2026 NBA free agent rankings: Top small forwards available this summer

· Yahoo Sports

We have taken our top free agents of the 2026 class list and split it into five positions: point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards, and centers.

Below, check out how we rank the small forwards of the 2026 class of NBA free agency:

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1. Lu Dort / Oklahoma City / Team Option

One of the best defenders in the NBA thanks to his strength, toughness, physicality and quick feet laterally. Has done great to develop his offensive game since arriving in the NBA, too, becoming a capable outside shooter and possessing the ability to finish off of slashes. It's doubtful the Thunder will let him hit free agency this summer, as he is a key part of their success over recent seasons.

  • 2025/26 stats: 8.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.4 bpg, 37.5 FG%, 33.3 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $18,222,222
  • Career earnings: $69,046,202
  • Agent: Rich Paul

2. Bennedict Mathurin / LA Clippers / Restricted

A smooth scoring wing, he bounced back nicely in 2025-26 after a rough showing in the 2026 playoffs. He can score off the dribble from the midrange, hit threes, slash to the basket, and play some defense on the less glamorous end of the floor.

  • 2025/26 stats: 18.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.8 spg, 43.2 FG%, 32.0 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $9,187,573
  • Career earnings: $30,136,173
  • Agent: Nima Namakia

3. Peyton Watson / Denver / Restricted

Athletic swingman who can nail threes at a high level, block shots, cause havoc defensively, rebound and score attacking the basket thanks to his bounce and length. Really broke out this season in Denver, earning him what should be a nice payday this summer.

  • 2025/26 stats: 14.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.2 bpg, 49.4 FG%, 41.6 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $4,356,476
  • Career earnings: $11,267,516
  • Agent: Rich Paul

4. Andrew Wiggins / Miami / Player Option

Even though he's on the wrong side of 30, he remains an athletic two-way forward who can get some buckets, grab some rebounds and play some defense, though without possessing any truly elite traits. Still, as a role player who can do some one-on-one scoring, he remains effective. Will he really opt out of the final year of his deal, which will pay him over $30.1 million in 2026-27? We have our doubts, as his next contract won't reach close to that annual average value.

  • 2025/26 stats: 15.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.0 bpg, 47.7 FG%, 40.5 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $28,223,215
  • Career earnings: $249,776,202
  • Agent: Andrew Morrison, Steven Heumann

5. Jonathan Kuminga / Atlanta / Team Option

A fascinating half-season and summer await him. Either way, Atlanta will have full power here. If he plays well, they simply lock him back in for 2026-27. If he underperforms, they can get out of their gamble and let him hit unrestricted free agency this summer. Will Golden State regret trading him and not give him a bigger chance after Jimmy Butler went down?

  • 2025/26 stats: 12.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.3 bpg, 45.8 FG%, 36.3 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $22,500,000
  • Career earnings: $48,687,016
  • Agent: Aaron Turner

6. Kelly Oubre / Philadelphia

Having the best outside shooting season of his career this year, which comes at a great time as he enters unrestricted free agency. Remains an explosive finisher near the basket and an effective slasher off the ball.

  • 2025/26 stats: 14.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.5 bpg, 46.4 FG%, 36.1 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $8,382,150
  • Career earnings: $82,108,605
  • Agent: Austin Brown, Aaron Mintz, Dave Spahn

7. Julian Champagnie / San Antonio / Team Option

Solid two-way energy swingman who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. Good three-point shooter, too, making him a positive-impact player when he's on the floor.

  • 2025/26 stats: 11.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.4 bpg, 43.6 FG%, 38.3 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $3,000,000
  • Career earnings: $9,212,373
  • Agent: Nick Blatchford, Kashif Pratt

8. Khris Middleton / Dallas

Aging former All-Star who still has the savvy scoring game from three and the midrange, but whose body won't allow him to move like he used to. Solid playmaker and rebounder.

  • 2025/26 stats: 10.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.0 apg, 0.7 spg, 42.7 FG%, 35.5 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $33,345,679
  • Career earnings: $308,267,372
  • Agent: Jeff Schwartz, Mike Lindeman

9. Simone Fontecchio / Miami

Stand-still spot-up outside shooter with some ability as a scorer, driving the basketball. Not the most consistent outside shooter, though, despite that being his main skill set.

  • 2025/26 stats: 8.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.5 spg, 40.6 FG%, 36.5 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $8,307,692
  • Career earnings: $22,303,093
  • Agent: Sam Goldfeder, Jared Mucha

10. Ron Holland / Detroit / Team Option

Extremely unlikely to hit any sort of free agency this summer. Coming along a little slowly but far too soon for Detroit to throw in the towel. Athletic, feisty swingman with great defensive potential.

  • 2025/26 stats: 8.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.3 bpg, 43.5 FG%, 22.9 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $8,657,280
  • Career earnings: $16,902,600
  • Agent: Bill Duffy, Justin Haynes

11. Ziaire Williams / Brooklyn / Team Option

Athletic swingman with some solid scoring juice off of slashes. Plays with great energy and provides an impact with his perimeter defense.

  • 2025/26 stats: 10.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.4 bpg, 43.1 FG%, 34.1 3P%
  • 2025/26 earnings: $6,250,000
  • Career earnings: $26,157,925
  • Agent: Aaron Mintz

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