It might not be the best free agent class in recent memory but the 2022 offseason still has plenty of talent. Top players like Kyrie Irving and James Harden have player options that they can exercise or they can opt out and test the free agency waters.
Here is a list of the top free agent talents, ranked by tiers.
Point Guard
He may be unpredictable but Kyrie Irving remains one of the best scorers in the NBA. The guard has a $36.9 million player option that he needs to exercise by June 29 if he is to remain with Brooklyn.
Tier 1: Kyrie Irving, Jalen Brunson, Tyus Jones
Tier 2: Ricky Rubio, Dennis Schroder, Rajon Rondo, Delon Wright, Goran Dragic, Michael Carter-Williams, Raul Neto, DJ Augustin, Lou Williams
Tier 3: Kris Dunn, Elfrid Payton, Facundi Campazzo, Tomas Satoransky, Dennis Smith Jr, Aaron Holiday
Shooting Guard
Zach Lavine headlines the free agent crop of shooting guards. While injuries remain a concern, the explosive guard is an excellent scorer with incredible athleticism.
James Harden is listed but is expected to exercise his $47.4 million player option for next season.
Tier 1: Zach Lavine, James Harden, Collin Sexton, Gary Harris, Josh Hart
Tier 2: Wes Matthews, Victor Oladipo, Malik Monk, Gary Payton II, Donte DiVincenzo, Bruce Brown, Lonnie Walker IV, Austin Rivers, Bryn Forbes, Jeremy Lamb
Tier 3: Ben McLeMore, Kent Bazemore, Josh Jackson, Jarrett Culver, Rodney McGruder, Josh Okogie, Avery Bradley, PJ Dozier, Wayne Ellington
Small Forward
The small forward position may be lacking star power but TJ Warren is a reliable scorer if he can rediscover his form from the bubble.
Tier 1: TJ Warren
Tier 2: Danny Green, Danuel House, Cody Martin, Caleb Martin, Joe Ingles, Amir Coffey
Tier 3: Andre Iguodala, Jordan Nwora, Rodney Hood, Tony Snell, Kevin Knox, Chandler Hutchinson, Justin Champagnie
Power Forward
Miles Bridges is the only real star available and likely to stay in Charlotte. With averages of 20.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.8 apg he is expected to command a max contract offer.
Tier 1: Miles Bridges, Kyle Anderson, PJ Tucker, Nicolas Batum
Tier 2: Danilo Gallinari, Otto Porter Jr, Chris Boucher, Kenrich Williams, Thaddeus Young, Nemanja Bjelica, Derrick Jones Jr, Carmelo Anthony, Taurean Prince, Isaiah Roby, Markieff Morries, Jalen McDaniels
Tier 3: Juan Toscano Anderson, Juancho Hernangomez, Trevor Ariza, Solomon Hill, Yuta Watanabe, Eric Paschall
Center
DeAndre Ayton is one of the top stars in demand this offseason with Phoenix unwilling to offer him a five-year $172.5 million max contract extension. The remaining tier 1 centers would all provide adequate service to any team in need of a big.
Tier 1: DeAndre Ayton, Jusuf Nurkic, Mitchell Robinson, Kevon Looney
Tier 2: Nic Claxton, Javale McGee, Isaiah Hartenstein, Bobby Portis, Montrezl Harrell, Serge Ibaka, Hassan Whiteside, Robin Lopez, Dewayne Dedmon, DeMarcus Cousins, Andre Drummond, Mo Bamba, Marvin Bagley, Jalen Smith
Tier 3: Willie Cauley-Stein, Damion Jones, Thomas Bryant, Dwight Howard, Tristan Thompson, Gorgui Dieng, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan
