Ranking the 10 best available small forwards in NBA free agency

1. Khris Middleton

The 31-year-old’s 2022–23 campaign was his worst since 2017. After an injury took him out of the 2021–22 playoffs, Middleton only played 33 games this season, averaging 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in around 24 minutes per game. He struggled to shoot from behind the arc and to have his usual impact on games. His health was certainly a factor in the Bucks’ early playoff exit, but it does not diminish the appeal he has to teams around the league.

When healthy, Middleton is one of the best wings in the NBA. He is versatile on both ends of the floor, can create his own shot or for others, score in multiple ways, and defend at a high level. Who wouldn’t want that from their small forward?

Middleton has a player option this summer that he is likely to decline in order to sign a new long-term deal with the Bucks. After he spent 10 seasons in Milwaukee already, that is not completely unexpected. It is, however, quite a disappointment to teams that had their eyes on Middleton and were hoping that the Bucks would make some big changes after their disappointing season.

After all, Middleton is one of the best small forwards out there and could turn certain teams into contenders if healthy.