The NBA season over and the 2023 Draft passed, it is now time for “free agency”, which will shake up the first days of July. This year, it will begin on the night of Friday June 30 to Saturday July 1, at midnight in France (6 p.m. in New York). As always, the signatures will only become official once the moratorium period is lifted, one week after the opening of the “free agency”, on July 6 at 6:00 p.m. in France (12:00 p.m. in New York).
Here is the Top 10 of the best wingers available this summer, a well-stocked position on the market, without any big stars but with several high-caliber starters, and good value role-players.
Note that players like Christian Wood or Dwight Powell, capable of playing both strong winger and pivot, have been voluntarily classified as pivots, a position whose ranking will be published this Friday.
Read >> The best playmakers // The best fullbacks // The best wingers
1 – Draymond Green (33 – unprotected – Golden State Warriors)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): 9.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists
Libre after having declined its “player option” of 27.5 million dollars, Draymond Green would like ” be a warrior for life “, and there is no doubt that his lifelong club want to keep him too.
The heart of the discussions between the two camps from July 1, the date of the start of the “free agency”, will therefore mainly concern the contract, its duration and particularly its amount. At 33, the Warriors leader no doubt wants to afford one last big check, but the club now led by Mike Dunleavy Jr. does not have much leeway financially, especially since Klay’s contract extension Thompson is also looming.
It remains to be seen whether Draymond Green and his leaders will find common ground. A priori, it is on the right track since the San Francisco franchise has still “sacrificed” Jordan Poole to better prepare for his contract extension, and thus completely switch to a short-term strategy by recruiting Chris Paul. A strategy in which the strong winger always undeniably occupies a central place.
As for the competition in the Western Conference, we know that the Kings and the Grizzlies are already in ambush. While Damian Lillard dreams of having him by his side…
2 – Kyle Kuzma (27 – unprotected – Washington Wizards)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): none
Author of the best season of his career in Washington, Kyle Kuzma logically declined his “player option” of 13 million dollars since he will surely succeed in signing a big contract and doubling his salary this summer.
Among the best players available on the market, “Kuz” will logically not lack options among teams that have financial flexibility.
It remains to be seen what he is looking for, at 27 and as he enters the best years of his career. A good sporting situation, in addition to a big contract? That would then mean a departure from the Wizards.
3 – Jerami Grant (29 – unprotected – Portland Trail Blazers)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): none
After turning down a four-year, $112 million contract extension with Portland last January and then joining Klutch Sports in the process, Jerami Grant hopes to hit a big jackpot this summer.
No doubt in Portland, where the situation is complex since the club must convince Damian Lillard at all costs, who will soon become impatient if its leaders do not show themselves creative during the off-season. “Dame” wants a competitive team at the start of the school year, and a departure from Jerami Grant would send a terrible signal to the star leader, and would undoubtedly seal his transfer request…
A bit by default, the Blazers should therefore very quickly extend Jerami Grant with a big contract.
4 – Cameron Johnson (27 – protected – Brooklyn Nets)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists
Very well integrated in Brooklyn during the second half of the season, Cameron Johnson wants to stay with the Nets with Mikal Bridges, and the Nets reciprocally want to keep him.
Free protected agent, he will not completely have his future in his hands since Sean Marks will be able to align himself with all the external offers made to the former North Carolina. Offers that should not be missed: we already know that the Pistons are ready to break the bank, just like the Rockets and the Pacers.
One thing is certain: Cameron Johnson will offer himself a nice salary increase in July, before going to play the World Cup in the Philippines with the United States the following month.
Read >> The 2023 transfer market table
5 – Harrison Barnes (31 – unprotected – Sacramento Kings)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 15 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals
Precious holder who has fully taken part in the revival of the Kings this season, Harrison Barnes, at 31, is attacking a pivotal offseason in his career. Free, he will no doubt want to sign one last big contract, and his priority since the end of the Kings season has been given to Sacramento.
The two camps discuss upstream the opening of the “free agency”, and we also know that the Mavericks and the Pacers are monitoring the file in parallel.
In short, Harrison Barnes, valuable complement player and valued veteran of a locker room, should have no trouble quickly settling his contractual situation.
6 – Rui Hachimura (25 – protected – Los Angeles Lakers)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds
7 – Grant Williams (24 – protected – Boston Celtics)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists
8 – PJ Washington (24 – protected – Charlotte Hornets)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): none
9 – Kevin Love (34 – unprotected – Miami Heat)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 8.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists
10 – Trey Lyles (27 – unprotected – Sacramento Kings)
2022/23 stats (regular season): 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds
Stats 2022/23 (playoffs): 6.6 points and 5.7 rebounds
