Ranking the top free agent small forwards

NBA teams value multifaceted small forwards and a few will be available in free agency ahead of the 2020 season. There are an abundance of wings with impressive skill sets who will be up for grabs soon and we’ve created a list of our top five small forward targets excluding those with player options. These are the small forwards most likely to garner the most attention on the market.

Brandon Ingram, NOP (RFA)

Previous salary: $5.9 million

The New Orleans Pelicans would be foolish to let Ingram go, but the 2020 All-Star is due for a max contract. Ingram is only 23 years old, but Zion Williamson is viewed as the future of the franchise. Ingram is a two-way wing who averaged career highs in points (23.8), rebounds (6.1), and assists (4.2) per game. If new Orleans hesitates to pay up, expect teams to swarm Ingram.

Danilo Gallinari, OKC

Previous salary: $21.5 million

Gallinari’s stats didn’t drop much playing in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s guard-centric offense. He averaged 18.7 points and 5.2 rebound per game while Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dennis Schroder all eclipsed 17 points per game as well. Gallinari was an efficient shooter from deep and connected on 40.5 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. His 6’10” frame allows to to play small forward and power forward. Everyone wants a big who capable of stretching the floor like he can.

Davis Bertans, WAS

Previous salary: $7.25 million

Bertans made a business decision ahead of the NBA restart and sat out. The 27-year-old big man drained threes from the parking lot consistently in his first year with the Washington Wizards and posted a career-high 15.4 points per game while shooting 42.4 percent from deep. Washington has a bit of a log jam in the front court because of players like Troy Brown Jr., Isaac Bonga, and Rui Hachimura. Bertans is looking for more defined role and John Wall en route to making a return. Several teams will be willing to make commitments to Bertans.

Jae Crowder, MIA

Previous salary: $7 million

Crowder is one of the NBA’s best glue guys and will be on a lot of wish lists. Crowder stands out as a great team defender and was key to the Miami Heat’s championship run because of his defensive range and hot three-point shooting. He doesn’t have that wow factor that the players above him possess but will likely hit the market if Miami pursues star free agents.

Maurice Harkless, NYK

Previous salary: $10.5 million

Harkless was banished to the New York Knicks for 12 games last season and flew under the radar with the Los Angeles Clippers through most of last season. Some contenders were interested in the wing, but he opted to finish his season in New York. While he lacks the offensive ability the players above him have, he might have the most defensive versatility. He can guard virtually every position for spells and is suited for teams with plenty of offensive upside.

Honorable mentions:

Gordon Hayward (UFA)
Otto Porter Jr. (Accepted PO)
Derrick Jones Jr.