The 2023 NBA free agent class is rather interesting with Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving and a one-time champion Fred VanVleet headlining things.
Irving was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster in-season trade. His future in Big D is firmly up in the air after team-wide struggles following said trade. Though, recent suggestions are that Irvin will return to the Mavericks.
VanVleet is one of the best under-the-radar players in the game and despite only being a one-time All-Star, he is viewed as a game-changer player in this year’s market.
Following the 2023 NBA Draft, let’s take a look at the top projected NBA free agents for this summer. But before we do that, let’s check in on some FAQs regarding NBA free agency.
When does NBA free agency start?
Teams can begin to negotiate contracts with NBA free agents on June 30. They can’t enter into official agreements until July 6. That week window allows teams to discuss contracts with players on other teams. A lot of the time, verbal agreements are made during this week window with reports of signings and trades being imminent.
What’s the difference between restricted and unrestricted NBA free agency?
When an unrestricted free agent hits the open market, he can sign with another team without his former team having a say. Current teams can match any offer another team makes to a restricted free agent. We saw that last summer when the Phoenix Suns matched the four-year, $132.93 million contract offer the Indiana Pacers made to center Deandre Ayton.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NBA Draft rumors
Can NBA free agents be traded?
Recently, teams have used the sign-and-trade as a part of the NBA free agency process. It does two things. This enables the team losing a free agent to acquire something of substance. Generally, it also enables the team signing said free agent to add other players to the mix by moving off current contracts.
This was utilized back in the summer of 2019 when the Brooklyn Nets pulled off a sign-and-trade for Kevin Durant with the Golden State Warriors. Brooklyn dealt away D’Angelo Russell to Golden State in the trade. The team was able to use that to sign other free agents to build around KD and Kyrie Irving. In turn, Golden State got something for Durant instead of losing him for nothing once he opted to sign with Brooklyn.
What are exceptions in NBA free agency?
The NBA allows for the midlevel exception, both from a taxpayer and non-taxpayer perspective. Teams that are over the luxury tax can sign a player for up to three years at $6.479 million per season. Those under the luxury tax (more on that below) can sign a player for up to four years at $10.49 million. This incentivizes teams to sign role players without it impacting their salary cap health.
What is the NBA luxury tax?
In addition to the soft cap, the NBA utilizes a luxury tax system that’s applied once a team exceeds a payroll higher than the salary cap. These teams pay a penalty for each dollar their salary cap exceeds the tax level. For example, the Warriors’ luxury tax number last season was $242.722 million.
What is the 2023-24 NBA salary cap?
The soft cap for the 2023-24 season is an estimated $136 million with a luxury tax threshold of $165 million. As of right now, only five teams are under the projected 2023-24 cap with NBA free agents set to hit the open market.
1. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks (Re-signed – 3 years, $126 million)
After picking up his option for the 2022-23 season, Irving appeared set to play out his final season in Brooklyn. But Irving suddenly requested a trade a week before the NBA trade deadline and got sent to the Dallas Mavericks to pair with Luka Doncic back in February.
Irving’s future in Dallas is now in question after some major struggles with Doncic in Big D. Despite this, the 31-year-old guard is one of the top NBA free agents this summer. After all, he still averaged 27.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG and 5.5 APG on 49% shooting.
Related: NBA trade tracker and grades
2. Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors (Signed with Rockets – 3 years, $130 million)
VanVleet has officially opted out of his contract and has hit NBA free agency. Despite some issues shooting the ball this past season (39%), the guard is going to draw a nice amount of interest. Since the start of the 2020-21 campaign, VanVleet is averaging nearly 20 points to go with 6.6 assists and 1.7 steals. One Western Conference team is said to be on the brink of offering him a deal worth north of $40 million annually.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Raptors, check out #WeTheNorth rumors, rankings, and news here
3. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls (Re-signed – 3 years, $60 million)
Acquired by Chicago midway through the 2020-21 season, Vucevic has not seen the same production that defined his Orlando Magic career. Last season saw the skilled big average a nine-year low 17.6 points. It even led to speculation that he could’ve been moved ahead of the in-season NBA trade deadline.
It was surprising that the Bulls didn’t deal Vucevic ahead of the in-season NBA trade deadline. While they will look to re-sign him, there’s going to be a strong market for someone who can drop a 20-10 double-double while being able to distribute from the low post.
4. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers (Re-signed — 5 years, $160 million)
Set to become one of the top NBA free agents this summer, Grant is vastly underpaid in the grand scheme of things. In fact, the three-and-D wing earned a mere $20.96 million in 2022-23. That will change big time once the summer comes calling. Grant averaged north of 20 points on a career-best 40% shooting from distance this past season.
Related: Updated 2023 NBA power rankings
5. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards (Re-signed — 4 years, $102 million)
One of the centerpieces in the Russell Westbrook deal to the Los Angeles Lakers back in the summer of 2021, Kuzma took off big time this past season in Washington. The forward averaged 21.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 3.7 APG.
Kuzma also plays stellar defense out on the perimeter. Needless to say, Kuzma declined his $13 million option and will hit NBA free agency during the summer. He’ll also have a strong market and is looking for a huge contract.
6. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (Re-signed — 4 years, $100 million)
The 33-year-old Green has now opted out of his contract rather than return to Golden State at a cost of $27.59 million in 2023-24. To an extent, he’s returned to form as one of the best all-around defenders in the game. It will lead to a robust NBA free agent market despite Golden State looking to bring him back.
Green averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists on a solid 53% shooting from the field in 2022-23. This represented Green’s best statistical season since back in 2017-18 when playing with Kevin Durant in the Warriors’ frontcourt. The question here is whether Green’s on-court attitude and specific fit with Golden State will turn some teams off. As of right now, a return to the Warriors seems highly likely after the trade of Jordan Poole for Chris Paul. However, one Western Conference rival has been linked to Green in recent days after freeing up money.
7. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers (Re-signed – 4 years, $56 million)
Set to become a restricted free agent, it’s already being noted that the Lakers are willing to match any offer up to $100 million. It’s shocking given that Reaves entered the Association as an undrafted free agent just a couple of short years ago.
As a sophomore this past season, the guard averaged 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 40% shooting from distance. He’s going to be an intriguing figure once NBA free agency opens. That’s for sure. What we do know is that any team outside the Lakers can offer Reaves a four-year deal worth nearly $100 million, a figure Los Angeles is almost certainly going to match.
8. D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers (Re-signed – 2 years, $37 million)
The subject of trade rumors this past offseason, Russell ended up joining the Lakers at the trade deadline. While he did play a huge role in the team turning it around and earning a spot in the Western Conference Playoffs, postseason struggles could hurt Russell’s stock. In fact, he was relegated to bench duties late in the postseason. With Los Angeles in search a potential upgrade at point guard, his future with the Lakers is in question. Though, the Lakers are looking to re-sign him.
Related: 2023 NBA trade tracker with grades
9. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks (Re-signed – 3 years, $102 million)
The wing averaged a seven-year low 15.1 PPG on 44% shooting from the field this past season. At 31 years old, one has to wonder whether regression is the name of the game for Middleton. Despite this, at least one Western Conference team is showing interest in him. Look for Milwaukee to entertain re-signing Middleton as there is mutual interest between the two parties.
10. Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Clippers (Re-signed – 2 years, $7.8 million)
An enigma during his short time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Westbrook turned it around big time after being picked up off the buyout market by the Clippers. The 34-year-old former NBA MVP averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists on 49% shooting with the Clips during the regular season. He pushed those averages to 23.6-5.8-7.6 in the postseason. Los Angeles would love to retain Westbrook in free agency. But the team will have competition.
2023 NBA free agents: Veteran options
11. Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets (Re-signed – 4 years, $108 million)
Acquired by the Brooklyn Nets in the Kevin Durant trade, Cameron Johnson is blossoming in an expanded role. While he started for the Phoenix Suns, Johnson only averaged around 25 minutes per game with the Western Conference contender. Now, he is a focal point of everything the Nets are doing. Johnson averaged 16.6 points and 4.8 rebounds on 47% shooting in 25 games with the Nets.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Nets, check out #BrooklynTogether rumors, rankings, and news here
12. Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings (Re-signed – 3 years, $54 million)
As underrated as they come, the 30-year-old Barnes just performs at a high level on a consistent basis. He’s averaged 15.7 points and 5.2 rebounds on 39% shooting from distance in five seasons with the upstart Kings. They will likely look in another direction, leading to Barnes joining yet another contender this summer.
13. Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors (Re-signed – 4 years, $80 million)
Re-acquired by Toronto at the NBA trade deadline, Poeltl remains one of the most-underrated big men in the game. He’s averaging 12.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists since the start of the 2021-22 season. The 7-foot-1 center has also shown improvement on defense with a positive defensive plus-minus every season outside of his rookie campaign back in 2016-17. He’s one of the most intriguing NBA free agents of the cycle.
14. Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks
Acquired by Dallas in a blockbuster trade with Houston last offseason, it appears that Wood will be one and done in Big D. He didn’t fit in well with Luka Doncic and other moving parts.
After averaging a combined 19.1 PPG in his final two seasons with Houston, Wood saw that number dip to 16.6 in 2022-23. It’s not yet known what type of market Wood will be met with, but some teams will take a chance on a big that can shoot from distance (38% career mark from 3-point range).
15. Donte DiVincenzo, Golden State Warriors (Signed with New York Knicks – 4 years, $50M)
This former hero at Villanova signed a two-year, $9.23 million contract with the defending champs last summer. Said deal included a player option ($4.73 million) in 2023-24. Given what we saw from DiVincenzo this past season, it’s not a surprise he opted out. The wing was tremendous for Golden State during the regular season, averaging 9.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals in just 26 minutes of action per game. He’s also shot a career-high 40% from three-point range. Unfortunately for Golden State, it will not be able to re-sign him in free agency.
16. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks (Re-signed – 2 years, $48 million)
One of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year finalists in 2023, Lopez continues to play inspired basketball at the advanced age of 35. He averaged 15.9 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting at a 37% clip from distance this past season.
17. Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies (Signed with Houston Rockets – 4 years, $80 million)
Call him an enigma. Say he doesn’t have great shot selection. That’s fine. We are also talking about one of the better wing defenders in the game and someone who brings passion to the court. At issue here is Brooks’ antics for Memphis during the 2023 NBA Playoffs and the fact that he won’t be brought back. Will some team show interest in Brooks in free agency? Right now, one Western Conference team is favored to land the embattled three-and-D wing.
Related: Houston Rockets ink Dillon Brooks to unique four-year, $80 million contract
18. Moritz Wagner, Orlando Magic (Re-signed – 2 years, $16 million)
A first-round pick of the Lakers back in 2018, Wagner has actually seen his game improve leaps and bounds recently. Since the start of the 2021-22 season with Orlando, the Michigan product is averaging 9.8 points and 4.1 rebounds while hitting on nearly 50% of his shots. Teams will have interest in a 25-year-old big who has his game on an upward trajectory.
19. Caris LeVert, Cleveland Cavaliers (Re-signed – 2 years, $32 million)
A severe leg injury and other health issues have impacted LeVert’s progression on the court. He’s now 28 years old and looking to find a home in free agency while coming off his worst season since the wing was a rookie back in 2016. Even then, we’re talking about a guard who averaged nearly 19 points and 4.6 assists from 2019-22. There will be a market.
20. Mason Plumlee, center, Los Angeles Clippers (re-signed – 1 year, $5 million)
The 33-year-old Plumlee was excellent in stints with the Hornets and Clippers a season ago. Plumlee averaged 10.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 68% from the field. He’ll have interest from teams in need of a veteran center. That’s for sure.
21. Eric Gordon, guard, Los Angeles Clippers (signed with Phoenix Suns)
The Clippers’ decision not to guarantee Gordon’s $21 million salary for next season wasn’t too much of a surprise from a financial standpoint. It saves the team north of $100 million in luxury tax payments. It also adds a sharpshooting shooter to NBA free agency. Since entering the league back in 2008, Gordon is averaging 16.0 points on 37% shooting from distance.
The best of the rest: Top 2023 NBA free agents by position
Point guard
- Derrick Rose, New York Knicks — Signed with Grizzlies
- Reggie Jackson, Denver Nuggets — Re-signed with Nuggets
- Cory Joseph, Detroit Pistons — Signed with Warriors
- Patrick Beverley, Chicago Bulls — Signed with 76ers
- George Hill, Indiana Pacers
- Ty Jerome, Golden State Warriors — Signed with Cavaliers
- Dennis Schroder, Los Angeles Lakers – Signed with Raptors
- Jevon Carter, Milwaukee Bucks — Signed with Bulls
- Dennis Smith Jr., Charlotte Hornets — Signed with Nets
- Gabe Vincent, Miami Heat — Signed with Lakers
Shooting guard
- Malik Beasley, Los Angeles Lakers — Signed with Bucks
- Will Barton, Toronto Raptors
- Terrence Ross, Phoenix Suns
- Josh Richardson, New Orleans Pelicans — Signed with Heat
- Seth Curry, Brooklyn Nets — Signed with Mavericks
- Shake Milton, Philadelphia 76ers — Signed with Timberwolves
- Lonnie Walker, Los Angeles Lakers — Signed with Nets
- Justin Holiday, Dallas Mavericks — Signed with Nuggets
- Kendrick Nunn, Washington Wizards
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves — Re-signed with Timberwolves
- Josh Okogie, Phoenix Suns — Re-signed with Suns
- Max Strus, Miami Heat — Signed with Cavaliers
Small forward
- Danny Green, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Kelly Oubre, Charlotte Hornets
- Jae Crowder, Milwaukee Bucks — Re-signed with Bucks
- Cam Reddish, Portland Trail Blazers — Signed with Lakers
- Joe Ingles, Milwaukee Bucks — Signed with Magic
- Torrey Craig, Phoenix Suns — Signed with Bulls
- Stanley Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
- Keita Bates-Diop, San Antonio Spurs — Signed with Suns
- Derrick Jones, Chicago Bulls
- Justise Winslow, Portland Trail Blazers
- Bruce Brown, Denver Nuggets — Signed with Pacers
- T.J. Warren, Phoenix Suns
- Kevin Knox, Portland Trail Blazers
- Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans — Re-signed with Pelicans
- Jalen McDaniels, Philadelphia 76ers — SIgned with Raptors
Power forward
- Kevin Love, Miami Heat — Re-signed with Heat
- Dario Saric, Oklahoma City Thunder — Signed with Warriors
- Jeff Green, Denver Nuggets — Signed with Rockets
- Georges Niang, Philadelphia 76ers — Signed with Cavaliers
- Markieff Morris, Dallas Mavericks
- Trey Lyles, Sacramento Kings — Re-signed with Kings
- Taj Gibson, Washington Wizards
- JaMychal Green, Golden State Warriors
- Blake Griffin, Boston Celtics
Centers
- Dwight Powell, Dallas Mavericks — Re-signed with Mavericks
- Nerlens Noel, Brooklyn Nets
- Dewayne Dedmon, Philadelphia 76ers
- Mike Muscala, Washington Wizards
- Robin Lopez, Cleveland Cavaliers — Signed with Bucks
- Bismack Biyombo, Phoenix Suns
- Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic — Signed with Mavericks
- DeAndre Jordan, Denver Nuggets — Re-signed with Nuggets
- Thomas Bryant, Denver Nuggets — Signed with Heat
2023 restricted NBA free agents
- Tre Jones, guard, San Antonio Spurs — Re-signed with the Spurs
- Coby White, guard, Chicago Bulls — Re-signed with the Bulls
- Matisse Thybulle, guard, Portland Trail Blazers – Re-signed with the Blazers
- Ayo Dosunmu, guard, Chicago Bulls
- Keldon Johnson, guard, San Antonio Spurs
- Rui Hachimura, forward, Los Angeles Lakers — Re-signed with Lakers
- Cam Reddish, forward, Portland Trail Blazers — Signed with Lakers
- Cameron Johnson, forward, Brooklyn Nets — Re-signed with Nets
- P.J. Washington, forward, Charlotte Hornets
- Grant Williams, forward, Boston Celtics — Traded to Dallas Mavericks
- Jaxson Hayes, center, New Orleans Pelicans — Signed with Lakers
See exclusives Sportsnaut videos on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.