A free agent class to be excited about with two of the best players in the game hitting the market and loads of money available with the new TV deal kicking in.
This is the cream of the crop for 2016…
POINT GUARDS / SHOOTING GUARDS / SMALL FORWARDS / POWER FORWARDS / CENTERS
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1. Kevin Durant
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-9 / Team: Oklahoma City
28.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 4.7 apg
Hits free agency for the first time in his prime. Outstanding scorer who can make a contender out of most teams. His departure would devastate Oklahoma City. |
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2. LeBron James
Player Option / Small Forward / 6-8 / Team: Cleveland
24.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 6.6 apg
Nobody can picture LeBron James leaving Cleveland again. Look for him to sign a humongous deal with the Cavs. |
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Restricted / Center / 6-10 / Team: Detroit
16.7 ppg, 15.0 rpg
Always had the tools to become a dominant big man in the NBA. He's starting to live up to that potential. |
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Player Option / Shooting Guard / 6-7 / Team: Toronto
23.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.0 apg
The three-point shot is still not falling at a good rate, but he's playing the best basketball of his career this season. Likely to opt out and sign a max deal somewhere. |
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5. Pau Gasol
Player Option / Power Forward / 7-0 / Team: Chicago
16.9 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 1.9 bpg
Could be looking at his last big deal in the NBA. Has made clear he's OK with being underpaid as long as he can get another shot at the title. |
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6. Al Horford
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Team: Atlanta
15.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg
There's little flash to his game, but still a high-quality big man in the Eastern Conference. Mr. Efficiency. |
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7. Bradley Beal
Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Team: Washington
18.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg
We were expecting a breakout season from Beal, but didn't happen. The Wizards will have to pay top dollar to keep him in DC, though. |
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Player Option / Center / 6-11 / Team: Houston
14.9 ppg, 12.0 rpg
He may no longer be the top center in the game, but teams will be lining up for his services if he opts out of his contract with the Rockets. |
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9. Dwyane Wade
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Team: Miami
19.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.8 apg
Should be an interesting situation in Miami with a declining star (but a star nonetheless) that may not be looking to take another pay cut. |
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10. Mike Conley
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Team: Memphis
15.2 ppg, 6.2 apg
All-Star caliber point guard that has yet to make the All-Star. The player with the most games in Grizzlies history is about to get a pay raise… and deservedly so. |
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11. Hassan Whiteside
Unrestricted / Center / 7-0 / Team: Miami
13.0 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 3.9 bpg
Obviously, his 2014-15 performance was no fluke as he's averaging a double-double again. Will dunk and block anything around the basket. Some questions about his focus. |
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12. Harrison Barnes
Restricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Team: Golden State
12.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg
He's putting up nice stats and winning every night. But with star potential, is he cool with a secondary role in Golden State? |
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13. Chandler Parsons
Player Option / Small Forward / 6-9 / Team: Dallas
13.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg
Has the athleticism and shooting skills to be a high-quality starter in the NBA for many years to come. |
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14. Dirk Nowitzki
Player Option / Power Forward / 7-0 / Team: Dallas
17.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg
Will be a 38-year-old free agent if he opts out. Based on history, he will not force the Mavericks to break the bank for him. Remains a lethal scorer. |
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15. Rajon Rondo
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Team: Sacramento
11.9 ppg, 12.1 apg, 6.4 rpg
Signed a one-year deal in Sacramento with hopes of reviving his NBA career. He's doing just that, although it's not translating into many wins. |
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16. Tim Duncan
Player Option / Power Forward / 6-11 / Team: San Antonio
8.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg
Can he prolong his career with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge leading the way in San Antonio? |
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17. Nicolas Batum
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Team: Charlotte
14.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.5 apg
The French swingman is playing the best basketball of his career with a big role in Charlotte. Really bounced back from his poor 2014-15 season. |
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18. Al Jefferson
Unrestricted / Center / 6-10 / Team: Charlotte
12.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg
The low-post maestro has made eight figures for almost a decade. His suspension followed by an injury will hurt market value. |
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19. Ryan Anderson
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Team: New Orleans
16.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg
A prototypical stretch four. Scoring a lot and making threes at a better rate this season. |
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20. Jordan Clarkson
Restricted / Point Guard / 6-4 / Team: LA Lakers
15.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg
Star potential or just a guy putting up nice numbers on a bad team? |
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21. Joakim Noah
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Team: Chicago
4.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg
Really rough year for the Bulls' big man. First he loses his starting job, then gets injured. That impacts his market value. |
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22. Zaza Pachulia
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Team: Dallas
9.8 ppg, 10.5 rpg
Frustrates opponents with his physical play and does all those little things that help teams win. A fan favorite in every city he's played. |
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23. Evan Fournier
Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Team: Orlando
14.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg
Had a really strong start of the season that he could not sustain. A capable shooter that can help a lot of teams. |
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24. Evan Turner
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Team: Boston
9.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.4 apg
Long-range shooting is still an issue with him. If you can look past that, a pretty nice player. |
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25. Festus Ezeli
Restricted / Center / 6-11 / Team: Golden State Warriors
7.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg
Not much of a weapon offensively, but makes an impact on the defensive end with a big body and great athleticism. |
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26. Kent Bazemore
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-5 / Team: Atlanta
12.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg
The super athletic Bazemore has taken advantage of playing time in Atlanta and will be a coveted wing player in free agency. |
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27. Jamal Crawford
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Team: LA Clippers
14.0 ppg, 2.1 apg
Still bringing instant firepower off the bench. But how much left in the tank? |
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28. JR Smith
Player Option / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Team: Cleveland
12.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg
You will love him and hate him the same game. Looks like a star sometimes, but no consistency. |
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29. Jeremy Lin
Player Option / Point Guard / 6-3 / Team: Charlotte
11.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.1 apg
You can do a lot worse at the backup point guard position. Playing solid basketball in Charlotte. |
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30. Jeff Green
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-9 / Team: LA Clippers
11.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Better reputation than performance. With so much skill, you would expect him to accomplish more. |
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31. Terrence Jones
Restricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Team: Houston
8.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg
A solid option at the power forward position. Diminished role in contract year doesn't help him. |
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32. Jared Sullinger
Restricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Team: Boston
10.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg
Strong, smart and skilled player with questionable conditioning. |
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33. Arron Afflalo
Player Option / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Team: New York
13.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg
A three-and-D player that's playing better in New York than he did last season. |
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34. Manu Ginobili
Player Option / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Team: San Antonio
10.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.3 apg
Looks rejuvenated this season in San Antonio, which makes us think this might not be his final year in the NBA. |
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35. Eric Gordon
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Team: New Orleans
15.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.7 apg
The injury-prone Eric Gordon has not been able to live up to his huge contract, but he would be a serviceable scoring guard for many teams. |
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36. Luol Deng
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Team: Miami
11.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg
His best basketball days are probably behind him, but still a safe choice at the small forward spot. |
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37. Roy Hibbert
Unrestricted / Center / 7-2 / Team: LA Lakers
6.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg
At his best, a devastating defense force with the ability to do some damage offensively. We have not seen his best version lately, though. Has had a rough time adjusting to small-ball era. |
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38. Deron Williams
Player Option / Point Guard / 6-3 / Team: Dallas
14.1 ppg, 5.5 apg
Pressure is off for him with a more reasonable salary in Dallas. Can opt out of his deal with the Mavericks. |
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39. Brandon Jennings
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Team: Orlando
7.1 ppg, 3.2 apg
Was playing the most efficient basketball of his career when he broke his left Achilles tendon. Has been solid if not speactacular upon his return. |
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40. Courtney Lee
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Team: Charlotte
9.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg
His three-point shooting is a little off this season, but Lee would be a solid perimeter addition for many NBA teams. |
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41. Dwight Powell
Restricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Team: Dallas
6.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg
Athletic big man with good rebounding skills and untapped potential. |
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42. Ian Mahinmi
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Team: Indiana
8.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg
Underrated big man that specializes in dirty work. Has yet to cash in big in the NBA and it could happen for him in 2016. |
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43. Timofey Mozgov
Unrestricted / Center / 7-1 / Team: Cleveland
6.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg
A space-eater that was a fantastic fit in Cleveland last season. Not so effective this year while dealing with physical problems. |
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44. Allen Crabbe
Restricted / Small Forward / 6-6 / Team: Portland
10.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg
With Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum gone, he had to step up in Portland… and he did. |
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Restricted / Center / 7-0 / Team: Houston
5.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg
Big body, nice hook shot and capable three-point sniper. Not much of a rebounder. Back problems will scare some teams away. |
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46. Ty Lawson
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 5-11 / Team: Indiana
5.8 ppg, 3.4 apg
The Ty Lawson experiment didn't work in Houston. Career at crossroads for a player that was considered a borderline All-Star not long ago. |
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47. Maurice Williams
Player Option / Point Guard / 6-1 / Team: Cleveland
8.9 ppg, 2.7 apg
Potent scorer at the point guard position. Looks good playing next to LeBron. |
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48. Joe Johnson
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Team: Miami
11.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.0 apg
Has expressed a willingness to finish his career with the Heat after leaving Brooklyn. |
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49. David West
Player Option / Power Forward / 6-9 / Team: San Antonio
6.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg
One of the most respected players in the NBA. Took a minimum deal in order to have a real shot at the title in San Antonio. |
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50. Bismack Biyombo
Player Option / Center / 6-9 / Team: Toronto
5.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg
Excellent shot blocking is his lone outstanding skill. At age 23, still some untapped potential there. |
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51. Nenê
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Team: Washington
8.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Nice offensive player that takes high-percentage shots. Rebounding the ball is certainly not a strength. |
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52. Lance Stephenson
Team Option / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Team: Memphis
5.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg
Indiana's Lance Stephenson was not seen in Charlotte or Los Angeles. Can he bounce back in Memphis? |
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53. Mario Chalmers
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-2 / Team: Memphis
10.1 ppg, 3.7 apg
Pretty nice backup point guard. The trade to Memphis has done wonders for him. |
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54. Mirza Teletovic
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Team: Phoenix
11.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg
The Bosnian forward has a quick trigger that many teams could use. |
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55. Matt Barnes
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Team: Memphis
9.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg
Ultra aggressive defender. One of the best rebounders at the small forward position. A bit of a head case. |
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56. OJ Mayo
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Team: Milwaukee
8.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.1 apg
OJ Mayo has career lows in scoring and field goal shooting, which will not help his care in free agency. |
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57. Kevin Martin
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-7 / Team: Minnesota
10.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg
A very fine perimeter scorer in the NBA in the last decade. He's 33 already. |
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58. Ishmael Smith
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-0 / Team: Philadelphia
11.9 ppg, 6.6 apg, 3.5 rpg
Has worked his way up from fringe NBA player to legit starter for a bad team. Will get a guaranteed contract in the summer this time. |
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Unrestricted / Center / 6-10 / Team: Golden State
6.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Was one of the best bench players in the NBA last season. Has regressed some this year. |
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60. Luis Scola
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Team: Toronto
8.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg
Can't run or jump, but the footwork is still very good. |
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Restricted / Point Guard / 6-4 / Team: Cleveland
8.0 ppg, 4.8 apg
Gets under the skin of opponents with a very physical brand of basketball. Has become more of a threat offensively. |
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62. Jared Dudley
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Team: Washington
9.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg
The personable Dudley has become one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA this season. |
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63. Josh Smith
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Team: Houston
6.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg
Josh Smith in Houston (Part II) is not going well at all. |
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64. Gerald Green
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Team: Miami
9.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg
Kind of laying an egg in Miami this year following two strong seasons in Phoenix. |
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65. Tyler Zeller
Restricted / Center / 7-0 / Team: Boston Celtics
5.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg
Pretty efficient big man on both ends off the court. Could be a quality backup center for some teams. |
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