The NBA Finals just put the final nail in the small-ball coffin. The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs slugged it out with Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Victor Wembanyama owning the paint, and the message was clear: big men are back. Towns has long been the gold standard for stretch fives, Robinson is arguably the best backup center in the league, and Wembanyama is already the face of the NBA at 7-foot-4. That’s three very different kinds of dominant centers, and the free agent market this summer is loaded with similar talent. With the center position still thinner than most around the league, these guys are going to get paid. Let’s break down the top 10 and where they’re likely headed.
10. Brook Lopez — Los Angeles Clippers (Team Option)
Lopez isn’t the dominant interior scorer he was back in Brooklyn where he’s still the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. But he reinvented himself in Milwaukee as a shot-blocking stretch five. His first year with the Clippers was a step back, but the Lakers are desperate for center depth and Lopez could slide right into a bigger role if another big man on this list leaves L.A.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
9. Nikola Vucevic — Boston Celtics (UFA)
Vucevic struggled a bit after the trade to Boston, but his ability to space the floor as a stretch big is still valuable. He’s not an All-Star anymore, but he can be one of the league’s better backup centers. The Wizards are mixing youth with veteran help after adding Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and Davis has always preferred playing the four. Vucevic gives them spacing they desperately need.
Prediction: Washington Wizards
8. Robert Williams — Portland Trail Blazers (UFA)
Denver has never really solved the backup center spot behind Nikola Jokic since Mason Plumlee left. Jonas Valanciunas had moments but couldn’t hold a consistent spot. Whoever backs up Jokic won’t get heavy minutes, so a guy like Williams — who blocks shots and rebounds when he’s healthy — makes sense. His injury history hurts less on a team that already has an all-time great at center.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets
7. Sandro Mamukelashvili — Toronto Raptors (Player Option)
Mamukelashvili broke out this past season with the Raptors. The Georgian big man can handle the ball and hit jumpers — a unicorn-ish skill set. He’s still improving and a return to Toronto feels natural.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors
6. Mark Williams — Phoenix Suns (RFA)
Williams was famously traded to the Lakers but the deal got voided after he failed his physical. Maybe the other L.A. team takes a shot. The Clippers need a replacement for Ivica Zubac after trading him to Indiana. Williams is only 24 and heading into his fifth season, which fits the Clippers’ weird mix of retooling and contending. The injury history is a red flag, though he did play a career-high 60 games this year.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
5. Mitchell Robinson — New York Knicks (UFA)
Robinson was huge for the Knicks during their title run. He’s one of the best shot blockers and rebounders in the league, and he could start for plenty of teams. The Charlotte Hornets have Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner, but they’re not taking the next step with that duo at the five. Robinson would immediately upgrade their defense.
Prediction: Charlotte Hornets
4. Deandre Ayton — Los Angeles Lakers (Player Option)
Ayton wasn’t happy with his role in L.A. this season. He can decline his player option but might not have as many suitors as he’d hope. Memphis makes sense as a fit. His skill set is a nice contrast to Zach Edey’s slower game, and Ayton could take on a bigger role if Edey keeps getting hurt.
Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies
3. Isaiah Hartenstein — Oklahoma City Thunder (Team Option)
The Thunder didn’t repeat as champs but they had the deepest roster in the league. They’re going to lose players this summer. Hartenstein and Lu Dort both have team options, but with so many point-of-attack defenders on the roster, it feels more likely they keep Hartenstein. Chet Holmgren is best at the four, and Thomas Sorber missed his whole rookie year. Hartenstein might need to take a pay cut, though.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Walker Kessler — Utah Jazz (RFA)
Kessler and the Jazz can’t agree on an extension. Reports say the two sides are far apart, but rumors still suggest a deal might get done. If anyone can pry him away, it’s the Bulls, who have cap space and desperately need size. A disgruntled Kessler should be Chicago’s top priority.
Prediction: Chicago Bulls
1. Jalen Duren — Detroit Pistons (RFA)
Some wondered if Duren’s rough postseason would hurt his value. But the Pistons center made his first All-Star team and is about to get paid. He’s a physical freak, and that playoff experience — even if it was ugly — should only help him. Duren is the best free agent center and arguably the best player in this class.
Prediction: Detroit Pistons
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