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NBA Free Agency 2017: Ranking The Top 5 Free Agents At Every Position

By Zain Ahmed

Apr 10, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball to forward Kevin Durant (35) against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball to forward Kevin Durant (35) against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forwards

1. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors, Unrestricted 

Kevin Durant can opt out of the final year of his contract in order to sign a bigger deal, and that’s likely what he’ll exactly do this summer. Durant was widely criticized for joining the Warriors because they were the very team that eliminated him from the playoffs last year. To no surprise, Durant has fit in seamlessly with the Warriors posting a career-best field goal percentage of 53 percent.

However, Durant’s PPG dropped this season to 25.1 PPG, but that was expected. Durant is also rebounding at 8.1 RPG which is a career best as well. Durant will easily get a max contract as he is the best player in the free agent class.

Prediction: Obviously, re-signs with Golden State.

2. Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz, Unrestricted 

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Gordon Hayward is set to be a free agent after seven years in Utah. Hayward has improved every year since being drafted. His offensive game has continued to expand and his rise to a top five small forward has propelled the Jazz to a 5 seed this year. Hayward is averaging 21.5 PPG and 5.4 RPG, both are career highs. Hayward will definitely receive a max contract this summer.

Prediction: Re-signs with Utah.

3. Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets, Unrestricted 

Danilo Gallinari is going to be a free agent after five years with Denver, Gallinari was traded to Denver in the Carmelo trade. Gallinari, when healthy, is a great scorer but he has failed to stay healthy. Gallinari has been much more productive this past few seasons but he has yet to play a full season.

For the season, Gallinari is averaging 18.2 PPG showing that he is a capable scorer. There will be a market for Gallinari as he is a lengthy scorer and a solid defender but his health remains a concern.

Prediction: Signs with Charlotte.

4. Otto Porter, Washington Wizards, Restricted

Otto Porter is going to be on the market but it is unlikely he goes anywhere. After a slow start in the NBA, Porter is finally starting to show his worth. Porter has been a reliable shooter and has been very good defensively. Porter is averaging 13.4 PPG and 6.4 RPG for the season, both are career highs. It is likely that Porter will command a salary north of $15 million.

Prediction: Re-signs with Washington.

5. Rudy Gay, Sacramento Kings, Unrestricted 

Rudy Gay is heading into free agency and will likely be a looking for a new team. Gay, throughout his career, has been a very good scorer but he seems to be a poor fit within a team’s system. Gay was having a good season in Sacramento before an Achilles injury ended his season. For the season, Gay was averaging 19.2 PPG and 6.3 RPG while showcasing his all-around abilities. Gay could end up receiving a big contract but probably not a long-term one, as he is 30 and coming off a big injury.

Prediction: Signs with Boston.

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