5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value

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DENVER, CO – APRIL 10: Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on April 10, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value: Malik Monk, SG

Zach Lavine may headline the shooting guard free agents, but the Los Angeles Lakers’ guard presents as an intriguing prospect for teams looking to lure him away from Los Angeles. The fifth-year product was a rare bright spot in an otherwise horrific Lakers season, averaging a career-high 13.8 points on a more than respectable 47.3% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.

How Monk views himself is fascinating, especially after surprisingly signing a minimum contract with the Lakers last off-season. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fisher, Los Angeles may find it difficult to retain him in free agency.

"“Expectations among league personnel polled by B/R for Monk’s next salary are quite varied but have ranged from an average annual value between $5 million and $10 million, far above the minimum number that the Lakers were able to sign him for this season.”"

Monk’s defense is a question mark, as is his value as a winning player given he’s yet to play in a playoff game during his five seasons. Still, his offensive production would certainly be worth between $10-15 million per season, especially given he’s young and still ascending.

You’d think it’s unlikely he accepts another minimum deal, yet it shouldn’t be completely ruled out. Neither should a $15 million per season contract be ruled out either, particularly for a team after a quality sixth man capable of being a microwave scorer.

Estimated contract: Two-year, $20 million

5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value: TJ Warren, SF

If we were basing it purely off his performance in The Bubble, the Indiana Pacers wing would be a near-max contract player. Unfortunately, that seems like a long time ago now, with Warren missing the entirety of this season and having played just four games last season.

Given his injury issues, a team could certainly get a bargain pickup in free agency should he overcome his foot worries. There are potential parallels to be made between Warren and Otto Porter Jr., with the latter now playing a vital role for the Golden State Warriors after a couple of seasons with major injury issues.

Warren’s expiring contract was a four-year, $47 million deal, one that appeared incredibly team-friendly over the first two years. He averaged nearly 20 points across the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, shooting over 50% from the field and over 40% from three.

The 28-year-old could certainly look for another two or three-year deal at $10-12 million per season. Alternatively, he could take the Porter route and sign a minimum deal with a contender, recoup his value by playing well in big playoff games, then reassess his contract situation next off-season.

Estimated Contract: One-year minimum deal