Securing the bag: 5 NBA players contending for big free-agent deals

Securing a big-time contract could become more difficult with the new threat of NBA punishments for teams that spend over the salary cap. Nevertheless, impending free agents will find themselves with a list of suitors if they can perform beyond expectations.

Here are five players - broken down as restricted free agents (RFA) and player option (PO) - looking to establish their value for a large payday this upcoming season.

2023-24 statistics

Current salary: $48 million

At 35 years old, Butler is angling for one last big contract. The Heat veteran has consistently proved his value as a star player who can hit big-time shots and give everything on the defensive end. However, questions surround his availability, as he missed the entirety of Miami's first-round loss to the eventual champion Boston Celtics - a team the Heat beat in the 2023 playoffs.

After the postseason elimination, Heat president Pat Riley reaffirmed his belief in his star but also called out Butler's trolling on social media about rival teams while injured and expressed concerns about Butler's health. While available to lead the franchise to Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023, he's never played more than 65 regular-season games, and there's no reason to expect that number to increase as he ages.

Butler is still a 20-point scorer and shot a career high from deep last season. But given his age and current health outlook, the Heat might be wary to commit long term when they're already paying Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro significant money. Miami hasn't been able to make meaningful additions to the team for the last two offseasons while losing key pieces like Max Strus and Caleb Martin to rivals. Will the franchise give this core another chance at a deep playoff run or pivot from South Beach's longtime star?

2023-24 statistics

Current salary: $12.4 million

Like teammate Alperen Sengun, Green is in line for an extension on his rookie deal. The enigmatic Rockets guard could sign a new contract between now and the final day before the regular season later in October; otherwise, the 22-year-old will have to wait for the conclusion of the campaign.

Since being drafted out of the G League Ignite in 2021, Green has showcased an ability to put the ball in the basket, averaging almost 20 points per game over his career. What's been a challenge is scoring efficiently, as he's hovered around 42% field-goal shooting and 34% shooting from three while acting as one of the Rockets' main offensive contributors.

The best stretch of Green's career came toward the end of last season as the Rockets were in the hunt for the playoffs. Over a 10-game stretch in March and April, he averaged 30.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals. Green caught fire, shooting 50% from the field and 42% from deep on over 10 attempts. Houston won 11 straight contests in March before going 3-4 to finish the campaign and missing out on the play-in tournament.

Already loaded with young talent, the Rockets selected Kentucky sharpshooting guard Reed Sheppard third overall in June's draft. If Green is unable to take the next step in shooting efficiency, Houston might have his replacement ready. It will be up to him to maintain his place and earn a nice payday.

2023-24 statistics

Current salary: $4.5 million

While the Pelicans can also sign Brandon Ingram to a new deal, rising forward Murphy is in line for a handsome extension on his expiring rookie contract. In just three seasons, the 24-year-old has proved himself to be one of the more promising versatile wings.

Murphy entered the NBA with a reputation as a shooter and has delivered on that promise. While his percentage dipped slightly compared to the 2022-23 campaign, the 24-year-old made a trio of triples per game on 38% shooting. He mainly came off the bench, but in 23 starts, Murphy averaged 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals. He really caught fire after the All-Star break, averaging 17.1 points and almost 40% shooting from beyond the arc.

The Pelicans made a change to their starting lineup with Jonas Valanciunas leaving for the Washington Wizards and Dejounte Murray joining the squad, so a reliable wing option with a proven track record of floor-spacing is a valuable asset. Murphy's presence on the glass could be helpful for a team without an established center, as his 13.6% defensive rebounding rate on missed field goals ranks in the 92nd percentile, according to Cleaning the Glass.

2023-24 statistics

Current salary: $5.2 million

Johnson broke out last season, increasing his scoring average to 16 points from 5.6 in 2022-23. The Hawks gave him a starting job early in November, and he did not relinquish it for 50 out of 51 games.

The 22-year-old put himself on the map as an electrifying dunker, uncorking posters on a variety of rim-protectors. Johnson also used his size and speed to cut backdoor behind unsuspecting defenders in transition, becoming a play-finisher for Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Half of his shots last season came at the rim, per Cleaning the Glass. He even expanded his range, making 71 triples on almost 36% shooting from deep.

With Murray's departure, Johnson becomes the team's promising second option behind Young. Now with ample opportunity for shots and the chance to develop his two-man game with Young, the Duke product will have the green light offensively as the franchise figures out its next steps toward getting back into playoff contention.

2023-24 statistics

Current salary: $14 million

Even before Karl-Anthony Towns' trade to the New York Knicks, versatile forward Reid was in line for a raise after an award-winning campaign. With the Minnesota Timberwolves moving on from Towns to bring in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year has a chance to establish himself as one of the team's pillars.

Reid played his cards right when he signed a three-year, $42-million contract in 2023. With two guaranteed years plus a $15-million player option for 2025-26, the deal allows him to enter free agency after his age-25 season. Reid shined in his fifth NBA campaign, averaging 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds en route to the award for best reserve in the Association.

He should shoulder more offensive responsibility even with the acquisition of Randle, a three-time All-Star who plays a similar position. The team will look to him as a familiar scoring option to complement Anthony Edwards as Randle and DiVincenzo acclimate to their new surroundings. Reid ranked third on the team in shot attempts (10.5) and fourth in points behind Edwards, Towns, and Rudy Gobert. With the opportunity available and the support of his coaching staff, Reid can take another significant step forward and land another lucrative contract.