NBA Free Agency: 9 restricted free agents hitting the market in 2023

Now that the contract extension deadline has come and gone, we’ve reached a level of clarity for the 2023 NBA Free Agency period. Several players from the 2019 NBA Draft class, including Brandon Clarke and De’Andre Hunter, reached extensions at the buzzer, removing headliners from the board before ever having a chance to reach the open market. Becoming a restricted free agent puts pressure on a player to prove their worth, adding intrigue and storylines to anyone fighting for their first major payday.

Each of these players has the capacity for growth — even if it’s within the confines of a strict role compared with some of their competitors. They’ll all hit the free-agent market between 22 and 25 years of age, putting them in the perfect position to fulfill their potential in a new destination.

1. NBA Free Agency: Jaxson Hayes has a lot to prove as a restricted free agent.

Off-court issues have tainted the early career of New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes, but he’s a productive young center when active. He’s a career 63.4% shooter from the field with tremendous athleticism at 6-foot-11. Mobility is key for modern bigs and Hayes knows how to roam the court on both sides of the floor.

His fundamentals still need to be strengthened and it’s unclear how far he can improve, but Hayes certainly has the qualities of a player who can thrive in a second contract. Teams generally need to be more patient when developing young centers compared with other positions. But the Pelicans are in win-now mode with a hefty salary sheet as it is.

Seeing Hayes move to a new destination would not be surprising at all.