The NBA free agency rumor mill is already churning, and this year’s crop of small forwards is famously thin. But thin doesn’t mean boring. There’s actual intrigue here, especially with a few restricted free agents who might test the market and a handful of veterans looking for one more payday. Let’s get into where the top wings are likely to land.
10. Landry Shamet — A Champion’s Value
Landry Shamet keeps bouncing around, but he keeps playing. That’s something. He just won a ring with the Bucks, and general managers love that. Shamet can space the floor and he won’t demand the ball. He’s the kind of guy who fits on any contender. The Nuggets need wing depth in the worst way, and they’ve already shown they’ll take fliers on shooters. Denver makes too much sense here.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets
9. Pat Spencer — From Hoops to Hoops
Pat Spencer is a fascinating story. He was a lacrosse star at Loyola before switching to basketball, and now he’s an NBA free agent. He shoots it well and plays hard. The Magic have been quietly trying to fix their spacing, and they could use another shooter off the bench. Spencer’s style fits what Orlando is building.
Prediction: Orlando Magic
8. Jaylen Clark — Defense First
Jaylen Clark isn’t going to light up the scoreboard, but he can guard. The Timberwolves lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s defense last summer and it hurt them. They can’t afford to let another perimeter stopper walk. Clark is a restricted free agent, so Minnesota can match any offer. This one feels straightforward.
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves
7. Khris Middleton — Back to Detroit?
Khris Middleton is 34 now and he’s not the same player who helped Milwaukee win a title. But he can still score, and the Pistons need scoring on the wing badly. Detroit has a ton of big men and drivers, but they lack floor spacers who can create their own shot. Middleton started his career there. A reunion almost 15 years later would be weird but maybe it works.
Prediction: Detroit Pistons
6. Kevin Porter Jr. — Staying Put
Kevin Porter Jr. has had a rocky road, but he’s found some stability in Milwaukee. He can fill a box score when healthy, but injuries and off-court issues have kept him from sticking anywhere long-term. His player option is probably the safest bet for him. The Bucks would likely welcome him back on that deal.
Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks
5. Kelly Oubre — Utah Could Steal Him
Kelly Oubre has been quietly consistent for years. He averaged over 20 points a game in Charlotte and has been a steady presence on some shaky Sixers teams. Philadelphia wants him back, but the Jazz have been aggressive this offseason and they need another wing who can score. Utah might overpay to get him.
Prediction: Utah Jazz
4. Andrew Wiggins — Miami Fits
Andrew Wiggins never became a superstar, but he’s carved out a solid career. He made an All-Star team and played good defense on a title team. He’s got a player option with Miami and the Heat culture seems to suit him. Whether he picks it up or signs a new deal, he’s likely staying in South Beach.
Prediction: Miami Heat
3. Tari Eason — Rockets Can’t Lose Him
Tari Eason is the engine of the Houston Rockets. He brings energy, transition buckets, and relentless defense. The Rockets have already traded away some of their young pieces — the Jalen Green for Kevin Durant swap being the big one — but they’ve made it clear they want Eason back long-term. He’s a restricted free agent, so it’s their call.
Prediction: Houston Rockets
2. Lu Dort — Brooklyn Bound?
Lu Dort is one of the most irritating defenders in the league. Opposing fans hate him, but his own fans love him. Oklahoma City has a decision to make: they have expensive team options on both Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein. The Thunder have a ton of perimeter defenders already, so Dort could be the odd man out. If he hits free agency, the Nets should jump. They have guards everywhere but need wings who can defend.
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
1. Peyton Watson — Denver’s Priority
Peyton Watson averaged 3.3 points in college. That’s not a typo. But the Nuggets saw something, and they were right. This past season his defensive versatility started popping and he showed flashes of scoring ability. He’s still raw but the upside is real. The Nuggets are reportedly clearing cap space to keep him. He’s a restricted free agent, so Denver controls his fate.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets
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