The 2018 NBA free agency class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Here are the positional rankings for players who could be available next offseason.
Is it too early for the 2018 NBA free agency conversation to start? Some might believe so, but I beg to differ. For many teams, the postseason is little more than a pipe dream. Even for some contenders, they may still be a piece away from making a serious run at the NBA Finals.
Hence, we start talking about NBA free agency. It just so happens the upcoming class of talent has the potential to be one of the most star-studded in recent memory. With players like LeBron James and DeMarcus Cousins possibly headed for the open market, there’s going to be plenty of money thrown around when July arrives.
The only problem with that is there are only so many teams with serious spending power. Most of the big spending happened this past offseason, after teams got fed up with the slow-rebuild approach. The league as a whole is banding together to dethrone the Golden State Warriors, which is why so many massive contracts were handed out earlier this year.
Still, there’s enough talent potentially available in 2018 that teams will maneuver as needed to create the necessary cap space. Depending on who actually becomes available, we could see a feeding frenzy when the new league year begins.
Related Story: Big-name NBA players allegedly on trade block
For now, though, let’s just focus on which players could possibly be wading through the 2018 NBA free agency waters. With that in mind, here are my rankings of the top available talents at every position, from point guard to center.
Point Guard
More than likely, the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t trade away Kyrie Irving to watch Isaiah Thomas leave after one year. Unfortunately for them, that’s not their choice to make. Depending on how 2017-18 goes, Thomas could decide to take his talents elsewhere. Don’t be surprised to see IT test his value on the open market, where he figures to command a max contract — especially if LeBron James bails on Cleveland
Again, it’s highly unlikely Chris Paul enters free agency. The Rockets didn’t trade all of those assets — and Paul didn’t pass on big bucks with the Clippers — to jump ship after only one year. It may cost them other assets, but Houston seems destined to re-sign CP3 before he touches the free agency waters. If he became available, though, Paul would be in line for one more massive deal.
Even on a terrific Boston Celtics team, Marcus Smart is still a mixed bag. On one hand, he’s been an exceptional piece of the puzzle this season, largely due to his excellent defense and ability to set his teammates up. On the other hand, his shooting efficiency has tanked. Smart isn’t going to give any NBA offense a significant boost, but it’s the other ways he makes an impact that should pique the interest of a number of teams come July.
Tony Parker may be scheduled for free agency, but I find it hard to believe he finds a new place to call home. Either the San Antonio Spurs decide to re-sign him, or he simply calls it a career and hangs his sneakers up for good. Realistically, it all depends on how he bounces back from a ruptured quad he suffered last postseason. If he returns with a vengeance, expect Parker to be back in San Antonio for another campaign.
There’s plenty to love and plenty to hate about Elfrid Payton’s game. He’s had some trouble clicking with the Orlando Magic coaching staff as well, but has still flashed enough upside to avoid being traded away. Although he lacks a reliable shot and turns the ball over too often, there’s some team out there that’ll be willing to pay Payton big money to see if a change of scenery can unlock his full potential.
Other notable pending free agents: Jeremy Lin, Brooklyn Nets (player option in 2018-19); Cory Joseph, Indiana Pacers (player option for 2018-19); Rajon Rondo, New Orleans Pelicans (unrestricted free agent)
Shooting Guard
One of the reasons for the Detroit Pistons’ sudden relevance in the East is the arrival of Avery Bradley from Boston. The defensive-minded guard has been a revelation in the Motor City, using his lockdown abilities and improving shooting to make a tremendous impact. At this current pace, Bradley will be one of the hottest commodities on the market — if the Pistons even let him go.
Coming off a torn ACL, Zach LaVine’s future seems shrouded in uncertainty right now. Despite that, we know what to expect from the uber-athletic guard when he is healthy. He’s a dynamic offensive talent who loves to play above the rim. If he can bounce back in a big way with the Chicago Bulls, we could see a number of clubs clawing at his door when 2018 free agency begins.
The 2017-18 campaign is going to be a huge one for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Signed by the Lakers to a one-year deal, he now has one chance to prove he’s worth a max contract next offseason. Up to this point, he’s proven to be an exceptional 3-and-D player who can light it up at times. Can he take that next step as a consistent playmaker for Los Angeles?
As expected, Rodney Hood is enjoying a breakout season of sorts following the departure of Gordon Hayward. Although he still hasn’t quite lived up to his full potential, his scoring and shooting efficiency have returned to 2015 form. If his defensive effectiveness can improve, we could even be looking at a possible max-deal talent come 2018. Maybe a change of scenery would bring out the best in Hood?
Danny Green may be getting up there in age, but he’s still one of the most dependable wing players in the NBA. A terrific 3-and-D player, he continues to make his presence felt for the Spurs despite a plethora of talent at the 2 and 3 positions. Don’t think for a second that, if Green decides to test the market in 2018, there won’t be plenty of teams eager to get him under contract.
Other notable pending free agents: J.J. Redick, Philadelphia 76ers (unrestricted free agent); Dwyane Wade, Cleveland Cavaliers (unrestricted free agent); Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers (unrestricted free agent)
Small Forward
It’s still anyone’s guess what the future may hold for James. Some folks seem to believe he’ll bail on the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the Los Angeles Lakers. Others are convinced he isn’t going anywhere. Then there’s another group that’s confident he’ll take his talents somewhere other than LA. Regardless, chaos is sure to ensue if LeBron does in fact look for a new place to call home.
At this point, the odds seem stacked in favor of Kevin Durant remaining with the Golden State Warriors for at least another season or two. Still in his prime with a ridiculous two-way skill-set, he’ll continue to be one of the league’s true superstars. It’ll be interesting to see if he decides to actual take visits when he inevitably opts out of his deal, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Can the Oklahoma City Thunder do enough to keep Paul George past this season? It’s been a mixed bag so far, but it’ll all come down to the team’s postseason performance. Otherwise, there’s a good chance PG-13 takes his talents elsewhere. Most assume the Lakers are the logical landing spot, but plenty of teams will be looking to make a pitch to one of the league’s elite two-way wings.
There’s a lot to consider in Carmelo Anthony’s situation. Do the Thunder contend enough to convince him to stay? Will he simply decide to play through the final year of his contract, or does he believe he can make more via free agency? Is he already tired of playing/living in Oklahoma City? Chances are he looks for a max deal on the open market, but stranger things have happened in the NBA.
Another aging veteran who still has it, Trevor Ariza was starring in the 3-and-D role before it was a thing. Although his effectiveness on both ends has wavered a bit in recent years, he’s still a quality starter who can make major contributions on a contending team. If the Houston Rockets even let him walk this offseason, there will be several interested parties vying for the right to plug him as a prominent role player.
Other notable pending free agents: Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets (player option for 2018-19); Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs (player option for 2018-19); Kyle Anderson, San Antonio Spurs (restricted free agent)
Power Forward
Jabari Parker’s final position on this list will depend on how the upcoming season plays out. He’s coming off his second torn ACL since entering the league, but obviously offers an abundance of upside as a former No. 2 overall pick. If he can bounce back strong and show that he’s beginning to tap into that potential, he could be one of the most coveted restricted free agents of 2018. If not, he may be forced to sign a discount deal for another opportunity to prove his worth.
There was a lot of uncertainty about what to expect from Julius Randle in 2017-18. He wasn’t even a starter to begin the year, and still isn’t. Despite that, he’s made a huge impact off the bench as a high-energy spark plug for the Lakers on both ends. There’s a decent chance he’s traded before February’s deadline, but figures to receive a huge pay raise in 2018 one way or another.
Now back at his natural power forward position, Aaron Gordon is enjoying a breakout season for the Orlando Magic. A terrific athlete for his size, the former lottery pick has all of the tools to be a star in this league. Although his development has been slow up to this point, don’t be surprised to see him garner plenty of attention when he hits restricted free agency in July.
A well-rounded threat at the power forward position, Derrick Favors has proven himself to be an outstanding presence in the Utah frontcourt. The only problem up to this point has been his history of injuries, which could scare some potential suitors away. Still, he offers enough offensive skills to warrant a lucrative contract on the open market — if the Jazz don’t trade him before then.
Thaddeus Young doesn’t fit the stretch-4 mold so many teams covet these days, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make his mark on offense. He’s an athletic, powerful forward who does a great job of using off-ball movement to create opportunities for himself. Young isn’t necessarily a hot commodity, but he’ll make someone happy if he decides against exercising his player option.
Other notable pending free agents: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks (team option in 2018-19); Trevor Booker, Brooklyn Nets (unrestricted free agent); Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls (unrestricted free agent)
Center
How the Pelicans’ 2017-18 season goes will determine whether or not Cousins hits free agency. If things go well alongside Anthony Davis and the coaching staff can handle his abrasive personality, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him return. If he decides to test the market, he’ll easily be the best big man available. He’s arguably the NBA’s best offensive center and will only be 26 next offseason.
One of the NBA’s premier big men, DeAndre Jordan is an excellent scorer and rebounder at the center position. He also has a history of being a big-time shot blocker, but took a step back in that category last season. There’s some belief he’ll stay in Los Angeles, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him test the market with the way this season is unfolding. That is, if they don’t trade him first.
I find it hard to believe the Rockets will let Clint Capela walk next offseason. The only way I see that happening is if they prioritize re-signing players such as Paul over their young big man. It seems unlikely, but crazier things happen in the NBA all the time. If he does hit the market, he’ll be one of the most intriguing options available with the potential to reel in a huge contract.
At 29 years of age, Brook Lopez is still a plus starter at center. He’s developed a 3-point shot, and is more than capable of putting up big points on a nightly basis. His defense is average and he isn’t the type of rim protector most teams are looking for, but he can inject some offense into any lineup in need of more size. If he continues to shine for the Lakers, his stock will increase significantly.
Jusuf Nurkic has been a huge part of the Portland Trail Blazers’ turnaround since he was acquired in a trade for Mason Plumlee. Don’t expect him to be going anywhere as a restricted free agent.
Next: Big names most likely to be dealt before deadline
Other notable pending free agents: Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers (restricted free agent); Enes Kanter, New York Knicks (player option for 2018-19); Greg Monroe, Phoenix Suns (unrestricted free agent); Nerlens Noel, Dallas Mavericks (unrestricted free agent)