This season's NBA free-agent class is loaded with talent, especially at the small forward position. Here are the five best available.
During this offseason, there is a lot of talent available that could change the landscape of the league. A team's title chances could be blown up if one of their key pieces doesn't stay with them long-term, or vault into contention with the right addition. At the small forward position, there is plenty of talent in free agency for teams to try and make that key upgrade.
Best available NBA free agent small forwards: 5. Dillon Brooks
Dillion Brooks had a very messy exit with the Grizzlies. His value will dip after his disastrous playoff run and subsequent dismissal from Memphis. Still, someone will value his play enough to make an offer even if he doesn't get the $20 million per season he reportedly wants. If he speaks out of turn during his free agency, he could end up overseas but his defensive play with the Grizzlies was very good this season to not put on this list.
Best available NBA free agent small forwards: 4. Cam Johnson
Cam Johnson is a very good young player who has established himself as a solid 3-and-D wing. Johnson played very well during his time in Brooklyn after being traded from Phoenix and he's one of the most reliable contributors available in this key role every team needs.
The Nets will likely try to match any offer that they get for Johnson due to the fact that they traded the best quite possibly the best player in the world. The Nets are looking to make the playoff at the very least this upcoming season. Keeping Johnson will be a part of doing that.
The only real shot that a team could do to get Johnson away from the Nets is to offer a near-max contract to get the Nets to not match the contract.
Best available NBA free agent small forwards: 3. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Kelly Oubre can be a wing player that plays 10-15 minutes for the right team, or fill a larger role on a fringe playoff team. If you need a team who needs an okay wing defender, Oubre is your guy. His 3-point shooting really dipped this season — from 34 percent to 31 percent from the floor. He isn't the best defender in the world but he is switchable and has the strength and length to guard multiple positions.
A contract of around $10 million dollars per year could help a team get over the hump to title contention if Oubre is given the right bench role, but he may be looking for a much higher salar. If Oubre is able to get his 3-point shot back to the way it was before this year, a signing for any team could be an absolute steal. If he continues to be a shaky shooter, his value is diminished and the role he could play on a strong playoff team is much smaller.
Best available NBA free agent small forwards: 2. Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma goes into this summer with a chance to earn a major paycheck after his improved play with Washington. The Wizards are in a very weird spot for their future. They are set to basically have a ceiling of play-in and be near paying the tax. Still, they have decided to go forward with this group by trying to re-sign Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, even if it seems ill-advised.
Fielding a team that doesn't make the playoffs and is paying near the luxury tax limit is not a winning business idea. Still, Ted Leonsis appears to be on board. It seems that the Wizards will try and resign Kuzma after not trading him at the deadline. A new front office will be in charge but it seems like the Wizards will try their best to re-sign him on a deal that will likely be over $100 million.
Kuzma could be a perfect fit for any team in this league. He is a great offensive creator and solid two-way wing but he is probably miscast as a primary scorer. He is a starter in this league who could be a perfect fit for a team needing just one change for title contention. On the Wizards, he might just be the best player on a bad team.
Best available NBA free agent small forwards: 1. Khris Middleton
Middleton has a player option that he will likely decline as he looks for one more long-term deal. At this point, it's not clear if either he or the Bucks are interested in staying together.
The Bucks are already in a tricky spot due to the fact that they will have to extend Middleton who has extensive knee injury problems on a long-term max deal, or get buy-in from Giannis in going another direction. Other teams will come for Middleton including the Rockets who will have max space this summer. The All-Star could probably not find a situation where he is able to compete for a title and gets a max contract. Still, the offers will be there.
The Bucks also have to deal with Brook Lopez's free agency and if they want to contend again next season, it seems like the only real option for the Bucks is to pony up and pay Middleton his money. If not, they may have to take a dip for a year or two to build a new contender around Giannis.
Check out The Step Back for more news, analysis, opinion and unique basketball coverage. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our daily email newsletter, The Whiteboard.
