There is no doubt about the level of talent at the top of this year’s free agent crop when it comes to the small forward position but the problem for all but three teams will be convincing those players to leave their current situations. Here is a look at the top five unrestricted free agent small forwards along with the most likely destination for each player.
LeBron James
2014-15 Stats: 25.3 PPG, 7.4 APG, 6.0 APG
Are you feeling nervous, Cavs fans? The best player in the world put on an absolute show in the playoffs and while injuries played a major role in an NBA Finals loss, LeBron has given every indication he will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, LeBron is still an unrestricted free agent and that has created some tension in the city because of the fact that he could still decide to leave at some point if the Cavaliers’ offseason plan doesn’t go according to plan. Money won’t make a difference as LeBron is going to get paid regardless of where he goes and until there is word revealing otherwise, there is every reason to expect him to sign with Cleveland. Predicted Destination: Cleveland Cavaliers
DeMarre Carroll
2014-15 Stats: 12.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.7 APG
Any team that pursues Draymond Green in free agency will likely be interested in Carroll and the good news is that he’s unrestricted. If everything goes according to plan for Cleveland and Golden State, then Carroll could wind up being the biggest small forward score on the open market. The veteran forward will be 29 years old by the time the season starts but he was excellent for the Atlanta Hawks this past year – including in the playoffs in particular. Carroll isn’t worth the money LeBron or Green will get as free agents but he will be paid handsomely if he chooses to leave Atlanta as the top free agent on the open market. Predicted Destination: New York Knicks
Paul Pierce
2014-15 Stats: 11.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.0 APG
The veteran Pierce earned himself a new contract when he called “Game!” for the Washington Wizards in the second round of the NBA playoffs. While he will be 38 next season, there are two teams that are very interested in signing him this summer in Washington and the Los Angeles Clippers. Both teams are reportedly willing to pay Pierce what he wants, so his decision will come down to a return to the Wizards or the chance to reunite with his former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers on a championship contender in Los Angeles. Predicted Destination: Los Angeles Clippers
Mike Dunleavy
2014-15 Stats: 9.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.8 APG
Dunleavy is another free agent forward that would be a useful pickup for a contending team looking to address its depth for a championship run and while the Chicago Bulls want him back, there are teams that are closer to winning it all that could be a better fit. Dunleavy is still a decent pure scorer that can shoot the three, so don’t be surprised if a surprise team that is further along the curve swoops in and signs him as a UFA this summer. Predicted Destination: Cleveland Cavaliers
Corey Brewer
2014-15 Stats: 11.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG
The Houston Rockets picked up Brewer on the cheap via trade last season and he was a key cog on a bench that propelled the Rockets to the Western Conference final. Now he’s on the open market and while the Rockets would like to bring him back, they also drafted Sam Dekker in the first round of the NBA Draft and they have to re-sign Patrick Beverley as well.
They also have K.J. McDaniels and Trevor Ariza as well. That means that Brewer might not get the money he’s looking for in his Houston, although he has openly said he wants to return. If he doesn’t workout in Houston, look for him to land in a place like New York as they’re a team that can give him the money, playing time and long-term deal he’s looking for. Predicted Destination: New York Knicks
