5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value

5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value: Marvin Bagley III, PF

The 23-year-old has had an underwhelming career to date, one perhaps best known as the selection before Dallas Mavericks’ superstar Luka Doncic in the 2018 draft. The former number two overall pick had a highly publicised falling out with the Sacramento Kings, before being dealt to the Detroit Pistons on February 10.

How Bagley’s career pans out will be interesting, starting with a crucial offseason that could make or break it. He did have a productive 18 games with Detroit, averaging 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds off the bench.

There are a couple of key questions potential suitors will be asking themselves. Firstly, what is Bagley’s best position on the floor? He’s struggled to defend the more athletic players as a power forward, plus his three-point shot is yet to develop to a consistent level. Conversely, is he physical and aggressive enough to be a long-term center at the NBA level?

Secondly, how much do other teams weigh into Sacramento’s inability to develop young players? Could a successful playoff team trust their coaching staff to turnaround Bagley’s career and develop him into a valuable piece to a contending team?

That question may also come down to Bagley. Would he accept a smaller deal to go to a playoff team, or will he look to maximize his value by joining a developing team or re-signing with the Pistons? His status as a restricted free agent makes the first option unlikely, with Detroit capable of matching any deal put forward.

Estimated Contract: Two-year, $13 million

5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value: Mo Bamba, C

Another player from the 2018 draft, Bamba has all the physical tools but has largely undelivered over his four seasons. The former number six pick is on an upward trajectory, though, averaging career-highs this season in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, and three-point percentage.

Many believe Bamba’s time with the Orlando Magic is over though, including Forbes’ Sean Deveney in a recent article analyzing Orlando’s situation. 

"“The team was once projected to build around center Mo Bamba, but the team looks ready to let Bamba walk as he hits free agency this summer”."

Bamba’s combination of shot-blocking rim protection and capable three-point shooting theoretically provides huge value in today’s modern NBA. Again, like most other free agents, he’ll have to decide between maximizing his output and value on a developing team, or if he’d be willing to sacrifice money and role in a winning situation. Depending on what he prioritizes, Bamba could command anywhere between $3-$12 million per season.

Estimated contract: Two-year, $16 million