Top NBA free-agent centers: Do you still believe in Kristaps Porziņģis?
The center market is riddled with questions, and even the top of the market is no sure thing.
Let’s break down the top centers who could be available in this year's free agent market.
(Note: Positions are determined off Basketball-Reference's positional breakdowns, meaning a player will be listed at the position in which he played the most minutes.)
1. Kristaps Porziņģis, Golden State Warriors
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The oft-injured 7-foot-3 center might have played in just 32 games this season, but his overall influence is just too intriguing to not warrant the top spot. Porziņģis can still be counted on to make 3-pointers, block shots and convert free throws. That mix of skills, especially in that frame, is something that can help a good team get over the hump and compete for a title.
Will he, at 31 when the season tips off, be the same as he used to be? It’s a good question, but even if Porziņģis declines slightly, his skill set is easy to implement, almost regardless of what offensive system has been installed.
What makes sense: Injuries and age are factors. It’s difficult to envision him receiving over $30 million annually, so could a deal in the $75 million area over three years, with the third season being a team option, be enough for both sides?
2. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Status: Restricted free agent
Duren would have easily taken the top spot on this list if he hadn’t completely gone M.I.A. in the postseason. His point production almost halved, his efficiency dropped by almost 14 percentage points, and his defense looked at-times random and unengaged.
Of course, we do need to take into account how he played in the regular season, when he averaged almost 20 points and 10.5 rebounds as a 22-year-old. He made both the All-Star and All-NBA teams while providing a unique presence for Cade Cunningham as a long-term running mate.
What makes sense: Oh boy. This is indeed the question. Will $30 million per year for four seasons — $120 million total — be too little given what Duren has achieved? If so, the Pistons might be able to increase that number, unless they play hardball due to having the right of first refusal.
3. Isaiah Hartenstein
Status: Team option
Value of option: $28.5 million
Hartenstein played admirably in the Western Conference finals, at least compared to fellow big man Chet Holmgren. That has to keep the Thunder front office up at night, as it weighs whether to pick up his option or potentially offer him an extension for less money annually.
Of course, outside teams will check in on his availability. No question about it. And if some team is willing to offer Hartenstein a deal that mirrors his team option, that will complicate matters for Oklahoma City.
What makes sense: Engage in extension talks and offer Hartenstein a cheaper deal, which runs longer. Three years, $60 million is a solid starting point.
4. Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers
Status: Player option
Value of option: $8.1 million
Ayton had the worst year of his career, from a statistical perspective, but it’s fair to contextualize his season, as his role changed and he became more of a play-finisher, converting on over 67% of his shots from the field.
His value remains murky, because at 27, the league still isn’t entirely sure what he is yet, and that means fat long-term deals are probably not in the cards for him.
What makes sense: A two-year balloon deal or a team-friendly three-year deal seems like the most realistic outcome.
5. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
Status: Restricted free agent
Kessler played just five games last season, but that doesn’t mean he isn't enormously attractive on the market. At 7-2, and 250 pounds, Kessler is an elite paint protector who is developing his offensive game at a solid rate.
With Utah acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. at the trade deadline, the Jazz’s vision is to go incredibly big, meaning Kessler is likely to be in their long-term plans. That knowledge could see a team with cap space test that out by offering the 24-year-old a big offer sheet.
What makes sense: This won’t be a situation where the Jazz can afford to squeeze him, solely because he’s a restricted free agent. Outside interest will be a thing, so expect him to land a hefty deal.
Best of the rest
6. Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors
Status: Player option
Value of option: $2.8 million
The 27-year-old broke out big in Toronto, averaging double-figure scoring and being a per-36 monster. Mamukelashvili is likely to decline his option and go for the biggest possible payday, as he should.
7. Jusuf Nurkic
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The 31-year-old center was an absolute beast on the glass last season and also dished 6.5 assists per 36 minutes. He’s a big, physical center who can produce at a high level in limited minutes, which makes him automatically attractive for teams looking for a reliable backup.
