NBA free agency: Aaron Gordon, Julius Randle lead class of top 10 power forwards on the market

Jordan Schultz

The power forward position in the NBA is enjoying a renaissance. Why? Because the versatility of the modern four is unparalleled. Shooting is at a premium, and bigs who can step away from the basket as a pick-and-pop threat open up driving lanes for creators and can also invert the floor. This year’s free-agent class is loaded with young talent, featuring Orlando’s Aaron Gordon and the Lakers’ Julius Randle, both of whom are in line for healthy paydays. Here are Yahoo Sports’ top 10 free-agent power forwards:

Previously: Point guards | Shooting guards | Small forwards

1. Aaron Gordon (restricted)
Age: 22
Gordon is coming off a very strong season with the Magic, showcasing his athleticism and ball-handling, while displaying an improved scoring punch (17.6 points per game). It would behoove Orlando to retain Gordon, and GM John Hammond knows it. The No. 4 overall pick in 2014 should enjoy a stellar market. The Magic could give Gordon — who converted 33.6 percent of his 3-pointers, including shooting 39 percent on catch-and-shoot opportunities from 3-point territory — an unmatchable max, which would start at $25.3 million per year, or the franchise could let the power forward test the market.
Fits with: Magic, Mavericks, Suns, Pacers

Julius Randle may not fit in the Lakers’ rebuilding plan this summer. (AP)
Julius Randle may not fit in the Lakers’ rebuilding plan this summer. (AP)

2. Julius Randle (restricted)
Age: 23
Randle got in great shape, embraced his role and became a vastly improved all-around player this past season. He can rebound, run the floor, make a jumper and defend in small lineups. After the All-Star break, the former Kentucky star averaged 19.5 points on 55.5 percent shooting, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He also played in all 82 games. Will the Lakers — who can create $70 million in cap space to sign two max players this summer — re-sign the former lottery pick? The Lakers have extended a $5.6 million qualifying offer to Randle, who still has his Bird Rights.
Fits with: Lakers, Mavericks, Suns, Pacers

3. Derrick Favors
Age: 26
Favors is a terrific rebounder (12.9 rebounds per 100 possessions) who blocks shots and scores well in the paint, but can also step away from the basket a little bit as well. The No. 3 overall pick in 2010 has been a consistent, if not spectacular, performer for Utah, which clearly wants to retain him at the right price.
Fits with: Jazz, Bucks, Wizards

4. Montrezl Harrell (restricted)
Age: 24
Harrell is one of the most active, physical bigs in the league, averaging 8.5 rebounds per 36 minutes. A true four who deploys his length and quick leaping ability to block shots and finish at the basket, Harrell is coming into his own as a bona fide starter.
Fits with: Clippers, Bucks, Pacers, Nets, Knicks, Bulls

5. Dirk Nowitzki
Age: 40
We all know Dirk is committed to finishing his career in Dallas. The future Hall of Famer can still spread the floor with his 3-point shooting and pick-and-pop ability. The Mavs hold a team option on Nowitzki. They could decline it and use the $4.4 million exception to retain Nowitzki for another year.
Fits with: Mavericks

6. Luc Mbah a Moute
Age: 31
A top-flight defender who can make a three, Mbah a Moute is a bigger version of Trevor Ariza: a valuable reserve who makes winning plays. He will garner interest from contending teams looking to add defensive versatility.
Fits with: Rockets, Pacers, Pistons, Grizzlies

7. Michael Beasley
Age: 29
Beasley was productive for the woeful Knicks, averaging over 13.2 points and nearly 5.6 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per game. A versatile scorer who has retained his quick first step, the No. 2 overall pick in 2008 has value as a reserve three/four who can add offensive punch to a second unit.
Fits with: Knicks, Hawks, Suns, Nuggets

8. Ersan Ilyasova
Age: 31
Ilyasova played well for Philly after his buyout from Atlanta, knocking down 3-pointers (36.1 percent), rebounding (nearly seven boards in just 24 minutes) and defending at a decent level. He is a classic stretch four who can also play the three.
Fits with: 76ers, Rockets, Nuggets, Pistons

9. Ed Davis
Age: 29
The former Tar Heel is a rim protector and rebounder who averaged a career-best 7.1 boards in 36 minutes for Portland this past season. Davis still runs the floor well and has a deft touch around the basket with his left hand.
Fits with: Trail Blazers, 76ers, Raptors, Grizzlies, Pistons, Celtics

10. Jerami Grant
Age: 24
Grant comes off a highly productive season for OKC. The former Syracuse star has fresh legs and plays with a certain bounce and burst on both ends that would benefit several teams.
Fits with: Thunder, Bulls, Pacers, Magic

Other notable free agents: Jeff Green, David West, Trevor Booker, Nemanja Bjelica, Davis Bertans, Mike Scott, Noah Vonleh, Luke Babbitt, Anthony Tolliver, Quincy Acy

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• Paul George to opt out of his contract and become a free agent

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Jordan Schultz is an NFL, NBA and NCAAB insider/analyst for Yahoo Sports.