The small forward position is far and away the thinnest when it comes to NBA talent set to hit the open market this offseason. Wings are highly coveted in the league right now, though, so there is going to be a big market for the threes who will be available. So, where are the top free agent small forwards going to sign?
10. Landry Shamet, New York Knicks, UFA
Landry Shamet is a journeyman, but he seems to play rotation minutes wherever he ends up. The Wichita State product is fresh off contributing to an NBA championship, which will help his case in NBA free agency. Shamet doesn’t need a large role, but he can hit open jumpers, and he gives effort on defense. Champions are always coveted when they hit the open market, and a Denver Nuggets team trying to get back into contention could use more wing depth.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets
9. Pat Spencer, Golden State Warriors, RFA
Over the years, the Golden State Warriors have been known for the 3-point shot, whereas the Orlando Magic have oftentimes struggled from deep. The Magic have put in work to improve their team shooting, notably with last year’s acquisition of Desmond Bane, but they still need more snipers. The next step in Pat Spencer’s unique journey to and through the NBA could be to sign with the Magic, where he’d provide grit and outside scoring.
Prediction: Orlando Magic
8. Jaylen Clark, Minnesota Timberwolves, RFA
Jaylen Clark’s offensive game is limited, but he does provide plenty of point-of-attack defense. For a Minnesota Timberwolves team that lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker and his defense last offseason, they can’t afford to lose Clark’s defensive capabilities, too. Considering the UCLA product is a restricted free agent, it shouldn’t be too hard to retain him.
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves
7. Khris Middleton, Dallas Mavericks, UFA
Khris Middleton is known for his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, and he most recently played for the Dallas Mavericks after being included in the Anthony Davis trade. Many fans have forgotten that he actually started his career with the Detroit Pistons. While his first stint in Detroit didn’t work out, a reunion almost a decade and a half later makes sense. The Pistons have plenty of bigs and slashers, but they need more scoring on the wing. Middleton can still get a bucket even at age 34.
Prediction: Detroit Pistons
6. Kevin Porter Jr., Milwaukee Bucks, player option
Kevin Porter Jr. has seemingly found somewhat of a home with the Milwaukee Bucks. For a guard/wing, Porter has always been someone who could stuff the stat sheet in multiple ways. Off-the-court issues have been his downfall in the past, though. He has struggled with injuries, too. Because of that, few teams have been willing to give him a chance in the past, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Porter picked up his player option.
Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks
5. Kelly Oubre, Philadelphia 76ers, UFA
Kelly Oubre has been one of the most underrated players in the NBA for quite some time now. He averaged over 20 points per game with the Charlotte Hornets just a few years ago, and he has been one of the most consistent players on a Philadelphia 76ers team that has been anything but consistent in recent years. Philadelphia would love to have him back, but the Utah Jazz have been aggressive in adding to their roster this year, and they could use another wing to help kickstart their contention.
Prediction: Utah Jazz
4. Andrew Wiggins, Miami Heat, player option
Andrew Wiggins may not have lived up to the hype of being the first overall pick, but he has made a nice little career for himself. The one-time All-Star has a player option on his contract. He seems like a great fit in Miami and could stay with the Heat, whether that is by picking up his option or signing a new deal.
Prediction: Miami Heat
3. Tari Eason, Houston Rockets, RFA
Tari Eason is the heart and soul of the Houston Rockets. He provides energy and transition scoring. The Rockets have started to sacrifice their youth in recent years. Look at the Jalen Green for Kevin Durant trade as proof. Losing even more young talent would hurt. Reports have suggested that the Rockets will do what it takes to bring Eason back, though.
Prediction: Houston Rockets
2. Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder, team option
Lu Dort is one of the most notorious pests in the NBA. He plays hard nosed defense, but he also sometimes crosses the line of being dirty in the eyes of some. He is the type of player whom opposing fans will hate, but his teammates and the fandom of his organization will love him. The Oklahoma City Thunder have expensive team options on both he and Isaiah Hartenstein, though, and it is possible that they won’t retain at least one of them. Dort seems like the more likely candidate to depart because of Oklahoma City’s surplus of perimeter defenders. If Dort hits the open market, a Brooklyn Nets team looking to take the next step forward seems like a great fit. Brooklyn has tons of guards and not enough wings.
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
1. Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets, RFA
Peyton Watson averaged just 3.3 points per game in college, but the Denver Nuggets drafted him in the first round because of his immense potential. His raw traits started to come to fruition this past season, as not only did he continue to display his defensive versatility, but he started to prove himself as a scorer, too. Watson will only continue getting better, and although he isn’t a household name yet, he will be one of the top free agent targets this offseason. Reports have already suggested that the Nuggets are going to shed salary in order to re-sign him.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets
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