If you are looking for major impact … power forward is not where it’s at. Still there are some useful players and storylines on the free-agent landscape.
Let’s break down the top power forwards who could be available on this year’s free agent market.
(Note: Positions are determined off Basketball-Reference’s positional breakdowns, meaning a player will be listed at the position in which he played the most minutes.)
Free-agent position rankings: Point guards | Shooting guards | Small forwards
1. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Status: Player option
Value of option: $27.6 million
Green as the featured power forward in this free-agent class is, well, something. The 36-year-old is declining, and rapidly, but he holds specific value to the Warriors as one of the main two-way cogs in that machine. His relationship with Stephen Curry is also valued within the organization, meaning Green’s own value is very much tied to the Warriors, instead of the open market.
That said, Green does give a team consistent defensive pressure, a high on-court IQ and crucial playmaking from the four-spot. He’s gone four straight seasons of hitting over 30% from behind the 3-point line, which is also worth mentioning, even if the scale is low.
What makes sense: Picking up the option seems wise, unless the Warriors offer an extension worth substantially more than what he’s currently slated to receive.
2. Jonathan Kuminga, Atlanta Hawks
Status: Team option
Value of option: $24.3 million
It finally happened. Kuminga and the Warriors split. The 23-year-old is now in Atlanta, where he will attempt to break out as an All-Star, with the organization holding significant control of his current contract.
This upcoming season will be a huge one for Kuminga, as he’ll try to play his way into a raise, unless, of course, the Hawks decline his option, which seems far-fetched at this stage.
What makes sense: Expect the Hawks to retain Kuminga.
3. John Collins, Los Angeles Clippers
Status: Unrestricted free agent
After Collins enjoyed two good years in Utah, the Clippers somehow brought him back down to Earth by giving him inconsistent minutes and an odd role, all while failing to understand how to properly utilize him. Unfortunately for Collins, this will hurt his market.
Fortunately for a team out there that understands how to utilize him, Collins’ suppressed market will benefit its chances of making a real upgrade. He hit over 55% of his shots, including over 40% from long range, and is a genuine lob threat and pick-and-pop option.
What makes sense: The Spurs should give him a look in order to inject more offense into their rotation, but the price point will be tricky. Collins could land in the non-tax MLE area, or possibly lower if the market squeezes him out.
4. Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Harris spent two productive years in Detroit and might even stick around, as the organization won 60 games this season and returned to relevance. Whether he opts to return or go somewhere else remains to be seen, but odds are good the 33-year-old will get a decent deal.
Plenty of teams could use an off-ball, spot-up shooting wing big who can do a bit of everything. Harris likely won’t break the bank, but it’s also unlikely he comes at a discount.
What makes sense: Harris should have a market, and the non-tax MLE area feels about right, albeit for three years as opposed to four.
5. Rui Hachimura
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The 28-year-old wing big was one of the league’s best shooters last season (44.3% from long range), and his 6-foot-8 frame makes that extra interesting for teams that wish to add floor-spacing without relinquishing size.
While Hachimura isn’t a strong defender, his 230-pound frame does allow for some paint protection, which means he can play big minutes. This could be interesting for teams trying to make a deep run in the postseason.
What makes sense: An even $15 million per year would be fitting, but shooters get paid, so expect some extra mustard on that deal.
Best of the rest
6. Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs
Status: Unrestricted free agent
From a production perspective, Barnes has been better. But his veteran leadership, ability to optimize his own shot selection and defensive knack remain. This should have value to several teams, including his current teeam.
7. Khris Middleton, Dallas Mavericks
Status: Unrestricted free agent
There’s no denying that current-day Middleton is a far cry from the prime version. Injuries and age have turned him into a role player, as opposed to a two-way star. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective.
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