NBA Free Agency: The Best Shooters on the Market

Let's get that out of the way. This list won't include expected names like Klay Thompson — one of the best shooters in NBA history — or Paul George.

” Why not ? ”, you may be wondering. And it's a legitimate question.

Older players tend to take on larger roles in order to reduce their physical load from game to game. As such, Yahoo decided to follow the positional tracker and adopt the new position of these players. So without further ado, here's a look at the best shooting guards on the market this summer.

The best free agents of the year: playmakers | small forwards | front power | centers

Status: Toronto exercised its team option
Salary 2023-24: $22,000,000
2023-24 digits: 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists

The 27-year-old had a bit of a down year after leaving the Denver Nuggets, splitting the season between the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors. He still provided what he usually does: stellar defense, point guard play, timely offense, good ball handling and positional fluidity.

Toronto could consider trading him during the summer so as not to lose him for nothing. The Raptors failed to move him before the deadline, but summers are always different.

2. Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings

Status: unrestricted free agent who has agreed to negotiate
Salary 2023-24: $9,945,830
2023-24 digits: 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists

Over the past two seasons, Monk has been one of the most powerful bench players in the league. Not only has he provided the Kings with a highly effective scoring punch, but he has also developed as a playmaker, recording more assists in the last two seasons than in his first five combined.

With the Kings receiving Monk's pre-registration rights, the sides reportedly agreed Thursday night to a four-year, $78 million deal that includes a player option.

Status: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $19,845,098
2023-24 digits: 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists

As one of the best shooters of his generation, Hield should command a fair market despite his defensive flaws and somewhat advanced age (31). He's not a star player, nor a star, but his ability to space the floor will undoubtedly be an attractive feature for elite teams looking to break through and capture a ring.

It should be mentioned that Hield may not be able to finish games due to his defensive struggles and lack of control, so there is a chance that teams will factor that analysis into their calculations when offering him a contract.

Whether Hield is looking for the biggest payday possible or a chance to join a winning situation remains to be seen, but there's no doubt that his best path to efficiency is to join a team where he'll be lower down the ladder.

Status: unrestricted free agent (player option declined)
Salary 2023-24: $14,704,938
2023-24 digits: 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists

The Nuggets are just over a year away from a title, so it makes sense that they would want to retain Caldwell-Pope, a two-way presence who has played a huge role in their 2022-23 run and who complements their roster of departure.

They should also have a good chance of getting him, as Caldwell-Pope spent a lot of time playing for mediocre teams during his career before winning his first title with the Lakers in 2020. It seems unlikely that at 31, he's ready to take a step back in terms of competitiveness for a salary that might not be much more than the Nuggets can afford.

That said, he's a 3-point shooting wing who offers quality defense. That's a premium in today's NBA, and Caldwell-Pope is surely aware of that, which will play a big role in who picks up his player option.

Status: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $18,560,000
2023-24 digits: 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists

Despite a season in which Trent struggled, he remains a high-volume 3-point shooter who can defend at a solid level. Those guys don't grow on trees, so he'll likely receive a healthy share of offers.

The key to getting Trent into the right situation is understanding who he is and who he is not. He's not much of a creator, but he moves in a way that keeps defenses off balance. He's not an otherworldly defender, but he plays well as part of a team.

What is the dollar total of such a player? It's difficult to plan ahead. But given upcoming salary cap increases starting in 2025, teams might be more willing to offer him around $20 million per year over four years, knowing that such value will soon resemble that of the tax-free exception intermediate level.

Status: unrestricted free agent
Salary 2023-24: $2,019,706
2023-24 figures: 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists

While Beasley isn't a one-trick player, he does it pretty well. His 41.3 percent three-point shooting percentage provides something most teams need.

Beasley struggled to find a deal last summer, but there's a strange trend in the NBA of taking players on minimum deals and somehow bringing them back at a higher price.

Will Beasley continue his momentum? It won't be for lack of trying. He started 77 games for the Bucks last season, a team with title aspirations. It's not nothing.

Notable free agents

Caleb Martin, Miami Heat
Status: unrestricted free agent (player option)

A hard-nosed winger who carved out a solid two-way career for the Heat. He holds a $7.1 million player option, which seems low for what he offers on the court.

Gordon Hayward, Oklahoma City Thunder
Status: unrestricted free agent

Former All-Star wing in decline. Can still handle the ball and get some shots.

Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies
Status: unrestricted free agent (team option)

Smooth-shooting lefty who has played in only 39 games this season. He could get a change of scenery if Memphis declines his $14.7 million option.

De'Anthony Melton
Status: unrestricted free agent

A versatile point guard who has become more of a shooter in recent years. He should have a solid market as a key rotation point guard.

Isaiah Joe
Status: unrestricted free agent (team option)

After a solid season of play and with a team option of just $2.1 million, the Thunder would be crazy not to pick it up.

Spencer Dinwiddie, Los Angeles Lakers
Status: unrestricted free agent

Struggling this year with the Nets and Lakers and looking to recapture some of his former glory.