With only a couple weeks left in the NBA’s regular season, many of the league’s top players will be looking towards the playoffs. Beyond the playoffs, however, begins free agency, and the NBA’s “second season.” The top players will be heading towards a huge payday, but the fascinating aspect of this year’s free agency will be watching what happens with the non-superstars. Let’s take a look at 5 players who are going to cash in on surprising performances this season.
Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls
For his first few seasons in the NBA, Jimmy Butler was an unheralded, solid two-way player on a defensive-minded team. This season, however, Butler busted out in a huge way, and could be on his way to the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. He has become a go-to scorer on an offensively potent team, but his defense has still cemented his status as a premier small forward in the NBA. Butler will be a restricted free agent this offseason, which means the Bulls can match any offer sheet he may sign. There will be many teams looking to draw him away from Chicago, and he is most likely headed for a max contract this summer. Not bad for a 30th overall pick.
Khris Middleton - Milwaukee Bucks
When he’s not too busy knocking down buzzer-beating threes to win games for the Bucks, Middleton is proving he can be a reliable force on both ends of the floor. Middleton has become an excellent shooter and has proven repeatedly that he can take and make big shots. The second half of the season has allowed Middleton to break out in a huge way, and he has become a focal point on a surprising Milwaukee Bucks team. He only made $915,000 this year, but that is definitely set to change for the restricted free agent. Jason Kidd has vouched for Middleton and made it clear that he wants to see Middleton back in Milwaukee next year. That might be tough considering the suitors that will be out there for him this summer.
Enes Kanter - Oklahoma City Thunder
With the Utah Jazz, Enes Kanter was just another forward mired in a bad situation. Once the Jazz traded him to OKC, however, Kanter blossomed into one of the best forwards the team has ever had. He is a proven scorer, and with the injuries to Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka, Kanter has stepped up to become a reliable option. He has made it clear that he finally has found a place where he enjoys playing basketball, and he will also be rewarded handsomely this offseason. Other teams have seen his potential, and it’s going to be up to OKC to match any offers that come his way.
Draymond Green - Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green has stepped his game up in a huge way this season, and is one of the reasons why the Warriors have cruised to the best record in the NBA. A frontrunner for the NBA’s DPOY award, Green has proven his ability to guard anyone from point guard to power forward. On the offensive end, he has improved his jumper and was inducted an honorary splash brother along with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Not too shabby for the Michigan State product. While he only makes $915,000 this season, the restricted free agent will also have many suitors this summer. If he stays in Golden State, he will certainly be a cornerstone of that team for the foreseeable future. If he leaves, he could have a monster deal coming his way.
Tobias Harris - Orlando Magic
One of the few bright spots for the Magic this season has been Harris. Harris has been cheap on the Magic’s books, as he only made $2.5 million this season. However, he is set for a big contract this offseason. At only 22 years old, this is already Harris’ fifth year in the NBA. He has improved every season and is having a career year. Harris has a proven ability to make big shots, and is a versatile forward who can play both small and power forward. The Magic would be wise to match any offers he receives this summer, as the surprising improvement of Tobias Harris no longer feels like a surprise. He is here to stay, and should be rewarded as such this offseason.