.jpg?w=1280 "FA Big Board")
Ranking the Top 54 Players Available In 2026 NBA Free Agency
The NBA postseason proved even the top contenders need to improve to compete—or stay—at the highest level.
With the NBA draft behind us, teams are already knocking players off the list like Austin Reaves with the Los Angeles Lakers, Trae Young with the Washington Wizards and Isaiah Hartenstein with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Very few teams have true spending power with a projected salary cap of $165 million. The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets stand out as the teams with real money to spend—some already earmarked for pending trades for Nicolas Claxton (Bulls) and Julius Randle (Nets).
The LA Clippers and Detroit Pistons could have "some" cap room, but that depends on various contract decisions before and into early July. Teams and players will make several decisions regarding options on Monday.
Our list is down significantly from its original 75, and it's only going to shrink further as teams dish out millions in salaries.
54. Gabe Vincent
1 of 55
Team: Atlanta Hawks
2025-26 Salary: $11.5 million
Rights: Full
Vincent is an experienced veteran guard, with a strong playoff resume with the Miami Heat. He spent the last few years with the Los Angeles Lakers as an occasional starter, but was sent to the Atlanta Hawks before the trade deadline.
While he shot a steady 36.9 percent from three-point range for the Lakers, the fit wasn't seamless in Atlanta, where he dropped to 30 percent.
In the right situation, Vincent should be able to help a team that needs veteran bench leadership. At this stage in his career, he may not get more than a minimum contract.
53. Matisse Thybulle
2 of 55
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
2025-26 Salary: $11.2 million
Rights: Full
Thybulle was drafted at No. 20 for the Philadelphia 76ers (by the Boston Celtics) for his skills on the defensive end of the floor. That's remained his calling card, when healthy, but his outside shot has come and gone.
He struggled to stay on the court this past season, but through 30 games, he hit a strong 39.8 percent from three-point range. While the Blazers aren't likely to pay him as well, he could return. If not, another team hungry for 3-and-D will give him a look.
52. Gary Payton II
3 of 55
Team: Golden State Warriors
2025-26 Salary: $3.3 million
Rights: Full
It's difficult to imagine Steph Curry's Warriors without Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr. Similarly, the team just seems better with Payton providing perimeter defense, making back-cuts to the basket, and even hitting an occasional three-point shot.
The Warriors and Kerr decided to continue the relationship; a Curry extension seems inevitable, and while losing Payton wouldn't be as odd to adjust to as Klay Thompson moving on, pencil Payton back in with Golden State.
The team probably can't afford more than a minimum deal, but he should be comfortable sticking at that price. If not, he will earn some interest from others who need his defensive pedigree.
51. Nicolas Batum
4 of 55
Team: LA Clippers
2025-26 Salary: $5.6 million ($5.9 million team option)
Rights: Early Bird
The Clippers have several questions this offseason, including Batum's option. The James Harden and Ivica Zubac trades suggest the franchise is going younger, with players like Darius Garland, restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, and the No. 5 pick from the Indiana Pacers via the Zubac deal.
Batum is similar to Al Horford, who is higher on this list. They're seasoned veterans past their primes, but still elite in basketball intelligence with the knack for hitting clutch open shots.
The Clippers may not want his salary on the books for greater flexibility, or prefer to give his spot to a younger player, but Batum still holds value in this league for postseason contenders.
50. Jordan Clarkson
5 of 55
Team: New York Knicks
2025-26 Salary: $3.6 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Clarkson has remained a gun-for-hire in the NBA for several years, adding offensive punch in a bench role. He's a scorer through and through, and while he's almost 34, he's still capable when called upon by the Knicks.
After several years with the Utah Jazz, Clarkson signed with New York, playing 17.8 minutes per game.
The 2020-21 NBA Sixth Man of the Year does have an NBA Finals appearance from his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-18) and now a title with the Knicks in his 12th season; remarkable for the No. 46 pick in 2014.
49. Pat Spencer
6 of 55
Team: Golden State Warriors
2025-26 Salary: $857,804
Rights: Full
Spencer is an older player, despite three years in the league with the Warriors, joining after an illustrious lacrosse career.
He brings a natural toughness to the Warriors' backcourt, playing in 66 games at 18.6 minutes a night, averaging 7.2 points on 35.7 percent shooting from three.
The Warriors should bring him back to round out its bench, assuming the franchise sticks with the Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler (once healthy), Draymond Green core for another year. If not, perhaps Spencer joins his brother Cam Spencer in Memphis with the Grizzlies.
48. De'Anthony Melton
7 of 55
Team: Golden State
2025-26 Salary: $3.1 million ($3.5 million player option)
Rights: Non-Bird
Melton is a solid veteran guard who can find, at worst, a guaranteed minimum contract this summer, paying as much as his $3.5 million option. He should opt out to see if he can get more, even returning to Golden State at up to $4.2 million with his rights. Anything more, and the Warriors would need to use a spending exception.
Holding him back from a larger payday is his 29.4 percent three-point shooting percentage this past year. Pencil him back on the Warriors to support Steph Curry for one more season.
47. Guerschon Yabusele
8 of 55
Team: Chicago Bulls
2025-26 Salary: $5.5 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Yabusele agreed to adjustments that allowed the Knicks to move him to the Bulls. There's an expectation in NBA circles that the forward/center returns overseas to play next season.
After a strong year in 2024-25 with the Philadelphia 76ers, he didn't get much of an opportunity to play in New York. Through 26 games in Chicago, the 30-year-old veteran averaged a solid 10 points a game, shooting 38.3 percent from three.
46. Thomas Bryant
9 of 55
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
2025-26 Salary: $3.3 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Bryant does a few things well on the court. He plays hard and is a willing three-point shooter, which helps space the floor at the center position. He's not a strong defender/rim protector, but his energy can be contagious in a limited bench role.
Bryant helped the Indiana Pacers reach the NBA Finals in 2025. The Cavaliers had hoped for a long postseason run, but Bryant could return to Cleveland next season or move on to another squad to fill that stretch-big role.
45. Kyle Anderson
10 of 55
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
2025-26 Salary: $898,095
Rights: Non-Bird
Few players can impact an NBA game with minimal speed like Anderson. His nickname "Slo-Mo" is appropriate, but his footwork, handles, intelligence, and creativity have kept him in the league since 2014.
Anderson has moved around quite a bit in recent years, from the Golden State Warriors to the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and now, after a buyout, the Timberwolves. He spent two years in Minnesota previously (2022-2024) and should return this summer in a support role.
44. Simone Fontecchio
11 of 55
Team: Miami Heat
2025-26 Salary: $8.3 million
Rights: Full
Fontecchio is a scrappy 6'7" bench scorer finishing his first year in Miami after a trade from the Detroit Pistons. He shot 37.5 percent from three-point range this year, after struggling with a diminished role in Detroit.
The 30-year-old joined the NBA relatively late from the EuroLeague's Baskonia. He'll have opportunities to return to Europe, though he's shown enough in the NBA to earn a top-8 rotation spot.
43. Marvin Bagley III
12 of 55
Team: Dallas Mavericks
2025-26 Salary: $3.1 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Bagley has carried with him the No. 2 pick over Luka Dončić since the 2018 draft, which isn't fair. The Sacramento Kings made the decision, and though Bagley won't reach Dončić's heights, he's grown as a player. Still just 27, he was part of the Anthony Davis trade, sending him to Dallas from the Washington Wizards.
With Dallas struggling, Bagley took advantage of the opportunity to play in 22 games, averaging 11 points per game in 21.4 minutes. He's shown that he can hit the three-point shot (48.5 percent) on a low volume of 1.5 attempts per game.
Whether he sticks with the Mavericks or moves on, he's earned more time to grow in the NBA.
42. Precious Achiuwa
13 of 55
Team: Sacramento Kings
2025-26 Salary: $2.5 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Achiuwa is an undersized big man who was the No. 20 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. He's also spent time with the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks before joining the struggling Kings.
Achiuwa may be best served as a reserve, but he plays hard and can score; he still needs to improve his outside shot from 27.8 percent to become a more viable stretch option.
41. Russell Westbrook
14 of 55
Team: Sacramento Kings
2025-26 Salary: $3.6 million
Rights: Non-Bird
It's been a brutal year for the Kings, and Westbrook might be the face of a downtrodden franchise right now—but Sacramento has been continuously bad for a couple of decades (much longer than Westbrook's lone season).
While his style of play isn't for everyone, Westbrook still averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists a game last season. He could find a new home and continue into a 19th season.
40. Andre Drummond
15 of 55
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2025-26 Salary: $5 million
Rights: Early Bird
When Joel Embiid is healthy, Drummond's role diminishes in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, Embiid struggles to stay on the court, and Drummond has kept his career going into his 14th season.
Drummond has always rebounded well. Now, he's expanded his game to the three-point line a bit and can serve as a reserve big who can fill in a dozen or more games as a starter when necessary.
39. Jock Landale
16 of 55
Team: Atlanta Hawks
2025-26 Salary: $2.5 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Landale is an energetic reserve big, traded in-season by the Memphis Grizzlies to the Utah Jazz and then to the Hawks over three days in February. The Hawks have been a pleasant surprise this year, and Landale has been helpful in 23 games, averaging 9.1 points while shooting 39.1 percent from three.
An ankle injury shut him down late in the year. Still, at 30, the Australian veteran continues to show there's a place for him in the NBA.
38. Tim Hardaway Jr.
17 of 55
Team: Denver Nuggets
2025-26 Salary: $3.6 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Hardaway is a professional shooter. He joined the Nuggets on a minimum contract to extend his career alongside one of the best shot creators in the NBA (Nikola Jokić). Hardaway has provided a steady 15.2 points per game on 33.8 percent shooting from three-point range.
He could leverage a strong 13th season into an above-minimum contract this summer, though the Miami Heat are a real option with just the minimum to offer.
37. Keon Ellis
18 of 55
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
2025-26 Salary: $2.3 million
Rights: Full Bird
Ellis plays defense and can shoot. The Kings didn't quite know how to use him, so they traded him to the Cavaliers. Cleveland has championship aspirations, but Ellis' role has also shrunk through the postseason.
Ellis is extension-eligible but is more likely to hit free agency, as Cleveland has significant apron concerns. Another team with enough incentive may be able to out-price the Cavaliers for Ellis.
36. Harrison Barnes
19 of 55
Team: San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 Salary: $19 million
Rights: Full
The Spurs are one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA. Obviously, Victor Wembanyama is a special player, but the team behind him is rock solid. Part of that is Barnes' quiet experience. He's started 52 games for the team, averaging 25.8 minutes per game.
Keeping Barnes, 33, to value continuity may make sense for the Spurs, even if his role shrank throughout the postseason. Whatever the decision, Barnes has already shown that he's still a relevant NBA contributor.
35. Josh Okogie
20 of 55
Team: Houston Rockets
2025-26 Salary: $3,080,921
Rights: Non-Bird
Okogie is a capable veteran who played in 78 games for the Rockets (starting 32) at 17.4 minutes per game. He defends and shoots the ball well (38.5 percent from three) on low volume.
Turning 28 before next season, Okogie will round out an NBA roster, be it back in Houston or elsewhere.
34. Collin Sexton
21 of 55
Team: Chicago Bulls
2025-26 Salary: $19 million
Rights: Full
Sexton has provided steady offensive production throughout his career as a 6'3" combo guard. Just 27, Sexton is on his fourth team after the Charlotte Hornets sent him to Chicago ahead of the deadline.
Sexton was part of the Hornets' recent resurgence, but the team sent him to the Bulls for Coby White. Through 42 games with Charlotte, Sexton averaged 14.2 points while shooting 39.3 percent from three. In 26 games with Chicago, Sexton's production increased to 17.5 points at 41 percent from the three-point line. He could procure a viable contract this summer, probably with the Bulls, who have significant spending power.
33. Bruce Brown Jr.
22 of 55
Team: Denver Nuggets
2025-26 Salary: $3.1 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Fit in the NBA can be everything, and Brown fits in Denver. He helped the team win a championship in 2022-23, shooting the second-best three-point percentage in his career (38.5). Returning as a free agent on a minimum contract, Brown is at his best at 38.1 percent from deep.
Not that he takes too many attempts. He knows his role is to play defense, feed off Jokić, and do whatever is needed to get his squad a win. While he's only on a one-year deal, Brown may return to Denver, given his success with the Nuggets.
32. Landry Shamet
23 of 55
Team: New York Knicks
2025-26 Salary: $3.1 million
Rights: Early Bird
Shamet was the No. 26 pick in 2018. After a solid early career, he faded out of the spotlight. Instead of giving up, he fought his way through the G League and has become an important floor-spreader on the Knicks, delivering in decisive playoff moments.
New York can give him a raise of up to about $15 million this summer, but the team's budget is overloaded. Another team could pry him away with a healthy offer, but pencil Shamet back with the Knicks.
31. Khris Middleton
24 of 55
Team: Dallas Mavericks
2025-26 Salary: $33.3 million
Rights: Full
Quietly, on a not-very-good Mavericks squad, Middleton put up solid production. The 34-year-old veteran wing started 16 of 29 games, averaging 10 points on 39.1 percent shooting from three since his trade to Dallas from the Washington Wizards.
Middleton won't get near his 2025-26 salary, but he should find a home at a lower price as a reserve on a contender needing an experienced presence.
30. Jusuf Nurkić
25 of 55
Team: Utah Jazz
2025-26 Salary: $19.4 million
Rights: Full Bird
In the right situation, Nurkić is a productive center who can fill starter's minutes. But he needs to be surrounded by young, athletic players who can help cover ground—something the Phoenix Suns lacked in his time alongside Kevin Durant.
Before a nose injury—a strange NBA malady to end a player's season—Nurkić started 36 of 41 games with the Jazz after Walker Kessler was lost to a shoulder injury. He averaged a double-double (10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds) and could return to Utah in a frontcourt with Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Kessler, depending on how free agency pans out.
29. Sandro Mamukelashvili
26 of 55
Team: Toronto Raptors
2025-26 Salary: $2.5 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Mamukelashvili has outperformed his contract in Toronto and reportedly declined his $2.8 million option for next season, per Charania. The Raptors signed him to a two-year minimum contract this summer as a free agent from the San Antonio Spurs. Without shedding other salary, the Raptors will be limited to their taxpayer mid-level exception at $6.1 million.
His role dipped later in the year and through the playoffs, but look for teams to offer more than the Raptors for the 26-year-old forward, averaging 11.2 points on 52.3 percent shooting from the field (38.9 percent from three).
28. Nikola Vučević
27 of 55
Team: Boston Celtics
2025-26 Salary: $21.5 million
Rights: Full
The Celtics acquired Vučević via trade from the Chicago Bulls, but he struggled to stay healthy. Boston seemed to get more out of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. While it's easy to look past older players, Vučević is still a talented offensive center at 35.
Perhaps Vučević starts down the Al Horford path, taking almost $10 million per season. That may not be in Boston, depending on how the team adjusts after giving up a first-round 3-1 lead.
27. Nick Richards
28 of 55
Team: Chicago Bulls
2025-26 Salary: $5 million
Rights: Full
The Bulls picked up Richards from the Phoenix Suns via trade ahead of the deadline, desperate for a starting-capable center. Through 20 games, Richards has thrown his weight around as a physical, old-school big man, averaging 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds.
Richards may be best as a backup center, but he can fill that starting role for teams in need. Chicago may keep him to play behind Nicolas Claxton, who will be joining the Bulls in trade in early July.
26. Brook Lopez
29 of 55
Team: LA Clippers
2025-26 Salary: $8.8 million ($9.2 million team option)
Rights: Non-Bird
Earlier in the year, Lopez, 38, looked like he had aged out. In his first year away from the Milwaukee Bucks since joining the team in 2018, Lopez didn't have much of a role with the Clippers.
That shifted significantly when LA traded starting center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers and lost rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser to a foot injury. Lopez was suddenly the only legitimate center on the roster. He handled it well, with his defensive experience and shooting ability.
The Clippers probably need him back next year, enough to pick up his option, though the team's direction won't be clear for a few months.
25. Jaxson Hayes
30 of 55
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $3.4 million
Rights: Full
Hayes has grown with the Lakers over the last two years. In 2024-25, he was forced into a larger role as a starter, but gracefully accepted his spot beyond DeAndre Ayton this year.
Hayes is more of an athletic big man than a traditional power player. He has strong chemistry with Luka Dončić and could return.
24. Robert Williams III
31 of 55
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
2025-26 Salary: $13,285,713
Rights: Full
Injuries have gotten the best of Williams the last few years, but he reminded the NBA of his talent in the Blazers' first-round fight against the San Antonio Spurs. Williams remains a tremendous frontcourt defender.
The Blazers should bring him back, though Williams may not earn as much due to durability concerns. Other teams with playoff aspirations could step up as well.
23. Anfernee Simons
32 of 55
Team: Chicago Bulls
2025-26 Salary: $27.7 million
Rights: Full
Simons filled an important bench role for the Boston Celtics, but the team chose to shed salary and sent him to the Bulls for Nikola Vučević. In Boston, Simons averaged 14.2 points per game, while shooting 39.5 percent from three. Chicago only got him for six games (wrist).
It's unclear how the Bulls will spend their money this summer. The team could retain Simons if he proves a viable fit with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Still, Simons may see his salary drop closer to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15.1 million), unless a team with cap room like the Los Angeles Lakers pursues him.
22. John Collins
33 of 55
Team: LA Clippers
2025-26 Salary: $26.6 million
Rights: Full
Collins continues to be a productive role player. Turning 29 before next season, the 6'9" power forward shot 40.6 percent from three for the Clippers. He averaged 19 points a game for a bad Utah Jazz squad last year (still shooting 39.9 percent from deep).
While his scoring has dipped to 13.6 points in Los Angeles, he's been a vital part of the team's resurgence after a brutal start to the season.
As an unrestricted free agent, Collins may not earn at the same level as he has previously, but he'll have several suitors. He could stay with the Clippers, though it depends on how young the team is hoping to get with the current shift away from players like James Harden and Ivica Zubac.
21. Dean Wade
34 of 55
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
2025-26 Salary: $6,623,456
Rights: Full
Wade is an underappreciated postseason starter. He's not a high scorer, but on a team loaded with offensive firepower, Wade has the less glamorous role as a versatile defender.
The Cavaliers had their hands full with the New York Knicks, who were significantly better, but Wade was an important part of the team's success. As a low-ego defender with deep playoff experience, Wade should find a solid market this summer from teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, or Chicago Bulls.
20. Kristaps Porziņģis
35 of 55
Team: Golden State Warriors
2025-26 Salary: $30.7 million
Rights: Full
The Warriors picked up Porziņģis before the trade deadline, sending Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks. Porziņģis is one of the most talented scoring bigs in the NBA, helping the Boston Celtics in their run to the 2023-24 championship. Unfortunately, he's struggled with health and injury issues. If his body were right, he'd be much higher on this list.
Porziņģis will have a home in the NBA next year, perhaps on a one-year deal with the Warriors to try and run it back with an eventually healthy Jimmy Butler (knee), Steph Curry and Draymond Green—in what may be the final run together.
19. Draymond Green
36 of 55
Team: Golden State Warriors
2025-26 Salary: $25.9 million
Rights: Full
With age, Green has slowed. Steph Curry has one year left on his deal with the Warriors, and Green could just call it a career—or re-sign for as long as Curry chooses to play, assuming the Warriors will have him.
Or—since ESPN's Charania reported the veteran will decline his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent—Green could opt out to explore other options.
A team with postseason aspirations could use a player of Green's caliber, though he'll struggle to find the same salary as his option.
18. Luke Kennard
37 of 55
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $11 million
Rights: Non-Bird
Kennard is also one of the league's elite shooters. The Lakers acquired him before the deadline from the Atlanta Hawks to help space the floor around Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. With Dončić and Reaves injured, Kennard stepped into the lead guard role for the team and was far more productive than expected.
He's a strong complementary fit. Depending on what direction the Lakers go this summer, Kennard seems likely to return. That might be at a slightly lower salary, perhaps within the $9.4 million room mid-level exception, though that will primarily depend on what the franchise does with its ample cap room.
17. Quentin Grimes
38 of 55
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2025-26 Salary: $8.7 million
Rights: Full
When the 76ers were decimated by injury last season, Grimes averaged 21.9 points over 28 games in a significant role. The Sixers have had more health this year, and Grimes's production has lagged to 13.4 points per game, and his three-point shooting has dipped from 37.3 percent to 33.4 percent. Still, he's been on a tear in March and has had a few important playoff moments.
Philadelphia chose to keep Grimes on his qualifying offer rather than negotiate a more lucrative multi-year deal. As a still young (26 in May) talented combo guard, he seems likely to depart if he can find a team willing to give him the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15.1 million starting) or more in free agency.
16. Marcus Smart
39 of 55
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $5.1 million ($5.4 million player option)
Rights: Non-Bird
Smart has been a tremendous help to the Lakers, who were desperate for defensive toughness. The veteran guard reached 62 games, his first time reaching that mark since 2022-23 with the Boston Celtics. While Smart is only shooting 33.1 percent from three-point range, he hits timely shots.
Since the Lakers project to go under the cap, the team may get Smart to opt out at $5.4 million to re-sign for some or all of the $9.4 million room mid-level exception—a move that would increase their cap-room spending power. Or he could leave for teams like the Houston Rockets or Charlotte Hornets.
15. Jonathan Kuminga
40 of 55
Team: Atlanta Hawks
2025-26 Salary: $23.8 million ($24.3 million team option)
Rights: Non-Bird
The Golden State Warriors finally traded Kuminga after a lengthy, uncomfortable couple of years. The 23-year-old forward didn't fit with coach Steve Kerr's philosophy; now he's on the Hawks. Given a couple of months with his new team, Kuminga will get the opportunity to show his value.
If he proves important to what Atlanta is trying to build, the team will pick up his option. If not, he'll hit free agency. A late postseason surge against the New York Knicks helped restore Kuminga's value. The answer will come soon on whether they'll keep him under his option.
14. Kelly Oubre Jr.
41 of 55
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2025-26 Salary: $8.4 million
Rights: Full
The knock on Oubre is his shooting. He's a willing, aggressive defensive wing, but last season, he shot just 29.3 percent from three in Philadelphia. This year, he's at a career-best 36 percent on 4.8 attempts. He's a valued playoff performer for the 76ers, helping the team survive a 3-1 deficit to the Boston Celtics. He'll seek a raise this offseason, perhaps as high as the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15.1 million).
The 76ers have closely minded the luxury tax the last few years and have pending decisions on Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond and Oubre.
13. Tobias Harris
42 of 55
Team: Detroit Pistons
2025-26 Salary: $26.6 million
Rights: Early Bird
Harris, 34 in July, is an easy veteran to overlook. He's been around seemingly forever, played for a long list of teams—he's in his second stint with the Pistons—but is quietly a high-minute part of the best team in the Eastern Conference (regular season). Harris' playoff heroics, helping Detroit overcome a 3-1 deficit to the Orlando Magic, have helped him climb the list.
Starting in all of his 64 games, Harris averaged 13.3 points per game in 27.7 minutes, shooting a solid 36.8 percent from three. Harris is low-ego and will continue to earn next season (whether in Detroit or elsewhere).
12. Mitchell Robinson
43 of 55
Team: New York Knicks
2025-26 Salary: $13 million
Rights: Full
The Knicks are champions, but the franchise won't head above the NBA's second apron, which may lead to Robinson moving on. Against some opponents, New York needs what Robinson provides: a strong, physical shot-blocker; but they'll likely search for that elsewhere.
While Robinson has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, several teams could use what he brings, like the Los Angeles Lakers.
11. Andrew Wiggins
44 of 55
Team: Miami Heat
2025-26 Salary: $28.2 million ($30.2 million player option)
Rights: Full
The Heat will execute their blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo in early July, but that will lock in first-apron restrictions that will hamper how the rest of the roster is put together.
Wiggins, 31, remains a productive two-way player through a long career that started as the No. 1 overall pick in 2014. He played a key role in the Golden State Warriors' 2022 NBA championship.
If he can get the Heat to recommit, opting out and re-signing at a lower starting salary for a long-term deal could be a viable compromise. Or teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets could explore multi-year deals with their remaining cap room.
10. Walker Kessler
45 of 55
Team: Utah Jazz
2025-26 Salary: $4.9 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
After five games, Kessler was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. The 24-year-old center, listed at 7'2", briefly averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks for the Jazz.
Utah was initially projected to have cap room this summer and expected to re-sign Kessler as a restricted free agent after using its spending power (while taking advantage of his $14.6 million free-agent cap hold).
Instead, the franchise traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. Will the Jazz invest heavily into three frontcourt players or attempt to sign-and-trade Kessler to make a playoff push?
9. Bennedict Mathurin
46 of 55
Team: LA Clippers
2025-26 Salary: $9.2 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
The Indiana Pacers, committed to avoiding the luxury tax as much as possible, chose to trade Mathurin to fill a void at the center position (adding Ivica Zubac in the deal). The Clippers have had an eye on Mathurin for some time, as they need more young, talented players.
Mathurin has found a friendly home with the Clippers, especially when Kawhi Leonard is healthy alongside him. Through 28 games with the Pacers, he averaged 17.8 points a game (37.2 percent from three). With the Clippers, he contributed 17.4 per game (though he's still searching for his three-point shot).
Despite his age, 23, Mathurin has NBA Finals experience, scoring 27 points in Game 3 against the champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
8. Tari Eason
47 of 55
Team: Houston Rockets
2025-26 Salary: $5.7 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
The Rockets and Eason are in an interesting position. Kevin Durant is a 37-year-old All-Star. Fred VanVleet, almost 32, is out for the year with a knee injury. Eason represents part of the team's young core, but he's expecting a significant pay raise.
If Houston pays Eason in the $20-30 million starting range, the franchise could face apron restrictions.
If the Rockets pass, letting him leave as a restricted free agent (or sign-and-trade him), the team loses youth, depth, and a tough wing who is shooting 36 percent from three-point range on four attempts a game. Eason's accuracy dipped in the second half of the season and in the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, but he was a vital part of coach Ime Udoka's rotation.
One of the teams with cap room could test Houston's resolve with a large offer sheet.
7. Peyton Watson
48 of 55
Team: Denver Nuggets
2025-26 Salary: $4.4 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
Watson helped carry the Nuggets when Nikola Jokić was sidelined for 16 games with a knee injury.
Through 15 games in January, Watson averaged 21.9 points per game and shot 46.2 percent from three-point range, compared to 14.9 points and 41.7 percent from three on the season.
Unfortunately, Watson missed time with a hamstring strain and wasn't able to play through Denver's first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In a way, Watson's absence, tied to the Nuggets' short postseason, illustrated how valuable he is to the franchise. Denver has the power to keep the 23-year-old wing, but will another team issue a massive offer sheet to test the Nuggets' mettle?
The expectation is Denver finds a new home for Cam Johnson to make room for Watson.
6. Norman Powell
49 of 55
Team: Miami Heat
2025-26 Salary: $20.5 million
Rights: Full
Powell won a title in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors. Now, deep into a stellar career, the UCLA product was finally named a first-time All-Star. In Miami, he's provided a steady 21.7 points per game, while shooting 38 percent from three-point range.
The challenge for the Heat is limited spending power under the first apron after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in early July. The team may not be able to afford Powell's price, unless players like Nikola Jović or Andrew Wiggins are traded/depart. The Detroit Pistons were a suitor, but the pending trade for Isaiah Joe may make Powell superfluous.
5. Rui Hachimura
50 of 55
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $18.3 million
Rights: Full
Hachimura raised his value throughout the playoffs with his steady jumper. The Lakers are one of the few teams with significant cap room, but that assumes Hachimura moves on. As an unrestricted free agent, he'll take up $27.4 million of LA's space with his cap hold. He's believed to be seeking a raise, but if the Lakers move on to spend elsewhere, he'll need a team with cap room to get more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15.1 million). The Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, or Detroit Pistons could be suitors.
The answer may be a sign-and-trade, though that wholly depends on what the Lakers have in mind with their spending power. Hachimura, 28, is shooting an impressive 44.3 percent from three-point range on 3.9 attempts. At 6'8", he's more of a floor-spacing power forward. On the Lakers, that's where LeBron James takes up the majority of the minutes.
4. Luguentz Dort
51 of 55
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 Salary: $18.2 million ($18.2 million team option)
Rights: Full
If the Thunder win another title, losing Dort would be a difficult choice. Even after avoiding the luxury tax during their 2025 title run, a third attempt could become much more expensive once Holmgren's rookie‑max deal and a likely extension for Jalen Williams hit the books.
The Thunder could opt Dort out with an agreement to re-sign at a lower number on a multi-year deal, but he's the kind of player a team like the Los Angeles Lakers or Chicago Bulls might want to fill significant defensive gaps in their roster. Oklahoma City has a long list of talented players who can fill Dort's minutes, but none are as tough and physical on defense. At this early stage, guessing the option decision is a coin flip.
3. James Harden
52 of 55
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
2025-26 Salary: $39.4 million
Rights: Non-Bird
The Cavaliers acquired Harden from the LA Clippers, knowing the former NBA MVP had the option to explore unrestricted free agency in July. Harden also had to approve the deal, which meant he lost his full rights (traded after re-signing for one year with the Clippers).
Fast forward to late June, and ESPN's Charania is reporting Harden is turning down his $42.3 million player option. The sides are reportedly working on a multiyear agreement to keep him in Cleveland.
While it's easy to denigrate Harden and the Cavaliers' struggles against the New York Knicks, the trade galvanized the team through the regular season and led to the first conference finals berth since LeBron James was in Cleveland.
2. Jalen Duren
53 of 55
Team: Detroit Pistons
2025-26 Salary: $6.5 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
Along with MVP candidate Cade Cunningham, Duren has emerged over the last two years as a true game-changer in Detroit. He's grown on both sides of the floor, especially defensively on a very stingy Pistons squad.
Named to the All-NBA Third Team and a first-time All-Star, Duren averaged a career high of 19.5 points a game for the best team in the Eastern Conference by record (60-22). He was up and down throughout the playoffs, but Duren should get a sizable raise to stay. If the Pistons aren't willing to max him out, the Lakers have plenty of cap room for an offer sheet.
1. LeBron James
54 of 55
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $52.6 million
Rights: Full
Out of respect for James' career and his stature as one of the NBA's legendary stars, the 41-year-old free agent tops the list despite his age. That, and he's been incredible in the postseason for the Lakers.
James may choose retirement. He could return to the Lakers (if they'll have him—though they may turn the page to build properly around Luka Dončić) or his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for a third and final stop.
Perhaps James will look to join a star-laden team such as the Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry or the New York Knicks with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Few of those options will have the power to pay James close to what he earned with the Lakers this year. To chase what could be his final NBA season, he faces a significant pay cut.
Honorable Mentions
55 of 55
Cam Thomas was recently let go by the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. So too was Jaden Ivey by the Chicago Bulls and Cole Anthony by the Phoenix Suns. Ben Simmons never found a home through the 2025-26 season. Current free agents were left off the overall list.
The Kings will have to seriously consider releasing DeMar DeRozan, whose $25.7 million is only $10 million guaranteed. If so, he'll join the list as an older but still high-level NBA scorer.
Bradley Beal, with a hip injury, is expected to opt into his final year with the LA Clippers, though don't rule out the Miami Heat. Others with team options expected to stick include Daniss Jenkins, Ryan Nembhard, Julian Champagnie, and Dominick Barlow.
Others include Kevin Huerter, Ariel Hukporti, Quinten Post, Brandon Williams, Ochai Agbaji, Jeremy Sochan, Ziaire Williams, Kevon Looney, Mike Conley, Zach Collins, AJ Lawson, Bones Hyland, Aaron Holiday, and Tyus Jones.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X/Twitter @EricPincus.
.png?w=600 "Latest Free-Agency Moves ✍️")
.png?w=600 "Updated Power Rankings 📊")
