During the twilight of his career, LeBron James has been playing the power forward position. Now, the Lakers’ star has a chance to become a free agent. What other power forwards are set to join him?
Outside of James though, there isn’t much talent at the power forward position set to hit the open market. It is even arguably the weakest free agent position group this year. Pascal Siakam already re-signed with the Indiana Pacers, a lot of the best free agent power forwards are restricted free agents, and James might even decide to pick up his player option and return to Los Angeles.
Even so, the possibility of James jumping ship and starting another chapter in his NBA journey is intriguing and was enough for us to look at what other power forwards are set to hit the open market this offseason.
Here are the 15 best power forwards who will become free agents when the negotiation period opens up on Sunday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET. Players can officially sign contracts with new teams at 12:01 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 6.
15. P.J. Tucker: Los Angeles Clippers, player option
Last season was the worst of P.J. Tucker’s career since his rookie year in 2006-07. He was traded mid season and only saw action in 31 games. Tucker contributed just 1.7 points per game, as his usually reliable corner three-point shot was not dropping like it normally does.
He is 39 years old now, so another NBA contract might not come is way. Because of that, it would be smart for the veteran to pick up his player option, if he doesn’t decide to retire. If Tucker does end up hitting the open market, his veteran presence could be valued.
14. Haywood Highsmith: Miami Heat, UFA
A common pattern with the Heat has been for the team to develop unheralded players who find enough success in Miami to warrant a bigger payday with a new team. It is possible Haywood Highsmith will be another player who verifies this trend. Highsmith is one of many undrafted success stories who have thrived in the “Heat Culture.”
13. Bol Bol: Phoenix Suns, UFA
The clock is ticking on Bol Bol’s career. There are still believers that think the unicorn-type player has untapped potential, but he hasn’t been able to put it together on any of the three teams he has played for in the NBA. He has a unique skillset, but he has been unable to get off of bench.
Bol is 7-foot-3, but he can handle and shoot the ball like a wing. His lack of defensive awareness, strength, and efficiency have held him back from becoming a rotation player, let alone the star some thought he’d become.
12. Jeff Green: Houston Rockets, team option
The Rockets are an up-and-coming team with a lot of young talent. It would make sense for Houston to pick up Jeff Green’s option, because he is a veteran presence that can help the team learn how to take the next step.
11. Jae Crowder: Milwaukee Bucks, UFA
Throughout his career, Jae Crowder has often found himself as a fourth or fifth option on a contending team. Although his Bucks tenure didn’t go quite as planned, he does have experience playing in big moments, and that could be coveted in free agency.
10. Taurean Prince: Los Angeles Lakers, UFA
After primarily coming off of the bench since 2020, Taurean Prince stepped into a role as a starter this past season. He had a good season in his contract year, and now he will be looking to get paid this offseason.
9. Nicolas Batum: Philadelphia 76ers, UFA
Nicolas Batum has been old for what seems like forever, but he is still chugging along. He has started and finished a lot of games for contending teams in recent seasons because he does the little things that lead to winning.
He gets timely rebounds and has advanced passing skills for a power forward. You have to expect him to fall off sooner rather than later, but it is possible that Batum will once again be a key contributor next season, even at age 36.
8. Naji Marshall: New Orleans Pelicans, UFA
The Pelicans are a deep team, and that may make bringing back Naji Marshall easier said than done. Marshall will be an unrestricted free agent, so he will have the freedom to sign with whichever team he wants.
7. Simone Fontecchio: Detroit Pistons, RFA
Poor roster construction has meant knock down shooting has been a rarity for the Pistons in recent seasons. They moved in the right direction by trading for Simone Fontecchio though, so retaining him as a restricted free agent makes too much sense. The stretch four’s three-point shooting and floor spacing will help fix some of Detroit’s biggest problems.
6. Kyle Anderson: Minnesota Timberwolves, UFA
Kyle Anderson’s game is unorthodox. He is maybe the slowest player in the league, and his jump shot is far from pretty. He is still an effective player, though. His unique play style makes him a tough matchup for certain defenders, and his playmaking ability at 6-foot-9 is a nice trait to have. The player nicknamed Slo Mo had a down year for the Timberwolves, but he should bounce back next year on a new team.
5. Patrick Williams: Chicago Bulls, RFA
Reports have indicated that Patrick Williams wants a massive contract. That may be unwarranted, as Williams hasn’t reached the level a number four overall pick is supposed to yet. That doesn’t mean he is a bad player though. Williams is a gadget player who can do a little bit of everything.
4. Saddiq Bey: Atlanta Hawks, RFA
Saddiq Bey was part of a big four-team trade that landed him in Atlanta. It has become clear that the Hawks won that trade, and now they have a decision to make on the wing in free agency. Assuming the team doesn’t blow it up and wants to continue to build around Trae Young, it would make sense for them to keep a defensive presence like Bey.
3. Obi Toppin: Indiana Pacers, RFA
A good chunk of the best power forwards who can become free agents in 2024 are restricted free agents, meaning the players’ team can match any contract they sign elsewhere, and therefore meaning the majority of the restricted free agents won’t actually end up on a new team.
The best of the restricted free agents at the power forward position is Obi Toppin, the high-flyer who plays for the Indiana Pacers. Toppin was a key part of the Pacers run to the Eastern Conference Finals this year, and he was a big reason the team has such an elite offense. However, a lot of his minutes at the four became blocked going forward when Indiana traded for Pascal Siakam.
The Pacers just extended their trade deadline acquisition’s contract as well, further putting Toppin’s future with the team into question.
2. Tobias Harris: Philadelphia 76ers, UFA
Tobias Harris has gotten a lot of hate in recent seasons, but that is mainly due to how massive his last contract was. Now, he is becoming a free agent, so jokes about his contract can be put to the side, and teams will be eager to pursue the potentially ex-76ers forward. If you put aside the fact that he was overpaid, you see a player who has scored double-digits for 12 straight seasons.
Harris isn’t a top option, but he is a valuable starter and one of the best upcoming free agent power forwards. Whatever team signs him can expect the Tennessee product to score just shy of 20 points per game.
1. LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers, player option
LeBron James is the greatest small forward of all time, but he has been playing nearly exclusively at the four in the latter years of his career. James doesn’t have the long-term potential of a free agent like Tyrese Maxey, but he is, without a doubt, the biggest name who has a chance to hit the open market.
James has a lot of options, and it is always a huge deal whenever he becomes a free agent. The most likely outcome is James will join whatever team drafts his son, Bronny James. The younger James isn’t viewed as a surefire first rounder, but it is likely someone will give him a chance, especially if it means luring in the elder James.
