Ranking the Top 30 Potential 2025 NBA Free Agents
Is the blockbuster NBA free-agency period dead?
Under the NBA's 2023 collective bargaining agreement, teams have generally focused more on trades and extensions than acquiring talent in free agency. Like we saw with Brandon Ingram, whom the Toronto Raptors recently acquired and extended, fewer players will hit free agency this summer.
Still, plenty of high-quality names may be available, including LeBron James, the league's oldest player and still one of its biggest stars. He could choose to opt in to stay with Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers or move on to finish his career elsewhere.
So, there's hope for fireworks, but we need to hedge our bets.
The following is a list of the top 30 potential free agents this summer, ranked in descending order.
No. 30: Luke Kornet
1 of 31
Team: Boston Celtics
2024-25 Salary: $2.8 million (minimum)
Rights: Full
Kornet has earned notice as a rotation player on one of the top teams in the NBA. He has legit size (7'1") and may be a role player teams consider, especially with the Celtics' already-heavy payroll.
Boston can pay him more than the minimum, but if another team offers something in the $5-7 million range, the Celtics may feel the pressure (financially) to move on.
No. 29: Dennis Schröder
2 of 31
Team: Detroit Pistons
2024-25 Salary: $13 million
Rights: Early Bird
Schröder hasn't played for every NBA team, but it feels like it's only a matter of time. The veteran guard can fit in as a role player on a playoff team or put up big numbers for a bad one.
Through 23 games with the Brooklyn Nets, the 31-year-old averaged 18.4 points and 6.6 assists a game while shooting 38.7 percent from three-point range. After the trade to the Golden State Warriors, his production dropped to 10.6 and 4.4, respectively, on 32.2 percent from deep. His role is even more diminished in Detroit.
A prospective suitor needs to consider precisely what it needs from Schröder on the court before offering a contract.
No. 28: Malik Beasley
3 of 31
Team: Detroit Pistons
2024-25 Salary: $6 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Beasley is a shooter-for-hire, giving Detroit the spacing it lacked in recent seasons. While he's not known to do much more than shoot, his 41.8 percent on high volume (9.4 attempts per game) is impressive.
This season isn't even a spike for the 28-year-old, who is at 38.9 percent for his career and 41.3 percent for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023-24.
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No. 27: D'Angelo Russell
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Team: Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 Salary: $18.7 million
Rights: Full
Russell is one of the most skilled ball-handling guards available in free agency. He can shoot and create for others but doesn't seem to stick in one place for too long (partly, because of what he gives up on the defensive end).
Turning 29 on February 23, he has shown some signs of slowing down (and he was never known for his speed). After shooting a career-high 41.5 percent in Los Angeles with the Lakers in 2023-24, he is down to 33.1 percent in his time split between the Lakers and Nets.
No. 26: Ty Jerome
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Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
2024-25 Salary: $2.6 million
Rights: Early Bird
Jerome has benefitted from his team's success, but the reserve guard has earned notice as a 42.7 percent three-point shooter playing 19.1 minutes a game.
Averaging double digits (11.4 points), he's also a reliable ball-handler with 3.4 assists against 1.2 turnovers per night.
While Jerome, 27, hasn't reached the career heights of Dennis Schröder and D'Angelo Russell, he still has the perceived upside and is currently the best shooter of the three.
No. 25: Kelly Oubre Jr.
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Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2024-25 Salary: $8.0 million ($8.4 million player option)
Rights: Early Bird
Oubre has good size for a wing and is a capable scorer, but his three-point shooting holds him back. At just 28.8 percent from behind the arc, he doesn't space the floor as well as some of the others on our list.
Teams need more wings who can score and defend than ball-handling guards, and the 29-year-old checks off a lot of boxes, except for shooting.
No. 24: Jake LaRavia
7 of 31
Team: Sacramento Kings
2024-25 Salary: $3.40 million
Rights: Limited
LaRavia could benefit from the Memphis Grizzlies' decision to opt him out of the fourth year of his rookie-scale contract.
Now in Sacramento, the Kings cannot pay him more than his declined amount ($5.2 million) in unrestricted free agency. He's a nice-sized scoring wing who may find a better payday to pry him away from the Kings.
With the Grizzlies' multitude of injuries last year, LaRavia finally got the opportunity to play and develop. That dipped a bit this year with Memphis healthier (though his outside shooting jumped to 44.4 percent from three-point range), and now he's still trying to carve out a role with the Kings.
No. 23: Caris LeVert
8 of 31
Team: Atlanta Hawks
2024-25 Salary: $16.6 million
Rights: Full
LeVert is another professional scorer who can fit in on most teams to provide points off the bench or as a spot starter. His defense improved during his time with the Cavaliers in Cleveland.
The 6'6" wing will be 31 before next season, but he's still a capable double-digit scorer, shooting a career-best 40.5 percent from three-point range.
No. 22: Clint Capela
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Team: Atlanta Hawks
2024-25 Salary: $22.3-$24.3 million
Rights: Full
Capela has slowed down a bit, but he's a starting-capable big man who sets screens, rebounds and can block shots. The Hawks may go in a different direction with Onyeka Okongwu coming on.
Double-digit rebounders aren't easy to find at a career average of 10.6 boards per game. Still, with age, the 30-year-old has dipped to 9.0 this season as his minutes have slightly shrunk (25.8 in 2023-24 to 22.4).
Capela is probably looking at a lower salary but should still find a solid contract this offseason.
No. 21: Cam Thomas
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Team: Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 Salary: $4 million
Rights: Full, restricted
Thomas is a polarizing player and the hardest to rank on the list. He's a gifted scorer, but not every team is sold that his style of play translates to postseason success.
The 23-year-old is believed to be looking for a significant pay hike, and he only needs one suitor to try to pry him away from the Nets.
Brooklyn projects to have more spending power than any other team this summer. If the franchise wants to keep Thomas, it will. It's one negotiation several competing executives are keeping a close eye on.
No. 20: Tyus Jones
11 of 31
Team: Phoenix Suns
2024-25 Salary: $3 million (minimum)
Rights: Non-Bird
The Suns were fortunate that Jones was available when few teams with spending power needed a veteran starting point guard. He wants to cash in on a more lucrative contract, but the market may be tight this summer.
The most Phoenix can pay the 28-year-old is $4.4 million, which wouldn't be difficult for most teams to beat out. The Suns are limited as a team above the league's projected second apron of $228.6 million.
No. 19: Chris Paul
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Team: San Antonio Spurs
2024-25 Salary: $10.5 million
Rights: Non-Bird
The Spurs wanted to pair a veteran floor leader with Victor Wembanayma, giving Paul a solid payday in his later years.
San Antonio recently acquired De'Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings and is developing current rookie Stephon Castle. Will the relationship continue with the 39-year-old guard?
Paul can still help a contender, provided his minutes and health are closely monitored.
No. 18: Russell Westbrook
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Team: Denver Nuggets
2024-25 Salary: $3.3 million (minimum, $3.5 million player option)
Rights: Non-Bird
Westbrook has found a new home in Denver, playing alongside multi-MVP Nikola Jokić.
There's no compelling reason for the nine-time All-Star to opt into his contract. His minimum projects are to be $3.6 million, and Denver can pay him up to $4.3 million with his rights.
Although he is a former MVP, Westbrook has struggled to find the right fit now that he's no longer the top player on his team. The 36-year-old can embrace that in Denver or try to find another suitor offering more, perhaps to push the Nuggets to use the taxpayer mid-level exception (about $5.7 million).
No. 17: Al Horford
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Team: Boston Celtics
2024-25 Salary: $9.5million
Rights: Full
Horford will turn 39 before next season, but he's a high-character, title-winning veteran. The Celtics are heavily invested as one of the teams projected to be over the NBA's second apron.
While Horford isn't going to get a massive long-term contract in free agency, the veteran could help any number of contenders looking to add an experienced big man who can defend and shoot.
No. 16: Quentin Grimes
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Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2024-25 Salary: $4.3 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
The Sixers acquired Grimes ahead of the trade deadline from the Dallas Mavericks, most likely with the intent of re-signing him as a restricted free agent.
The 24-year-old is a strong all-around player who plays hard, defends and has proved to be a strong shooter in the right situation.
That said, when Grimes is in a bad situation, he has rough shooting numbers, and so far in Philadelphia, he's at just 33.3 percent from deep after hitting 39.8 percent in Dallas. He also hit a reasonable 36.3 percent in New York with the Knicks but only 14.3 percent in a brief stint after a trade to the Detroit Pistons.
No. 15: Amir Coffey
16 of 31
Team: LA Clippers
2024-25 Salary: $3.9 million
Rights: Full
Coffey has long been underrated, but the 6'7" wing is putting up career numbers with the Clippers at 10.4 points a game on 42.8 percent shooting from three-point range.
The jump in efficiency doesn't look like a fluke, as the 27-year-old hit 38 percent last year and is currently a 90.6 percent free-throw shooter.
Coffey may not have as recognizable a name, but teams tend to covet 3-and-D wings, and he is still young and among the best available.
No. 14: Santi Aldama
17 of 31
Team: Memphis Grizzlies
2024-25 Salary: $4.0 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
Aldama gives the Grizzlies a different look as a scoring big man to partner with All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Zach Edey.
The 24-year-old is a legit seven-footer, but at 215 pounds, he is mobile enough to play the four. He's averaging double figures (12.8 points a game) while shooting a solid 38.6 percent from three-point range.
Anticipating its growing budget, Memphis got out of Marcus Smart's contract before the deadline, sending him to the Washington Wizards. That should help the team retain Aldama as a restricted free agent.
No. 13: Guerschon Yabusele
18 of 31
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2024-25 Salary: $2.1 million
Rights: Non-Bird
The Sixers had a long list of teams interested in Yabusele ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
With his rights, Philadelphia can only pay the scoring forward/center about $2.9 million. He'll probably get a more significant offer elsewhere, which means the 76ers could need to use the mid-level exception to retain him instead of adding additional talent.
That's not an ideal situation for a team that has significantly underperformed this season. And Yabusele is not a young player, turning 30 in December. He may find a better opportunity elsewhere next season.
No. 12: Dorian Finney-Smith
19 of 31
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2024-25 Salary: $14.9 million ($15.4 million player option)
Rights: Full
Finney-Smith may be the best available (if he opts out) veteran 3-and-D wing on the list, though his age (31) drops him slightly. He guards multiple positions and can play small-ball center as needed.
The Lakers acquired him from the Brooklyn Nets, and as his attempts have gone down per game (from 5.4 to 3.8), so has his efficiency (43.5 percent to 37.5 percent). L.A. will take that, given what he brings on defense, and will try to retain him beyond the season.
No. 11: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
20 of 31
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
2024-25 Salary: $4.3 million
Rights: Full
Alexander-Walker has grown into a vital role player for the Timberwolves.
He has age on his side (26), and while he's not as big as Dorian Finney-Smith, he is a strong wing defender and capable shooter (39.1 percent from three).
Minnesota has his rights and can pay him, but he could be a sleeper to get a nice-sized offer from a team such as the Brooklyn Nets.
No. 10: Brook Lopez
21 of 31
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
2024-25 Salary: $23 million
Rights: Full
The Bucks may not be in the position to offer Lopez as much as he earned last year, and the limited pool of money may limit his leverage.
Lopez, who turns 37 in April, remains one of the league's better centers. He takes up a lot of space at 7'1", 282 pounds and is a respectable outside shooter (36.8 percent from three).
Milwaukee might be the best place for him. If not, he may be topped out at hoping for another team's non-taxpayer mid-level exception (about $14.1 million).
No. 9: Josh Giddey
22 of 31
Team: Chicago Bulls
2024-25 Salary: $8.4 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
The Bulls gave up Alex Caruso to get the 6'8" point guard from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Giddey fills the stats sheet with 12.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. He's not a dominant scorer, but that's not what a traditional point guard is meant to be.
Chicago tends to be conservative in spending. As a restricted free agent, the 22-year-old may need to find an offer sheet to get the Bulls to meet his financial demands.
No. 8: Jonathan Kuminga
23 of 31
Team: Golden State Warriors
2024-25 Salary: $7.6 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
The Warriors resisted sending out Kuminga in the Jimmy Butler trade, which suggests he could be part of the team's long-term plans.
The 22-year-old was believed to be expecting a near-max salary, which is likely more than Golden State will be willing to pay.
One of the most interesting cases to keep an eye on this offseason, can Kuminga get a lucrative offer sheet (perhaps from the Brooklyn Nets), and if not, will he be forced to accept a solid (but not outrageous) contract from the Warriors?
No. 7: Julius Randle
24 of 31
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
2024-25 Salary: $31.7-$34.5 million ($29.5-$32.4 million player option)
Rights: Full
Minnesota spent much of the last year recalibrating its finances, moving on from Karl-Anthony Towns and locking in Rudy Gobert to a cheaper (but still lucrative) extension.
Randle can opt in, but if the Timberwolves don't intend to re-sign him long-term, it's in his best interest to get moved to a franchise that will.
The 30-year-old is an All-Star forward but has a high usage and isn't a noted defender. He's not for every team and may entirely bypass free agency for the 2026 offseason (when more teams should have cap room than a sparse list this July).
No. 6: Fred VanVleet
25 of 31
Team: Houston Rockets
2024-25 Salary: $42.8 million ($44.9 million team option)
Rights: Early Bird
VanVleet, almost 31, has been tremendous this season for the Rockets.
While he's not shooting particularly well, his on-court leadership has been huge for a young roster eager to make a playoff run. Without him recently (ankle), Houston's offense has taken a hit.
Most around the league expect the Rockets to opt VanVleet out of his contract to re-sign him at a more reasonable number for the next few years (similar to what the Minnesota Timberwolves executed with Rudy Gobert).
No. 5: Naz Reid
26 of 31
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
2024-25 Salary: $14 million ($15 million player option)
Rights: Full
Reid is expected to opt out to explore free agency, but he's believed to be a priority for the Timberwolves.
The current Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 14.5 points off the bench while shooting 40.7 percent from three on high volume (5.6 attempts per game).
If Minnesota moves on from Randle, Reid's role would only increase. Even if Randle opts in, expect both back with the team despite the initial financial hurdles (since Randle's contract is expiring).
No. 4: Myles Turner
27 of 31
Team: Indiana Pacers
2024-25 Salary: $19.9-$21.4 million
Rights: Full
Assuming the Pacers continue their long-running strategy of avoiding luxury taxes, Turner’s status is in flux.
Indiana doesn't have a suitable replacement at center, so either Turner returns at a slightly lower number or the team needs to get out of other players to make room.
Competing executives say the Pacers tested the market for Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin with opening financial flexibility this offseason, perhaps to keep Turner or acquire someone else at his position.
Finding another center who can match the 28-year-old's 15.1 points, 1.8 blocks, and 39.8 percent shooting from deep might be too big of a challenge.
No. 3: James Harden
28 of 31
Team: LA Clippers
2024-25 Salary: $33.7 million ($36.3 million player option)
Rights: Full
The Clippers could have fallen off with Kawhi Leonard (knee) missing significant time, but Harden kept the team on track. He's earned the appreciation of the front office and can opt out for a new deal this summer.
While the 35-year-old may not have a long list of suitors, look for the Clippers to resign him for at least two additional seasons to time with Leonard's final year under contract (2026-27).
No. 2: Kyrie Irving
29 of 31
Team: Dallas Mavericks
2024-25 Salary: $41 million ($44 million player option)
Rights: Full
After the Luka Dončić trade, making assumptions about the Mavericks is risky, but the working assumption is that Irving will be retained throughout Anthony Davis' tenure. Take that for what it's worth, given the recent shock.
Irving, 32, could follow the Rudy Gobert path for a lower annual number, but he’s unpredictable and could expect a max outright. Dallas is must-watch under the circumstances.
No 1: LeBron James
30 of 31
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2024-25 Salary: $48.7 million ($52.6 million player option)
Rights: Full
The Lakers shocked James with the Luka Dončić trade. Parting with Anthony Davis, a Klutch Sports co-client with James, was a bold move, but pairing James and Dončić could be explosive.
While the 40-year-old has hinted that retirement has crossed his mind, the current expectation is he'll stay at least another year with the Lakers.
Still, if James wants to go somewhere else, L.A. could relocate him via sign-and-trade, or if he opts in, it can trade him outright (with his permission, since he has one of the NBA's two existing no-trade clauses).
Honorable Mention
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Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers) or Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks) could bump players like Alex Len off the list. Hayes benefits as the Lakers' de facto starting center, and Portis has a championship with the Bucks.
Others to watch include Tre Mann, Tre Jones, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Tim Hardaway Jr., Davion Mitchell, Gary Trent Jr., Precious Achiuwa, Bruce Brown Jr., Chris Boucher, Malcolm Brogdon, Taurean Prince, Larry Nance Jr., Steven Adams, etc.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X/Twitter @EricPincus.
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