NBA free agency: Top small forwards on the market

DeMar DeRozan can still get it done. Will he be back in Chicago? (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

A lot of money will be spent on small forwards this summer, as the position has become one of the most important in the league. You’ll find all kinds of different types, too: scoring wings with playmaking chops, star defenders, 3-and-D guys, athletic anomalies, you name it.

While some are expected to stay with their current teams, there is some real potential in this group for some jersey-changing — if teams with considerable cap space are up for it.

This year’s top free agents: point guards | shooting guards

Status: unrestricted free agent
2023-24 salary: $28,600,000
2023-24 digits: 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists

The Chicago Bulls have adored their time with DeRozan and are keen to let the good times roll, with the former All-Star reportedly being offered a two-year deal worth in the area of $80 million to keep him in the Windy City.

DeRozan, who will turn 35 in August, is no spring chicken, nor does he fit what the Bulls need, which is a thorough rebuild after years of ineptitude. That said, he’s still got a wicked game built on footwork, strength, ball-handling and the ability to knock down 500 mid-range jumpers a season.

While it would be far more interesting to see DeRozan playing for a contender, being handed $40 million per year, while having the green light to shoot, is an extremely attractive offer.

Status: unrestricted free agent (player option)
2023-24 salary: $18,642,857
2023-24 digits: 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists

When the New York Knicks traded for Anunoby in late December, it wasn’t just to make a deep run in this year’s postseason. They want to keep him long term and will make him their No. 1 priority this offseason.

Unfortunately for the Knicks, they’ll have competition. As one of the best two-way wings in the NBA, Anunoby is bound to receive attention from many corners of the league, likely forcing New York to pay a premium to retain him.

The soon-to-be 27-year-old will be entering his prime years, so it makes sense the next four years will be his most…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-free-agency-top-small-forwards-on-the-market-151708519.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-21 15:17:08

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