LeBron James is about to hit free agency again, and yeah, that’s always going to be the headline. But the power forward position this summer is stacked with talent, maybe deeper than any other spot on the floor. From aging legends to young guys trying to cash in, June 30 has a lot of moving parts. Here’s a look at the ten best unsigned power forwards and where they’re likely to end up.
10. Al Horford, Golden State Warriors (player option)
Horford just turned 40. He can still space the floor, play smart team defense, and make winning plays. But at some point the body says no. If he wants one more run, he’d bring value to a contender. More likely, he hangs it up.
Prediction: Retirement
9. Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs (UFA)
Barnes started his career as a key role player for the Warriors dynasty. Now he’s coming off a Finals run with the Spurs. He’s a reliable 3-and-D wing who can help a team like Minnesota, which keeps knocking on the door but hasn’t broken through. The Timberwolves need veteran stability, and Barnes fits that perfectly.
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves
8. Dean Wade, Cleveland Cavaliers (UFA)
Portland has young athletes and a lot of depth. They also have Damian Lillard coming back from injury and Jrue Holiday running the backcourt. What they lack is shooting from the four spot. Wade is a stretch forward who can knock down threes and play solid defense. He’d open up the floor for Lillard to work.
Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers
7. Jonathan Kuminga, Atlanta Hawks (team option)
Kuminga never fully clicked with Golden State, but Atlanta took a flier on him at the trade deadline when they sent out Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was a rental. Kuminga still has a team option on his deal, and the Hawks would be smart to pick it up. He’s raw but the tools are there.
Prediction: Atlanta Hawks
6. John Collins, Los Angeles Clippers (UFA)
Collins averaged 19 points a game two seasons ago. His numbers dipped with the Clippers, but he’s still an explosive athlete who can finish above the rim and hit the occasional three. Phoenix just locked up Collin Gillespie long-term, and now they need someone to throw lobs to. Collins would be a perfect fit for that offense.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns
5. Kristaps Porzingis, Golden State Warriors (UFA)
Porzingis is 7-foot-2 and can stretch the floor and protect the rim. In a perfect world, he’s a top target. But the health issues are real. He played only 15 games for Golden State after being traded there last season. Still, the Warriors want to maximize the Stephen Curry window, and Porzingis fits their system. Expect him back.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors
4. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (player option)
Draymond is basically the Warriors’ identity. Four rings, Defensive Player of the Year level impact, and a guy who’s been the emotional core of the team. Seeing him in another uniform would be weird, but Klay Thompson leaving proved nobody’s untouchable. That said, Draymond will either pick up his player option or sign a new deal to stay. It just makes too much sense.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors
3. Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers (UFA)
Hachimura stepped up big in the playoffs, averaging 17.5 points per game. He’s a three-level scorer who plays decent defense, and he’s about to get paid. The Lakers have a lot of free agents this offseason, but letting Hachimura walk would be a mistake. They need to bring him back.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
2. Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons (UFA)
Harris is in the top 30 all-time in career earnings despite never being a star. He took a lot of heat for his contract, but he’s been a key piece for the Pistons, who earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference this season. He’s made over $300 million already, so he might not demand a max deal. That makes re-signing him easier for Detroit.
Prediction: Detroit Pistons
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (UFA)
LeBron is playing the four now, and he’s still a high-IQ playmaker who knows how to win. He’s not the same athlete he was at 25, but he doesn’t need to be. The decision this time isn’t as dramatic as The Decision, but it matters. A return to Cleveland would be a storybook ending. The Cavaliers drafted him, he won them their only title, and they’re good enough to chase another ring.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
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