The shooting guard position in the NBA isn’t nearly as loaded as it once was but there are still a number of intriguing names that will hit the open market this summer and become unrestricted free agents. They might not be franchise players but there is no doubt that every player on this list has the potential to be a part of a championship core. Here is a look at the top five UFA shooting guards in the NBA this summer.
Monta Ellis
2014-15 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 4.1 APG, 1.9 SPG
Ellis has never been considered an elite player but there is no doubt about his scoring ability as he has put up solid numbers everywhere he has played. Ellis averaged 18.9 points per game with the Dallas Mavericks a year ago but he opted out and the Mavericks are not making him a priority. The Miami Heat lead a long list of teams that would be interested in his services but that’s mostly if Wade leaves. The Sacramento Kings are in the pole position as of right now. Predicted Destination: Sacramento Kings
Dwyane Wade
2014-15 Stats: 21.5 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.5 RPG
Wade is 33 years old and there are legitimate concerns about how well his body can hold up over the course of an entire 82-game NBA season but there is no denying that he can still make a major impact on a franchise including in the playoffs. He has five NBA Finals and three NBA titles on his resume. Wade still averaged 21.5 points in 62 games for Miami last season and while the majority of indications have him back with the Heat, there have certainly been rumors about a move to Los Angeles to join Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. In the end, expect him to stay. Predicted Destination: Miami Heat
Louis Williams
2014-15 Stats: 15.5 PPG, 2.1 APG, 1.9 RPG
Williams is expected to get a long look from several NBA teams after earning Sixth Man of the Year award honors for the Toronto Raptors this past season and there is no doubt about his status as a potential bargain addition for a contender. Williams is a quality role player that is very versatile and doesn’t have a big ego, so it won’t be a surprise if a legitimate championship contender plucks him from Toronto as a UFA this summer. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies both reportedly very interested in signing him as he can provide instant offense off the bench, which both teams are in need of. Predicted Destination: Cleveland Cavaliers
Danny Green
2014-15 Stats: 11.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.0 APG
Green has carved himself an important role on the Spurs roster and they will certainly want to bring him back if they can sign him at a decent price. The problem is that their main focus right now is LaMarcus Aldridge and there will likely be a number of teams that try to steal Green away from San Antonio. The Knicks are looking for a quality role player to fill the shooting guard spot in their starting five and they have a ton of cap space to use this summer, so look for them to be the frontrunners to pry him away from the Spurs. Predicted Destination: New York Knicks
Wesley Matthews
2014-15 Stats: 15.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.3 APG
The Portland Trail Blazers were a championship contender at one point last season but Matthews Achilles injury might have signaled the end of their era. With Aldridge expected to bounce, Matthews isn’t expected to be a priority in Portland. He’s supposedly ahead of schedule with rehab and will be a quality option for teams looking for threes and someone who can spread the floor a little bit. Toronto is expected to be in the mix because DeMarr DeRozan apparently is seeking a $25 million-per-year extension next offseason and the Raptors likely won’t want to pay that. If they sign Matthews, it’s with an eye towards getting more out of their backcourt now and replacing DeRozan in the future. Predicted Destination: Toronto Raptors
