NBA Free Agents: The best small forwards still available on the open market

The 2019-20 NBA season is just one month away, and the majority of the NBA's best talent was snapped up within the first week of free agency. However, a number of notable names remain without teams ahead of the new campaign, and several teams still have open roster spots.

The need for quality wings in the NBA is now more apparent than ever before, and with the new season quickly approaching, here we will take a look at the best 3 small forwards available on the open market.

---

#3 Luol Deng

Luol Deng appeared just 22 times for the Minnesota Timberwolves

The 2018-19 season was supposed to serve as somewhat of a career resurgence for Luol Deng after the former All-Star was finally waived by the Los Angeles following his much-publicized exodus. And, his decision to join the Minnesota Timberwolves appeared to be a great move as it reunited him with his former Chicago teammates in Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, and Taj Gibson.

However, Deng only appeared four times over the first half of the regular season as head coach Tom Thibodeau was reluctant to field his former Chicago star. Deng eventually found a regular spot in the rotation after Thibodeau departed and the 34-year-old was starting to hit form around the All-Star break. However, Deng's season soon ended due to injuries, and he finished the campaign averaging 7.1 points and 3.3 rebounds over 22 appearances.

Based on ability alone, Deng could play for at least another season, and the 2-time All-Star remains an excellent defensive wing. Nevertheless, teams may be reluctant to make a move due to doubts over his fitness, and Deng may have to wait until the season is well underway until he is offered a route back in the NBA.

#2 Luc Mbah a Moute

Mbah a Moute enjoyed a notable spell with the Rockets before missing much of last season through injury

Luc Mbah a Moute is comfortable at both forward positions, and despite turning 33 earlier this year, remains a solid contributor at both ends of the court. His departure from the Houston Rockets last summer was cited as a big factor in the team's early-season struggles and Mbah a Moute was poised to play a substantial role for the Clippers.

However, Mbah a Moute played just four times in Los Angeles after injuring his left knee back in October and was subsequently released ahead of the playoffs. The veteran was offered the chance to link up with Houston's minicamp but eventually turned down the offer.

As an above-average 3-and-D wing, Mbah a Moute will continue to attract interest, and the Cameroonian is likely to return to the NBA in the not too distant future.

#1 Corey Brewer

Corey Brewer spent time last season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings

Corey Brewer was selected seventh overall by the Timberwolves way back in 2007, and while the wingman has never been able to establish himself as a regular starter, Brewer remains a solid option form the bench. Brewer's potential impact was on full show during the closing stages of the 17-18 season as he averaged 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds during a noteworthy short spell with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Nevertheless, Brewer failed to find a regular home last season and played just 31 times across spells with the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings. Despite turning 33 earlier this year, Brewer's stamina and effort at both ends of the court remain striking, and the Tennessee native has also improved his accuracy from beyond the arc in recent years. Brewer has been linked with a return to the Houston Rockets, although the veteran would be a great pick up for any side looking for a decent reserve wing.