/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67730708/1272022770.jpg.0.jpg)
There isn’t a ton of All-Star talent on the free agent market ahead of the 2020 season, but there are players who can be difference makers for championship contenders. Having a quality point guard is key to just about any team looking to compete for a championship. Excluding players with player options for next year, we’ve identified the top five point guards who are bound to garner the most attention this offseason.
Fred VanVleet, TOR
Previous salary: $9 million
VanVleet played at an All-Star level this past season and will likely get a massive deal. He led the Raptors in points per game (19.6) and assists per game (6.9) this year. Both those marks were up from his regular season averages. He shot poorly in the second round of the playoffs against the Celtics, but the shortage of available point guards at his level could help him earn over $20 million per season on his next deal. Several teams looking to rebuild could have a go at him, but real contenders might not be willing to spend the that much money.
Goran Dragic, MIA
Previous salary: $17 million
Dragic’s season didn’t end how he wanted to because of a torn plantar fascia, but he was easily one of Miami’s most impactful players en route to the NBA Finals. He reclaimed his starting spot from Kendrick Nunn in the postseason and averaged 19.1 points per game in the playoffs. Contenders looking to add experienced veterans with big-game experience will swarm Dragic because of his ability to make tough shots at a high level and distribute.
Jeff Teague, ATL
Previous salary: $19 million
Teague has been plagued by injuries lately and was sent to the Atlanta Hawks after underperforming for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. It’s easy to be forgotten about when you’re playing behind a rising star like Trae Young, but he’s the kind of veteran guard who could play an important role for a team looking to compete for a championship. The 2015 All-Star might not be on the same level as the players listed above but can be a valuable contributor with solid talent around him.
Jordan Clarkson, UTA
Previous salary: $12.5 million
Utah got a taste of how valuable Clarkson can be when he provided a spark as a scoring boost off the bench. His offense carried over into the playoffs and was became vital because Bojan Bogdanovic was ruled out for the season ahead of the NBA restart. He might not be a starter for a frontrunner, but his instant scoring could make him one of the more sought after role players this offseason.
Kris Dunn, CHI
Previous salary: $4.3 million
Dunn hasn’t played like a former No. 5 overall pick so far in his career, but he has emerged as one of the NBA’s best defenders. The restricted free agent could find minutes hard to come by with Coby White and Zach LaVine at guard. Elite wing defenders like Dunn are highly coveted and hard to come by. He might not be a true point guard, but his ability guard up to three positions makes him invaluable.
Honorable mentions
D.J. Augustin
Rajon Rondo (player option)
Shabazz Napier
Reggie Jackson