NBA free agency isn`t expected to be the biggest story this summer. Several major potential free agents, like Jimmy Butler III, signed extensions, removing them from the market. Butler notably extended his contract after a trade to the Golden State Warriors at the deadline.
A few all-time greats, led by LeBron James, could become free agents depending on player options. However, these players, including former MVP James Harden and nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving, have generally found homes where they want to be and are unlikely to switch teams.
Due to a combination of contract extensions and salaries growing faster than the modest salary cap increases, few teams will have significant cap space. Reports indicate that only the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets will have max-level space, and most other teams won`t be able to spend much more than the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, projected around $14 million.
Despite the limited cap space, teams can still use free agency to address specific needs. Last summer, for example, the Detroit Pistons signed Malik Beasley to a one-year, $6 million contract; he went on to finish high in Sixth Man of the Year voting, helping the Pistons reach the playoffs. Ty Jerome of the Cavaliers, signed for just over the minimum, had a breakout year crucial to Cleveland`s top finish in the Eastern Conference. Both Beasley and Jerome are part of a deep pool of top reserves and lower-end starters who will define this summer`s free agency period, which officially begins on June 30.
Let`s look at the top 25 players, categorized by their status and availability, with a particular focus on those, like Jerome, who are realistically candidates to change teams this summer.
Tier 1: All-Stars with Options Unlikely to Move
1. LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers | F
Player option
A player option provides financial flexibility for both James and the Lakers. After taking a bit less than the max last offseason to help the Lakers avoid second-apron restrictions, James could sign for more by declining his $52.6 million option. Alternatively, another salary discount from James could give the Lakers access to their non-taxpayer midlevel exception to potentially target a starting big man. Still performing at an All-NBA level at age 40, James remains the top free agent, having consistently topped these rankings over the years.
2. James Harden
LA Clippers | PG
Player option
Harden, the other potential free agent with All-NBA honors, also signed a `one plus one` deal last summer. He has the opportunity to increase his salary after signing for less than the max. His player option is worth $36.3 million. Harden, 35, could decline the option seeking a longer-term deal with a lower starting salary to secure contracts through his late 30s. Regardless, Harden is expected to stay with the Clippers after joining them and helping lead a strong regular season performance.
3. Kyrie Irving
Dallas Mavericks | PG
Player option
Irving was expected to upgrade his $43 million player option to a long-term deal, but a left ACL tear in March complicated his situation. Since he`s likely to miss a significant part of the 2025-26 season, he might exercise the player option and resume negotiations once healthy. Alternatively, the Mavericks could still commit to Irving, whose importance was highlighted by the general manager after the Luka Doncic trade. Before his injury, the 33-year-old Irving was playing exceptionally well and is slightly younger than the other two All-Stars ranked higher.
4. Julius Randle
Minnesota Timberwolves | PF
Player option
After struggling initially, Randle`s strong finish to the regular season and dominant play in the first two playoff rounds were key to the Timberwolves reaching the Western Conference finals. Completing an extension signed with the New York Knicks in 2021, Randle has a $29.5 million player option that he has outperformed. Minnesota and Randle have options: he could decline it for a long-term free agency deal, or exercise it in conjunction with an extension, which would give the Timberwolves more financial flexibility as they manage other free agents (Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid).
5. Fred VanVleet
Houston Rockets | PG
Team option
Unlike others in this tier, VanVleet`s option is a team option as part of the three-year max deal he signed two summers ago. Given his excellent fit with the Rockets, who secured a high seed in the West, it makes no sense for Houston to decline the option and let him leave. However, with luxury tax concerns, Houston might prefer to replace VanVleet`s $44.9 million option with a smaller starting salary on a longer contract for the 31-year-old point guard.
Tier 2: Proven Starter in His Prime
6. Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers | C
Unrestricted free agent
This is where this year`s free agency is somewhat lacking. Turner is arguably the only high-quality starter available who hasn`t been an All-Star and is still in the prime of his career at 29. His essential role for the Indiana team that reached recent conference finals gives him significant leverage as an unrestricted free agent. Scouts noted that his playoff performance solidified his importance, as the team lacks a direct replacement. The Pacers need to be mindful of Turner`s starting salary, as they are close to the luxury tax line. Turner is expected to command more than the $19.9 million he made this season.
Possible fits: Turner has been in trade rumors frequently, linking him to many teams needing a starting center. A sign-and-trade would be complex for teams like the Warriors and Lakers, but they are potential destinations if the Pacers and Turner cannot agree on a new deal.
Tier 3: Starter-Caliber Restricted Free Agents
7. Josh Giddey
Chicago Bulls | PG
Restricted free agent
After the Bulls traded Zach LaVine, Giddey`s statistics were impressive post-All-Star break, averaging high points, rebounds, and assists with strong shooting percentages, including a career-high 38% from three for the season. Not yet 23 until October, Giddey has room to develop further and make a larger playoff impact than seen with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024. With few teams having cap space, Chicago has leverage in negotiations, but whether they use it remains to be seen.
8. Quentin Grimes
Philadelphia 76ers | G/F
Restricted free agent
Similar to Giddey, Grimes improved significantly after the All-Star break following a trade to the Sixers, who were missing key stars due to injury. Grimes averaged over 20 PPG with good efficiency in Philadelphia. The team`s jump in the draft lottery complicated their ability to re-sign Grimes without facing the second apron. The 76ers are near the luxury tax line before re-signing Grimes or another restricted free agent.
Possible fits: Could Grimes be a target for the Nets? At 25, he fits their timeline. If not Brooklyn, Grimes` market might be the non-taxpayer midlevel or a sign-and-trade. The Charlotte Hornets, if they want to improve quickly, could see Grimes as a major upgrade.
9. Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors | F
Restricted free agent
After being out of the rotation early in the playoffs, Kuminga became a key player for the Warriors when Stephen Curry was sidelined. He averaged over 24 PPG in the later games of the second round, shooting efficiently from the field. At 22, Kuminga should become more consistent. However, this might be more likely with a different team, given his skillset overlaps with other Warriors players. Golden State could be open to a sign-and-trade to balance the roster. A scout suggested a sign-and-trade would be the best outcome for him.
Possible fits: As with any restricted free agent, Brooklyn is a possibility if they believe in Kuminga. The Bulls could attempt a sign-and-trade, potentially sending Nikola Vucevic to Golden State and giving Kuminga a role similar to DeMar DeRozan`s previous one in Chicago.
10. Keon Ellis
Sacramento Kings | G
Team option
Ellis averaged modest points but was highly rated by advanced stats due to his efficient 3-point shooting (43% on high volume per 36 minutes) and strong defensive metrics (steals and blocks per 36). He became a regular starter late in the season when Malik Monk was injured, serving as Sacramento`s main point-of-attack defender. The Kings hold a $2.3 million team option for Ellis. They might decline it to make him a restricted free agent this year instead of unrestricted in 2026, securing more control.
Tier 4: Aging Starters
11. Dorian Finney-Smith
Los Angeles Lakers | F
Player option
At 32, Finney-Smith is on the younger side for this tier but doesn`t fit with Turner as one of the top unrestricted free agents. He came off the bench in many games for the Lakers after a December trade but still played starter minutes and was indispensable in the playoffs. The Lakers would find it hard to replace him and will likely seek a long-term contract. He might decline his $15.4 million player option for a multi-year deal with a smaller starting salary.
12. Brook Lopez
Milwaukee Bucks | C
Unrestricted free agent
Lopez, who turned 37 in April, has shown some decline as a rim protector, leading to him being moved out of the starting lineup late in the playoffs. However, his minutes played this season were his most in almost a decade, and he missed only two games, maintaining his usual 37% 3-point shooting. If Milwaukee moves on for financial reasons, Lopez should attract strong interest using the midlevel exception. Scouts anticipate some regression but still see him as a capable starting center for many matchups.
Possible fits: If the Pelicans are committed to winning now with Zion Williamson, Lopez would be an excellent frontcourt partner, taking pressure off developing centers. The Warriors could try to bring the former Stanford player back to the Bay Area via sign-and-trade or by using their non-taxpayer midlevel.
13. Chris Paul
San Antonio Spurs | PG
Unrestricted free agent
Paul, who turned 40, was one of few NBA players to start all 82 games this season. While his scoring was a career low, advanced metrics showed his effectiveness in screen actions. With the Spurs likely adding another guard high in the draft, Paul might be on the move again this summer.
14. Al Horford
Boston Celtics | F/C
Unrestricted free agent
Approaching 39, Horford remains a crucial, versatile player for the Celtics. His playing time increased this season and in the playoffs, though Boston managed his load with rest days. The main question is how long he intends to play. Following the playoffs, Horford indicated he needed time to process his future with his family.
Tier 5: Top Reserves and Fringe Starters
15. Ty Jerome
Cleveland Cavaliers | G
Unrestricted free agent
Having previously only scored double-figures once in a rebuilding situation, Jerome emerged unexpectedly to finish high in Sixth Man of the Year voting. He averaged 12.5 PPG efficiently in limited minutes, nearing a 50-40-90 shooting split. He performed well in Cleveland`s first playoff game before his performance dropped in the second round. With the Cavaliers facing cap constraints, re-signing Jerome might not be a priority. Scouts believe Jerome will definitely receive a significant raise from his $2.5 million salary this season.
Possible fits: Jerome could be a valuable offensive addition for teams needing scoring punch. The Orlando Magic could be a good fit if they move their backup point guard. The Clippers might use their non-taxpayer midlevel exception on Jerome, depending on their cap situation after other moves.
16. Malik Beasley
Detroit Pistons | SG
Unrestricted free agent
After playing on one-year contracts recently, Beasley has earned a raise. He finished high in Sixth Man of the Year voting by becoming one of few players in NBA history to make 300 three-pointers in a season. Since Cade Cunningham`s contract triggers a max extension, the Pistons likely won`t have cap space to re-sign Beasley, limiting them primarily to the non-tax midlevel exception as a starting point. However, few teams have cap space to offer much more. He is expected to get a raise from his $6 million salary.
17. Naz Reid
Minnesota Timberwolves | F/C
Player option
A year after being named Sixth Man of the Year, Reid improved his scoring, rebounds, and assists this season, though with slightly less efficiency. He has been a significant impact player as a third big man but would likely struggle defensively as a full-time starter. This, along with the team`s cap situation, should help the Timberwolves manage Reid`s $15 million player option. The team and player could agree to exercise the option and then sign a long-term extension to keep the fan favorite in Minnesota.
18. Caris LeVert
Atlanta Hawks | G/F
Unrestricted free agent
After playing a smaller role in Cleveland, partly due to Jerome`s rise, LeVert was traded to Atlanta. He was productive for the Hawks as they reached the play-in, averaging nearly 15 PPG with his best true shooting percentage (.582) of his career. LeVert has also improved defensively, using his length effectively on the perimeter.
19. Gary Trent Jr.
Milwaukee Bucks | G/F
Unrestricted free agent
Trent signed a minimum deal with the Bucks after a limited market last free agency. He struggled initially but rebounded to shoot 42% from three on high volume. He also had two high-scoring games in the first round of the playoffs. At 26, Trent is in his prime, and a team should offer him a salary between his previous large contract with Toronto and this past season`s minimum deal.
20. Santi Aldama
Memphis Grizzlies | F
Restricted free agent
Playing both forward positions, Aldama achieved career highs in points, rebounds, and assists primarily off the bench this past season, shooting efficiently from both inside and outside the arc. He might project as a third forward but has earned a more lucrative contract after playing out his rookie deal as the final first-round pick in 2021.
21. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Minnesota Timberwolves | G
Unrestricted free agent
Alexander-Walker was a major value on his previous two-year contract and is set for a significant raise. He averaged a career-high minutes as the Timberwolves` third guard, focusing on perimeter defense and shooting 38% from three. While not quite a full-time point guard and his playoff shooting has dipped, he should more than double his previous salary.
22. Chris Boucher
Toronto Raptors | F
Unrestricted free agent
Boucher bounced back this season to average double-figure scoring again, doing so efficiently in limited minutes. He shot well from both two and three-point range, providing strong efficiency while also being capable of defending wings in larger second-unit lineups. At 32, he might fit well on a contender, but Boucher, who is from Quebec, has been a long-tenured player with the Raptors as the only remaining member of the 2019 championship team.
23. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Detroit Pistons | G/F
Unrestricted free agent
Despite starting all games he played, Hardaway wasn`t as crucial to Detroit`s playoff success as Beasley was off the bench. His efficiency was average in the smallest usage rate of his career. However, Hardaway was a reliable veteran wing capable of playing both forward spots, and the Pistons are likely to reward him with a new contract.
24. Dennis Schroder
Detroit Pistons | G
Unrestricted free agent
Schroder had an unusual season, averaging double figures for three different teams. He started strong with the Nets, shooting well from three, and finished playing an important reserve role for the Pistons in the playoffs. In between, he was not a good fit for the Warriors` offense. Having played for nine teams in 12 seasons, Schroder could move again if Detroit feels Jaden Ivey`s role reduces the need for bench ball-handling.
25. Tyus Jones
Phoenix Suns | PG
Unrestricted free agent
Adding Jones on a minimum contract didn`t provide the boost the Suns might have hoped for. He performed as expected, shooting well from three and maintaining a high assist-to-turnover ratio, but couldn`t help Phoenix`s offense reach its full potential. Despite their talent, the Suns were only slightly above league average offensively, and Jones started few games after the All-Star break. He might need to sign another short-term deal to re-establish his value. One interesting possibility: Could Jones return to his hometown Timberwolves if Nickeil Alexander-Walker departs?
