The NBA free agency period always sparks excitement among fans and experts alike, as it is the time when some of the biggest stars in the league become available for acquisition. With the 2023 NBA free agency just around the corner, there is no shortage of anticipation about which players will become available and where they will end up. Whether it’s a veteran looking for one last big payday or a rising star seeking a new challenge, there are plenty of players who will be highly sought after when free agency kicks off. In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 NBA free agents of 2023, examining their strengths and weaknesses, and predicting where they may end up.
10. Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma is having his best season so far as one of the primary scorers of the Washington Wizards.
The 27-year-old forward may exercise his player option for the third year of his contract, but if he chooses to take another path, that could also be plausible. Since joining the Wizards, he has shown great promise. But, Kuzma was not winning games. It is as though he is the type of guy who makes good numbers on bad teams. Despite that, his production is useful to a team that would need his 20-point daily average.
2022-2023 stats: 21.2 PPG, 3.7 APG, 7.2 RPG
9. Brook Lopez
Even at 35 years old, Brook Lopez is still getting up in the air swatting shot after shot.
Lopez has been the defensive anchor in the paint for the Milwaukee Bucks and is already making a case as an All-Defensive team member. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and the Bucks could lose a big part of their defensive lineup if Lopez chooses to sign elsewhere. He was paid $13 Million in the 2022-2023 season, and Milwaukee may still be able to afford him.
2022-2023 stats: 15.9 PPG, 1.3 APG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG
8. D’Angelo Russell
His first stint with the Los Angeles Lakers may have failed, but D’Angelo Russell may have found his home in Hollywood again for the second time.
D’Angelo Russell was part of the trade that sent Russell Westbrook away from the Lakers. Since then, the Los Angeles Lakers were winning and now, they’re in the playoffs. Although DLo may not be the best point guard in the market, he can definitely get buckets. He can score anywhere on the court, but his defense is sometimes non-existent. Nonetheless, we think he will be staying with the Lakers next season.
2022-2023 stats: 17.9 PPG, 6.2 APG, 3.1 RPG
7. Nikola Vucevic
Sadly, the Chicago Bulls need to disband their current team.
During his Orlando Magic days, Nikola Vucevic was an All-Star. However, his level of play drastically fell off right after joining the Bulls. Despite that, Vooch is a wonderful veteran center that can man the paint or space the floor. Vucevic is a reliable big man who can produce a consistent double-double every night.
2022-2023 stats: 17.6 PPG, 3.2 APG, 11.0 RPG
6. Khris Middleton
The 3-time All-Star struggled with his health in the 2022-2023 season. After having knee injuries, he only played a total of 33 games in the regular season. However, he was able to return in the 2023 playoffs, but still lost to the Miami Heat in the first round.
Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks’ sharpshooting wing, was a 20-point scorer before being injured. Entering free agency, his injury may become a huge issue for teams that would look for his talents.
2022-2023 stats: 15.1 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.2 RPG
5. Kristaps Porzingis
A 7-foot-3 guy who likes to shoot threes? Well, the once was NBA’s unicorn is enjoying the best season of his career so far.
Kristaps Porzingis is another type of baller who thrives in the perimeter rather than in the paint despite being more than 7 feet tall. Meanwhile, he can also defend the basket when needed. Overall, Porzingis is great for spacing the floor and could do well with an All-Star caliber point guard.
2022-2023 stats: 23.2 PPG, 2.7 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.5 BPG
4. Fred VanVleet
From being undrafted to becoming an All-Star, Fred VanVleet has done amazing feats in his career.
VanVleet is definitely one of the best playmaking point guards in the NBA today. His court vision and commanding abilities are top-notch. Plus, he is also a tough perimeter defender. The question is, will the Toronto Raptors keep him?
2022-2023 stats: 19.3 PPG, 7.2 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG
3. Russell Westbrook
It looks like Russell Westbrook is happy with the Los Angeles Clippers now, isn’t he?
Some might argue why Russ is so high on this list. Well, for starters, Westbrook is a future Hall-of-Famer. Second, he is still one of the best point guards in the league with how he produces (points, assists, rebounds, steals). Third, he may look washed, but we just have to believe in him. Finally, Westbrook has the heart, passion, and burning desire to win in basketball. That already sums up why he is one of the best there is.
2022-2023 stats: 15.9 PPG, 7.5 APG, 6.2 RPG
2. James Harden
Still a top 5 shooting guard in the NBA, James Harden still has a lot left in his tank.
Playing alongside the 2023 MVP, Joel Embiid, James Harden is no doubt the Sixers second best player. Just four years ago, Harden was the best scorer in the NBA. Now, he has evolved into an excellent floor general. He leads the league in assists this season while also putting up more than 20 points each night. Chances are, the Sixers will re-sign The Beard next season.
2022-2023 stats: 21.0 PPG, 10.7 APG, 6.1 RPG
1. Kyrie Irving
Rumor has it that Kyrie Irving won’t be staying with Luka Doncic in Dallas after becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Rumors surrounding the 8-time All-Star are spreading on the internet. Some of his fans believe that he is going to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, others believe he will be joining Kevin Durant in Phoenix. Either way, we may not get to see him again in a Mavericks Jersey.
2022-2023 stats: 27.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 5.1 RPG
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