Free agency is perhaps the most chaotic period of the NBA calendar, with some big names headlining what’s sure to be another bumper edition in 2022.
But outside the obvious storylines surrounding those big names, there’s also a handful of players who will enter free agency with varying levels of uncertainty. Whether it be through form and/or injury issues, there are a number of players whose contract value is hard to gauge.
NBA free agency can make or break franchises, particularly when evaluating players whose perceived value may vary greatly. Here’s one player at each position whose free agency will be an interesting watch given their uncertain value.
5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value: Collin Sexton, PG
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard was limited to just 11 games this season, sidelined by a torn meniscus that resulted in season-ending surgery. That injury complicates Sexton’s free agency, with his value now up in the air after he and Cleveland failed to reach an agreement on a rookie contract extension last offseason.
Cavaliers beat writer Chris Fedor recently told the HoopsHype podcast that “there’s a gap they need to close this offseason”, believing the two sides are negotiating Sexton’s value between 15-22 million dollars per season.
On the Cavaliers’ side is the fact the 23-year-old is a restricted free agent, meaning they can match whatever offer another team may put forward. Would another team be willing to overpay for a talented, young point guard whose shown clear production in his first few seasons?
The New York Knicks are still in search of a starting point guard and have been linked to the former eighth overall pick. It’s not unfathomable to think they (or another team) could offer something in the range of four-year, $100 million.
Although, the Knicks would have to clear salary space to make it happen. It means that Sexton’s value could range anywhere between 15-25 million dollars per season.
Estimated contract: Four-year, $85 million