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

8. NBA Free Agency: Restricted free agent Cam Johnson steps into starting five.

One of the best shooters in basketball already, Cameron Johnson was a player who the Phoenix Suns outwardly appeared to reach on during draft night. Ever since, the 6-foot-8 forward has shot the lights out and proven that he deserved to be a lottery selection. Now, for the first time, he’s being inserted into the starting five in a full-time capacity with Jae Crowder requesting a trade.

In turn, Johnson has a fantastic opportunity to make some money with his exceptional shooting and sneakily impactful defense. The factor playing against him is that he’s already 26, so teams might express concern about how far he can grow in this league. However, that doesn’t necessarily matter since he moves so well off the ball and draws gravity away from the paint.

This contract negotiation will be a true test of the Suns’ organization and its will to invest in its core in the long-run.

9. NBA Free Agency: Grant Williams tests cap limits as a restricted free agent.

One of the surprise breakouts of the 2021-22 season, Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams had the best shooting year of his career and informed his pricetag around it. Ultimately this led the Celtics and his representatives to negotiations that never came close, as reported by Keith Smith. The 6-foot-6 forward, who embodies the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ monicker, has a lot of pressure riding on his upcoming year.

However, Williams can always rely on the fact that he’s an impact defender and smart overall player who picks his spots wisely and competes at the highest level. Some players don’t need to stuff the stat sheet in order to leave their mark on a game, but on some nights, he’s able to do both. The Celtics need everything they can get from him now that free-agent signing Danillo Gallnari is set to miss the entire season with an ACL injury.

If the Celtics aren’t willing to pay him, someone else will — whether it’s the right choice or not.