With the NBA offseason finally here, talk will shift to player movement, and there is no bigger name on the market than the one who had a hand in making player movement such a big part of the league: LeBron James.
Let’s break down the top small forwards in this year’s free agent market, including one of the all-time greats.
(Note: Positions are 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
Status: Unrestricted free agent
We still don’t know if James has interest in returning to the Lakers, or if he has a wandering eye toward greener pastures. Regardless, the fact that he’s 41 and is clearly in physical decline could suggest we’ve seen the last of him being on the receiving end of a max contract.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t still hold value. It simply means he’s not what he used to be, and the fit will have to make sense as the roster will need to be tailored around him.
What makes sense: This man is 41 and still averaging over 20/5/5 in the NBA. Nothing makes sense. The Golden State Warriors would be an interesting landing spot.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $30.1 million
The 31-year-old wing might not be an All-Star, but he can score at a fairly high level, remains a solid defender and moves the ball well within a team scheme. Furthermore, Wiggins has improved as a shooter, to the point he’s far more comfortable spotting up when fed by others.
The fact that Wiggins can also swing between off-guard, the wing and even play the four allows him to be a multifaceted player who can help most teams.
What makes sense: Turning down over $30 million isn’t easy, but at 31, now might be the best time for him to lock up something long term if he wants to squeeze out one last big contract in his career. Would a three-year, $75 million deal be enough?
Status: Restricted free agent
Watson broke out for Denver this season and will likely command a hefty paycheck, seeing as he’s one of the premier young two-way wings in the NBA. He hit 41.1% from 3-point range and guarded everyone from off-guards to centers.
Young teams will undoubtedly have interest in Watson, and with Denver being an expensive team, it could lose him.
What makes sense: Denver would love to retain Watson, but would likely have to make moves to free up the money. There’s a chance he plays elsewhere next season.
Status: Restricted free agent
Eason might be one of the few RFA’s an outside team can pry away, seeing as he’s likely to become almost too rich for Houston, which is already paying Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr.
Eason is an energetic wing who can play both forward spots, has 3-point range, rebounds at a high level and can run in transition. He could be gold for the right team.
What makes sense: It’d be surprising to see Eason accept less than $20 million per year, yet it’d be especially surprising to see him earn that from the Rockets, unless they plan to move him later. It’s a tricky balance.
Status: Team option
Value of option: $3 million
After starting 68 games this season, Champagnie holds enormous value for the Spurs as a 3&D wing who can slide both up and down the position scale.
He’ll be 25 when next season tips off, which means he’ll likely look to sign through his prime years if the Spurs decline his option with the idea of giving him a raise. They almost assuredly won’t risk losing him in free agency.
What makes sense: Champagnie is extension-eligible, and a deal averaging between $15 million-18 million per year sounds realistic.
Best of the rest
6. Bennedict Mathurin, Los Angeles Clippers
Status: Restricted free agent
A high-scoring guard with solid rebounding skills who can get to the line with ease is a rare find, especially when said player is only 23 years old. Mathurin will have a market, but the Clippers have the ultimate control.
7. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
Status: Unrestricted free agent
While he’s never been a featured player, Oubre has been solid for a good while now. The 30-year-old has averaged 16 points over his past eight seasons and is usually reliable as a slasher and spontaneous playmaker.
8. Ziaire Williams, Brooklyn Nets
Status: Team option
Value of option: $6.2 million
The 24-year-old has put together two solid seasons. He’s a solid shooter and good defender, but his rebounding leaves a lot to be desired. If a team believes he can be worth more than this option, that’s a win for him. However, expect a similar level of compensation.
9. Leonard Miller, Chicago Bulls
Status: Team option
Value of option: $2.4 million
Miller had a tremendous run for the Bulls after landing there from Minnesota before the deadline, which almost assuredly means they’ll pick up his option, and he’ll find himself on this list again next year.
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