NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players
HoopsHypeJune 21, 2019
1. Kawhi Leonard
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Last team: Toronto Raptors
26.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.8 spg
Probably the top player in 2018-19 if you factor in regular season and playoffs performances. Raptors have done everything they could to convince him to stay long-term.
2018/19 Earnings: $23,114,066
Career Earnings: $60,899,944
2. DeMarcus Cousins
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Golden State Warriors
16.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg
He rushed back from a quad injury to play in the Finals, but might have been better off sitting out, because his poor play in the championship series might hurt his stock heading into free agency.
2018/19 Earnings: $5,337,000
Career Earnings: $80,711,986
3. Danny Green
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Last team: Toronto Raptors
10.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 45.5 3P%
Relocated his elite shooting form in a big way this season before seeing his shooting marks plummet in the postseason. Shot over 45 percent from three in the regular season and under 33 percent in the playoffs.
2018/19 Earnings: $10,000,000
Career Earnings: $42,607,624
4. Marcus Morris
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Boston Celtics
13.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 37.5 3PT%
Provides the Celtics with an element of toughness they wouldn’t have without him. Solid scoring big man who can iso, post-up and shoot the long ball.
2018/19 Earnings: $5,375,000
Career Earnings: $22,928,419
5. Jabari Parker
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Washington Wizards
14.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg
Has proven to still be a very able scorer. His issues defensively, with injuries and with conditioning are what hinders his impact and outlook.
2018/19 Earnings: $20,000,000
Career Earnings: $22,239,712
6. Kelly Oubre
Restricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Last team: Phoenix Suns
15.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg
Athletic wing who can make an impact as a cutter and on the offensive glass. In a bigger role with the Suns, he was able to put up career numbers as a scorer. However, shooting has regressed once again.
2018/19 Earnings: $3,208,630
Career Earnings: $6,019,920
7. Rajon Rondo
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Last team: Los Angeles Lakers
9.2 ppg, 8.0 apg
Still a productive point guard who can rack up assists and wreak havoc defensively by jumping passing lanes. His man-to-man defense really dropped off this year, though.
2018/19 Earnings: $9,000,000
Career Earnings: $88,622,794
8. Kenneth Faried
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Houston Rockets
10.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg
Had a career resurgence after joining the Rockets. Uses athleticism and safe hands to finish explosively around the rim.
2018/19 Earnings: $14,242,782
Career Earnings: $56,855,817
9. JaVale McGee
Unrestricted / Center / 7-0 / Last team: Los Angeles Lakers
12.0 ppg, 2.0 bpg
Had a career season as far as consistent nightly impact. Fantastic rim protector who is really good scoring out of the pick-and-roll.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,393,887
Career Earnings: $57,657,268
10. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Los Angeles Lakers
11.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg
Solid defender and merely a decent shooter from the 2-guard spot. Should have thrived next to LeBron, but he was never able to put it all together as a Laker.
2018/19 Earnings: $12,000,000
Career Earnings: $29,741,533
11. JaMychal Green
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Los Angeles Clippers
9.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg
Solid scorer and rebounder from the 4-spot who can space the floor from deep, making him a good fit as a modern big man.
2018/19 Earnings: $8,066,667
Career Earnings: $21,329,811
12. Ivica Zubac
Restricted / Center / 7-0 / Last team: Los Angeles Clippers
8.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg
Good at finishing with either hand, good at finishing in traffic and a solid rebounder.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,544,951
Career Earnings: $3,892,518
13. Jeremy Lin
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Last team: Toronto Raptors
9.6 ppg, 3.1 apg
Put up all right numbers as a Hawk, but once he got traded to the Raptors, he completely fell out of the rotation. Not the best thing to happen when you’re about to hit free agency.
2018/19 Earnings: $12,516,746
Career Earnings: $67,002,087
14. Delon Wright
Restricted / Point Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Memphis Grizzlies
8.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Reliable backup ball-handler who struggles as a three-point shooters but is adept around the rim.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,536,898
Career Earnings: $10,904,113
15. Tyus Jones
Restricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Last team: Minnesota Timberwolves
6.9 ppg, 4.8 apg
An extremely trustworthy backup lead guard who boasted an elite assist-to-turnover ratio last season. Mediocre outside shot hampers his impact.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,444,052
Career Earnings: $10,110,400
16. Nando De Colo
Restricted / Point Guard / 6-5 / Last team: CSKA Moscow
14.7 ppg, 3.4 apg (EuroLeague)
One of the best players in Europe over the last few seasons. Can get his own shot and create for others very well.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,780,000
17. Thabo Sefolosha
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Last team: Utah Jazz
3.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg
Veteran wing who shot 43.6 percent from three last season.
2018/19 Earnings: $5,250,000
Career Earnings: $4,081,326
18. Carmelo Anthony
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Houston Rockets
13.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg
If he’s willing to take a secondary role, he could be a productive piece on a good team. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like he’s willing to take that role quite yet.
2018/19 Earnings: $27,928,140
Career Earnings: $246,781,142
19. Justin Holiday
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Last team: Memphis Grizzlies
10.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Athletic wing who racks up steals and is a decent threat from three-point range.
2018/19 Earnings: $4,500,000
Career Earnings: $11,826,814
20. Quinn Cook
Restricted / Point Guard / 6-2 / Last team: Golden State Warriors
6.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg
An elite outside shooter who has blossomed into a serviceable reserve point guard.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,544,951
Career Earnings: $3,727,863
21. Lance Thomas
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-8 / Last team: New York Knicks
4.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg
A well-respected veteran and a solid defender.
2018/19 Earnings: $7,119,650
Career Earnings: $23,674,292
22. Lance Stephenson
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Los Angeles Lakers
7.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg
Jack of all trades, master of none. Though he can defend, distribute, create his own shot and spot up from deep, he doesn’t do any of those things at an elite level.
2018/19 Earnings: $4,449,000
Career Earnings: $30,820,574
23. Pau Gasol
Unrestricted / Center / 7-0 / Last team: Milwaukee Bucks
3.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Now in the tail end of his career, he could be a good option for teams in need of a positive influence on the locker room.
2018/19 Earnings: $17,133,285
Career Earnings: $220,527,082
24. Sam Dekker
Restricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Washinigton Wizards
6.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg
Athletic wing who gets after it on defense but struggles mightily on offense.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,760,094
Career Earnings: $11,838,230
25. Trey Burke
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Last team: Dallas Mavericks
10.9 ppg, 2.7 apg
A backup guard option who has proven to be a solid scorer in the NBA.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,795,015
Career Earnings: $13,611,333
26. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Last team: Brooklyn Nets
8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg
He lacks a three-pointer but can face up on offense and defend multiple positions.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,470,356
Career Earnings: $6,672,819
27. Nenê
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Houston Rockets
3.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg
An experienced end-of-bench big man.
2018/19 Earnings: $3,651,480
Career Earnings: $134,064,384
28. David Nwaba
Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Last team: Cleveland Cavaliers
6.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg
Defensive-minded wing with a poor jump shot.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,512,601
Career Earnings: $4,853,430
29. Joakim Noah
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Memphis Grizzlies
7.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg
Experienced a career resurgence with Memphis this year, displaying impactful two-way play off the bench.
2018/19 Earnings: $20,261,172
Career Earnings: $129,631,473
30. Jonas Jerebko
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Last team: Golden State Warriors
6.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Acquitted himself nicely playing for a contender last season. Shooting nearly 39 percent from three over the last two years.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,165,481
Career Earnings: $34,517,994
31. Alex Caruso
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Los Angeles Lakers
9.2 ppg, 3.1 apg
Shot 48 percent from three last season and showed good scoring bounce off the bounce.
2018/19 Earnings: $77,250
Career Earnings: $1,493,842
32. Trey Lyles
Restricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Last team: Denver Nuggets
8.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg
A skilled big who can make a big impact on offense when his three-point shot is falling. Last year it wasn’t so he fell out of the rotation.
2018/19 Earnings: $3,364,249
Career Earnings: $14,871,714
33. Vince Carter
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Last team: Atlanta Hawks
7.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg
Heading into the final year of his career, it’ll be interesting to see where he spends his last days in the NBA. He put up decent numbers last year, including from deep, so he could help out a playoff-caliber club.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,393,887
Career Earnings: $169,481,518
34. Iman Shumpert
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Houston Rockets
7.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg
He’s athletic and has championship experience, making him an interesting option for wing-needy teams.
2018/19 Earnings: $11,011,234
Career Earnings: $47,212,296
35. Nik Stauskas
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Last team: Cleveland Cavaliers
5.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg
A career 35.3 percent three-point shooter, he hasn’t lived up to the sharpshooter label he had coming out of college.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,161,886
Career Earnings: $14,508,250
36. Amir Johnson
Unrestricted / Center / 6-9 / Last team: Philadelphia 76ers
3.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg
Veteran backup-center option.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,393,887
Career Earnings: $78,383,687
37. Omri Casspi
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Memphis Grizzlies
6.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg
If he weren’t constantly injured, he would be more sought-after as a reliable role player.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,176,260
Career Earnings: $18,058,631
38. Stanley Johnson
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Last team: New Orleans Pelicans
6.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Struggles mightily on offense but can be an impactful wing defender when locked in.
2018/19 Earnings: $3,940,401
Career Earnings: $17,335,707
39. Jamal Crawford
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Phoenix Suns
7.9 ppg, 3.6 apg
He’s not in his prime, but he can still get buckets off the bench.
2018/19 Earnings: $4,698,113
Career Earnings: $122,297,774
40. Zaza Pachulia
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Detroit Pistons
3.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Rugged center who likes to get after it on the glass.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,393,887
Career Earnings: $59,429,635
41. Marcin Gortat
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Los Angeles Clippers
5.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg
Great screen-setter and still a decent finisher out of the pick-and-roll.
2018/19 Earnings: $13,565,218
Career Earnings: $93,766,877
42. Greg Monroe
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Philadelphia 76ers
5.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg
Showed that he can still score out of the low post during his stint with the Sixers.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,410,167
Career Earnings: $76,814,094
43. Salah Mejri
Unrestricted / Center / 7-1 / Last team: Dallas Mavericks
3.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg
Adept rim-protecter off the bench.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,098,196
Career Earnings: $3,402,300
44. Jodie Meeks
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Last team: Toronto Raptors
6.4 ppg, 1.5 apg
Hit 44.4 percent of his triples with the Raptors, proving that he can still stroke the basketball for contenders.
2018/19 Earnings: $3,774,176
Career Earnings: $30,855,708
45. Jerian Grant
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Orlando Magic
4.2 ppg, 2.6 apg
Solid defender and outside shooter last season.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,639,313
Career Earnings: $11,332,216
46. Jerryd Bayless
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Last team: Minnesota Timberwolves
6.1 ppg, 3.5 apg
Veteran ball-handler who can be trusted to lead second units.
2018/19 Earnings: $8,575,916
Career Earnings: $48,012,904
47. Shabazz Napier
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Last team: Brooklyn Nets
9.4 ppg, 2.6 apg
Good ball-handler who can run second-unit offenses.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,942,422
Career Earnings: $10,032,283
48. Michael Beasley
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Last team: Los Angeles Clippers
7.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg
Solid scorer who doesn’t contribute much on the defensive end.
2018/19 Earnings: $3,500,000
Career Earnings: $29,890,969
49. Justin Anderson
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-6 / Last team: Atlanta Hawks
3.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg
Strong, stout wing who has trouble contributing on offense but can defend multiple positions.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,516,047
Career Earnings: $10,684,273
50. Corey Brewer
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Sacramento Kings
4.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg
Veteran wing who can still rack up steals and finish in transition.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,559,925
Career Earnings: $55,329,916
51. Luc Mbah a Moute
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Los Angeles Clippers
5.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg
Doesn’t get much credit, but a do-the-dirty-work player who you ultimately want on your side. Missed most of last season with injury.
2018/19 Earnings: $4,320,500
Career Earnings: $25,811,485
52. Devin Harris
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Last team: Dallas Mavericks
6.3 ppg, 1.8 apg
Trustworthy backup point guard whose shooting marks fell off a cliff in 2018-19.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,393,887
Career Earnings: $74,241,850
53. Tyson Chandler
Unrestricted / Center / 7-1 / Last team: Los Angeles Lakers
3.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg
Doesn’t have the bounce he once had, but still great at tapping out loose balls for offensive rebounds.
2018/19 Earnings: $13,585,000
Career Earnings: $185,171,645
54. Kosta Koufos
Unrestricted / Center / 7-0 / Last team: Sacramento Kings
3.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg
Solid contributor at center for teams needing another bench big.
2018/19 Earnings: $8,739,500
Career Earnings: $47,294,784
55. Dante Cunningham
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-8 / Last team: San Antonio Spurs
3.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg
Experienced backup power forward.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,487,000
Career Earnings: $18,546,731
56. Shane Larkin
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 5-11 / Last team: Anadolu Efes
12.5 ppg, 3.1 apg (EuroLeague)
Went back to Europe and lit things up, scoring from all three levels and distributing the basketball extremely well. Looks primed for an NBA return.
57. Raymond Felton
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Last team: Oklahoma City Thunder
4.3 ppg, 1.6 apg
Third-string point guard option at best in this point of his career.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,393,887
Career Earnings: $53,053,160
58. Shelvin Mack
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Last team: Charlotte Hornets
7.5 ppg, 3.2 apg
Can run a second-unit offense and hit triples relatively consistently.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,512,601
Career Earnings: $17,890,720
59. Ekpe Udoh
Unrestricted / Center / 6-10 / Last team: Utah Jazz
2.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg
Found playing time hard to come by behind Rudy Gobert. Reportedly has huge offers to return to Europe.
2018/19 Earnings: $3,360,000
Career Earnings: $21,252,593
60. Milos Teodosic
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Los Angeles Clippers
3.2 ppg, 2.1 apg
Unlikely to return to the NBA after failing to make an impact with the Los Angeles Clippers and returning to Europe.
2018/19 Earnings: $6,300,000
61. Luol Deng
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Minnesota Timberwolves
7.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Got some playing time for Minnesota this season before injuries started to creep in again.
2018/19 Earnings: $16,747,954
Career Earnings: $156,056,673
62. Cheick Diallo
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Last team: New Orleans Pelicans
6.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg
Bouncy backup big man with good shot-blocking instincts.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,544,951
Career Earnings: $5,332,222
63. Khem Birch
Restricted / Center / 6-9 / Last team: Orlando Magic
4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg
Underrated backup center who plays with lots of energy on both ends.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,378,242
Career Earnings: $4,062,377
64. JaKarr Sampson
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Chicago Bulls
20.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg
Bouncy wing who has spent the majority of his career in the G League.
2018/19 Earnings: $85,457
Career Earnings: $854,356
65. Alex Abrines
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Last team: Oklahoma City Thunder
5.3 ppg, 1.5 rpg
Shooting guard with soft touch from the outside. Parted ways with the Thunder under mysterious circumstances last season.
2018/19 Earnings: $3,667,645
Career Earnings: $15,294,947
66. Wayne Selden
Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Chicago Bulls
6.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg
Smooth bucket-getting scorer who doesn’t contribute anything on defense.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,544,951
Career Earnings: $4,903,838
67. Ian Clark
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-3 / Last team: New Orleans Pelicans
6.7 ppg, 1.6 apg
His main skill is supposed to be shooting but he’s only hit 32.2 percent of his threes over the last two years.
2018/19 Earnings: $1,757,429
Career Earnings: $6,604,293
68. Patrick McCaw
Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Last team: Toronto Raptors
2.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg
Has yet to find a legit role in the NBA, despite being part of a championship team every year he’s been in the NBA.
2018/19 Earnings: $964,104
Career Earnings: $4,784,308
69. Jose Calderon
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Last team: Detroit Pistons
2.3 ppg, 2.3 apg
One of the greatest European guards ever, his time in the NBA could be coming to an end soon.
2018/19 Earnings: $2,393,887
Career Earnings: $84,201,469
70. Wesley Johnson
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Last team: Washington Wizards
3.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg
Defensive-minded wing.