Top free agents in the 2023 NBA Market

We may be in the initial stages of the NBA offseason, but for those in the front offices of the 30 teams, things are just starting to heat up. The free agent market opens up this Friday at 6:00 pm. ET, and we could see some big names on the move in a hurry.

There have already been some massive pre-draft trades to get the wheels turning on the offseason transactions this summer. Phoenix traded Chris Paul to the Wizards for Bradley Beal who is the newest member of the Suns. Washington used Paul to leverage a trade for Jordan Poole, swapping players with Golden State. Then former Celtics guard Marcus Smart was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies while Kristaps Porzingis is headed to Boston in a deal that involved three teams.

With the market opening in a matter of days, NBA teams will be weighing their options and evaluating each and every player on the market in attempts to better their roster for the upcoming season.

So lets take you down the Top 10 free agent on the market this season:

Kyrie Irving, Last year’s team and earnings: Dallas Mavericks, $35,328,700

The Kyrie experiment in Dallas was far from successful. It never seemed like him and Luca Doncic we’re on the same page which sent the Mavericks crashing and burning out of the postseason at the end of the regular season. Do the Mavs want him? Does he want to stay in Dallas? There is an awful lot to decide before Irving puts pen to paper.

James Harden Last year’s team and earnings: Philadelphia 76ers, $33,000,000

Two postseasons have passed and the Sixers have fallen disappointingly short of their playoff goals with James Harden and Joel Embiid on the same team. Harden looked like he put all the chips on the table, looking to get his first ring. Now he might be seeking one last fat contract before fading off into the sun, and he is unlikely to get it in Philly.

Kristaps Porzingis Last year’s team and earnings: Washington Wizards, 33,833,400

The lengthy Lativian has a player option that he will more than likely sign after his trade to the Boston Celtics. At 23 points and 8 rebonds a game he can be a difference maker for Boston who sent the heart and soul of their team away just to bring in Porzingis.

Fred Van Vleet Last year’s team and earnings: Toronto Raptors, $21,250,000

All indications would point at Fred Van Vleet leaving Toronto. It’s a team in the midst of a turn over after Nick Nurse was fired just years bringing the Raptors their first NBA title. The front offices seem on path for a rebuilding period which means that they won’t be to inclined in signing a contract that Van Vleet would feel like he deserves for staying north of the border.

Khris Middleton Last year’s team and earnings: Milwaukee Bucks, $37,984,726

Unfortunately for Middleton, his contract year didn’t go to plan. He was plagued with injuries and didn’t get a chance to showcase himself before leaping into the free agent market. We know who Khris is, a deadly spot up shooter who is getting better off the dribble each and every year. He made almost $40 million last year, and I’m not sure if he is going to get that same kind of money from Milwaukee or anyone else.

Draymond Green Last year’s team and earnings Golden State Warriors, $25,806,468

All indications seem to point at a return to Golden State for Draymond Green. You have to respect his decision to enter the free agent market. He has done anything and everything for the franchise, and now will dip his toes in the free agency pool and see if anything tempting comes across. He is beloved in Golden State, and if he thinks that this team has a chance of winning another title with Chris Paul on the roster, then that would sweeten a return to the Bay even more.

Brook Lopez Last year’s team and earnings: Milwaukee Bucks, $13,906,976

Brook just turned 35 this spring. Despite getting a bit long in the tooth, he is still one of the best big men in the league. When he was healthy, the Milwaukee Bucks were the best team during the regular season. The big man one of the best shot contesters in the paint, dragged down almost 7 boards a game, and can still hit the three at nearly 40%. If the Bucks let walk, they will have a big gap to fill under the iron.

D’Angelo Russell Last year’s team and earnings: Los Angeles Lakers, $31,377,750

After a second stint in Los Angeles, D’Angelo Russell has stated his desire to stay at the Crypto.com Arena. He played a massive role in the Lakers midseason turnaround, brining some consistency and play making to the LA offense. He had some big games in the postseason as well, but we will have to see if the Lakers front office want to splash him the cash knowing quite well his intentions are to stay put.

Russell Westbrook Last year’s team and earnings: LA Clippers, $47,063,478

The massive contracts of a former MVP have gone out the window for Russell Westrbook. After a drastic drop off in numbers, shooting percentages, and efficiency on the court, who is going to take a chance on Westbrook? He is far from the explosive player we saw in OKC or even Washington, and without that quick step and those amazing ups, he is guard with a shaky jumper and tendency to make bad decisions with the ball in his hand.

Gabe Vincent Last year’s team and earnings: Miami Heat, $1,815,677

Maybe no one in this market has seen their stock raise as much as Gabe Vincent since the end of the regular season. With the injury to Tyler Herro, Gabe Vincent took the wheel and turned into a superstar for the Heat during the playoffs. Now he will be looking for is big pay day after earning less than $2 million last year.