The Top Restricted Free Agents for the 2023-24 NBA Season
June 30th, 2023
By Alan Lu
With free agency about to start on July 1st, I decided that maybe it would be a good idea to make a list of who I feel the top restricted free agents (RFAs) that will be available in this NBA offseason.
With the Pelicans having surprisingly declined Herbert Jones’ team option, Herbert Jones will enter the offseason as a restricted free agent, and he could command a massive payday this summer.
(Photo: NBAE via Getty Images, via NBC Sports)
2023 NBA Regular Season (NOP): 66 GP, 9.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 46.9 FG%, 33.5 3PT%, 76.4 FT%, 56.7 TS%, 12.1 PER, 115 ORtg, 112 DRtg, 4.2 WS
Herbert Jones is a very athletic, energetic forward that is one of the league’s best defenders in the NBA, and he can help his team in a variety of ways. He is a very good ball mover, is a gifted scorer in transition, and he can guard multiple positions and lock down opponents on a nightly basis. Jones is an outstanding defender that has made an immediate impact ever since he stepped foot in the league. His solid set of skills, especially on the defensive end combined with his youth and upside will make him a highly coveted player in restricted free agency.
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Cameron Johnson threw down a memorable dunk against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 NBA Finals, and he is a very athletic, skilled scoring forward that will command a big payday in the offseason.
(Photo: Jesse D. Garrabant/NBAE via Getty Images, via SB Nation’s Tar Heel Blog)
2023 NBA Regular Season (PHO/BRK): 42 GP, 15.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 47.0 FG%, 40.4 3PT%, 84.2 FT%, 61.7 TS%, 17.1 PER, 122 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 3.5 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (BRK): 4 GP, 18.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 50.9 FG%, 42.9 3PT%, 85.7 FT%, 63.7 TS%, 16.4 PER, 118 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 0.3 WS
He is a very athletic, versatile combo forward that can shoot and score the basketball, and he can help his team out in a variety of ways. He has great size that allows him to defend multiple positions, he can shoot it from deep, and he can score on highlight reel-worthy plays above the rim. It was a really close call to rank him or Reaves as the best restricted free agent for the upcoming offseason, but Johnson could fit in seamlessly and could have an easily projectable role onto a championship caliber team.
Austin Reaves had a breakout season with the Los Angeles Lakers this year, and he could be a future star in this league.
(Photo: USA Today Sports, via CBS Sports)
2023 NBA Regular Season (LAL): 64 GP, 13.0 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.0 RPG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 52.9 FG%, 39.8 3PT%, 86.4 FT%, 68.7 TS%, 14.9 PER, 5.4 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAL): 16 GP, 16.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 4.4 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 46.4 FG%, 44.3 3PT%, 89.5 FT%, 61.6 TS%, 15.4 PER, 124 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 1.6 WS
Austin Reaves is on a quick ascent to stardom, and he’s really elevated his game during his second season in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is a crafty scorer that can put up points at will, and he has uncanny range, as he can make shots from deep. He showed that he can take over games at times. He will need to show that he can guard upper echelon opponents, but his strong offensive skills will make him one of the most coveted players in free agency.
Grant Williams is a fiery competitor that will be a restricted free agent in this offseason, and he could be a very good 3 and D player for either the Boston Celtics or for a different NBA team that signs him.
(Photo: Bob DeChiara/USA Today Sports, via CBS Sports)
2023 NBA Regular Season (BOS): 79 GP, 8.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 45.4 FG%, 39.5 3PT%, 77.0 FT%, 60.5 TS%, 10.3 PER, 118 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 4.4 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (BOS): 15 GP, 5.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 BPG, 0.3 SPG, 47.2 FG%, 45.0 3PT%, 80.0 FT%, 66.2 TS%, 12.0 PER, 140 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 0.8 WS
He is a strong, mobile combo forward that has been a solid role player for the Boston Celtics. He does two things very well, he’s a very good spot-up shooter, and he’s also a very good on-ball defender, especially from the post. He is not a very dynamic player, and sometimes emotions can get the best of him, but Grant Williams is a solid role player that will make a lot of money this offseason.
2023 NBA Regular Season (CHO): 73 GP, 15.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 44.4 FG%, 34.8 3PT%, 73.0 FT%, 54.2 TS%, 12.9 PER, 107 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 2.6 WS
P.J. Washington is a skilled, versatile combo forward that can provide a team with a variety of skills on offense. He is a skilled scorer that can create mismatches that swing in his team’s favor. He will need to improve defensively, but Washington is a talented player that could get a sizable payday in free agency.
2023 NBA Regular Season (PHI/POR): 71 GP, 4.1 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 43.5 FG%, 36.5 3PT%, 67.9 FT%, 55.2 TS%, 10.5 PER, 114 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 2.1 WS
Thybulle is an athletic, energetic swingman that has excelled as a defensive player in the NBA. He is one of the best defenders in the league, but his lack of elite offensive skills and inconsistent outside shot lead him to fall out of Philadelphia’s rotation, surprisingly. He was later dealt to Portland, and he’s seemed to regain his shooting touch once again. Thybulle is an effective role player that defends very well, and if he can be at least a passable offensive player on a consistent basis, he could be the 3 and D role player that NBA teams want for their team.
2023 NBA Regular Season (WAS/LAL): 63 GP, 11.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.4 BPG, 0.3 SPG, 48.6 FG%, 31.9 3PT%, 73.9 FT%, 55.6 TS%, 13.2 PER, 109 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 1.8 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAL): 16 GP, 12.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 55.7 FG%, 48.7 3PT%, 88.2 FT%, 66.8 TS%, 16.0 PER, 127 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 1.2 WS
Rui Hachimura is an athletic, energetic combo forward that is a skilled scorer in this league. He can put up points in a hurry, but he will need to improve his playmaking and defensive skills. He hasn’t been too consistent with his outside shot, but he shot the ball really well in the playoffs. Hachimura is a very talented player that had a solid postseason with the Lakers, and he could end up getting a sizable payday in the offseason.
8. Ayo Dosunmu
2023 NBA Regular Season (CHI): 80 GP, 8.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 49.3 FG%, 31.2 3PT%, 80.5 FT%, 56.7 TS%, 10.2 PER, 109 ORtg, 115 DRtg, 2.9 WS
He is an agile, skilled combo guard that has a solid set of all-around skills that makes him a solid role player in the NBA. He can shoot and pass the basketball, and he also is an above average defender. He had a very good rookie season last year, but is coming off a down season this year. He’ll need to shoot and defend better than how he did this year, but Dosunmu is a skilled playmaker that would help Chicago or the next NBA team he would go to.
9. Jock Landale
2023 NBA Regular Season (PHO): 69 GP, 6.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.4 BPG, 0.2 SPG, 52.8 FG%, 25.0 3PT%, 75.2 FT%, 59.5 TS%, 16.4 PER, 119 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 2.7 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (PHO): 7 GP, 6.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.4 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 63.0 FG%, 0.0 3PT%, 64.3 FT%, 64.8 TS%, 16.2 PER, 119 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 0.3 WS
Jock Landale is a smart, strong center that had a solid season this year with the Suns. He played well in the playoffs, and he is a crafty player that can make shots, passes, and defend out of the post. He has a fairly reliable mid-range jumper, and he doesn’t make many mistakes in games. He’s not the most athletic player, but he is a savvy veteran that can provide solid minutes and be a steady player in an NBA team’s rotation.
10. Coby White
2023 NBA Regular Season (CHI): 74 GP, 9.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 44.3 FG%, 37.2 3PT%, 87.1 FT%, 57.2 TS%, 12.5 PER, 113 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 3.1 WS
Coby White is a speedy, energetic combo guard that has a solid set of offensive skills. He can score the basketball in a variety of ways, and he also can run a team’s offense at the point. He’ll need to improve his defense, but he is a talented player that could be a solid addition to an NBA team’s rotation, whether if he stays in Chicago or moves on to a different team.
11. Jaxson Hayes
2023 NBA Regular Season (NOP): 47 GP, 5.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.4 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 55.1 FG%, 10.3 3PT%, 69.9 FT%, 60.5 TS%, 13.7 PER, 117 ORtg, 111 DRtg, 1.5 WS
Jaxson Hayes is a very athletic, energetic man that thrives as an interior player on both ends of the floor. He can finish plays around the basket, rebound, and block shots, and he is a high-motor player that can be the anchor of a team’s defense. He will need to expand upon his skill set offensively, but his athleticism and defensive skills could enable him to get a sizable payday in this offseason.
12. Paul Reed
2023 NBA Regular Season (PHI): 69 GP, 4.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.7 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 59.3 FG%, 16.7 3PT%, 74.5 FT%, 62.0 TS%, 19.2 PER, 122 ORtg, 105 DRtg, 2.8 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (PHI): 11 GP, 4.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 57.9 FG%, 0 3PT%, 100 FT%, 62.1 TS%, 20.3 PER, 134 ORtg, 110 DRtg, 0.6 WS
Paul Reed is an athletic, high motor big man that had a fairly solid season with the 76ers this year. He hasn’t been able to get many minutes of his NBA career yet, but he’s had some sterling games, and he is a player that thrives on making hustle plays. He’s a solid defender that can guard multiple positions and can defend quicker players out on the perimeter. He’ll need to be a more consistent offensive player, but he has shown that he can be a solid rotational big man in this league.
13. Tre Jones
2023 NBA Regular Season (SAS): 68 GP, 12.9 PPG, 6.6 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 45.9 FG%, 28.5 3PT%, 86.0 FT%, 53.4 TS%, 16.0 PER, 117 ORtg, 120 DRtg, 3.4 WS
Tre Jones quietly had a solid season as a starting point guard with the San Antonio Spurs this year. He reliably runs the point well and is capable of playing tenacious defense. He will really need to improve his jump shot, but he’s shown that he can be a steady role player in this league.
2023 NBA Regular Season (UTA/MIN): 59 GP, 6.2 PPG, 1.8 APG, 1.7 RPG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 44.4 FG%, 38.4 3PT%, 66.7 FT%, 56.5 TS%, 11.6 PER, 109 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 1.1 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (MIN): 5 GP, 8.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 42.9 FG%, 40.0 3PT%, 66.7 FT%, 57.8 TS%, 7.7 PER, 108 ORtg, 123 DRtg, 0.0 WS
After having a slow start to his NBA career, Alexander-Walker finally had the breakout season people were looking for out of him, relatively speaking. He’s shown that he can shoot and score off the bench, and he’s shown that he can be a solid offensive player in a complementary role in this league. He still hasn’t put up eye-popping or gaudy numbers, but Alexander-Walker has shown the talent to be a solid, 3 and D player in this league.
15. Darius Bazley
2023 NBA Regular Season (OKC/PHO): 43 GP, 5.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.5 SPG, 45.4 FG%, 37.7 3PT%, 54.3 FT%, 52.4 TS%, 13.1 PER, 107 ORtg, 111 DRtg, 1.0 WS
He is an athletic, versatile combo forward that is a solid defender that can guard multiple positions, and he’s flashed the ability to shoot and score in games. He’ll need to be more consistent with his jump shot, but he is a talented player that could end up being a solid role player for either Phoenix or the next team he plays for.
Also, Sports Illustrated has an NBA free agency 2023 tracker for those that want to know who will be free agents in this offseason. Also, in case if you would like to read someone else’s thoughts on who the best free agents are for this offseason, Kevin Pelton wrote his opinion piece on who he’d rate as the top free agents on ESPN. Thanks for reading.
