Every offseason, a few signings can change the course of the season. Last summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded for Alex Caruso and signed Isaiah Hartenstein. Both contributed greatly to their championship season. While most people focus on the superstars, some of the free agent forwards could thrive in the right system.
7 Free Agent Forwards Who Could Be the Steals of the Offseason
The seven names on this list are solid options that will not break the bank. Some of them are veteran players bringing toughness, while others have a potential upside. Nevertheless, these free agent forwards deserve a closer look. Smart teams should circle them before someone else grabs them.
Santi Aldama
The Memphis Grizzlies will make a huge mistake if they allow Santi Aldama to sign with another team. While not many teams will have cap space, plenty will have access to the mid-level exception. Aldama is a versatile forward who has improved every year since being drafted in 2021. Last season, he averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 48.3% shooting from the floor and 36.8% from behind the arc. Memphis should move fast and re-sign him. Teams like the Detroit Pistons, for example, might view him as an integral piece to the puzzle.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Dorian Finney-Smith had a player option for $15 million for next season, but he has decided to decline it. He is a 32-year-old forward who hasn’t averaged double-digit points since the 2021-22 season. Teams with the full mid-level exception could offer him a long-term contract. Finney-Smith may believe he can receive that, and thus decided to opt out.
He is a career 36.2% shooter from three-point range. Yet, on a team where he gets open looks, he shoots even better. At 6-foot-7, he is a versatile forward who can fill several positions. Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers even tried giving him spot minutes at center in the playoffs.
Chris Boucher
Chris Boucher has been a name thrown in trade rumors for the last few seasons. There were rumors about the Raptors trading him or teams trying to get him in a trade for a while. Now, he is a free agent and can sign with whoever offers him a long-term contract. Last season, he earned $10.8 million, and $10-12 million seems like a fair range for a new deal.
Taurean Prince
There were times last season that Taurean Prince was one of the best players on the Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 8.2 points last season on 43.9% shooting from behind the arc. Teams around the league looking to add a player who can stretch the floor should check him out. The Bucks would probably love to get him back, but he is not their first priority. Prince played for just over $2 million last season, and while he would likely demand a raise, even teams with the tax mid-level at $5 million may be able to get him.
Larry Nance Jr.
Teams looking for some veteran presence and grit should take a shot at Larry Nance Jr. He is a seasoned veteran who can also play center when needed. Last season, he found his stroke from behind the arc again, shooting 44.7% on 3.2 attempts per game. He played in only 24 games in 2024-25 though due to injuries. However, he played 60+ games in the previous two seasons.
Guerschon Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele could be one of the most coveted free agent forwards this summer along with Aldama. Drafted in 2016, he spent a few years overseas before a strong showing at the Paris 2024 Olympics brought him back to the NBA. Last season, he was one of the few bright spots for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 11 points on 50.1% shooting from the floor and 38% from behind the arc.
Amir Coffey
Amir Coffey might not be a name most fans will get crazy about. But he was one of the better shooters last season. At 6-foot-7, he can play shooting guard as well. The Los Angeles Clippers have used him both as a shooting guard and small forward. While he spent his entire career with the Clippers, it might be time for a change due to financial reasons. He had a career year last season, averaging 9.7 points on 41% shooting from behind the arc. He was not a part of the Clippers rotation in their first round loss to the Denver Nuggets though.
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