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.
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(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 | Centers
Status: Declined $27.6 million player option
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. Green surprisingly declining his option reportedly gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and perhaps a trade for Anthony Davis.
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Green give the Warriors consistent defensive pressure, a high on-court IQ and crucial playmaking from the 4-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: It seems Green is willing to work with the Warriors here, but we’ll see how this turns out.
Status: Unrestricted free agent after Atlanta declined $24.3 million team option
It finally happened. Kuminga and the Warriors split. The 23-year-old is now in Atlanta, where he attempted to forge a fresh start … until the Hawks declined his option, and he’s now on the open market.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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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.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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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.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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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: Agreed to 1-year, $8 million deal to remain with San Antonio
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From a production perspective, Barnes has been better. But his veteran leadership, ability to optimize his own shot selection and defensive knack remain. This all had plenty of value to the Spurs.
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.