NBA free agency is not expected to be the main event of the upcoming summer offseason. Many potential high-profile free agents, including Jimmy Butler III (who extended after a trade to the Golden State Warriors), have already signed contract extensions, reducing the pool of available stars.
While some legendary players like LeBron James have player options that could make them free agents, these athletes, including former MVPs James Harden and nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving, are generally settled with their current teams and are improbable to switch rosters.
Due to a wave of contract extensions and rising salaries that have outpaced the relatively slow growth of the salary cap, few teams are expected to have significant cap space. According to reports, only the Brooklyn Nets, currently rebuilding, are projected to have maximum cap space, and most other teams may be limited to spending around the non-taxpayer midlevel exception (estimated at $14 million).
Nevertheless, teams can still address roster gaps through strategic free-agent acquisitions. Last summer, the Detroit Pistons signed Malik Beasley to a one-year, $6 million contract; he subsequently finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting, contributing to their playoff push. Similarly, Ty Jerome joined the Cavaliers on a minimum deal and had a breakout season crucial to Cleveland`s Eastern Conference success. Beasley and Jerome are examples of the impactful role players and low-end starters who will likely dominate the free agency market this summer, starting officially on June 30th at 6 p.m. ET.
This article ranks the top 25 free agents, categorized into tiers based on their contract status and likelihood of changing teams, with particular attention given to players like Jerome who are genuinely expected to be available this offseason.
Tier 1: All-Stars with options unlikely to move
1. LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers | F | Player option
A player option offers both James and the Lakers financial flexibility this summer. After accepting slightly less than the maximum salary last offseason to help the Lakers avoid second-apron penalties, James could potentially sign for a higher amount by declining his $52.6 million player option. Conversely, another salary reduction from James might enable the Lakers to access their non-taxpayer midlevel exception if they aim to acquire a starting center. Despite turning 40, James remains an easy All-NBA selection and clearly the top free agent available, having previously topped these rankings multiple times (2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and last year).
2. James Harden: LA Clippers | PG | Player option
Another potential free agent who received All-NBA honors, Harden also signed a “one plus one” agreement last summer, including a player option for the second season. He has an opportunity to increase his earnings after initially signing for significantly less than the maximum. Harden`s player option is worth $36.3 million. Alternatively, the 35-year-old Harden could decline the option to pursue a longer contract with a lower initial salary that would keep him signed through his late 30s. Regardless of the decision, Harden appears certain to stay with the Clippers after joining his hometown team in Los Angeles and leading a surprisingly strong regular season performance.
3. Kyrie Irving: Dallas Mavericks | PG | Player option
Irving seemed poised to improve upon his $43 million player option with a long-term contract before suffering a left ACL tear in March, which complicated his immediate future. Given that Irving will likely miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 regular season, he might simply exercise the player option and revisit contract talks once healthy. Alternatively, the Mavericks may still commit to Irving, especially after General Manager Nico Harrison emphasized his crucial importance following the Luka Doncic trade. Prior to his injury, Irving was playing at an elite level, and at 33, he is slightly younger than the other two All-Stars ranked higher on this list.
4. Julius Randle: Minnesota Timberwolves | PF | Player option
After some initial adjustment struggles, Randle`s strong performance late in the regular season and his dominant displays in the first two rounds of the playoffs were vital to the Timberwolves reaching the Western Conference Finals again. Finishing the extension he signed with the New York Knicks in 2021, Randle possesses a $29.5 million player option that he has outplayed. Minnesota and Randle have several choices for handling this. He could decline the option and sign a multi-year deal in free agency, or exercise the option in conjunction with signing another extension. The latter would provide the Timberwolves with more financial flexibility as they navigate contracts for two other top 25 free agents (Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid).
5. Fred VanVleet: Houston Rockets | PG | Team option
Unlike others in this group, VanVleet`s option year is dependent on the Rockets` decision, as part of a three-year maximum contract he signed with Houston two summers ago. Considering how well VanVleet has integrated with a Rockets team that secured the No. 2 seed in the West, declining his option and letting him depart would be illogical. However, with the luxury tax becoming a potential issue, Houston might prefer to replace VanVleet`s $44.9 million option with a smaller initial salary on a longer-term 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 class truly shows its limitations. Turner is arguably the sole high-quality starting player available who has never been an All-Star, and he is still in the peak of his career at age 29. Turner`s essential role for an Indiana team that has reached the last two conference finals gives him significant leverage as an unrestricted free agent.
“Based on how the playoffs unfolded,” one scout commented, “he has solidified his importance there. They simply lack a replacement for him.”
The Pacers will need to be cautious regarding Turner`s starting salary. Indiana is projected to be approximately $20 million below the luxury tax threshold with 12 players under contract entering free agency, and Turner is expected to command more than the $19.9 million he earned this season.
Possible fits: Turner has been involved in trade rumors for so long that he`s been connected to virtually every team needing a starting center. A sign-and-trade would be complicated for the Warriors and the Lakers, but both franchises represent clear potential destinations if, unlikely as it seems, the Pacers and Turner cannot reach an agreement.
Tier 3: Starter-caliber RFAs
7. Josh Giddey: Chicago Bulls | PG | Restricted free agent
After the Bulls traded Zach LaVine, Giddey delivered statistically impressive performances following the All-Star break, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field and 46% from three-point range. (Although that level of three-point accuracy is likely unsustainable, Giddey did achieve a career-best 38% for the regular season, forcing opponents to defend him differently.)
Not turning 23 until October, Giddey has time to continue refining his game to the point where he can make a greater impact in the playoffs than observed with the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2024 postseason. Since few teams have substantial cap space, Chicago should have leverage in contract negotiations. Whether the Bulls choose to exercise that leverage remains to be seen.
8. Quentin Grimes: Philadelphia 76ers | G/F | Restricted free agent
Similar to Giddey, Grimes saw his performance improve after the All-Star break, in his case following a trade to a Sixers team missing stars Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey due to injuries. Grimes averaged 21.9 points per game with strong efficiency (.592 true shooting percentage) over 28 games in Philadelphia, adding 4.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds per contest. Philadelphia`s rise to the No. 3 spot in the draft lottery complicated the team`s ability to re-sign Grimes without potentially entering the second apron. Including options and non-guaranteed deals, the 76ers are projected to be near the luxury tax line entering free agency, even before re-signing Grimes or fellow restricted free agent Guerschon Yabusele.
Possible fits: Could Grimes be a target for the Nets? At 25, he is young enough to be a foundational piece for Brooklyn`s future competitive team. If not the Nets, Grimes` market would likely involve either the non-taxpayer midlevel exception or a sign-and-trade transaction. For instance, depending on how quickly the Charlotte Hornets want to improve, Grimes could represent a significant upgrade.
9. Jonathan Kuminga: Golden State Warriors | F | Restricted free agent
After initially being outside coach Steve Kerr`s rotation to start the playoffs, Kuminga emerged as a crucial player with Stephen Curry sidelined against the Timberwolves in the second round. Kuminga averaged 24.3 points per game over the final four contests of that series, shooting 55% from the field.
At 22, Kuminga is expected to become a more consistent contributor over time. However, that development might be more likely with a team other than the Warriors, given the overlap between Kuminga`s skill set and those of Butler and Draymond Green. It is also possible that Golden State might be open to a sign-and-trade deal to rebalance their roster. “The best outcome for him is if they sign-and-trade him,” one scout suggested.
Possible fits: As with any restricted free agent, Brooklyn presents a significant possibility. If the Nets believe in Kuminga`s potential, they have the financial flexibility to build their roster around him. The Bulls could potentially attempt to orchestrate a sign-and-trade, perhaps sending Nikola Vucevic to the Warriors and positioning Kuminga in a role similar to the one DeMar DeRozan once held in Chicago.
10. Keon Ellis: Sacramento Kings | G | Team option
Ellis averaged just 8.3 points per game this past season (a career high) but was quietly favored by advanced metrics due to his three-point shooting prowess (43% on 5.9 attempts per 36 minutes) and strong defensive impact (2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per 36 minutes). Becoming a regular starter late in the season when Malik Monk was unavailable, Ellis played an average of 28.2 minutes per game after the All-Star break and served as Sacramento`s primary point-of-attack defender. The Kings hold a $2.3 million team option for Ellis but may consider declining it to make him a restricted free agent this summer rather than an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Tier 4: Aging starters
11. Dorian Finney-Smith: Los Angeles Lakers | F | Player option
At 32, Finney-Smith is relatively young for this tier but doesn`t quite fit alongside Turner as a top unrestricted free agent. Although Finney-Smith came off the bench in over half of his games with the Lakers following a December trade, he still averaged starting minutes (28.8 per game) and was indispensable for coach JJ Redick during the playoffs. The Lakers would face difficulty replacing Finney-Smith and will likely seek to secure a long-term contract, potentially having him decline a $15.4 million player option in favor of a smaller starting salary spread over multiple years.
12. Brook Lopez: Milwaukee Bucks | C | Unrestricted free agent
Having turned 37 in April, Lopez has shown signs of slowing down as a rim protector, contributing to the Bucks removing him from the starting lineup for the first time since March 2022 during Game 5 of their first-round series loss to the Pacers. Nevertheless, his 31.8 minutes per game in the regular season were his most in nearly a decade, and Lopez missed only two games throughout the season while maintaining his consistent 37% shooting from three-point range. If Milwaukee decides to move on for financial reasons, Lopez should command a strong market among teams using their midlevel exception. Scouts anticipate some decline from Lopez but still view him as a capable starting center in most matchups.
Possible fits: If the Pelicans prioritize winning immediately and remain committed to Zion Williamson – two significant uncertainties – Lopez would be an excellent frontcourt partner, relieving pressure on developing centers Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic. The Warriors could potentially attempt to bring the former Stanford big man back to the Bay Area, either through a sign-and-trade or by utilizing their non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
13. Chris Paul: San Antonio Spurs | PG | Unrestricted free agent
Paul, at the age of 39 (now 40), was one of only six NBA players to start all 82 games this past season. Although his 8.8 points per game marked a career low, he still ranked in the 82nd percentile for points scored per direct chance when receiving at least 1,000 on-ball screens, according to GeniusIQ tracking. With the Spurs likely to add another ball handler, potentially Rutgers guard Dylan Harper with the No. 2 draft pick, Paul might be on the move again this summer.
14. Al Horford: Boston Celtics | F/C | Unrestricted free agent
Nearing his 39th birthday, Horford remains a cornerstone for the Celtics due to his versatility on both offense and defense. Horford`s playing time increased this season to 27.7 minutes per game in the regular season – and 31.6 in the playoffs – although Boston managed his load with frequent rest games. The main question revolves around how much longer Horford intends to play. “For me, it`s just too soon to discuss that,” he stated during exit interviews after the Celtics` second-round upset loss to the Knicks. “I`m going to take some time with my wife, with my kids, and just process everything. It hasn`t even been a full day yet.”
Tier 5: Top reserves and fringe starters
15. Ty Jerome: Cleveland Cavaliers | G | Unrestricted free agent
After averaging double-digit scoring only once in his first five NBA seasons with a rebuilding Thunder team, Jerome surprisingly finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Jerome averaged 12.5 points per game in just 19.9 minutes, nearly achieving 50-40-90 shooting splits (falling short by four missed free throws out of 148 attempts, finishing at 87%). Jerome then scored 28 points in Cleveland`s playoff opener before his performance waned in the second round while playing a key role with Darius Garland sidelined to start the series.
Jerome shot just 30% from the field and 4-of-16 from three-point range against the Pacers, dropping to the edge of coach Kenny Atkinson`s rotation. With the Cavaliers facing cap constraints, re-signing Jerome might not be a top priority. However, scouts believe Jerome will undoubtedly receive a significant pay raise from the $2.5 million he earned this season.
Possible fits: Jerome could be a valuable addition for a team needing offensive punch. The idea of the Orlando Magic pursuing Jerome, especially if they can move backup point guard Cole Anthony, is particularly appealing. Depending on James Harden`s player option decision, the Clippers could potentially use their non-taxpayer midlevel exception to sign Jerome.
16. Malik Beasley: Detroit Pistons | SG | Unrestricted free agent
After playing on smaller, one-year contracts over the past two seasons, Beasley has earned a significant raise. He finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting, joining an exclusive list (Curry, Harden, Edwards, Thompson) as the fifth player in NBA history to make 300 three-pointers in a single season. Now that Cade Cunningham has secured a 30% maximum extension by being named to an All-NBA team, the Pistons are unlikely to have cap space available to re-sign Beasley, likely limiting them to the non-taxpayer midlevel exception as the starting point for a new deal. However, few other teams possess the cap space needed to outbid that offer. He is expected to earn more than the $6 million he made last season.
17. Naz Reid: Minnesota Timberwolves | F/C | Player option
One year removed from being named Sixth Man of the Year, Reid actually improved his averages in points, rebounds, and assists this season, albeit with slightly less efficiency. Reid has been highly effective as a third big man but would likely face defensive challenges as a full-time starter. This factor, combined with the team`s limited cap space, should help the Timberwolves navigate Reid`s $15 million player option. The two sides could potentially agree to exercise the option and then negotiate a long-term extension off of it to retain the fan favorite in Minnesota.
18. Caris LeVert: Atlanta Hawks | G/F | Unrestricted free agent
After playing a reduced role in Cleveland this past season, partly due to Ty Jerome`s emergence, LeVert was traded to Atlanta in February as the Cavaliers acquired De`Andre Hunter at the deadline. LeVert proved productive for the Hawks as they reached the play-in tournament, averaging 14.9 points per game and achieving his career-best true shooting percentage (.582) by a significant margin. LeVert has also developed into a competent perimeter defender, utilizing his 6-foot-6 length.
19. Gary Trent Jr.: Milwaukee Bucks | G/F | Unrestricted free agent
Trent attempted to replicate Beasley`s success by taking a minimum contract with the Bucks after finding his market limited in free agency. Trent struggled initially as the Bucks had a slow start and lost his starting position, but he rebounded to shoot 42% from three-point range while attempting 8.2 per 36 minutes. Trent then erupted for over 30 points twice in the first round against the Pacers, hitting a combined 17 three-pointers in those games. At 26, Trent is firmly in his prime, and some team should find a middle ground between the $18.6 million he earned with the Toronto Raptors and last season`s minimum deal.
20. Santi Aldama: Memphis Grizzlies | F | Restricted free agent
Playing both forward positions, Aldama set career highs in points (12.5), rebounds (6.4), and assists (2.9) primarily coming off the bench this past season. He shot a career-best 37% from three-point range and 60% inside the arc. Aldama may project ultimately as a third forward, but he has earned a more lucrative contract after earning a total of $10 million over his four-year rookie contract as the final first-round pick in 2021.
21. Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Minnesota Timberwolves | G | Unrestricted free agent
An incredible value on a two-year, $9 million contract signed as a restricted free agent two years ago, Alexander-Walker is set for a substantial raise. He averaged a career-high 25.3 minutes per game as the Timberwolves` third guard, defending opposing primary ball handlers and shooting 38% from three-point range. Alexander-Walker isn`t quite skilled enough as a passer to function as a full-time point guard, and his shooting has dipped in the playoffs, but he should more than double his previous salary.
22. Chris Boucher: Toronto Raptors | F | Unrestricted free agent
Boucher quietly bounced back from a down 2023-24 season to average double-digit scoring for the second time in his career despite playing only 17.2 minutes per game. He shot 36% from three and 63% from two-point range, achieving elite efficiency while also demonstrating the capability to defend on the wing in larger second-unit lineups. At 32, he likely belongs on a team contending for a championship, but Boucher, who grew up in Quebec, is comfortable with the Raptors as the only remaining player from their 2019 title-winning squad.
23. Tim Hardaway Jr.: Detroit Pistons | G/F | Unrestricted free agent
Despite starting all 77 games he participated in, Hardaway wasn`t arguably as crucial to Detroit`s unexpected playoff run as Beasley was coming off the bench. Hardaway`s efficiency was merely average with the lowest usage rate (15.5%) of his career. Nevertheless, Hardaway was a dependable veteran capable of playing both wing positions, and the Pistons appear likely to offer him a new contract.
24. Dennis Schroder: Detroit Pistons | G | Unrestricted free agent
An unusual season saw Schroder average double figures for three different teams. He started the campaign strongly with the Nets, hitting 39% of his threes, and concluded it playing an important reserve role for the Pistons in the playoffs. In between, Schroder proved to be a poor fit for the Warriors` motion-based offense. Having played for nine teams across 12 NBA seasons, Schroder could potentially move again if Detroit feels Jaden Ivey`s return reduces the need for his ball-handling off the bench.
25. Tyus Jones: Phoenix Suns | PG | Unrestricted free agent
Adding Jones on a minimum contract did not turn out to be the steal the Suns had hoped for last summer. He performed as expected, shooting 41% from three-point range and maintaining his typically high assist-to-turnover ratio (4.7), yet he was unable to help Phoenix`s offense reach its full potential. Despite their talent, the Suns were only slightly better than league average in offensive rating, and Jones started just four games after the All-Star break. He may need to sign another short-term contract to re-establish his market value. One intriguing possibility: Could Jones return to his hometown Timberwolves if Nickeil Alexander-Walker signs elsewhere?
