Preview of the 2024 Free Agent Crop: Small Forwards

We've previously ranked the best point guards and shooting guards set to hit the open market next summer. 

Today, we delve into the top small forwards expected to be up for grabs. It's an impressive collection of talented players, even with Boston Jaylen Brown no longer eligible for this list after inking a $300+ million pact (the richest contract in NBA history). 

1. Kawhi Leonard / LA Clippers / Player Option

How should we view Kawhi? When healthy, he's one of the most complete all-around players on the planet and an incredibly accomplished postseason performer. As a reminder, Leonard is one of only two players in NBA history with a Defensive Player of the Year award, a Finals MVP, and an All-Star Game MVP on his resume. The other is Michael Jordan. On the other hand, Kawhi hasn't played more than 60 games in a single season since 2016-17. He missed the entire 2021-22 campaign to an ACL tear and (after averaging 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over the first two games of the first round) was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee this past postseason. It will be fascinating to see if the Clips lock him via an extension before he can enter free agency unrestricted next July. 

2. Paul George / LA Clippers / Player Option

Kawhi has played in 161 regular season games since signing with the Clippers in 2019. George has also been bitten by the injury bug early and often during his stint in LA, having appeared in just 189 contests. Nonetheless, George is an eight-time All-Star and has made six All-NBA teams in his career. And although he celebrated his 33rd birthday last month, he still produces at a high level. In 2022-23, PG13 averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.8 made treys and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45.7% from the field and 37.1% from behind the arc. It was the third straight season he has racked up more than 23 points, more than six boards and more than five dimes per game. The only other players in the league to average at least 23/6/5 in each of the past three seasons are Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Of those six stars, George is the only player to also average more than 2.0 made three-pointers and 1.0 steals.