NBA Free Agency Preview: Ranking The Top Shooting Guards Available

With the start of free agency just days away (teams can start formally signing free agents Sunday, November 22), here’s a look at the best shooting guards up for grabs this offseason: 

(FYI: DeMar DeRozan would have been ranked No. 1, but has reportedly opted into his $27.7M player option, which means he won’t hit free agency until 2021)

1. Bogdan Bogdanovic – Restricted – Sacramento Kings: 

The Kings agreed to trade Bogdanovic (who averaged a career-high of 15.1 points to go along with 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.7 made 3-pointers per game in 2019-20) to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday in exchange for Donte DiVincenzo, D.J. Wilson and Ersan Ilyasova. However, since Bogdanovic is a restricted free agent, the deal cannot be officially consummated until Sunday. 

2. Evan Fournier – Player Option – Orlando Magic:

Fournier has a player option worth $17.2 million for the 2020-21 campaign. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Fournier is currently planning to exercise that option and return to Orlando for at least one more season. 

3. Malik Beasley – Restricted – Minnesota Timberwolves:

Beasley could see increased competition for his services with each of the top three free-agent SG’s seemingly off the board. He averaged 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 3.5 made 3-pointers for the Wolves over the season’s final month. However, some red flags could concern teams. Last month, Beasley was formally charged with felony threats of violence and fifth-degree drug possession stemming from an incident at his residence on Sept. 27, according to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office

4. Tim Hardaway Jr. – Player Option – Dallas Mavericks: 

Hardaway played well last season, setting new career highs for 3-pointers made (204), 3-point percentage (.398), and True Shooting Percentage (.581). However, THJ has an $18.9 million player option for 2020-21. Considering the league’s current financial landscape, Hardaway would likely have to accept a pay cut in terms of his annual salary were he to enter free agency this offseason. 

5. Jordan Clarkson – Unrestricted – Utah Jazz:

Assuming Hardaway Jr. exercises his option, Clarkson could be considered the most intriguing unrestricted shooting guard on the open market (which says a lot about the absence of top-tier FA’s up for grabs this offseason). Clarkson is more of a combo guard and is a subpar defender, but he did average an impressive 15.6 points on 46.2% shooting in 42 games as a reserve for Utah last season. He also exceeded expectations in the playoffs, pouring in nearly 17 points per contest. 

Best of the Rest:

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Player Option – L.A.Lakers

De’Anthony Melton – Restricted – Memphis Grizzlies

Derrick Jones Jr. – Unrestricted – Miami Heat

Alec Burks – Unrestricted – Philadelphia 76ers

Justin Holiday – Unrestricted – Indiana Pacers

Langston Galloway – Unrestricted – Detroit Pistons

Avery Bradley – Player Option – L.A. Lakers