Top 5 free agents - Small Forward
The three spot features the best player in the world and some other high-value free agents this summer. Whether they return to their teams or not – as at least three of these players are fully expected to do – here are the top five free agents at small forward (with 2014-15 stats).
1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (opted out, unrestricted)
2014/15 salary: $20,644,400
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25.3 | 6 | 7.4 | 1.6 | 25.9 |
Well, duh. The best player of his generation – or arguably any generation – is a free agent again, something we will see again either next summer or the one after. The very fact LeBron James is treating his contract status like this consistently is a testament to what he feels his true market value is, and he's right to do so.
2. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs (restricted)
2014/15 salary: $2,894,059
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.5 | 7.2 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 22 |
Another guy not going anywhere, except perhaps Springfield, Mass., one day. Kawhi Leonard, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is on track to be the latest standout career-San Antonio Spur, joining teammates Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili (plus David Robinson before them).
3. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (restricted)
2014/15 salary: $915,243
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.7 | 8.2 | 3.7 | 1.6 | 16.4 |
You can debate whether Draymond Green is really a power forward, but given the positionless ball the Golden State Warriors had him play to great success in their championship season, it doesn't really matter. He can guard multiple positions and still bang inside and block shots (1.3 per game this past year).
Ten years ago a player like the 6-foot-7 Green would probably have been derided as a "tweener," but his intrinsic two-way value to the Warriors cannot be understated. Take him away this past season, and they don't win it all.
Other squads – for instance, the Detroit Pistons or Toronto Raptors – would dream with their mouths agape like Homer Simpson at the prospect of landing Green. But given what he means to the Dubs and his restricted status, it just ain't happening.
4. Tobias Harris, Orlando Magic (restricted)
2014/15 salary: $2,380,594
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.1 | 6.3 | 1.8 | 1 | 16.7 |
Finally, wings who may actually fly their coop. Tobias Harris is going to get offer sheets, and early reports have the Pistons and Boston Celtics interested. The Orlando Magic won't necessarily match either, and there's various possibilities as to why – his relationship with new coach Scott Skiles back when both were with the Milwaukee Bucks is one rumored reason.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound Harris is another prototypical combo forward, one with the ability to post up or stretch the floor with an improving outside shot. And only about to turn 23, he could be one of the steals of free agency.
5. DeMarre Carroll, Atlanta Hawks (unrestricted)
2014/15 salary: $2,442,455
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.6 | 5.3 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 15.9 |
DeMarre Carroll is a terrific defender who has found his niche since joining the Atlanta Hawks two years ago. His contributions to Atlanta's success have jacked up his value from a mid-level exception player to a man who is about to get paid extremely well.
The Hawks do not possess his Bird Rights, so they have no advantage in re-signing him. Teams in need of a 3-and-D guy like the Pistons, Raptors, and New York Knicks will have a hard look.