Yahoo Sports 2023 NBA free agent rankings: Top players available next summer
The 2023 NBA free agent class isn’t a particularly strong one, although it is headlined by a couple of star guards in James Harden and Kyrie Irving.
Outside of those two, teams looking for a big-name pickup this offseason will have to turn their sights on Fred VanVleet or Khris Middleton, two players who are having a rough year, or the likes of Jerami Grant, Myles Turner and Kristaps Porzingis.
This free-agent class does boast a good amount of solid role players, though, so contenders will have their share of guys they can use their mid-level exception on to help boost championship chances.
James Harden / SG / Philadelphia (Player Option)
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An elite playmaker and still a high-level scorer, he has incorporated more midrange into his game of late. Nice post defender, despite the reputation. Health and age are concerns as far as a long-term contract but when healthy, he remains one of the best players in the league.
2022/23 stats: 22.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 11.0 apg, 43.7 FG%, 37.2 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $33,000,000
Career earnings: $272,039,833
Agent: Lorenzo McCloud
Check his scouting report and more here.
Kyrie Irving / PG / Brooklyn
AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Occasional off-the-court issues that lead to missed time are the main reason why he isn’t much higher on this list because if we were talking purely on-court abilities, he’d rank near the top – if not at the top. One of the best scoring point guards in the league, an excellent ball-handler and good playmaker.
2022/23 stats: 26.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.5 apg, 49.9 FG%, 37.5 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $35,328,700
Career earnings: $197,857,092
Agent: Shetellia Riley Irving
Fred VanVleet / PG / Toronto (Player Option)
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
One of the best point guards in basketball. Confident scorer from beyond the arc and can get to the bucket thanks to quickness and strength. Feisty defender and can run an offense at an elite level.
2022/23 stats: 18.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 6.0 apg, 37.6 FG%, 32.7 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $21,250,000
Career earnings: $60,782,008
Agent: Brian Jungreis
Khris Middleton / SF / Milwaukee (Player Option)
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Has not looked right this season due to knee problems, hugely concerning as he potentially heads into unrestricted free agency expecting a huge contract. When healthy, a championship-level sidekick with three-level scoring ability as well as underrated playmaking and defensive chops.
2022/23 stats: 11.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 32.5 FG%, 26.8 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $37,984,276
Career earnings: $158,332,891
Agent: Jeff Schwartz
Jerami Grant / PF / Portland
Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Swiss Army knife player who can play – and defend – multiple positions. Much-improved scorer, particularly from three-point range. His versatility and ability to play small-ball 5 is the perfect archetype for a modern big man, but he can even play some wing if need be.
2022/23 stats: 22.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 49.1 FG%, 44.6 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $20,955,000
Career earnings: $60,966,660
Agent: Mike Kneisley
Myles Turner / C / Indiana
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Finally improved his toughness and consistency and it has translated into a career campaign. For a big man, an elite shooter from three and one of the best rim-protectors in the NBA, an excellent modern archetype for a frontcourt player.
2022/23 stats: 16.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 55.2 FG%, 40.2 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $18,000,000
Career earnings: $64,436,434
Agent: Austin Brown
Kristaps Porzingis / C / Washington (Player Option)
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Playing some of his best basketball since his New York days. Shooting numbers are down but he’s still a huge threat from three. Good face-up scorer for a big man and still a very solid shot-blocker, too.
2022/23 stats: 22.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 47.8 FG%, 33.0 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $33,833,400
Career earnings: $107,053,494
Agent: Jeff Schwartz
Draymond Green / PF / Golden State (Player Option)
Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images
Unique big man who creates plays at a higher level than a lot of point guards. Shooting marks improved this season, which bodes well for his future as his athleticism continues to wane. Remains one of the most impactful defenders in the league.
2022/23 stats: 7.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 6.7 apg, 50.9 FG%, 33.9 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $25,806,468
Career earnings: $130,914,411
Agent: Rich Paul
Kyle Kuzma / PF / Washington (Player Option)
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Statistically enjoying his best season ever, though his efficiency remains just so-so. Versatile big man on offense who can shoot, face-up and score iso buckets and create plays for others.
2022/23 stats: 21.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 46.5 FG%, 34.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $13,000,000
Career earnings: $21,650,178
Agent: Austin Brown
Dillon Brooks / SF / Memphis
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Confidence is through the roof at all times, almost to a fault. He has yet to meet a shot he didn’t like, though his teammates don’t seem to mind. One of the most underrated wing defenders in the league, he is an absolute pest on that side of the floor.
2022/23 stats: 17.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 41.0 FG%, 34.8 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $11,400,000
Career earnings: $27,412,377
Agent: Mike George and Javon Phillips
Nikola Vucevic / C / Chicago
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Defensively deficient big man whose shooting has cooled off to the point his impact often wanes towards the negative. Still, a double-double machine with good face-up scoring and post-up skills down low.
2022/23 stats: 16.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 50.8 FG%, 36.9 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $22,000,000
Career earnings: $134,209,237
Agent: Rade Filipovich and Bill Duffy
Jakob Poeltl / C / San Antonio
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Extremely efficient center who does all of his damage on offense near the paint. Excellent defender who can bother foes down low and switch onto wings on occasion. Good finisher out of the pick-and-roll.
2022/23 stats: 12.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.9 apg, 64.6 FG%
2022/23 earnings: $9,398,148
Career earnings: $29,083,657
Agent: Michael Tellem and James Dunleavy
Brook Lopez / C / Milwaukee
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Despite getting up there in age, still extremely effective thanks to three-point shooting and shot-blocking. Can get you a bucket out of the post from time to time, too.
2022/23 stats: 14.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 50.1 FG%, 38.4 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $13,906,976
Career earnings: $158,867,792
Agent: Darren ‘Mats’ Matsubara
Jordan Clarkson / PG / Utah (Player Option)
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Has a very unique offensive game that’s tough for defenders to predict, as he can score in a multitude of different ways, including from three or from the floater area.
2022/23 stats: 20.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.5 apg, 44.4 FG%, 35.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $13,340,000
Career earnings: $75,272,395
Agent: Rich Paul
D’Angelo Russell / PG / Minnesota
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
A change of scenery might do him good as although his numbers are steady, his impact is not. When in better form, a very confident, smooth scorer who can crossover, hit step-backs, get to the basket and create for teammates.
2022/23 stats: 17.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 6.5 apg, 45.8 FG%, 34.9 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $31,377,750
Career earnings: $108,965,728
Agent: Austin Brown and Aaron Mintz
Christian Wood / PF / Dallas
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
A big man who can score from beyond the arc and finish around the bucket thanks to his athleticism. Defensive effort and impact is improving, too.
2022/23 stats: 17.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 54.4 FG%, 40.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $14,317,459
Career earnings: $31,054,897
Agent: Adam Pensack
Cameron Johnson / SF / Phoenix (Restricted)
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
A role player but a very good one, with one of the prettiest and most reliable three-point jumpers in the NBA. Can’t ask him to do much more than spot-up from three but he’s so good at it, it doesn’t matter.
2022/23 stats: 13.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 44.6 FG%, 43.1 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $5,887,899
Career earnings: $12,705,600
Agent: Ty Sullivan, Steve Heumann, Melvin Booker
Harrison Barnes / SF / Sacramento
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran swingman who can play some small-ball four. Good locker-room presence with championship experience. Decent face-up game and shooting touch and can defend multiple positions, though not at an elite level.
2022/23 stats: 13.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 46.1 FG%, 30.9 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $18,352,273
Career earnings: $148,629,017
Agent: Jeff Schwartz and Sam Goldfeder.
Russell Westbrook / PG / LA Lakers
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Much more effective in his bench role at this point, he makes a huge impact as a reserve, though he probably would still like to be a starter somewhere. Remains a very good athlete who can dart down the floor in a hurry and finish above the rim. Creative playmaker. Poor shooter with bad shot selection, though.
2022/23 stats: 14.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 7.6 apg, 40.4 FG%, 27.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $47,063,478
Career earnings: $291,756,333
Agent: Jeff Schwartz
Bruce Brown / SG / Denver (Player Option)
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Super energetic player who has even played some small-ball center in the past despite a serious size disadvantage. Top-notch defender who really makes an impact on that end and has become a reliable outside shooter.
2022/23 stats: 11.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.9 apg, 49.7 FG%, 40.5 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $6,479,000
Career earnings: $8,655,279
Agent: Ty Sullivan
Gary Trent Jr / SG / Toronto (Player Option)
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
A bit streaky, but a three-point specialist who can shoot it after a couple of dribbles, not just with his feet set. Good offensive player though a middling defensive one.
2022/23 stats: 17.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 44.9 FG%, 36.4 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $17,505,000
Career earnings: $20,144,177
Agent: Lucas Newton and Rich Paul
Bogdan Bogdanovic / SG / Atlanta (Player Option)
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Confident scorer who can shoot the lights out of the basketball and catch fire at a moment’s notice. Can score off the dribble, from three and from the midrange.
2022/23 stats: 17.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 44.2 FG%, 40.8 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $18,000,000
Career earnings: $63,000,000
Agent: Jason Ranne and Aleksander Raskovic
Grant Williams / PF / Boston (Restricted)
Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive specialist who can guard multiple positions thanks to instincts, size and quick feet. Mostly just a good spot-up shooter on offense but a smart player who keeps the ball moving and doesn’t try to do too much.
2022/23 stats: 9.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 51.6 FG%, 43.9 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $4,306,281
Career earnings: $7,496,400
Agent: Bill Duffy and Erik Kabe
Kelly Oubre / SF / Charlotte
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Very streaky shooter but an elite athlete on the wing who can slash and finish in transition. Solid defender but impact doesn’t reflect physical tools on that end.
2022/23 stats: 20.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 42.1 FG%, 30.8 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $12,600,000
Career earnings: $51,228,550
Agent: Torrel Harris
Malik Beasley / SG / Utah (Team Option)
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Although his three-point stroke has great elevation and a pretty follow-through, he is a streaky shooter overall. Never shies away from taking a shot, no matter how cold he may be. Decent defender who plays with effort on that end.
2022/23 stats: 14.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 41.1 FG%, 37.5 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $15,558,035
Career earnings: $35,751,372
Agent: Brian Jungreis
Tre Jones / PG / San Antonio
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Heady point guard who won’t ever put up gaudy numbers, but can be relied on to run an offense at a high level. Solid midrange and pull-up game out of the pick and roll, but not much of a shooter from three or finisher down low.
2022/23 stats: 12.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 6.5 apg, 43.9 FG%, 28.7 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,782,621
Career earnings: $2,416,291
Agent: Kevin Bradbury
Max Strus / SF / Miami
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Outside shooting specialist, though a streaky one. Jumper has pretty form but shot selection isn’t great, leading to mediocre numbers. Tries hard on defense but athletic and length limitations hurt him on that end. Can shoot off the dribble and finish in transition.
2022/23 stats: 13.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 40.7 FG%, 34.1 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,815,677
Career earnings: $2,395,844
Agent: Kieran Piller and Mark Bartelstein
Caris LeVert / SG / Cleveland
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Slippery scorer who can be streaky with his shooting but has difficult-to-predict moves thanks to change-of-direction pace and ball-handling.
2022/23 stats: 12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 39.4 FG%, 34.0 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $18,796,296
Career earnings: $41,226,981
Agent: Austin Brown
PJ Washington / PF / Charlotte (Restricted)
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Good defender who slides well on defense and can bang with big men down low. Average offensive player whose jump shot needs to get more reliable. Has some decent face-up moves.
2022/23 stats: 14.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 42.7 FG%, 34.2 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $5,808,435
Career earnings: $12,070,560
Agent: Kevin Bradbury and Paul Washington
Austin Reaves / SF / LA Lakers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Guard with wing size, though lacking in length and elite athleticism. Heady player who keeps the ball moving, makes smart reads and can score as a slasher or shooter.
2022/23 stats: 10.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.2 apg, 49.8 FG%, 37.2 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,563,518
Career earnings: $2,488,776
Agent: Aaron Reilly
KJ Martin / SF / Houston
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Explosive athlete, similar to his father, who does the bulk of his damage near the rim as a cutter off the ball, as well as in transition.
2022/23 stats: 10.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 54.3 FG%, 30.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,782,621
Career earnings: $4,198,912
Agent: Shayaun Saee and Mike George
Seth Curry / SG / Brooklyn
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
One of the league’s best shooters, a trait that runs in his family. Can shoot off the dribble or with his feet set, and doesn’t mind taking a step in to hit midrange jumpers.
2022/23 stats: 8.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.1 FG%, 40.0 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $8,496,653
Career earnings: $33,286,379
Agent: Austin Brown and Aaron Mintz
Jalen McDaniels / SF / Charlotte
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Two-way swingman who can shoot, score off of slashing and puts in good effort defensively.
2022/23 stats: 10.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 45.5 FG%, 35.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,930,681
Career earnings: $4,198,912
Agent: Nima Namakian
Reggie Jackson / PG / Los Angeles Clippers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Extremely confident to the point it hurts his team at times, but is able to get hot quickly and go off on random nights. Score-first point guard who likes to shoot off the dribble and attack the cup. Streaky shooter.
2022/23 stats: 12.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 42.6 FG%, 35.8 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $11,215,260
Career earnings: $81,196,658
Agent: Aaron Mintz
Kevin Love / C / Cleveland
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Has adapted well from being a superstar to being a bench role player and locker-room leader. Can still shoot very well for a big man, gobble up rebounds and create for teammates.
2022/23 stats: 9.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 42.0 FG%, 39.1 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $28,942,830
Career earnings: $237,969,812
Agent: Jeff Schwartz and Sam Goldfeder
Naz Reid
Stacy Revere/Getty Images
As he has gotten into better shape, he has become a very productive and impactful big man, one who can space the floor, attack through face-ups and finish down low.
2022/23 stats: 10.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 0.9 apg, 55.6 FG%, 37.5 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,930,681
Career earnings: $4,198,912
Agent: Sean Kennedy
Lonnie Walker / SG / LA Lakers
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Explosive athlete who flies down the floor in transition and throws down thunderous dunks. Skill level has improved, at least shooting-wise, though he still needs to work on his playmaking, as he too often looks to just score.
2021/22 stats: 14.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 45.5 FG%, 38.4 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $6,479,000
Career earnings: $12,467,976
Agent: Rich Paul and Lucas Newton
Ayo Dosunmu / PG / Chicago (Restricted)
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Blossoming point guard with athleticism and much-improved skill who also defends well for his position.
2022/23 stats: 9.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 50.6 FG%, 33.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,563,518
Career earnings: $925,258
Agent: Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman
Mason Plumlee / C / Charlotte
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran big man who can rebound, finish around the rim and is an underrated playmaker.
2022/23 stats: 10.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 63.6 FG%
2022/23 earnings: $9,080,417
Career earnings: $64,648,103
Agent: Mark Bartelstein and Zach Kurtin
TJ Warren / SF / Brooklyn
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Smooth bucket-getter who has a confident pull-up midrange game and can post up on smaller defenders. How he continues to look in his return from injury will determine his free-agent value.
2022/23 stats: 10.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 54.8 FG%, 31.8 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $2,628,597
Career earnings: $57,026,050
Agent: Ty Sullivan and Austin Brown
Alec Burks / SG / Detroit (Team Option)
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Shooting guard who can really score it and is able to thrive off the bench or be a spot starter if need be. Can score off the dribble or get to the basket.
2022/23 stats: 14.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 46.4 FG%, 44.7 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $10,012,800
Career earnings: $69,072,453
Agent: Alex Saratsis
Yuta Watanabe
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive-minded swingman who plays with loads of energy and isn’t afraid to matchup against anyone. His breakout this season has been thanks to his much-improved outside jumper. Can also score off of slashing and in transition.
2022/23 stats: 7.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 55.8 FG%, 52.7 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,968,175
Career earnings: $2,657,610
Agent: Joe Smith and Thaddeus Foucher
Nick Richards
Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
Athletic big man who has really broken out this season, providing finishing down low, rebounding and rim protection.
2022/23 stats: 8.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 0.6 apg, 62.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,782,621
Career earnings: $2,517,981
Agent: Javon Phillips
John Wall / PG / LA Clippers (Team Option)
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Not the athlete he once was but still one of the quicker point guards in the league. Effective getting to the basket and drawing fouls. Good playmaker.
2022/23 stats: 11.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 5.2 apg, 41.4 FG%, 30.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $47,345,760
Career earnings: $229,235,106
Agent: Rich Paul
Donte DiVincenzo / SG / Golden State (Player Option)
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Role-playing 2-guard who plays with good effort and can hit open threes. Occasionally gets hot from the outside.
2022/23 stats: 7.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.0 apg, 39.2 FG%, 37.2 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $4,500,000
Career earnings: $13,110,150
Agent: Jason Glushon
Shake Milton
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Crafty swingman who can get to the basket, has good ball-handling and score from the midrange. Inconsistent outside shooter.
2022/23 stats: 10.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 50.9 FG%, 37.0 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $1,997,718
Career earnings: $5,071,278
Agent: Andrew Morrison
Georges Niang
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Floor-spacing power forward with very limited athleticism and production outside of shooting threes.
2022/23 stats: 9.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 45.1 FG%, 42.0 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $3,465,000
Career earnings: $9,068,765
Agent: Mark Bartelstein
Darius Bazley / PF / Oklahoma City (Restricted)
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Hasn’t developed at the rate many had hoped when he was a prospect, though can score and shoot a bit.
2022/23 stats: 5.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.49 apg, 44.0 FG%, 38.2 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $4,264,628
Career earnings: $7,197,000
Agent: Rich Paul
Torrey Craig
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Tough-nosed wing who focuses mostly on defense but can score off of spot-up shooting and slashing.
2022/23 stats: 8.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 47.5 FG%, 39.4 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $5,121,951
Career earnings: $10,634,153
Agent: David Spahn, Austin Brown, Aaron Mintz
Victor Oladipo / SG / Miami (Player Option)
Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Shows signs of his old self but will probably never reach that elite-two way form again. Still has good bounce and burst and can provide top-notch defense when he’s healthy.
2022/23 stats: 9.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, 39.8 FG%, 28.3 3P%
2022/23 earnings: $8,750,000
Career earnings: $107,877,081
Agent: Jeff Schwartz and Javon Phillips
