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The Vertical guide to free agency: small forwards

Bobby Marks
The Vertical

In the third installment of our position-by-position free-agent rankings, The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks breaks down July's market for small forwards.

Teams in need of a starter: Cleveland, Dallas, Golden State, Clippers, Lakers, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington.

Teams in need of a backup: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Indiana, Lakers, Memphis, Miami, New York, Orlando, Portland, Toronto and Utah.

1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
FA age: 27 | Salary: $20.2 million
Insider info: Best overall player in this year’s class. Finally healthy after playing only 27 games last year because of a foot injury. One year short of the 10-year service mark that could make Durant think about his options for a short-term contract this summer. Full Bird rights with the Thunder in July.

2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James holds a player option for next season. (AP)
LeBron James holds a player option for next season. (AP)

FA age:

31 | Salary: $23 million
Insider info: Second-best player in this year’s class. Holds a player option for next season. Highly unlikely he will be changing addresses. Early Bird rights limit money and years on his contract for 2016.

3. Nicolas Batum, Charlotte Hornets
FA age: 27 | Salary: $13.1 million
Insider info: Played an overall complete game this season. Can play multiple positions and has been the Hornets’ second-best player. In the prime of his career and has become a focal point with Charlotte. Has full Bird rights with the Hornets.

4. Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors
FA age: 24 | Salary: $3.8 million
Insider info: Warriors will have the right to match any offers. Originally turned down a $64 million extension in September. Starting salary for next season should be close to the max. Full Bird rights for the restricted free agent.

5. Chandler Parsons, Dallas Mavericks
FA age: 27 | Salary: $15.4 million
Insider info: With news of his season ending because of right-knee surgery, Parsons’ agent will need to do his homework before opting out of his contract. Found his groove midseason, when his minute restrictions were lifted. Second option on a playoff team, but teams will need the blessing of their medical staffs before pursuing.

6. Evan Turner, Boston Celtics
FA age: 27 | Salary: $3.4 million
Insider info: Finally has found his role with the Celtics. Does that change in another team’s system? Versatile and can play three positions, but best suited coming off the bench.

7. Joe Johnson, Miami Heat
FA age: 35 | Salary: $24.9 million
Insider info: Will not get the payday he received in 2010, but still a clutch player down the stretch. Remarkably healthy at his age, but best suited as a fourth option. Will need defenders on the court with him.

8. Luol Deng, Miami Heat
FA age: 31 | Salary: $10.2 million
Insider info: Has been plagued by injuries this season. Still has a role in the NBA, but not at the level of his days in Chicago. High value on a short-term contract. High cap hold could come into play based on Miami's summer needs.

9. Jared Dudley, Washington Wizards
FA age: 30 | Salary: $4.4 million
Insider info: Proven veteran who brings a workmanlike effort every night. Having the best year of his career. Has sacrificed for the good of the team with injuries decimating the Wizards. Can play three positions if needed.

10. Maurice Harkless, Portland Trail Blazers
FA age: 23 | Salary: $2.9 million
Insider info: Versatile small forward who can play two positions. Has found a nice role coming off the Trail Blazers’ bench. Will be a restricted free agent in July.

On deck: Wesley Johnson, Lance Thomas, Matt Barnes, Richard Jefferson, Chase Budinger, Alonzo Gee (player option)

Previous free-agent guides: Point guards | Shooting guards

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