Despite the fact that the NBA season is over (congrats, Nuggets!) and the NBA Draft JUST happened, free agency is upon us.
Buckle up. As usual, this means we’re in for some big surprises and serious drama. We’ve already seen some of that with the Bradley Beal trade and the Chris Paul swap that sent Jordan Poole to the Wizards.
As we did last year, we’re ranking the top 20 free agents available when NBA teams are allowed to negotiate starting at June 30, 6 p.m. ET. There aren’t a ton of superstars available (and those who are some of the big names could re-sign with the teams they played for last season). But there’s always the possibility some unhappy stars might get dealt, but they won’t be listed here (spoiler alert: We’ll be back with a list of the possible trade targets this summer!)
Let’s break down the names:
1
James Harden
STATUS: Player option
He’s past his prime … but he’s still a REALLY good player who can bring point guard skills to any team he goes to. That said, his best shot at a ring would probably be staying in Philly.
2
Kyrie Irving
STATUS: Unrestricted
Sigh. The headaches from what he does and says off the court are a factor, but we’re still talking about an elite NBA player here. Could the Mavericks keep him despite the collapse last season?
3
Khris Middleton
STATUS: Player option
Probably the most intriguing non-superstar name on the market. The injuries have been rough on him, but when healthy — as we’ve seen — he’s a two-way stud who can shoot the lights out.
4
Draymond Green
STATUS: Player option
Does he really need an intro? Fine. He’s Draymond Green. He’ll play amazing defense and dish dimes. He’ll be a locker room leader who also borders on locker room problem. If he leaves the Warriors, it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in wherever he goes. That said, he may not leave.
5
Fred VanVleet
STATUS: Player option
Need a solid point guard and NBA champion who will stabilize your team? Here’s your guy.
6
Kristaps Porzingis
STATUS: Player option
Slightly complicated, in that he was dealt to the Celtics but he could still opt out. That said, it feels like he’s staying either way. Still, we have to list him here.
7
Brook Lopez
STATUS: Unrestricted
Dude is getting up there in years, but it doesn’t matter. He’s still one of the NBA’s elite presences in the paint and can spread the floor with his shooting.
8
Jerami Grant
STATUS: Unrestricted
Dare I call him underrated? Sure do. He’s absolutely exploded since leaving the Nuggets, with stops in Detroit and Portland proving that he can be valuable on both ends of the floor. He deserves a bigger contract than you think.
9
Austin Reaves
STATUS: Restricted
Nope, not kidding. He’s really good. Could someone steal him away from the Lakers?
10
Kyle Kuzma
STATUS: Player option
He’s developed into the kind of key rotation player who could be a contender’s No. 3 option. That should result in a nice payday for him.
11
Jakob Poeltl
STATUS: Unrestricted
This big man and the next one are intriguing options, but I like that Poeltl’s younger and his defense is good.
12
Nikola Vucevic
STATUS: Unrestricted
Also a good center option, but more for shooting and rebounding.
13
Cameron Johnson
STATUS: Restricted
I actually think I have him too low here. He’s proven to be a really valuable 3-and-D piece with both the Suns and Nets.
14
D'Angelo Russell
STATUS: Unrestricted
Not a top-tier point guard, but certainly one who could give you scoring and dimes.
15
Harrison Barnes
STATUS: Unrestricted
He’s a solid veteran wing, the kind of player you want on your cotneder.
16
Bruce Brown
STATUS: Player option
Did you see what he did for the Nuggets on their way to a title? He’s an ideal bench role player who does a little bit of everything.
17
Jordan Clarkson
STATUS: Player option
He scores. A lot.
18
Josh Hart
STATUS: Player option
Another off-the-bench, do-a-little-of-everything player.
19
Christian Wood
STATUS: Unrestricted
The good news: He’s a very tall man who can score from long distances on the court.
The bad news: His defense in the middle is bad. There’s got to be a place for him where that could be balanced out.
20
Gabe Vincent
STATUS: Unrestricted
He was a key cog in the Heat’s run to the Finals, and perhaps a preview of things to come from the guard.
