Latest 2026 NBA Free Agents Rumors, Predictions for Austin Reaves, More Notable Names

The 2025-26 NBA season has come to an end. For a third of the league, that means it's officially on to the 2026 offseason .

The regular season wrapped on Sunday, and the 10 teams that didn't qualify for the playoffs or the play-in tournament can fully focus on free agency and the draft. More teams will join them shortly—the play-in tournament will begin on Tuesday—and before long, the majority of the NBA will be eyeing potential offseason moves.

While this year's free-agent class, like most in recent memory, isn't brimming with top-tier talent, a few notable names are expected to be available. Here, we'll dive into some of the latest rumors and make a few predictions.

Austin Reaves to 'Prioritize' Long-Term Contract

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The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the NBA's hottest teams before the dreaded injury bug struck. Luka Dončić is dealing with a significant hamstring injury, while Austin Reaves is dealing with an obliques injury.

Should the Lakers experience an early playoff exit, several players may feel they have unfinished business in L.A. That could include LeBron James, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and Reaves, who has a player option for the 2026-27 season.

However, bringing back Reaves may not be as simple as convincing him to opt in for the year. The 27-year-old has emerged as a bona fide star and has a chance to really test the market.

Lakers reporter Jovan Buha recently noted (beginning at the 7:30 mark) that Reaves is likely "to prioritize getting a four to five-year deal and will push for a longer deal."

With James off the books or possibly re-signing on a minimum deal, L.A. should have the flexibility to bring back Reaves on a multi-year deal. The question is whether another team will enter the equation and offer a deal that the Lakers won't.

Prediction: Reaves signs a five-year deal with the Lakers.

Warriors 'Committed' to Re-Signing Porziņģis

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Kristaps Porziņģis

While the Lakers are limping into the postseason as a playoff team, the Golden State Warriors are trying to make it through the play-in bracket. While Golden State's season hasn't gone as planned—due in large part to Jimmy Butler's torn ACL—the Warriors seem confident about their chances next year.

That confidence isn't outlandish either, assuming Butler, Stephen Curry, and Moses Moody are all healthy next season.

With eyes on another run in 2026, the Warriors are hoping to bring back recent trade acquisition Kristaps Porziņģis. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, re-signing him will be an early offseason priority:

"Sources say the Warriors are fully committed to getting a deal done with him quickly this summer. Porzingis has made it known to the franchise that he wants to stay, and Dunleavy made this trade with the Atlanta Hawks in order to keep the seven-footer around past the 2025-26 season."

Could another team get involved and pry away Porziņģis as an unrestricted free agent? Of course, but few can offer the chance to help close out a dynasty the way that Golden State can.

Prediction: Porziņģis re-signs with Golden State on a two-year deal.

'Mutual Interest' Between Kuminga, Hawks on a Multi-Year Deal

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Jonathan Kuminga

The Atlanta Hawks will bypass the play-in tournament on their way to the playoffs. Their promising campaign has included a few twists, turns, and roster shakeups along the way.

Ironically, center Jonathan Kuminga made his way to Atlanta as part of the Porziņģis.

Kuminga has been a valuable contributor for the Hawks down the stretch, and now the team is faced with an offseason decision. It can exercise the team option on his contract, worth $24.3 million, allow him to walk, or decline the option with the understanding that Kuminga will sign a long-term deal.

Option No. 3 appears likely.

"There is mutual interest, league sources say, for the Hawks to potentially decline their 2026-27 team option on Kuminga valued at $24.3 million in order for the sides to hash out a longer-term agreement," NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote for The Stein Line (h/t Heavy's Alder Almo).

Prediction: Hawks decline Kuminga's option, sign him to three-year deal.