The 2025 NBA free agency period is shaping up to be fascinating, with plenty of movement expected across the league. We’ve already broken down the best point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards set to hit the market, and now we shift our focus to the power forward position.
- 1. Julius Randle
- 2. Bobby Portis
- 3. John Collins
- 4. Santi Aldama
- 5. Dorian Finney-Smith
- 6. Chris Boucher
- 7. Guerschon Yabusele
- 8. Bol Bol
- 9. Jalen Wilson
- 10. Larry Nance Jr.
- 11. Taurean Prince
- 12. Trendon Watford
- 13. Jake LaRavia
- 14. Trey Lyles
- 15. Jaylin Williams
- 16. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
- 17. Jeff Green
- 18. Gui Santos
- 19. Nicolas Batum
- 20. Jae Crowder
While this class may not feature a franchise-altering superstar like LeBron James headlining the small forward list, there are still plenty of valuable players who could make a difference for contending teams or rising squads looking to take the next step. Let’s break down the 20 best power forwards available in the 2025 free agency class and examine how they could impact the NBA landscape this summer.
1. Julius Randle
2024-25 Stats: 18.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Contract: $30,935,520 Player Option
Julius Randle’s stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves has been a fascinating experiment following the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns. While his numbers have dipped slightly compared to his Knicks days, he’s still a high-level shot-creator and rebounder.
Playing alongside Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid has allowed Randle to focus more on scoring and playmaking, averaging nearly five assists per game. The biggest question is whether Minnesota sees him as a long-term piece next to Anthony Edwards or if they’ll let him test the market.
Randle has a $30.9 million player option for next season, and with the rising salary cap, he could seek a more lucrative long-term deal. The Wolves may prefer to re-sign him rather than risk losing a key piece in free agency, but Randle could also explore options with cap-rich teams needing a veteran scorer. His market will be strong, but staying in Minnesota might be his best shot at deep playoff runs.
2. Bobby Portis
2024-25 Stats: 13.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Contract: $13,445,754 Player Option
Bobby Portis’ free agency outlook took a major hit with his 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. Before that, Portis was a fan-favorite in Milwaukee due to his energy and tough play. Even with the suspension, he’s still been productive, averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, but it’s fair to wonder how teams will evaluate his value moving forward.
Given his role in Milwaukee’s system, the Bucks will likely try to retain him, but he’s almost certainly declining his $13.4 million player option to seek a long-term deal. If another team—especially a contender—offers him more than what Milwaukee is willing to match, he could be on the move.
3. John Collins
2024-25 Stats: 19.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Contract: $26,580,000 Player Option
Year after year, John Collins has put up solid numbers, yet he continues to be overlooked. In his first season with the Jazz, he’s averaging 19 points and 8 rebounds while providing his usual mix of inside scoring and athleticism. The issue? Utah isn’t competing for anything, and Collins is too good to waste his prime on a tanking team.
The Jazz have shifted toward rebuilding, making it likely that Collins will opt out and seek a new home where his talents can actually help a winning team. If Collins hits free agency, expect plenty of interest from teams needing a high-energy big who can score efficiently. A team like the Heat, looking to add frontcourt depth, or even the Mavericks – needing some offensive firepower, could be ideal fits.
4. Santi Aldama
2024-25 Stats: 12.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Contract: $5,940,797 Qualifying Offer
Santi Aldama is one of the most intriguing free agents this summer since he has developed into a versatile weapon for the Memphis Grizzlies. His ability to stretch the floor as a 6’11” forward and his improved playmaking have made him an excellent fit in Memphis’ system. With Jaren Jackson Jr. handling defensive duties, Aldama has thrived as a complementary piece, averaging nearly 13 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
The Grizzlies hold his $5.9 million qualifying offer, and it’s a near certainty they extend it, giving them control over his restricted free agency. Memphis would love to keep him, but a team with cap space—perhaps the Pacers or Spurs—could try to lure him away with a long-term deal. If that happens, Memphis will have a tough decision to make, as Aldama’s value has skyrocketed compared to when they drafted him.
5. Dorian Finney-Smith
2024-25 Stats: 8.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Contract: $15,378,480 Player Option
Dorian Finney-Smith is the definition of a “glue guy” and a favorite of head coach JJ Redick with the Lakers. He doesn’t put up huge numbers, but his ability to guard multiple positions, hit timely three-pointers, and play within a system makes him invaluable. This season, he’s been a crucial two-way player for a Lakers team that has LeBron James and Luka Doncic as its focal points.
Finney-Smith has a $15.3 million player option, and while that’s solid money for a role player, he may seek a longer-term deal. The Lakers are in win-now mode, so they’ll likely prioritize keeping him. However, if a team desperate for a defensive wing—think Miami or the Clippers—offers him a lucrative multi-year contract, LA may be forced into a bidding war.
6. Chris Boucher
2024-25 Stats: 10.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Chris Boucher remains a unique piece: a lanky, shot-blocking big who can run the floor and hit threes. Even as the Raptors have moved into a new phase of their rebuild, Boucher has continued to be a productive bench contributor, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds in limited minutes. His athleticism and defensive energy will make him a coveted free agent.
Since Toronto seems to be prioritizing Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and their young core, Boucher may be looking for a new home. Teams needing frontcourt depth, like the Kings or Knicks, could be interested in his shot-blocking ability. At 32 years old, he may only have one more solid contract left in him, so expect him to look for a multi-year deal on a contending team.
7. Guerschon Yabusele
2024-25 Stats: 10.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
After bouncing between overseas leagues and the NBA, Guerschon Yabusele has carved out a solid role as a stretch big this season after an impressive showing with France in the Olympics. His improved three-point shooting and ability to defend multiple positions make him a valuable rotation player.
While he may not be a marquee signing, contenders always need reliable depth, and that’s where Yabusele comes in. The biggest question is whether he should stay in the NBA or consider a return overseas, where he could potentially earn more. If he stays, the 76ers could bring him back on a long-term deal.
8. Bol Bol
2024-25 Stats: 7.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Bol Bol is still an enigma, even if he had his best run of form with the Phoenix Suns this season. Every season, there are flashes of brilliance—coast-to-coast dribbles, chase-down blocks, impossible fadeaway jumpers—but consistency remains an issue. In 2024-25, he’s averaging 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks, showing that he can be a defensive factor but still struggles with regular minutes.
His free agency value will depend on whether teams believe in his upside. Some rebuilding teams, like the Wizards or Spurs, may see him as a project worth investing in. But if he wants to win now, a veteran-laden team like the Heat or Mavericks might take a gamble on his skill set if the Suns blow up the roster completely.
9. Jalen Wilson
2024-25 Stats: 9.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Contract: $2,221,677 Team Option
Jalen Wilson is only 24 years old, but his 9.2 points per game on decent efficiency make him an interesting free-agency target. The Nets have a team option on him, and given how well he fits into their wing-heavy rotation, they’ll likely pick it up.
If Brooklyn declines his option, expect teams looking for young, high-energy forwards—like the Thunder or Jazz—to be interested. Wilson won’t command a massive deal, but he’s the type of player who can develop into a valuable role player over time.
10. Larry Nance Jr.
2024-25 Stats: 8.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Larry Nance Jr. is one of the reliable glue guys in the league, providing defensive versatility and veteran leadership wherever he goes. This season, he’s averaging 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, continuing to be a steady presence off the bench. While his scoring output isn’t flashy, his all-around presence makes him valuable for playoff-caliber teams.
The Hawks have leaned on Nance’s experience, but with younger players developing, they might let him walk in free agency. If that happens, teams like the Cavaliers—where he once played—or even the Warriors, who need defensive-minded bigs, could make a move for him on a team-friendly deal.
11. Taurean Prince
2024-25 Stats: 8.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Taurean Prince is an underrated role player, providing reliable three-point shooting and solid perimeter defense. This season, he’s putting up 8.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while spacing the floor at an impressive 44.4% mark from three for the Bucks.
His ability to guard wings and stretch fours gives him value in any system, and he’s the type of player contenders always seem to need when making deep playoff runs. The Bucks will likely want to keep him, but if another playoff team (Heat, Clippers, or Suns) offers a better deal, Prince might be on the move.
12. Trendon Watford
2024-25 Stats: 9.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Trendon Watford has carved out a solid role in the NBA as a high-energy forward who can contribute quickly off the bench. Averaging 9.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, he’s shown an ability to do a little bit of everything offensively while holding his own defensively.
Because he’s still only 24 years old, rebuilding teams may take a hard look at him as a cost-effective investment. The Blazers or Hornets could see him as a rotational piece for the future while contending teams looking for depth—such as the Bucks or Nuggets—might value his skill set.
13. Jake LaRavia
2024-25 Stats: 6.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Jake LaRavia hasn’t had a breakout season, but he’s shown flashes of being a solid two-way player. Averaging 6.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, he’s provided Memphis with some size on the wing and decent shooting when given minutes.
He still has plenty of upside, and at just 23 years old, he’s in a position where a team could see him as a development project. The Grizzlies may or may not pick up his next deal, but if they don’t, a team looking to stockpile young, versatile forwards—like the Thunder or Spurs—could take a shot on him.
14. Trey Lyles
2024-25 Stats: 6.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Trey Lyles has made a career out of being a dependable bench piece, and this season is no different. Averaging 6.1 points and 4.4 rebounds, he was a decent scorer and rebounder for the Kings. While he’s not a high-usage player, he fits well in a system where he doesn’t have to do too much and can thrive in a complementary role.
The Kings could look to re-sign him, but if they move in another direction, teams that need depth at the power forward spot—like the Mavericks or Suns—could make a move for him. What’s hurting Lyles’ contract demands is his career clip of 34.7% from deep because we think of him as being a shooter rather than a post-player.
15. Jaylin Williams
2024-25 Stats: 5.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Contract: $2,187,699 Team Option
The OKC Thunder won’t want to lose Jaylin Williams. The bench player has proven to be an intelligent, high-energy big man who makes winning plays. His 5.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game don’t jump off the stat sheet, but he’s a gritty defender who excels at setting screens, taking charges, and doing the little things that don’t always show up in the box score.
The Thunder have a team option on him, and given how well he fits their culture, they’ll likely retain him. However, if they let him go, he’d be a great pickup for a team that values high-IQ basketball, such as the Spurs or Raptors.
16. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
2024-25 Stats: 5.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Robinson-Earl has struggled to carve out a consistent role, but he’s still a serviceable big with defensive versatility. His 5.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game reflect his limited minutes, but he’s a capable rebounder and a solid positional defender.
While he won’t be a top priority for teams, contenders needing an extra big on a minimum deal—like the Celtics or Warriors—could take a look. He’s not going to be a game-changer, but as a reliable depth piece, he has a place in the league.
17. Jeff Green
2024-25 Stats: 5.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
At 38 years old, Jeff Green is still finding ways to contribute. His scoring is down to 5.0 points per game, but his leadership and ability to provide spot minutes make him valuable in a locker room. He’s been a steady veteran for the Rockets this season, but his role has diminished as younger players have taken over.
If he decides to play another season, expect playoff teams to consider him as a depth piece. A return to Denver—where he was part of their 2023 title run—or even a stint with the Bucks could make sense. If not, retirement could be on the horizon although it is unlikely.
18. Gui Santos
2024-25 Stats: 4.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Contract: $2,221,677 Team Option
Gui Santos is still raw, but something is intriguing about his blend of size and skill. His 4.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game don’t scream star potential, but at 22 years old, he’s a player who the Warriors have been keen to develop.
The Warriors have a team option on him, and given how much they value young talent, they’ll likely retain him. However, if they decline it, a rebuilding team like the Pistons or Magic could see him as a long-term project.
19. Nicolas Batum
2024-25 Stats: 3.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Contract: $4,901,400 Player Option
Even at 36, Nicolas Batum remains a valuable role player. His stats—3.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists—don’t stand out, but his defensive instincts, passing, and experience make him a useful addition for a contender.
The Clippers may want to retain him, but if not, teams like the Heat or Nuggets could use a veteran who can still contribute in small bursts. Ultimately, if Batum doesn’t get much interest, he might just opt into his player option.
20. Jae Crowder
2024-25 Stats: 2.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Jae Crowder’s best days are behind him, and his 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in seven appearances show that his impact is fading. Injuries and declining athleticism have hurt his game, but he still has the toughness and defensive mindset that some teams might value.
If he stays in the league, a reunion with the Heat—where he once played a key role—could make sense. Otherwise, he might have a tough time finding a significant role on a competitive team.
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