2025 Free Agency: 20 Best Small Forwards Available This Summer

2024-25 Stats: 25.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 8.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Contract: $52,627,153 Player Option

LeBron James is still a top-10 player in the world even at 40 years old. His 2024-25 season has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game while leading the Lakers into the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. 

The chemistry he has built with Luka Doncic and his son, Bronny, has given Los Angeles a compelling storyline, but it’s clear that LeBron still has championship ambitions of his own. With a $52.6 million player option looming, there’s virtually no chance he picks it up—he’ll either rework his deal for flexibility or sign a new two-year contract that likely keeps him in L.A. for the rest of his career.

The real question is what LeBron’s next contract will look like and how it impacts the Lakers’ future. If the team makes a deep playoff run, he’ll likely run it back under similar terms. But if things fall short, could he angle for a move? Unlikely, but always possible when talking about The King.

2. Jonathan Kuminga

2024-25 Stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Contract: $10,240,287 Qualifying Offer

Jonathan Kuminga has taken a significant step forward in 2024-25, proving that he’s more than just an athletic marvel—he’s a legitimate two-way threat. Averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, he’s become one of the Warriors' most reliable scoring options. The Warriors recognize this, which is why they’ll do everything they can to either extend him long-term or retain him via his $10.2 million qualifying offer.

That being said, Kuminga’s free agency will be intriguing. If Golden State fails to agree on an extension, there’s a chance another team swoops in with a big offer—forcing the Warriors to either match or let him walk. 

The franchise is in a tricky spot, needing to balance the development of its young core while still maximizing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler's remaining prime years. Kuminga’s contract situation will be a pivotal offseason storyline for the Warriors and could shape their long-term direction.

3. Khris Middleton

2024-25 Stats: 12.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Contract: $33,345,679 Player Option

Khris Middleton’s career took a dramatic turn this season when the Milwaukee Bucks shipped him to Washington in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. While the Bucks were looking for a younger, more dynamic wing to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Middleton now finds himself in a different role with the Wizards—a veteran leader on a tanking team. 

Despite his numbers dropping to 12.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, he’s still an efficient scorer and a steadying presence for Washington’s young core. The Wizards have some decisions to make regarding his future, as they could retain him for leadership purposes or explore other options.

Middleton’s $33.3 million player option is a tricky situation. If he declines it, he’ll be hitting the open market for the first time in years, but it’s hard to imagine a team offering him anywhere near that amount annually. The most likely scenario? Middleton accepts his player option for 2025-26, plays out the year in Washington, and then re-evaluates his future in free agency the following summer. 

4. Kelly Oubre Jr.

2024-25 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Contract: $8,382,150 Player Option

Kelly Oubre Jr. has had one of his best all-around seasons in 2024-25, putting up 15.1 points and 6.1 rebounds while providing the kind of energy and defensive effort that coaches love. With an $8.3 million player option for next season, Oubre finds himself in an interesting position. 

Does he test free agency in search of a longer-term deal, or does he play it safe and stick with his current situation for another year? The answer likely depends on how teams value him this summer. Wing players who can defend and stretch the floor are always in demand, and if Oubre finds a team willing to offer a multi-year deal at a respectable price, he’ll probably opt out and leave the 76ers. 

5. Ziaire Williams

2024-25 Stats: 9.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Contract: $8,353,152 Qualifying Offer

Ziaire Williams has shown flashes of being a productive two-way wing, but inconsistency has plagued him throughout his young career. This season, he’s putting up 9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, showcasing his length and defensive potential. 

When he’s locked in, he can be a valuable role player, using his athleticism to attack the basket and his wingspan to disrupt opposing offenses. However, his three-point shooting (32.9%) remains erratic, and he hasn’t fully cemented himself as a surefire starter in the NBA just yet.

With an $8.3 million qualifying offer on the table, the question for Williams is whether a team will be willing to gamble on his upside. The Nets could extend him a multi-year offer, but if they’re hesitant, another team might try to pry him away. 

6. Bojan Bogdanovic

2024-25 Stats: N/A

Contract: Free Agent

Bojan Bogdanovic is the ultimate veteran scorer who can still provide instant offense for any team in need of shooting and experience. While injuries have kept him off the court this season, his past production speaks for itself—he’s a career 39.4% three-point shooter with five seasons averaging at least 17.0 points per game. 

At nearly 36 years old, Bogdanovic isn’t the player he once was, but he can still be a valuable piece for a contender looking for a floor-spacer and secondary scorer. A title contender in need of veteran shooting—like the Lakers, Celtics, or Clippers—could look to bring him in on a short-term deal.

7. Talen Horton-Tucker

2024-25 Stats: 5.7 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

Talen Horton-Tucker’s free agency situation is fascinating because, at just 24 years old, he’s still viewed as a player with untapped potential. However, his production this season—5.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game—has been underwhelming, raising questions about his long-term role in the NBA. 

Once seen as a rising star with the Lakers, he’s struggled to find consistency as a playmaker or a reliable shooter. Now entering unrestricted free agency, Horton-Tucker will likely have to settle for a short-term deal, possibly with a team that believes they can develop him into a rotational piece. 

8. Jae’Sean Tate

2024-25 Stats: 3.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

Jae’Sean Tate has carved out a solid NBA career as a scrappy, do-it-all forward who thrives on hustle and defense. He may not light up the scoreboard—averaging just 3.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game this season—but his energy, versatility, and ability to defend multiple positions make him valuable to teams looking for depth on the wing.

As an unrestricted free agent, Tate will have to find a team that values his defensive skill set. He won’t command a large contract, but the Rockets will likely bring him back to shore up their bench because two-way forwards are what Ime Udoka values more than anything.

9. Justin Edwards

2024-25 Stats: 8.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Contract: $1,955,377 Team Option

Justin Edwards is one of the more interesting names on this list, primarily because he’s still developing at the NBA level. Averaging 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in his rookie season, Edwards has shown flashes of scoring ability but still needs to refine his game. 

His $1.95 million team option means the decision isn’t fully in his hands. If the 76ers value his upside, they’ll likely pick up the option and continue his development. If not, he could find himself on the open market, where teams might take a chance on his long-term potential. We don't expect the Sixers to lose a young talent when they could be looking to move on from veterans including Paul George. 

10. Javonte Green

2024-25 Stats: 5.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

Javonte Green has built a reputation as a high-energy defender who plays bigger than his 6’5” frame suggests. His 5.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game this season don’t jump off the page, but his impact comes in ways that don’t always show up in the box score. 

He’s a strong perimeter defender, a relentless rebounder for his size, and a great transition player. As a free agent, Green will likely attract interest from teams in need of depth on the wing and that might include his current team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who could bring him back on a minimum deal. 

11. Jabari Walker

2024-25 Stats: 4.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

Jabari Walker is still trying to establish himself as a consistent rotation player, but he’s shown flashes of potential as a versatile forward. He’s only 22, so teams may still view him as a long-term project with upside, and that includes the Portland Trail Blazers who are still rebuilding. 

As an unrestricted free agent, Walker will still receive interest from teams looking for a young, athletic forward to develop. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the glass makes him an intriguing option for squads needing frontcourt depth. 

12. Torrey Craig

2024-25 Stats: 5.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

Torrey Craig is one of those role players that winning teams love to have, which is why the Boston Celtics picked him up this season. A rugged, defensive-minded forward, Craig brings toughness, experience, and three-point shooting (when he’s on) to any lineup. 

His numbers this season—5.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game—don’t tell the full story of his impact, as he’s often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player. Craig enters free agency as a 34-year-old veteran so the Bucks, Heat, or Nuggets could see him as a valuable addition to their playoff rotation if the Celtics don't bring him back.

13. Matisse Thybulle

2024-25 Stats: N/A

Contract: $11,550,000 Player Option

Matisse Thybulle’s defensive reputation remains his calling card, but his offensive limitations continue to define his ceiling as a player. Not appearing in a single game this season due to injury, Thybulle is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. 

With a $11.55 million player option, Thybulle faces a key decision. If he believes he can get a long-term deal elsewhere, he might decline and test the market. However, if he opts in, he’ll have another year to improve his offense and increase his value for a bigger payday in 2026. 

14. Cam Reddish

2024-25 Stats: 3.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

The Cam Reddish experiment continues, as he remains one of the biggest "what if?" players in the league. His athleticism and natural scoring ability are undeniable, but inconsistency and injuries have plagued him throughout his career. 

This season, he’s putting up just 3.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game—far below what many expected when he was drafted in 2019. As a free agent, Reddish will likely have to take another short-term deal, and we don't expect the Lakers to bring him back. 

15. Kessler Edwards

2024-25 Stats: 3.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

Kessler Edwards has quietly become a reliable depth piece, though he hasn’t had a major breakout season. Averaging 3.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, he’s been a solid but unspectacular role player. 

Entering free agency, Edwards will likely be pursued by teams looking for a low-cost, defensive-minded wing. He may not command big money, but his skill set is always in demand and his 37.2% clip from deep is a good sign.

16. Dominick Barlow

2024-25 Stats: 3.4 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Contract: $2,270,735 Team Option

Dominick Barlow is still in the developmental phase of his career, but his size and athleticism make him an interesting long-term prospect. Averaging 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds per game this season, he hasn’t had a major role, but he’s flashed potential as a rim protector and energy big.

With a $2.27 million team option, the Hawks will have to decide if they want to keep him for another year. If they decline, Barlow could hit the open market and look for a team willing to take a chance on his upside. 

17. Caleb Houstan

2024-25 Stats: 2.9 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Contract: $2,187,451 Team Option

Caleb Houstan has yet to find a consistent role in the NBA, but his potential as a floor-spacer keeps him relevant. This season, he’s averaging 2.9 points per game while shooting inconsistently from deep (32.0%). As a former highly regarded prospect, he still has room to grow, but he needs to prove he can contribute at a higher level.

His $2.18 million team option makes him a low-risk decision for the Magic. If they believe in his development, they’ll likely keep him around. Otherwise, he could be searching for a new home where he can get more playing time.

18. MarJon Beauchamp

2024-25 Stats: 2.2 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

MarJon Beauchamp was once seen as a high-upside prospect, but his NBA career has been slow to take off. Averaging just 2.2 points and 1.2 rebounds per game this season, he’s struggled to earn meaningful minutes and was traded twice this season. 

As a free agent, Beauchamp may have to settle for a minimum deal or a two-way contract. If he can improve his shooting and become a more reliable perimeter defender, there’s still hope he can develop into a rotation player. Otherwise, he risks falling out of the league sooner rather than later.

19. Josh Minott

2024-25 Stats: 2.2 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Contract: $2,187,699 Team Option

Josh Minott is another young player with raw potential but limited production. Averaging just 2.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game, he hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase his skills. His athleticism and defensive versatility make him an interesting prospect, but he’s far from a finished product.

With a $2.18 million team option, Minott’s future is uncertain. If the Timberwolves value his development, they might keep him around. Otherwise, he could hit free agency and look for a team willing to take a chance on his upside. 

20. Joe Ingles

2024-25 Stats: 0.8 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Contract: Free Agent

Joe Ingles is on his last legs in the NBA, but his basketball IQ and three-point shooting still hold value. Averaging just 0.8 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists this season, he’s clearly in the twilight of his career. 

However, his veteran presence and ability to space the floor could make him appealing to a contender in need of experience. Ingles will likely have to take a veteran minimum deal if he wants to keep playing. 

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