2018 NBA free agency: Ranking top available players at every position
Small Forward
156. . Player Option for 2018-19. . LeBron James. 1. player
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.
. Kevin Durant. 2. player. 41. . Player Option for 2018-19
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.
. Unrestricted Free Agent. . Paul George. 3. player. 149
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.
Early Termination Option. . Carmelo Anthony. 4. player. 149.
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.
169. . Unrestricted Free Agent. . Trevor Ariza. 5. player
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)