NEWSLETTER
The NBA Finals are behind us, and the NBA Draft is less than a week away. That means free agency is just around the corner. The market for NBA Free Agent centers isn’t as deep as the guard or forward market, but there are some solid options that will hit free agency this summer.
Let’s take a look at a few!
NBA Free Agency Key Offseason Dates
Top 2024 NBA Free Agent Centers
1. Nic Claxton – Brooklyn Nets
Claxton kicks off the list of centers in this free-agent class. He’s an outstanding defender in the post and has developed his ability offensively around the basket and off the pick-and-roll. He’s not going to give you much on the offensive side as a shooter, but what he can provide around the hoop on both ends of the floor is very valuable. If he doesn’t return to Brooklyn, OKC might be a team to watch with all the cap space they have and their need to add a true center.
2. Isaiah Hartenstein – New York Knicks
Hartenstein really began to show his worth as a starting center in the league in Tom Thibodeau’s system. He’s very strong defensively and a good rebounder. He’s a hard-nosed player who isn’t easy to play against. He can set screens, finish in the paint, and make life difficult on opposing players who want to take the ball to the hoop. The Knicks would love to have him back I’m sure, but they have some tough decisions to make this offseason. Much like Claxton, look out for OKC if he does hit the open market. Detroit or Utah I’m sure would also love to bring him in with their cap space.
3. Jonas Valanciunas – New Orleans Pelicans
Valanciunas has pretty much been a model of consistency as a starting center in the NBA. You know just about exactly what you’re going to get from him year after year. He’s going to be an effective scorer in the post, he’ll protect the rim, and he’ll grab boards. He’s not terribly versatile on the offensive end, and when forced to move a lot defensively he can struggle, but he’d be a very nice add for any team looking for an old-school big who can protect the rim.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team with a young core bring him in as a veteran leader and maybe overpay a bit.
4. Andre Drummond – Chicago Bulls
Drummond, when given the opportunity to start last year, had a very productive season for the Bulls. His per 36 minutes numbers were outstanding, as he averaged 17.7 PPG and 18.9 RPG. His game is pretty limited to the paint, but when healthy and given a chance to play consistent minutes down low, he’s still an elite rebounder and always a threat for a big jam. Philly was a team that was rumored to be interested in him at the deadline when Joel Embiid got hurt, and with all their cap space, I would think they’d be interested in him as a backup. However, Drummond’s season last year might position him to get starter money from a lesser team.
5. Moritz Wagner (Team Option) – Orlando Magic
The Magic have a team option they can pick up on Wagner for $8 million this offseason, and I think he’s exactly the type of player a young, growing core would love to have back. He’s hard to play against, provides toughness and leadership, and has averaged over 10+ points per game and 4+ rebounds per game in three of the past four seasons. If Orlando doesn’t want him back, contenders like OKC or Philly I’m sure would like him as a role player.
6. Jalen Smith (Player Option) – Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are set with their starting big men with Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam, but Smith provides them nice flexibility off the bench. He’s a big who can shoot the three, provide energy, and be a rim protector. Pretty much exactly what you’re looking for in a backup center. His player option is for $5.4 million next season. Coming off a career-high 42.4 percent three-point percentage, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him test the market.
7. Precious Achiuwa (Restricted) – New York Knicks
Achiuwa was sent over to the Knicks in the OG Anunoby trade and did a very solid job in a reserve role. He’s not going to start anywhere, but he’s a backup big who can provide energy, defense, and rebounding off the bench. I would think Tom Thibodeau would love to have him back next season, especially with the possibility of Hartenstein departing.
Other names to consider …
James Wiseman (RFA), Dario Saric (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA), Drew Eubanks (Player Option), Daniel Theis (UFA), Xavier Tillman (UFA), Mason Plumlee (UFA), Luke Kornet (UFA), DeAndre Jordan (UFA), Bismack Biyombo (UFA), Tristan Thompson (UFA), Alex Len (UFA), Mo Bamba (UFA), Boban Marjanovic (UFA), Richaun Holmes (Player Option), Jaxon Hayes (Player Option)
