The NBA Finals and draft are over. It's time for the offseason and free agency. Every summer, the NBA is filled with headlines in the free agent market, and there aren't many free agents this year, but there are plenty of players who can take the team to the next level. The point guards in this group of NBA free agents have attracted more attention.
Some may stay at their old clubs, but you never know how unpredictable the NBA changes are, so let's take a look at the top five free-agent point guards this summer.
Fifth: Russell Westbrook
After being traded from the Lakers, Wilson's performance with the Los Angeles Clippers was impressive. When Paul George and Leonard were injured, he was the Clippers' first choice for the second team, leading the team forward.
He averaged 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists last season. He shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 31.1 percent from three-point range.
Last season, after being sent to the Jazz by the Lakers in this deal and being bought out by the Utah Jazz, Wilson made $46 million. Then, he signed the Clippers to a team base-salary contract for just $700,000, after the Clippers finished the season. In the new team, his salary may be higher than the veteran's base salary.
Fourth: DeAngelo Russell
Shui La's salary in the final year of his contract with the Lakers is $31.3 million, and he will become a free agent this season. The Lakers have said they will offer him a return offer. The Lakers don't have much salary space and may prioritize other young free agents, like Austin Reeves, over Russell, so it's only to be seen if any other team offers him a top salary.
The guard had an up-and-down season with the Lakers, especially in the playoffs. In each of the four games in the Western Conference Finals, he scored no more than 10 points.
Russell is a true shooting guard, but sometimes his shots are really not very consistent. He averaged 17.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists last season. He shot 46.9 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three-point range.
Third: Fred VanVleet
Van Jordan will be one of the most coveted free agents this offseason. He is expected to stay with the Toronto Raptors, but may leave the Raptors to look for opportunities in the South.
He rose to star level with the Raptors. He averaged 19.3 points per game and shot 39.3 percent from the field, including 34.2 percent from three-point range. He also contributed 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists.
He has proven his ability to organize attacks, and at the same time is a relatively tenacious defender and a difficult opponent to deal with.
Second: Kyrie Irving
Rumor has it that the unpredictable guard will remain in Dallas. The Mavericks say retaining Irving will be a top priority this offseason. Irving has also reportedly been recruiting players for the Lone Ranger.
If the Lone Ranger renews his contract, he will qualify for a five-year, $272.9 million contract. Irving will most likely not be paid less than the top salary, and signing his top salary contract by the Mavericks will make it more difficult for the team to sign other players.
First: James Harden
Harden will be the biggest player in the free agent market this offseason. With the 76ers, he changed his style of play, and the 76ers also wanted to keep the beard, but Harden was also closely linked to returning to the Houston Rockets.
Harden has already made a pay cut to help the Philadelphia 76ers, and Harden was paid just $33 million last season. And this offseason, he may seek a top salary. He could also opt for a $35.6 million player option to stay in Philadelphia for another year.
Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game. When Joel Embiid took on the scoring role, he became a playmaker.
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