NBA Free Agents 2025: LeBron, Harden, and the Keys to the Market

NBA Free Agency Analysis: Key Figures and Potential Destinations

The NBA’s free agency won’t be the main event this offseason, as several contract extensions have secured many of the biggest names. However, there are still prominent players who could change teams, promising an interesting market window.

Renowned players like LeBron James, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, who have already defined their futures, are unlikely to change teams. The combination of extensions and the limited growth of the salary cap in recent years means that few teams will have available salary space. The Brooklyn Nets, in the process of rebuilding, are the only team with maximum salary space, while others might be limited to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

Despite these restrictions, teams will seek to cover needs with specific signings. The official free agency begins on June 30. Below, an analysis of the top 25 available players, divided by categories according to their situation and availability.

Category 1: All-Stars with unlikely change options

• LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): Player option.
• James Harden (LA Clippers): Player option.
• Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks): Player option.
• Julius Randle (Minnesota Timberwolves): Player option.
• Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets): Team option.

LeBron James, with a player option, offers flexibility to the Lakers. James could renegotiate his contract to obtain more income. James Harden also has a player option and could seek a longer contract. Kyrie Irving could exercise his option after an injury, while Julius Randle and Fred VanVleet have contractual options that will determine their future.

Category 2: Proven Headlines at Their Best

• Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers): Unrestricted free agent.

Myles Turner is the only quality starter available who hasn’t been an All-Star. His importance to the Pacers gives him a great advantage in negotiating his contract as an unrestricted free agent. The Warriors and Lakers could be options if he doesn’t reach an agreement with Indiana.

Category 3: Restricted Free Agents with Potential for a Starting Role

• Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls): Restricted free agent.
• Quentin Grimes (Philadelphia 76ers): Restricted free agent.
• Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors): Restricted free agent.
• Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings): Team option.

Josh Giddey and Quentin Grimes showed great performance after the All-Star Game. Jonathan Kuminga could benefit from a team change, while Keon Ellis has a team option that the Kings could decline to make him a restricted free agent.

Category 4: Veteran Headlines

• Dorian Finney-Smith (Los Angeles Lakers): Player option.
• Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks): Unrestricted free agent.
• Chris Paul (San Antonio Spurs): Unrestricted free agent.
• Al Horford (Boston Celtics): Unrestricted free agent.

Dorian Finney-Smith, Brook Lopez, Chris Paul, and Al Horford, despite their age, are still valuable players. Finney-Smith could negotiate a new contract with the Lakers, while Lopez could find a good market. Chris Paul and Al Horford could change teams.

Category 5: High-Level Reserves and Marginal Holders

• Ty Jerome (Cleveland Cavaliers): Unrestricted free agent.
• Malik Beasley (Detroit Pistons): Unrestricted free agent.
• Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves): Player option.
• Caris LeVert (Atlanta Hawks): Unrestricted free agent.
• Gary Trent Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks): Unrestricted free agent.
• Santi Aldama (Memphis Grizzlies): Restricted free agent.
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves): Unrestricted free agent.
• Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors): Unrestricted free agent.
• Tim Hardaway Jr. (Detroit Pistons): Unrestricted free agent.
• Dennis Schroder (Detroit Pistons): Unrestricted free agent.
• Tyus Jones (Phoenix Suns): Unrestricted free agent.

Ty Jerome, Malik Beasley, Naz Reid, Caris LeVert, Gary Trent Jr., Santi Aldama, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Chris Boucher, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder, and Tyus Jones represent a mix of talent in different roles. These players will seek to secure contracts that reflect their value in the market.