Ranking the 10 best available small forwards in NBA free agency

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April 17, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Harrison Barnes

As a veteran with championship experience who still puts up good numbers, Harrison Barnes will attract much attention over the summer. He is already 31 years old but played all 82 regular season games plus big playoff minutes, defended well, averaged 15 points, and shot well from three. That is exactly what most teams need from their starting small forward.

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, that also includes Barnes’s current team in Sacramento. Unless they see an opportunity to bring in a bigger fish who they believe will push them to the next level, the Kings will likely pay Barnes whatever he wants in free agency and bring him back.

This is the first time since 2016 that Barnes is an unrestricted free agent, though, so he might want to test the waters and see what else is out there for him. The answer is plenty. 3-and-D wings are extremely valuable in today’s NBA and especially those who put up double-digit scoring numbers and come with Barnes’ resume. Young teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Memphis Grizzlies that have gaping holes at the small forward position might even view Barnes as the difference maker that could push them to the next level.