Top 20 Free Agent Centers in the NBA 2023

As we navigate through the exciting period of the NBA’s 2023 off-season, there’s an array of talent available in the market. This article highlights the top 20 free agent centers in the NBA this season, including their most recent stats, earnings, and agent details.

1. Bismack Biyombo, Phoenix Suns

Despite lacking a substantial offensive game, Biyombo’s shot-blocking prowess sets him apart. His defensive skills are high-level, however, his poor free-throw shooting is a weak point teams need to consider. 

*2022/23 stats: 4.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.9 apg, 57.8 FG%, 35.7 FT%

2022/23 earnings: $2,905,851

Career earnings: $88,942,306

Agent: BJ Armstrong and Jason Ranne*

2. Serge Ibaka

Ibaka has been a force on the court for many seasons and, despite a minor dip in his offensive stats in the recent season, he remains a valuable asset for teams needing a seasoned center.

*2022/23 stats: 4.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.3 apg, 48.1 FG%, 33.3 3P%

2022/23 earnings: $2,905,851

Career earnings: $138,844,561

Agent: Jim Tanner*

3. Dewayne Dedmon, Philadelphia

Dedmon, known for his work ethic and decent shooting percentages, can provide valuable minutes as a backup center.

*2022/23 stats: 5.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.7 apg, 51.0 FG%, 30.8 3P%

2022/23 earnings: $8,283,688

Career earnings: $40,155,501

Agent: Michael Silverman and Brandon Grier*

4. Boban Marjanovic, Houston Rockets

While Marjanovic’s numbers may seem modest, he’s recognized for his high field goal and free throw percentages. He brings considerable size and scoring efficiency to any lineup.

*2022/23 stats: 3.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.3 apg, 68.3 FG%, 74.1 FT%

2022/23 earnings: $4,101,478

Career earnings: $32,700,000

Agent: Mike Lindeman*

5. Nerlens Noel

Though Noel has seen a decrease in his field goal percentage, his defensive skills continue to make him a strong candidate for teams in need of a center.

*2022/23 stats: 2.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.6 apg, 36.1 FG%, 66.7 FT%

2022/23 earnings: $9,391,069

Career earnings: $35,957,625

Agent: George Langberg*

Also Read: Best Basketball Shoes for Centers in 2023

6. Meyers Leonard, Milwaukee Bucks

Leonard has a solid mix of size and shooting, making him a fit for teams in need of a stretch five.

*2022/23 stats: 4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.1 apg, 48.3 FG%, 38.9 3P%

2022/23 earnings: $713,558

Career earnings: $60,142,479

Agent: Aaron Mintz and Dave Spahn*

7. Tristan Thompson, LA Lakers

Even with less scoring, Thompson’s rebounding skills and experience make him a valuable free agent.

*2021/22 stats: 6.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 0.6 apg, 52.8 FG%, 52.6 FT%

2022/23 earnings: $16,700

Career earnings: $118,643,214

Agent: Rich Paul*

8. Udoka Azubuike, Utah Jazz (Team Option)

Azubuike’s impressive FG% and rebounding ability are impressive, although he’s struggled with free throws.

*2022/23 stats: 3.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 81.9 FG%, 35.0 FT%

2022/23 earnings: $2,174,880

Career earnings: $4,052,880

Agent: Zach Kurtin and Mark Bartelstein*

9. Willie Cauley-Stein, Houston Rockets

Cauley-Stein remains a reliable bench player who can provide energy and rebounding.

*2021/22 stats: 1.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.5 apg, 45.7 FG%, 50.0 FT%

2022/23 earnings: $155,738

Career earnings: $25,848,040

Agent: Adie von Gontard*

10. Gorgui Dieng, San Antonio Spurs

Dieng is a versatile player with a capable outside shot for a big man, providing spacing for his teammates.

*2022/23 stats: 3.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.7 apg, 38.5 FG%, 28.0 3P%

2022/23 earnings: $4,105,236

Career earnings: $73,689,390

Agent: Thaddeus Foucher and Jason Ranne*

11. Noah Vonleh

Vonleh has always been a decent rebounder and can provide solid minutes off the bench.

*2022/23 stats: 1.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.3 apg, 45.8 FG%, 25.0 3P%

2022/23 earnings: $1,160,955

Career earnings: $15,993,438

Agent: Jim Tanner and Darrell Comer*

Also Read: Top 10 Power Forwards of All Time

12. Tony Bradley

Bradley is a young center who can provide some efficient scoring and rebounding in limited minutes.

*2022/23 stats: 1.6 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.1 apg, 50.0 FG%, 60.0 3P%

2022/23 earnings: $2,036,318

Career earnings: $10,388,116

Agent: Bobby Petriella*

13. Chris Silva

Silva’s stats may seem modest, but he has a solid FG% and can provide teams with a big body in the paint.

*2022/23 stats: 2.0 ppg

2022/23 earnings: $211,045

Career earnings: $2,464,549

Agent: Tony Dutt*

14. Moses Brown

Despite limited minutes, Brown has shown promise with his scoring and rebounding ability.

 He has displayed an ability to score efficiently and effectively, often making the most of his limited opportunities on the court. Brown has shown a knack for finding scoring opportunities around the rim and has proven to be a capable finisher. Additionally, he has displayed a solid mid-range jump shot and has shown improvement in his three-point shooting.  

*2022/23 stats: 4.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.1 apg, 63.5 FG%, 45.8 3P%

2022/23 earnings: $824,041

Career earnings

: $3,263,477

Agent: Mitchell Butler*

15. Neemias Queta, Sacramento Kings (Restricted)

Queta is a young, up-and-coming restricted free agent center who has shown promise in his limited NBA action.

At just 23 years old, Queta has already made a name for himself with his impressive play on the court. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 245 pounds, he possesses the size and strength needed to compete with the best centers in the league.

While Queta still has room to improve, his development is heading in a promising direction. He has the tools and skills necessary to develop into a starting-caliber center in the NBA. As a restricted free agent, teams have recognized his potential and will likely be willing to offer him a contract to secure his services.

If Queta can continue to refine his offensive game, develop a mid-range shot, and improve his strength and conditioning, he could quickly become a dominant force in the paint. With the right opportunity and coaching, Queta has the potential to become one of the top young centers in the NBA. 

*2022/23 stats: 2.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.2 apg, 66.7 FG%

2022/23 earnings: $508,891

Career earnings: $462,629

Agent: Bill Duffy*

16. Brook Lopez: Unrestricted Free Agent

Known for his robust defensive prowess, Brook Lopez remains one of the most dominant big men in the game. His defensive skills are underscored by his near-win in the Defensive Player of the Year race last season. With his ability to offer excellent rim protection, coupled with his shooting skills and a reliable post-up game, Lopez remains a valuable asset. At 35, his age and recent back issues may cause concern, but he’s expected to continue performing at a high level in the coming season.

17. Jakob Poeltl: Unrestricted Free Agent

Poeltl has proven to be a critical asset for the Raptors since his acquisition. He’s praised for his defensive skills and rim protection, as well as his abilities as a solid passer and a reliable roll man. However, his shooting limitations, particularly from the free-throw line, could be problematic during crucial game moments. The Raptors are likely to re-sign him, especially after sending out a first-round pick to acquire him.

18. Christian Wood: Unrestricted Free Agent

Christian Wood’s defensive limitations seem to have put him at odds with Jason Kidd, indicating he might be leaving Dallas. Despite this, Wood remains a valuable player, known for his deep shooting ability, with a career 3-point shooting average of 37.9%. While he’s a capable rim protector, his lack of discipline on defense is a noted weakness.

19. Mason Plumlee: Unrestricted Free Agent

Mason Plumlee’s athleticism and his role as a solid backup make him a valuable addition to any team. His size allows him to hold his own against some of the bigger players in the league. While his shooting from outside is limited, he has surprisingly effective mid-range jumper skills. Plumlee might not score a ton of points, but his high feel for the game allows him to play mostly mistake-free basketball.

20. Dwight Powell: Unrestricted Free Agent

Powell is known for his positive locker-room presence and his clear understanding of his role in the league. When on the court, he gives his all on defense, sprinting from rim to rim and securing some impressive dunks. He rarely takes bad shots, although he’s not a significant threat from the outside and lacks the ability to create his own offense.

These five players are among the most sought-after free agent centers in the NBA 2023 off-season. Their unique strengths and potential limitations will play a significant role in how teams strategize their offers and line-ups for the upcoming season.

These free agent centers each bring a unique skill set to the table. With such a wide range of talent and experience available, the 2023 NBA off-season promises to be an exciting period of negotiations and team building.

About Author