The 2024 NBA free agent class has everything to offer when it comes to the small forward position. There will be stars and role players alike set to hit the open market this offseason. After the Boston Celtics dominated their way to their 18th championship, teams around the league will be coveting small forwards who can match up with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The two wings established themselves as one of the best duos in the league with their championship victory, and they are poised to find success for years to come. Not only do teams need players who can guard Tatum and Brown, but this is a copycat league, and the 29 teams that didn't find the success that Boston did just saw firsthand what elite wing play can do for a team. Because of that, small forwards are sure to sign quickly during free agency. Here are the 15 best small forwards set to become free agents when the negotiation period starts on Sunday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET. Players can officially sign new deals on Saturday, July 6, at 12:01 p.m. ET.
15. Torrey Craig: Chicago Bulls, player option
Torrey Craig is a stopper on the defensive end. It seems unlikely that he will develop much more on offense, but his corner three-point shot has become more of a strength in recent years.
14. Doug McDermott: Indiana Pacers, UFA
Doug McDermott has some flaws, but he does one thing exceptionally well, and that is three-point shooting. Luckily for the former Creighton star, that trait is highly-coveted in the NBA. The Pacers have plenty of offense, so retaining McDermott is not necessarily a priority, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them bring back the sharpshooter and make a strength of theirs even stronger.
13. Jae'Sean Tate: Houston Rockets, team option
The Rockets spent big in free agency last year, but they will still have the money to bring back Jae'sean Tate if they want. The impending free agent was there during some ugly years, and Rockets fans would love to see him stick around as the team attempts to become contenders.
12. Aaron Wiggins: Oklahoma City Thunder, team option
Thunder fans love Aaron Wiggins, and he will be cheap next season under the team option. Don't expect the versatile small forward to play anywhere else in 2024-25. However, the Thunder's depth could make it hard to retain him the following offseason.
11. Sam Hauser: Boston Celtics, team option
Sam Hauser was a vital piece in helping the Celtics win their 18th championship. He hit some big shots in the NBA Finals, and he likely isn't going anywhere else in free agency.
10. Gordon Hayward: Oklahoma City Thunder, UFA
Things didn't work out as expected for Gordon Hayward and the Thunder after the team traded for the former All-Star at the trade deadline. The upcoming free agent small forward's best days are clearly in the rearview, but he is a versatile player who can fill a number of roles for whatever team signs him.
Injuries are a concern for Hayward, but he is sure have interest when he hits the open market. This seems like an inevitability, considering Thunder general manager Sam Presti already admitted the trade for the former Hornets player was a mistake.
9. Royce O'Neal: Phoenix Suns, UFA
Royce O'Neal always seems to find himself as a complementary piece on a team stacked with superstars. He fits in these situations well because he is a low-usage player who will hit the shots he needs to while playing solid defense on the other end. Potential suitors won't count on O'Neal to have big scoring days, but they can get a nice three-and-D role player.
8. Isaac Okoro: Cleveland Cavaliers, RFA
Isaac Okoro is only a restricted free agent, so the Cavaliers will have the power to bring him back. Okoro is a great defensive player on a team that needs all of the defensive help that they can get on the wing.
7. Derrick Jones Jr.: Dallas Mavericks, UFA
Derrick Jones Jr. spent his first few seasons in the NBA as nothing more than a superb dunker. Now, he is one of the best 2024 free agent small forwards. While he is still a highlight waiting to happen when he goes airborne, Jones has transformed into a much more complete player. He was a starter on the Mavericks team that just made it all the way to the NBA Finals.
On that squad, he was usually tasked with guarding the opposing team's best players. Offensively, he improved as a shooter and learned to better understand when to cut to the basket. This made him an ideal fit alongside Luka Doncic, but considering he played in the spotlight of the NBA's championship series, he may have played his way into a bigger contract on a new team.
6. Caleb Martin: Miami Heat, player option
Caleb Martin rose to fame during the Heat's run to the NBA Finals in 2023. He flew more under the radar this past season, but his production actually improved. Martin is one of many undrafted success stories in which the Heat have developed, so it will be interesting if he could find similar success outside of Miami. Martin's game looks a little bit unorthodox, but he thrives on both ends of the floor.
5. Kelly Oubre Jr.: Philadelphia 76ers, UFA
Kelly Oubre is one of the most underrated free agents this year. Oubre averaged 20.3 points per game in 2022-23, yet he was only able to land a one-year deal that paid him just over $2 million. The slashing small forward is clearly undervalued, and a team might be able to get him for a bargain again this offseason.
4. DeMar DeRozan: Chicago Bulls, UFA
DeMar DeRozan is one of the best shooting guards ever, but he has spent more time at the three and four in recent seasons. As a mid-range reliant player, DeRozan doesn't have the most modern skillset, and regression can be expected, considering he will be 35 years old next season.
Even so, DeRozan hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. He averaged 24 points per game last season, and his improvement from beyond the arc will help extend his career. A team likely won't sign him to be the number-one option he has been for years, but DeRozan still has plenty of buckets to provide whoever does give him a new contract.
3. Miles Bridges: Charlotte Hornets, UFA
Any conversation about Miles Bridges must mention his off-the-court issues. In 2022, Bridges was arrested on felony domestic violence charges, and nasty images emerged of the mother of Bridges' children suffering from a violent attack. The disturbing situation has prevented the Hornets from locking up Bridges long-term, and after he sat out the 2022-23 season because of the situation, he played this past season under a one-year contract.
The drama surrounding Bridges will make him an automatic no-go for a number of teams in the league. However, he is uber-talented, and he can be very impactful on the hardwood. Bridges is one of the game's best high-flyers, but he has also expanded his offensive game and become a better shooter. Signing Bridges might not be the best PR move, but we've seen teams make controversial moves for talented players in the past.
2. OG Anunoby: New York Knicks, player option
OG Anunoby is one of the best defensive wings in the NBA, and he perfectly fits the Knicks system. However, he has been highly coveted in the trade market in recent seasons, so he may pursue a big payday outside of New York. Considering Anunoby is a dream player for Tom Thibodeau, and the franchise doesn't view the recently traded for player as a rental, the Knicks will likely do whatever they can to retain him.
1. Paul George: Los Angeles Clippers, player option
The Los Angeles Clippers big-four this season included James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard. The only one of them who is guaranteed to be back on the team next year is Leonard, as both guards, as well as George, have a chance to hit the open market this offseason.
George's pairing with Leonard has all of the potential in the world, but the duo haven't been able to stay healthy at the right times to put it all together. If George becomes a free agent, his versatile and modern skillset will make him a fit on any team and will make him one of the most coveted free agents, regardless of position. However, he may also want to pick up his player option and run it back with Los Angeles.
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