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2025 NBA free agent rankings: Top small forwards available this summer

hoopshype staff
·6-min read
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (right) after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (right) after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

POINT GUARDS / SHOOTING GUARDS /

POWER FORWARDS / CENTERS

LeBron James / LA Lakers / Player Option

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

How will the Lakers' blockbuster addition of Luka Doncic affect LeBron James' future with the team? We'll find out this summer, as James has a player option on his deal, and he is fully expected to exercise to hit free agency. Regardless, that even at 40 years old James remains the best free agent in a class is nuts and speaks to his greatness as a player.

2024/25 stats: 24.1 ppg, 9.1 apg, 7.6 rpg, 0.9 spg, 0.5 bpg, 51.4 FG%, 38.1 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $48,728,845

Career earnings: $531,322,273

Agent: Rich Paul

Brandon Ingram / Toronto

Apr 13, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) controls the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) during the second half of a play-in playoff game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) controls the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) during the second half of a play-in playoff game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Missing a lot of this season due to injury, the former Duke standout has not helped himself heading into free agency. When healthy, he's a good scorer on the wing with freakish length and quickness for a player of his size. Good rebounder and passer for a wing, so he can do a bit of everything, though has never really mastered one trait.

2024/25 stats: 22.2 ppg, 5.2 apg, 5.6 rpg, 0.9 spg, 0.6 bpg, 46.5 FG%, 37.4 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $36,016,200

Career earnings: $182,076,685

Agent: Shayaun Saee, Mike George, Rich Paul

Jonathan Kuminga / Golden State / Restricted

Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) shoots a jumpshot against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) and forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) shoots a jumpshot against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) and forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

A still-developing swingman whose ceiling is tough to surmise. He could still be anything from an All-Star to a solid starter. Much-improved midrange scorer and a good slasher off the ball.

2024/25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 2.2 apg, 5 rpg, 0.9 spg, 0.6 bpg, 45.9 FG%, 34.5 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $7,636,307

Career earnings: $24,855,347

Agent: Aaron Turner

Kelly Oubre / Philadelphia / Player Option

Feb 2, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr (9) reacts against the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Feb 2, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr (9) reacts against the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Athletic off-ball slasher with great athleticism on the open floor. Big threat in transition and a versatile defender, albeit far from an elite one.

2024/25 stats: 14.3 ppg, 1.9 apg, 6.3 rpg, 1.5 spg, 0.5 bpg, 45.9 FG%, 29.3 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $7,983,000

Career earnings: $74,703,017

Agent: Dave Spahn, Austin Brown, Aaron Mintz

Khris Middleton / Washington / Player Option

Feb 2, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) puts up a shot against Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Feb 2, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) puts up a shot against Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Play has continued to decline this season, which is unfortunate because at his peak, he was a very effective quiet star who could score from all three levels, rebound and create for others.

2024/25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.4 apg, 3.7 rpg, 0.7 spg, 0.2 bpg, 51.2 FG%, 40.7 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $31,666,667

Career earnings: $257,304,822

Agent: Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz

Bojan Bogdanovic / Brooklyn

Nov 11, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) warms up before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Nov 11, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) warms up before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Has missed all of 2024-25 so far as we hit the trade deadline. If he doesn't play at all this season, how will that affect his free-agent market as a soon-to-be 36-year-old? Excellent outside shooter and off-the-dribble scorer from the midrange when healthy.

2024/25 earnings: $19,032,850

Career earnings: $143,409,380

Agent: Jason Ranne and Darren ‘Mats’ Matsubara

Jae'Sean Tate / Houston

Jan 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jae'sean Tate (8) handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Jan 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jae'sean Tate (8) handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Energy forward who can play some 3 or 4. Solid slasher and can put back some rebounds for buckets.

2024/25 stats: 4.0 ppg, 0.8 apg, 2.1 rpg, 0.6 spg, 49.5 FG%, 28.6 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $7,565,217

Career earnings: $24,594,112

Agent: Aaron Mintz, Steve Heumann, Austin Brown, Maxwell Saidman

Talen Horton-Tucker / Chicago

Dec 30, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Talen Horton-Tucker (22) gets a rebound from Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries (3) during the first half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Dec 30, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Talen Horton-Tucker (22) gets a rebound from Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries (3) during the first half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 5.9 ppg, 1.3 apg, 1.7 rpg, 0.4 spg, 45.7 FG%, 38.3 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $2,425,403

Career earnings: $35,621,694

Agent: Rich Paul and Lucas Newton

Ziaire Williams / Brooklyn / Restricted

Jan 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (8) reacts after a 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (8) reacts after a 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 9.6 ppg, 1.4 apg, 4.7 rpg, 1.0 spg, 0.4 bpg, 40.6 FG%, 32.9 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $6,133,005

Career earnings: $19,907,925

Agent: Aaron Mintz

Javonte Green / New Orleans

Jan 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Javonte Green (4) shoots for three as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jan 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Javonte Green (4) shoots for three as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 6.0 ppg, 0.9 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.1 spg, 0.6 bpg, 44.9 FG%, 36.8 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $2,425,403

Career earnings: $8,587,842

Agent: David Gasman

Jabari Walker / Portland

Dec 3, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (34) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers center Mo Bamba (4) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dec 3, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (34) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers center Mo Bamba (4) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 0.5 apg, 2.8 rpg, 0.5 spg, 45.3 FG%, 20.6 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $2,019,699

Career earnings: $4,757,344

Agent: Bill Duffy, Isiah Turner, Justin Haynes

Matisse Thybulle / Portland / Player Option

Sep 30, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle (4). Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle (4). Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: -

2024/25 earnings: $11,025,000

Career earnings: $34,038,126

Agent: Aaron Goodwin

Cam Reddish / Charlotte

Dec 13, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Cam Reddish (5) enters the court after a timeout in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Dec 13, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Cam Reddish (5) enters the court after a timeout in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 3.3 ppg, 0.7 apg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 spg, 43.0 FG%, 28.9 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $2,463,946

Career earnings: $23,957,280

Agent: Thaddeus Foucher

Jordan Miller / LA Clippers

Dec 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA;Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller (11) warms up prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA;Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller (11) warms up prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 4.9 ppg, 1.1 apg, 1.8 rpg, 0.5 spg, 42.9 FG%, 22.2 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $578,577

Career earnings: $1,138,359

Agent: Jason Glushon

Josh Minott / Minnesota / Team Option

Jan 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Josh Minott (8) reacts to a foul call for the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Jan 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Josh Minott (8) reacts to a foul call for the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 2.7 ppg, 0.4 apg, 1.1 rpg, 0.4 spg, 47.1 FG%, 24.1 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $2,019,699

Career earnings: $4,757,344

Agent: Aaron Turner and Stephen George Boykin

Justin Champagnie / Washington

Jan 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) defends Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jan 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) defends Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 7.7 ppg, 1.0 apg, 4.6 rpg, 1.0 spg, 0.6 bpg, 51.1 FG%, 37.9 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $578,577

Career earnings: $2,148,859

Agent: Daniel Haza

Kessler Edwards / Dallas

Sep 30, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards (20) poses for a photo during the 2024 Dallas Mavericks media day. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards (20) poses for a photo during the 2024 Dallas Mavericks media day. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 1.2 ppg, 0.5 apg, 1.7 rpg, 0.3 spg, 33.3 FG%, 23.5 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $578,577

Career earnings: $4,607,650

Agent: Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison

Justin Edwards / Philadelphia

Jan 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 8.0 ppg, 1.4 apg, 3.1 rpg, 0.8 spg, 0.4 bpg, 46.5 FG%, 36.3 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $578,577

Career earnings: $578,577

Agent: Josh Hairston

Dominick Barlow / Atlanta

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Dominick Barlow #0 of the Atlanta Hawks poses for portraits during media day at PC&E Atlanta on September 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2024/25 stats: 2.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 42.9 FG%, 28.6 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $578,577

Career earnings: $2,102,870

Agent: Todd Ramasar

Joe Ingles / Minnesota

Feb 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Joe Ingles (7) works around Washington Wizards guard Corey Kispert (24) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Joe Ingles (7) works around Washington Wizards guard Corey Kispert (24) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 0.8 ppg, 1.1 apg, 0.3 rpg, 44.4 FG%, 40.0 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $3,303,771

Career earnings: $86,526,473

Agent: Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman

MarJon Beauchamp / Milwaukee

Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard MarJon Beauchamp (3) warms up before game against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard MarJon Beauchamp (3) warms up before game against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 2.1 ppg, 0.3 apg, 1.2 rpg, 38.3 FG%, 33.3 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $2,733,720

Career earnings: $7,828,320

Agent: Rich Paul

Jamison Battle / Toronto

Dec 26, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Jamison Battle (77) shoots during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Dec 26, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Jamison Battle (77) shoots during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 5.5 ppg, 0.9 apg, 1.8 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 41.5 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $578,577

Career earnings: $578,577

Agent: Aaron Klevan and Joe Smith

Jamal Cain / New Orleans

Jan 31, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green gives direction to forward Jamal Cain (8) after a play against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Jan 31, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green gives direction to forward Jamal Cain (8) after a play against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 3.8 ppg, 0.5 apg, 2.4 rpg, 0.5 spg, 0.4 bpg, 44.8 FG%, 32.3 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $578,577

Career earnings: $1,647,250

Agent: Shayaun Saee and Mike George

Caleb Houstan / Orlando / Team Option

Jan 23, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2) warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Jan 23, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2) warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 2.9 ppg, 0.4 apg, 1.0 rpg, 31.6 FG%, 30.6 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $2,019,699

Career earnings: $6,019,699

Agent: Jason Glushon

Torrey Craig / Boston

Dec 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (13) warms up before a basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (13) warms up before a basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

2024/25 stats: 6.9 ppg, 0.6 apg, 2.8 rpg, 48.9 FG%, 42.9 3P%

2024/25 earnings: $2,845,342

Career earnings: $21,129,679

Agent: Austin Brown

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: 2025 NBA free agent rankings: Top small forwards available this summer