Ranking the Top 60 Potential 2026 NBA Free Agents
Even though the NBA's 2025-26 regular season is over, several upcoming free agents still have time to make their case through the playoffs. Meanwhile, half of the league will start planning for the upcoming offseason.
Even the top contenders need to improve; most franchises need significant upgrades this summer, though very few will 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. The LA Clippers, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks could have "some" cap room, but that depends on various contract decisions before and into early July. Most will be limited to the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception; others won't even have that much to work with.
How the rest of the season unfolds, leading to the 2026 NBA draft, will set up for another memorable offseason with an updated top-60 list of potential free agents as a roadmap.
60. De'Anthony Melton
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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.
59. Guerschon Yabusele
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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.
58. Thomas Bryant
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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 hope to have a long postseason run. Bryant could return next season to Cleveland or move on to another squad to fill that stretch big role.
57. Kyle Anderson
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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.
56. Simone Fontecchio
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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.
55. Day'Ron Sharpe
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Team: Brooklyn Nets
2025-26 Salary: $6.3 million ($6.3 million team option)
Rights: Full
Sharpe is a big-bodied bench big, drafted by the Nets in 2021 (No. 29). In relatively short minutes (18.7), Sharpe remains a productive rebounder. His field-goal percentage has improved to a career-best 60.1 percent.
The Nets don't have their own first-round pick after 2026-27 and are expected to try to improve significantly after this past season's rebuild. Sharpe has an inexpensive team option. Brooklyn probably chooses to keep him rather than letting him go for nothing as a free agent. Or, the team could opt him in to trade him.
54. Marvin Bagley III
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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.
53. Jock Landale
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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, but he's hoping to be available by the playoffs. At 30, the Australian veteran continues to show there's a place for him in the NBA.
52. Jose Alvarado
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Team: New York Knicks
2025-26 Salary: $4.5 million ($4.5 million player option)
Rights: Full
Barely 6'0", Alvarado carved out a reserve role for over four seasons in New Orleans with the Pelicans. The Knicks acquired him before the deadline, where he's provided bench support for 16.9 minutes per game.
Alvarado's numbers don't jump off the page at 6.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 33 percent shooting from three, but he plays extremely hard, defends well despite his size, and has been a fan favorite in New York.
He'll need to decide if $4.5 million is the right number for him next year, or if he can get more in New York or elsewhere via free agency.
51. Precious Achiuwa
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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.
50. Russell Westbrook
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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 is still averaging 15.2 points and 6.7 assists a game. He could find a new home and continue into a 19th season.
49. Andre Drummond
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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.
48. Landry Shamet
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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.
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.
47. Jusuf Nurkić
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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.
46. Tim Hardaway Jr.
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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.
45. Kevin Porter Jr.
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Team: Milwaukee Bucks
2025-26 Salary: $5.1 million ($5.4 million player option)
Rights: Early Bird
Porter struggled to stay healthy through a disappointing year in Milwaukee. Still, he remained a productive player in 38 appearances, averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. He didn't shoot well (32.2 percent), but he did enough to explore free agency.
While Porter can choose to opt in at $5.4 million, his downside risk is finding a deal elsewhere at the $3.1 million minimum. He may still decide to opt out if he believes there's a chance to find a better deal, though it's unclear what direction the Bucks will take with Doc Rivers out as coach and the possibility that Giannis Antetokounmpo is rerouted via trade.
44. Luke Kennard
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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.
43. Keon Ellis
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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, and while Ellis won't put up huge numbers with all of the scorers around him, he plays a vital role that could help his squad advance in the postseason.
Ellis is extension-eligible but may go to free agency, as Cleveland has significant apron concerns. Another team with enough incentive may be able to out-price the Cavaliers for Ellis.
42. Al Horford
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Team: Golden State Warriors
2025-26 Salary: $5.7 million ($6 million player option)
Rights: Non-Bird
Horford brings an elite level of experience to the Warriors, having won at the collegiate level in Florida and at the NBA level with the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, the Warriors have had too many injury issues to compete at the highest level.
Horford has the chance to roll the dice next season and finish up with Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler (once healthy), and Draymond Green (who can opt out), or leave for another squad closer to winning a championship. Staying seems more likely, but the answer won't be clear until closer to July.
41. Bruce Brown Jr.
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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.
40. Collin Sexton
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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.
39. Harrison Barnes
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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 and continuity may make sense for the Spurs, though with Barnes at 33, the team likely needs a long-term replacement. Whatever the timing on that decision, Barnes has already shown that he's still a relevant NBA contributor.
38. Nick Richards
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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, though some of the franchise's cap room may go towards a front-line big.
37. Jaxson Hayes
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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.
36. Kristaps Porziņģis
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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.
35. Brook Lopez
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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.
34. Anfernee Simons
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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.
33. Khris Middleton
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Team: Dallas Mavericks
2025-26 Salary: $33.3 million
Rights: Full
Quietly, on a not-very-good Mavericks squad, Middleton is putting up solid production. The 34-year-old veteran wing has 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.
32. CJ McCollum
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Team: Atlanta Hawks
2025-26 Salary: $30.7 million
Rights: Full
McCollum will turn 35 before next season starts, but he's still a high-level NBA scorer. Through 76 games split between the Washington Wizards and Hawks, McCollum has averaged 18.7 points per game, shooting 37.5 percent from three. That's not far off his career averages, and while he's never been named an All-Star, McCollum is nearing the end of a tremendous run.
While he was never known as a great defender and isn't likely to earn the kind of salary he's earning this year, McCollum shouldn't have too much trouble finding a home next season (possibly back in Atlanta).
31. Jordan Goodwin
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Team: Phoenix Suns
2025-26 Salary: $2.3 million
Rights: Early Bird
After shooting 38.2 percent from three-point range with the Lakers while playing an important role defensively, Goodwin was placed on waivers in July. The Suns gratefully claimed him, and he has been a vital part of the rotation, playing 22.4 minutes (primarily off the bench, with seven starts).
With the increased role, Goodwin averaged 8.7 points (shooting a respectable 37.1 percent on 4.3 attempts per game) and 4.9 rebounds per game. He's a decent secondary playmaker (2.2 assists) and generates 1.5 steals a contest.
Goodwin should head into the 2026-27 season on a new, fully guaranteed contract, above the minimum, presumably with Phoenix.
30. Marcus Smart
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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.
29. Tobias Harris
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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.
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).
28. Jonathan Kuminga
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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, but arguably with a lower value. Injuries have been an issue, even with the Hawks. At this early stage, it seems like they'll keep him but that's just a guess.
27. Kelly Oubre Jr.
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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. It could lead to 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. The team has pending decisions on Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond and Oubre.
26. Mitchell Robinson
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Team: New York Knicks
2025-26 Salary: $13 million
Rights: Full
The Knicks are among the top teams in the East, advancing to the Conference Finals last season. All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns is ahead of Robinson in the rotation, but doesn't have the same defensive skill set. Against some opponents, New York needs what Robinson provides as a strong, physical shot blocker.
The challenge for the team next season, given Robinson's free agency, is deciding whether or not to exceed the second apron. While Robinson has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, several teams could use what he brings and may test New York's appetite for luxury taxes and apron penalties.
25. Nikola Vučević
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Team: Boston Celtics
2025-26 Salary: $21.5 million
Rights: Full
The Celtics recently acquired Vučević via trade from the Chicago Bulls. While it's easy to look past older players, even at 35, Vučević remains one of the league's better offensive centers. While he's still establishing his role in Boston, through 48 games in Chicago, Vučević averaged 16.9 points (37.6 percent from three) and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Perhaps Vučević starts down the Al Horford path, taking around $10 million per season. That could be in Boston, depending on how the fit resolves over the next few months and into the playoffs.
24. John Collins
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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.
23. Sandro Mamukelashvili
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Team: Toronto Raptors
2025-26 Salary: $2.5 million ($2.8 million player option)
Rights: Non-Bird
Mamukelashvili has outperformed his contract in Toronto. 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.
Look for teams to offer more than the Raptors can to lure the 26-year-old forward, averaging 11.2 points on 52.3 percent shooting from the field (38.9 percent from three).
22. Rui Hachimura
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Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $18.3 million
Rights: Full
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 answer could 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.
21. Coby White
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Team: Charlotte Hornets
2025-26 Salary: $12.9 million
Rights: Full
The Hornets have been one of the season's brightest climbers, coalescing around potential Rookie of the Year Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Charlotte traded for White at the deadline. After nursing a calf injury, he's contributed 15.6 points over 21 games with 3.0 assists, shooting 39.1 percent from three.
Assuming Charlotte likes the fit, the team has the right to pay White more than any other suitor as an unrestricted free agent (the franchise cannot offer him a market-rate extension, given his current salary and extend-and-trade restrictions). He may struggle to find more than the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception in the market.
20. Collin Gillespie
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Team: Phoenix Suns
2025-26 Salary: $2.3 million
Rights: Early Bird
The Suns were not good last season, but found a talent in Gillespie on a two-way contract. This summer, the team gave him a standard one-year minimum deal, and he's become a crucial part of a much better squad trying to get into the top six in the Western Conference.
Gillespie has started 58 of 80 games this season, averaging 12.7 points and 4.6 assists, while shooting 41.8 percent from three on a high volume (7.2 attempts). With Early Bird rights, the Suns can start Gillespie's next contract at around $15 million (roughly the same as the non-taxpayer mid-level exception). A team offering more with cap room could be a threat to steal him away.
19. Zach LaVine
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Team: Sacramento Kings
2025-26 Salary: $47.5 million ($49 million player option)
Rights: Full
LaVine was lost to a finger injury, but the Kings have seen many of their better players sit out a down year. Perhaps the lottery is favorable to Sacramento. Meanwhile, LaVine probably opts into his final year.
If the Kings want him back, he could opt out to re-sign on a longer deal at a lower annual value. He remains a talented scorer, averaging 19.2 points in 39 games, shooting 39 percent from three-point range.
Teams might like the idea of LaVine on a much lower price, but then he is less likely to opt out if it would cost him too much salary.
18. Draymond Green
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Team: Golden State Warriors
2025-26 Salary: $25.9 million ($27.7 million player option)
Rights: Full
With age, Green has slowed down. Curry has one year left on his deal with the Warriors, and Green could just finish his contract and call it a career—or re-sign for as long as Curry chooses to play, assuming the Warriors will have him. Or, 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.
17. Ayo Dosunmu
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Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
2025-26 Salary: $7.5 million
Rights: Full
The Timberwolves have spent much of the last season or two seeking help at point guard, finding a deal before the deadline with the Chicago Bulls for Dosunmu. While he's more of a combo guard, he fills a valuable role off the bench for the Wolves, providing bench scoring and secondary playmaking.
Dosunmu shot 45.1 percent from the three-point line in 45 games with the Bulls, averaging 15 points per game. He's at a still-strong 41.4 percent in Minnesota. Dosunmu may find multiple suitors in free agency, though most won't have more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15.1 million) to offer.
Minnesota may be able to exceed that number if need be, though it would take the team close to the second apron.
16. Quentin Grimes
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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.
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.
15. Andrew Wiggins
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Team: Miami Heat
2025-26 Salary: $28.2 million ($30.2 million player option)
Rights: Full
Wiggins, 31, remains a productive two-way player through a long career that started as the No. 1 overall pick in 2013. He played a key role in the Golden State Warriors' 2022 NBA championship.
If he can get the Heat to recommit, perhaps that includes opting out to sign for longer at a better rate for the team, locking in more guaranteed salary. He can explore unrestricted free agency. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets could all use wings. Or, the most likely outcome is that Wiggins may choose to opt in to explore free agency in 2027.
14. Mark Williams
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Team: Phoenix Suns
2025-26 Salary: $6.3 million
Rights: Full (restricted)
The Suns have gotten steady production from Williams, who was acquired over the offseason in a trade from the Charlotte Hornets. Originally, the Hornets had sent Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers last February, but he failed his physical. Generally, Williams has been durable in Phoenix, playing in 50 of 55 games through the All-Star break, before a knee injury sidelined him later in the year.
Phoenix has kept his minutes relatively light (23.6 per game), leading to a dip in production (11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game), but to a positive outcome for the competitive Suns. It's difficult to gauge Williams' market. Still, while it's unlikely the Lakers return to Williams, the Bulls could consider an offer sheet on the restricted center.
13. Deandre Ayton
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Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $8.1 million ($8.1 million player option)
Rights: Non-Bird
The Lakers' nine-game winning streak coincided with Ayton's improved play. Whether he's found his role or his teammates better understand how to get the best out of the 27-year-old center is difficult to say. Regardless, he's one of the best available—arguably the top unrestricted center in the NBA this summer.
Ayton will presumably scour the market for opportunity before deciding on his option. The Lakers have cap room to pay him more than the $9.7 million his rights allow for as a free agent. At worst, he looks like a $15 million player via the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, if no other franchises with cap room are interested.
12. Tari Eason
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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 46 percent from three-point range on nearly five attempts.
One of the teams with cap room could test Houston's resolve with a large offer sheet.
11. Luguentz Dort
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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. While Oklahoma City has avoided paying luxury taxes for what could be back-to-back championships, the third try will be more costly after giving Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren significant extensions.
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.
10. Walker Kessler
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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. Peyton Watson
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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 has missed time with a hamstring strain and has only recently returned to the lineup. The Nuggets have the power to keep the 23-year-old wing, but will another franchise issue a massive offer sheet to test Denver's mettle?
8. Bennedict Mathurin
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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, Mathurin 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.
7. Isaiah Hartenstein
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Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 Salary: $28.5 million ($28.5 million team option)
Rights: Early Bird
The Thunder hope to win back-to-back titles, presumably bringing back the core of the roster for a three-peat opportunity. This season, the team is under the luxury tax threshold. Next year, the Thunder face tax and apron issues that could lead them to opt Hartenstein out of his contract regardless of what happens this postseason.
Even if Hartenstein is opted into free agency, the team may pre-negotiate a multi-year deal at a lower starting salary. Another team could try to steal him away, but the Thunder may need to offer enough to ensure they don't—given All-Star big Chet Holmgren has durability issues. Rookie Thomas Sorber, who is out for the year (knee), may gradually fill that spot, but pencil in Hartenstein back with the Thunder in the meantime.
6. Norman Powell
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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.
Turning 33 in May, Powell may not be the target of a team with a younger core, but he'd be a nice addition to a franchise looking to compete deep into the playoffs (including a potential return to the Heat, perhaps by extension).
5. Trae Young
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Team: Washington Wizards
2025-26 Salary: $46.4 million ($49 million player option)
Rights: Full
Young was traded before the deadline from the Atlanta Hawks to Washington, a rebuilding team that also acquired Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks. Neither has played much, with the Wizards playing the lottery. Out of sight, out of mind, Young hasn't played himself into a healthy new contract.
Instead, expect Young to opt into the final year on his deal with hopes of earning an extension. Another path could be opting out to re-sign in Washington on a multi-year deal at a lower starting number (under $40 million).
4. James Harden
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Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
2025-26 Salary: $39.4 million ($42.3 million player option)
Rights: Non-Bird
The Cavaliers recently traded for Harden from the LA Clippers, knowing the former NBA MVP has 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).
Putting that all together, Harden and the Cavaliers presumably have an understanding that may include the veteran guard opting out to re-sign on a two-year deal starting at around $32.5 million (give or take $2.5 million).
3. Austin Reaves
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Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Salary: $13.9 million ($14.9 million player option)
Rights: Full
Reaves turned down a four-year, $87.4 million extension with the Lakers (starting at $19.5 million)—the most the team can offer in an extension. Instead, he's expected to opt out to explore free agency. Before a calf injury, he was a top-10 NBA scorer, seemingly primed for his first All-Star bid.
The Lakers can pay him up to $41.3 million in base salary, for a total of up to $239.3 million. The most another team can offer is four years and $177.4 million (the same amount he'd be eligible for via a sign-and-trade).
Whatever the result, Reaves projects to be well compensated this summer.
2. Jalen Duren
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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.
A first-time All-Star, Duren is averaging a career high of 19.5 points a game for the best team in the Eastern Conference by record (60-22). Duren should get a sizable raise to stay, but if the Pistons aren't willing to max him out, the Lakers have plenty of cap room for an offer sheet.
1. LeBron James
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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.
He 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 is likely his final NBA season, he may need to embrace a significant pay cut.
Honorable Mentions
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The Houston Rockets suffered a serious setback before the season even began when starting point guard Fred VanVleet was lost for the year with a knee injury. VanVleet has a $25 million player option. The working assumption is that he'll opt in, but if that changes, he may make the top-60 in a future revision.
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. Others with team options expected to stick include Daniss Jenkins, Ryan Nembhard, Julian Champagnie, and Dominick Barlow.
Several free agents may join the top 60 as the offseason progresses, like Kevin Huerter, Ariel Hukporti, Quinten Post, Brandon Williams, Ochai Agbaji, Jeremy Sochan, Josh Okogie, Jordan Clarkson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (player option), Nicolas Batum (player option), Ziaire Williams (team option), Kevon Looney (team option), Dean Wade, Gary Payton II, Robert Williams III, Mike Conley, Gabe Vincent, Zach Collins, Matisse Thybulle, and Tyus Jones.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X/Twitter @EricPincus.
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