Sacramento Kings, but he will be a coveted addition for many teams this free agency period. (Patrick Smith//Keynote USA/Getty Images)” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xyLYvgA4Ja3wra7yNzM_1A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA–/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-06/3ba0c790-2d9e-11ef-917f-a8e2a1225330″>Malik Monk likes the Sacramento Kings, but he will be a coveted addition for many teams this free agency period. (Patrick Smith//Keynote USA/Getty Images)
We might as well get this out of the way. This list won’t include expected names like Klay Thompson, one of the best shooting guards in NBA history, or Paul George.
“Why not?” you will ask yourself. And it’s a fair question.
Older players tend to play a position to reduce their physical load game by game. As such, Yahoo has decided to follow positional tracking and adopt the new position of those players. So, without further ado, here’s a look at the best shooting guards on the market this summer.
This year’s best free agents: bases
State: unrestricted free agent (team option)
Salary 2023-24: $22,000,000
2023-24 digits: 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists
The 27-year-old had a bit of a down year after leaving the Denver Nuggets, splitting this season between the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors. He still provided what he usually does: stellar defense, playmaking, timely offense, ball handling and positional fluidity.
However, the Raptors could prevent him from reaching free agency, as they have a team option for the 2024-25 season worth $23 million. Presumably, they would want to keep him, just so they can trade him before next season’s deadline and get something in return.
Should he be allowed to walk, Brown will receive a lot of interest, particularly from teams looking for a connecting piece that can help in the playoffs.
Monk Malik, Kings of Sacramento
State: unrestricted free agent who signed
Salary 2023-24: $9,945,830
2023-24 digits: 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists
Over the past two seasons, Monk has been one of the most potent bench players in the league. Not only has he provided the Kings with a highly effective scoring punch, but he has also developed as a playmaker, recording more assists in the last two seasons than in his first five combined.
Since the Kings have the early rights to Monk, the sides reportedly agreed Thursday night to a four-year, $78 million contract that includes a player option.
State: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $19,845,098
2023-24 digits: 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists
As one of the best shooters of his generation, Hield should see a fair market despite his defensive deficiencies and somewhat advanced age (31). He is not a standout player, nor a star, but his ability to space the floor will undoubtedly be an attractive element for elite teams looking to break through and win a ring.
It needs to be mentioned that Hield may not be able to finish games due to his aforementioned defensive issues and lack of control. So there’s a chance teams will factor that analysis into their calculations when they offer him a deal.
It remains to be seen if Hield is looking for the biggest payday possible or a chance to join a winning situation, but there’s no doubt that his best path to efficiency is to join a team where he’ll be lower on the totem pole.
State: unrestricted free agent (player option)
Salary 2023-24: $14,704,938
2023-24 digits: 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists
The Nuggets are just over a year away from a title, so it stands to reason that they would be interested in retaining Caldwell-Pope, a two-way presence who played a huge role in their 2022-23 career and who completes his starting lineup. .
They should also have a good chance of securing it, as Caldwell-Pope spent a lot of time playing for subpar teams in his career before winning his first title with the Lakers in 2020. It seems unlikely that at 31 years old he’ll be willing to give a competitive step back to earn a payday that might not be much more than the Nuggets can afford.
That being said, he is a three-point shooting wing that offers quality defense. That’s a big deal in today’s NBA, and Caldwell-Pope is surely aware of it, which will play a big role in whether to exercise his player option.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has a player option and may end up back in the Denver Nuggets uniform next season. (AArón Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Gary Trent Jr.
State: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $18,560,000
2023-24 digits: 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists
Despite a season where Trent struggled, he is still a high-volume 3-point shooter who can defend at a solid level. Those guys don’t grow on trees, so he’ll presumably get his fair share of offers.
The key to attracting Trent to the right situation is understanding who he is and who he isn’t. He’s not a great creator, but he moves in a way that keeps defenses off balance. He’s not an out-of-this-world defender, but he plays well within a team.
What is the total in dollars for said player? It is difficult to project. But given upcoming salary cap increases starting in 2025, teams might be more willing to offer him in the range of $20 million annually for four years, knowing that that value will soon resemble that of the mid-level tax-free exception.
State: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $2,019,706
2023-24 digits: 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists
While Beasley is certainly a one-trick pony, he does it quite well. His high volume of three-pointers, connecting at a rate of 41.3%, provides an element that most teams need.
Beasley had trouble finding a market last summer, but there’s a strange trend in the NBA of looking at players with rock-bottom offers and somehow returning them at a higher price.
Will Beasley continue that pattern? It wouldn’t be for lack of trying. He started 77 games for the Bucks last season, a team that arrived with championship aspirations. That’s nothing.
Notable free agents
Caleb Martin, Miami Heat
State: unrestricted free agent (player option)
Tough wing who has carved out a solid two-way career for the Heat. He has a player option of $7.1 million, which seems low for what he offers on the court.
Gordon Hayward, Oklahoma City Thunder
State: unrestricted free agent
Former All-Star wing who has gone into decline. He can still handle the ball and offer some shots.
Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies
State: unrestricted free agent (team option)
Lefty with an excellent shot who played in only 39 games this season. He could use a change of scenery if Memphis declines his $14.7 million option.
De’Anthony Melton
State: unrestricted free agent
Two-way shooting guard who has become more of a shooter in recent years. He should have a strong market as a key rotation guard.
Isaiah Joe
State: unrestricted free agent (team option)
After a season of strong play, and with a team option worth just $2.1 million, the Thunder would be foolish not to pick it up.
Spencer Dinwiddie, Los Angeles Lakers
State: unrestricted free agent
He struggled this year with the Nets and Lakers and is looking to recapture some of his former glory.
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