every player who was rostered by the Suns last season except for just rookie forward Ryan Dunn. However, per Basketball-Reference, he has played 78 percent of his minutes at shooting guard in the NBA. That is the same position as Devin Booker (68 percent) and Bradley Beal (78 percent) who are both unlikely to leave their team any time soon. That suggests Green would have made sense as a potential trade candidate for the Suns. However, per John Gambadoro, the organization is expected to keep him in Phoenix. It seems that the plan is to have Green and Booker share a backcourt with Beal presumably coming off the bench and leading the second unit. While neither Green nor Booker are natural point guards and floor generals, as of right now, that's what the new Phoenix front office is apparently planning. They could potentially use the No. 10 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft to find a good complement to that core. But as of now, expect the Suns to re-tool around Booker and Green as their backcourt of the future.
