The NBA free agency negotiating window opens at 6 p.m. ET on June 30, and while this class is a little lackluster, there could still potentially be some impact players on the market.
Here you’ll find our list of top 25 overall possible free agents, which bakes in contractual expectations — meaning value for the money — potential for younger players, risk of decline for older players, a premium on long-range shooters (hey, teams want them!) and injury history.
To use an example, you’ll find both Khris Middleton and Malcolm Brogdon in the 20s, primarily due to their general lack of availability in recent years. Had they played more, they would have been higher on the list.
Without further ado, let’s get to it.
Free-agent position rankings: Shooting guards | Shooting guards
1. SF LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Status: Player option
Value of option: $52,627,153
Another year, another LeBron James player option. The man likes his control, and who can blame him? After all, he’s 40 now and the most statistically accomplished player in NBA history. Keeping his own options open seems fair, especially as the end has to be near.
(Right? It has to be, doesn’t it? He’s 40 for crying out loud!)
James remains a top-20 player — some will argue he’s higher, and there’s certainly a case to be made for that — so his decision will have ripple effects for the Lakers, but it would be fairly surprising if wasn’t back with L.A.
What makes sense: His son, Bronny, is a Laker, so another year of on-court bonding should be of interest to James. More than likely, he opts out and signs a new one-plus-one deal, maintaining control of his future.
2. SG James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
Status: Player option
Value of option: $36,346,154
Harden silenced plenty of critics by displaying an ability to return to his high-volume ways, which seemed to have deserted him the previous season. That should raise the level of optimism around him despite the fact he’ll be entering next season at 36.
Additionally, for the first time in a fairly long while, it appears Harden has found a home in which he’s comfortable and has found some stability. The Clippers’ success only suggests an added interest in returning.
What makes sense: Should Harden opt out and sign a new one-plus-one deal worth max money that would allow both him and the Clippers to play the rest of his career by ear. That said, if Harden has reached the point in his career where financial compensation means less to him, all the better for the Clippers and their hope of improving the roster.
3. SG Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
Status:Agreed to 3-year, $119 million contract
Irving would have been first on the list had it not been for the ACL tear he suffered, which raises questions about his future, given that he’s 33 and often relies on speedy dribbles and shifty changes of direction to gain separation.
Then there’s the added drama of being in Dallas, an organization that traded Luka Dončić and then won the NBA Draft Lottery. Does it make sense for Irving to rehab for a year and then join 19-year-old Cooper Flagg? Apparently Dallas thinks it does.
4. C Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Rule of thumb: When you’ve been historically underpaid, you’re the starting center for a Finals team, you’re one of the best defenders in the league, and you’re in your prime, you’re in line for a raise.
Turner, one of the league’s most potent 3&D centers, has undergone an offensive transformation over the past few years, to the point where the Pacers cannot lose him.
What makes sense: With not a lot of money on the market, and the fact that both sides seem motivated to continue their partnership, expect Turner and Indiana to find common ground on a new deal that looks significantly richer than the ones before.
5. PF Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
Status: Player option
Value of option: $30,935,520
It was genuinely nice to see Randle break his pattern of poor playoff performance and raise his value.
His timing couldn’t have been better, as he can opt out and perhaps squeeze the Wolves for a little more dough, knowing full well how much they need his all-around offensive game and how well he seems to mesh with Anthony Edwards.
What makes sense: With money widely unavailable on the open market, the Wolves might try to squeeze Randle, but that would seem shortsighted, as he can pick up his option and then leave in a year. Minnesota should find common ground on a contract that’s three to four years and extend the party.
6. PG Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets
Status: Team option
Value of option: $44,886,930
Since becoming an All-Star in 2022, VanVleet has seen his scoring diminish every year since. That doesn’t mean he isn’t important to the Rockets as their main facilitator, but almost $45 million for a guy who barely cracked 14 points and didn’t even crack 38% shooting overall is a lot.
Given that this year’s market flat-out isn’t flush with cash, it’d behoove the Rockets to decline the option and negotiate a deal at a lesser price. Worth noting: The two sides recently agreed to push back the deadline of the option, suggesting they’re interested at a continued partnership, albeit at a lesser cost.
What makes sense: VanVleet trades in his enormous 2025-26 salary for a long-term deal at a lower annual price point.
7. PF Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Status: Restricted free agent
Oh boy. Kuminga and the Warriors will need to figure this one out together, even if it looks like the two sides want to desperately split. Kuminga’s contract status makes it difficult for the Warriors to explore sign-and-trades and losing him for nothing would be a significant hit.
Kuminga’s athleticism, overall scoring prowess and raw upside are intriguing, so his camp will undoubtedly hope the Nets take a kind eye to him and hand over an expensive offer sheet.
What makes sense: If no offer sheet comes, Kuminga should sign a short-term deal with the Warriors, with the shared understanding they’ll try to move him before the 2026 trade deadline.
8. PF John Collins, Utah Jazz
Status: Player option
Value of option: $26,580,000
Collins has enjoyed two good years in Utah, finally showing his decline in Atlanta was due to situational factors outside of his control.
That said, Collins is who he is: a high-scoring power forward who can rebound the heck out of the ball, and that’s … mostly it. This isn’t to say he doesn’t have value, but interested teams have to be aware of the kind of player he is and not expect him to do much more.
What makes sense: While Collins has spent two years reshaping the narrative around him, there just isn’t a lot of money out there this summer. Pick up the player option and kick the decision can down the road for a year.
9. SG Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers
Status: Restricted free agent
The numbers don’t do Grimes justice, as he averaged nearly 22 points per game after his midseason trade to Philadelphia. The sweet-shooting guard displayed a previously unknown ability to create consistent looks off the dribble, putting him in a tier or two higher than most originally had him in.
He’s a player who should be receiving plenty of attention and interest from the outside, but given how the market is overall low on available money, this gives the Sixers a significant advantage.
What makes sense: Grimes could sign a shorter deal with the Sixers to give him an easier out in a few seasons. Given the contract complications of Joel Embiid and Paul George, the future is on extremely shaky ground, so having an out wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
10. C Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves
Status: Player option
Value of option: $15,022,464
There’s no question some teams will view Reid as a starting center, especially given his touch from the outside. Yet, the Wolves have used him in a backup capacity throughout his career, which makes you wonder if Reid himself is open to chasing a starting role.
Reid is ingrained in the local community and seems to genuinely treasure being a Timberwolf. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’ll just sign whatever is in front of him, but it does seem likely he could be willing to sacrifice something to stick around.
What makes sense: The best path forward could be to wait until next summer by picking up his option and hope more teams have money to spend. That also gives him another year of data to determine whether he indeed wants to be a career backup.
11. PF Al Horford, Boston Celtics
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The 39-year-old big man remains as fundamentally solid as ever, but his athleticism has taken a hit, and it’s clear Father Time is hastily tracking his steps.
Horford, though, is a thinker — and a damn good one — who has a knack for finding solutions to the limitations attached to his own game. He should have at least one more year in him, if he so chooses.
What makes sense: Horford and Boston go well together. The system allows him to be the best possible version of himself, and the Celtics still need big-man depth. A one-year deal seems logical.
12. PG Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Paul loved his stay in San Antonio, which is worth noting in terms of his future, but the franchise did not make the postseason, which you have to assume is a priority to him.
Also a priority is spending time with his family, which means he’s likely exploring all angles. At 40 years old, could one of those options be retirement?
What makes sense: With Paul residing in California, and the Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić this past season, it may make sense to link up with him and LeBron James, the latter of whom is a close friend.
13. PF Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies
Status: Restricted free agent
Aldama, 24, is just getting started. The 6-11 big man has the touch of a wing, is capable of making 3-point shots and still does a lot of the big-man stuff in which he utilizes his size.
It’s not great timing for Aldama to reach the free-agent market, given the lack of available money, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be interest.
What makes sense: Aldama shouldn’t settle for a highly discounted deal. He’s simply too good and too young to end up on a long-term deal that’s too team-friendly. If anything, he can offer Memphis a short-term solution, which allows him the flexibility to become an unrestricted free agent sooner and for Memphis to possibly shop him later and get something in return.
14. SG Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The Pistons proved to be the right fit for Beasley, who was dangerously close to entering “perpetual journeyman” territory.
Of course, now the real challenge begins. Beasley signed just a one-year contract last offseason, outplayed it spectacularly, and now the Pistons are left with two options to keep him: find a way to create cap space to sign him into that, or see if he’ll bite on the non-tax MLE.
What makes sense: Beasley, 28, knows the system works for him, which should lead to even more money down the road. If he accepts three years of the non-tax MLE, with a player option for the third season, he can opt out and Detroit will have full Bird rights due to him being on their team for three straight seasons. This would allow the Pistons to re-sign him to a major contract in the summer of 2027.
15. PG Tyus Jones, Phoenix Suns
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Jones’ plan of signing with the Suns for a starting role and perhaps competing for a title didn’t go as planned as Phoenix failed to make the postseason. Could this influence his value? Given that he signed a minimum deal last summer, the arrow only points up if he decides to chase the money this summer.
The 29-year-old remains one of the league’s most secure ball-handlers and a strong 3-point shooter (41.4%), which virtually everyone has a use for.
What makes sense: Jones as a backup point guard on a good team, especially behind a young player in need of further development. Portland wouldn’t be a bad destination.
16. PG Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
Status: Restricted free agent
The raw numbers make Giddey look like a future All-Star, but the advanced numbers unearth several concerning areas, such as a general shooting inefficiency and defensive issues — two key elements for most highly paid players in today’s league.
Chicago, however, appears to love the guy, which raises the question: Will it make him an offer outright, as opposed to letting him go through restricted free agency? If the Bulls jump the gun, that could add several million onto the books.
What makes sense: The Bulls hold all the cards here. Entering free agency believing otherwise could prove catastrophic. Let someone else dictate his market, because odds are good no one will break the bank for him despite the headline-grabbing stats.
17. SG Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets
Status: Restricted free agent
Look, opinions differ greatly on Thomas due to his lack of size, shaky defense and the fact he isn’t much of a playmaker. But one thing that should be indisputable is his ability to put the ball through the damn rim.
The question with Thomas should exclusively center around his future role. Is he a starting two guard or a high-volume sixth man with the potential to drop 20 off the bench for years to come? The answer to that question will heavily influence his compensation level.
What makes sense: Thomas, 23, will seek starter money, but the Nets aren’t in a position to know whether that will be his long-term role. They should squeeze as hard as they can, if only to make him more attractive on the trade market within the next few years. Thomas and his team could respond by arguing for a richer contract that runs for a shorter term, such as two years. That should satisfy both parties.
18. SF Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
Status: Player option
Value of option: $8,382,150
The 29-year-old wing might not be an All-Star, but he can score at a fairly high level (16.6 points over his past three seasons), is a decent rebounder and will compete defensively even if that side of the floor doesn’t always come naturally to him.
That type of production isn’t always easy to install onto a team, as Oubre does need shots and touches without being super efficient, but if he were to accept a sixth-man role on a good team, perhaps there’s a path to success that could see him and the team he signs with level up.
What makes sense: The Sixers are a bit of a mess, but that also means they could have a need for scoring. If Oubre dreams of producing a lot of numbers, sticking around makes sense. If his priority is to join a good team, taking a smaller deal in Boston to serve as a one-year replacement for Jayson Tatum shouldn’t be ruled out.
19. PG Ty Jerome, Cleveland Cavaliers
Status: Unrestricted free agent
There’s no question that Jerome turned in one of the most surprising seasons of any player in the league, as he carved out a role for himself on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, thus significantly raising his own value.
Of course, Cleveland’s roster is already expensive, and it doesn’t have Jerome’s full Bird rights, which only makes the situation that much more complicated. The Cavaliers have to prepare themselves for the likelihood Jerome is off to somewhere else for a bigger payday.
What makes sense: Jerome probably isn’t a starter on a team with tall aspirations, but he could be a perfectly valid sixth man who plays more than he did this year and puts up starting-caliber numbers with high shooting efficiency. There aren’t any teams around that couldn’t use that, so he should have several suitors to choose from. The Toronto Raptors, who are in need of guard depth, wouldn’t be a bad destination.
20. PF Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards
Status: Exercised player option June 23
Value of option: $34,012,345
There’s no denying the current version of Middleton is a far cry from the prime version. Injuries and age have turned him into a role player as opposed to a two-way star. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. He’s broadly seen as a leader.
21. SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Alexander-Walker is a formidable two-way role player who has become more consistent with his 3-point shot. Nevertheless, he is still a role player who will likely be overtaxed as a starter.
What makes sense: The full non-tax MLE seems like a reasonable expectation.
22. PG Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The 32-year-old is efficient and effective when on the floor, but his injury history indicates his floor time will be limited. Teams are keenly aware of this, so while he’ll have several suitors, don’t expect anyone to hand out a large contract.
What makes sense: He’d make an interesting fit with the Lakers as a backup to Luka Dončić.
23. PF Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
Status: Player option
Value of option: $13,445,754
From a production perspective, Portis should probably be in a higher salary bracket, albeit not aggressively higher. But he is a great fit for what Milwaukee asks him to do.
What makes sense: The Bucks should unquestionably be interested in getting Portis back, even if they have to pay him more on a new deal.
24. C Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Lopez might be 37. He might be slow. He might be declining. But the man is still a physical behemoth who will clog the paint, block shots and drain a ton of 3-pointers.
Those are valuable marks in today’s NBA, even if Lopez doesn’t necessarily fit into the “switch everything” ideology. As such, there should be a market for a team, especially among good teams looking for someone reliable who has championship experience.
What makes sense: Staying with the Bucks another year isn’t a bad play, but if Lopez is looking for another title run, he’ll have to look outside of the organization and identify a team that’s closer.
25. PG D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Russell has reached the point in his career, where the secret is out. He’s not year-to-year consistent in his performance, and his defensive warts remain substantial. He can score a bit, shoot a bit and pass a bit, but rarely put it all together.
What makes sense: Orlando should give him a look, but only at a price point it feels comfortable with.
The NBA free agency negotiating window opens at 6 p.m. ET on June 30, and while this class is a little lackluster, there could still potentially be some impact players on the market.
Here you’ll find our list of top 25 overall possible free agents, which bakes in contractual expectations — meaning value for the money — potential for younger players, risk of decline for older players, a premium on long-range shooters (hey, teams want them!) and injury history.
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To use an example, you’ll find both Khris Middleton and Malcolm Brogdon in the 20s, primarily due to their general lack of availability in recent years. Had they played more, they would have been higher on the list.
Without further ado, let’s get to it.
Free-agent position rankings: Shooting guards | Shooting guards
Status: Player option
Value of option: $52,627,153
Another year, another LeBron James player option. The man likes his control, and who can blame him? After all, he’s 40 now and the most statistically accomplished player in NBA history. Keeping his own options open seems fair, especially as the end has to be near.
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(Right? It has to be, doesn’t it? He’s 40 for crying out loud!)
James remains a top-20 player — some will argue he’s higher, and there’s certainly a case to be made for that — so his decision will have ripple effects for the Lakers, but it would be fairly surprising if wasn’t back with L.A.
What makes sense: His son, Bronny, is a Laker, so another year of on-court bonding should be of interest to James. More than likely, he opts out and signs a new one-plus-one deal, maintaining control of his future.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $36,346,154
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Harden silenced plenty of critics by displaying an ability to return to his high-volume ways, which seemed to have deserted him the previous season. That should raise the level of optimism around him despite the fact he’ll be entering next season at 36.
Additionally, for the first time in a fairly long while, it appears Harden has found a home in which he’s comfortable and has found some stability. The Clippers’ success only suggests an added interest in returning.
What makes sense: Should Harden opt out and sign a new one-plus-one deal worth max money that would allow both him and the Clippers to play the rest of his career by ear. That said, if Harden has reached the point in his career where financial compensation means less to him, all the better for the Clippers and their hope of improving the roster.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $42,962,963
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Irving would have been first on the list had it not been for the ACL tear he suffered, which raises questions about his future, given that he’s 33 and often relies on speedy dribbles and shifty changes of direction to gain separation.
Then there’s the added drama of being in Dallas, an organization that traded Luka Dončić and then won the NBA Draft Lottery. Does it make sense for Irving to rehab for a year and then join 19-year-old Cooper Flagg?
What makes sense: Irving is famous for not always doing the obvious, but this time around — due to his injury — it’s probably fair to expect him to pick up his option and then hash out his future in 2026. That said, should he ask for a trade and point to a location that’s closer to winning a title, that shouldn’t come as a shock.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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Rule of thumb: When you’ve been historically underpaid, you’re the starting center for a Finals team, you’re one of the best defenders in the league, and you’re in your prime, you’re in line for a raise.
Turner, one of the league’s most potent 3&D centers, has undergone an offensive transformation over the past few years, to the point where the Pacers cannot lose him.
What makes sense: With not a lot of money on the market, and the fact that both sides seem motivated to continue their partnership, expect Turner and Indiana to find common ground on a new deal that looks significantly richer than the ones before.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $30,935,520
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It was genuinely nice to see Randle break his pattern of poor playoff performance and raise his value.
His timing couldn’t have been better, as he can opt out and perhaps squeeze the Wolves for a little more dough, knowing full well how much they need his all-around offensive game and how well he seems to mesh with Anthony Edwards.
What makes sense: With money widely unavailable on the open market, the Wolves might try to squeeze Randle, but that would seem shortsighted, as he can pick up his option and then leave in a year. Minnesota should find common ground on a contract that’s three to four years and extend the party.
Status: Team option
Value of option: $44,886,930
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Since becoming an All-Star in 2022, VanVleet has seen his scoring diminish every year since. That doesn’t mean he isn’t important to the Rockets as their main facilitator, but almost $45 million for a guy who barely cracked 14 points and didn’t even crack 38% shooting overall is a lot.
Given that this year’s market flat-out isn’t flush with cash, it’d behoove the Rockets to decline the option and negotiate a deal at a lesser price. Worth noting: The two sides recently agreed to push back the deadline of the option, suggesting they’re interested at a continued partnership, albeit at a lesser cost.
What makes sense: VanVleet trades in his enormous 2025-26 salary for a long-term deal at a lower annual price point.
Status: Restricted free agent
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Oh boy. Kuminga and the Warriors will need to figure this one out together, even if it looks like the two sides want to desperately split. Kuminga’s contract status makes it difficult for the Warriors to explore sign-and-trades and losing him for nothing would be a significant hit.
Kuminga’s athleticism, overall scoring prowess and raw upside are intriguing, so his camp will undoubtedly hope the Nets take a kind eye to him and hand over an expensive offer sheet.
What makes sense: If no offer sheet comes, Kuminga should sign a short-term deal with the Warriors, with the shared understanding they’ll try to move him before the 2026 trade deadline.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $26,580,000
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Collins has enjoyed two good years in Utah, finally showing his decline in Atlanta was due to situational factors outside of his control.
That said, Collins is who he is: a high-scoring power forward who can rebound the heck out of the ball, and that’s … mostly it. This isn’t to say he doesn’t have value, but interested teams have to be aware of the kind of player he is and not expect him to do much more.
What makes sense: While Collins has spent two years reshaping the narrative around him, there just isn’t a lot of money out there this summer. Pick up the player option and kick the decision can down the road for a year.
Status: Restricted free agent
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The numbers don’t do Grimes justice, as he averaged nearly 22 points per game after his midseason trade to Philadelphia. The sweet-shooting guard displayed a previously unknown ability to create consistent looks off the dribble, putting him in a tier or two higher than most originally had him in.
He’s a player who should be receiving plenty of attention and interest from the outside, but given how the market is overall low on available money, this gives the Sixers a significant advantage.
What makes sense: Grimes could sign a shorter deal with the Sixers to give him an easier out in a few seasons. Given the contract complications of Joel Embiid and Paul George, the future is on extremely shaky ground, so having an out wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $15,022,464
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There’s no question some teams will view Reid as a starting center, especially given his touch from the outside. Yet, the Wolves have used him in a backup capacity throughout his career, which makes you wonder if Reid himself is open to chasing a starting role.
Reid is ingrained in the local community and seems to genuinely treasure being a Timberwolf. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’ll just sign whatever is in front of him, but it does seem likely he could be willing to sacrifice something to stick around.
What makes sense: The best path forward could be to wait until next summer by picking up his option and hope more teams have money to spend. That also gives him another year of data to determine whether he indeed wants to be a career backup.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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The 39-year-old big man remains as fundamentally solid as ever, but his athleticism has taken a hit, and it’s clear Father Time is hastily tracking his steps.
Horford, though, is a thinker — and a damn good one — who has a knack for finding solutions to the limitations attached to his own game. He should have at least one more year in him, if he so chooses.
What makes sense: Horford and Boston go well together. The system allows him to be the best possible version of himself, and the Celtics still need big-man depth. A one-year deal seems logical.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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Paul loved his stay in San Antonio, which is worth noting in terms of his future, but the franchise did not make the postseason, which you have to assume is a priority to him.
Also a priority is spending time with his family, which means he’s likely exploring all angles. At 40 years old, could one of those options be retirement?
What makes sense: With Paul residing in California, and the Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić this past season, it may make sense to link up with him and LeBron James, the latter of whom is a close friend.
Status: Restricted free agent
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Aldama, 24, is just getting started. The 6-11 big man has the touch of a wing, is capable of making 3-point shots and still does a lot of the big-man stuff in which he utilizes his size.
It’s not great timing for Aldama to reach the free-agent market, given the lack of available money, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be interest.
What makes sense: Aldama shouldn’t settle for a highly discounted deal. He’s simply too good and too young to end up on a long-term deal that’s too team-friendly. If anything, he can offer Memphis a short-term solution, which allows him the flexibility to become an unrestricted free agent sooner and for Memphis to possibly shop him later and get something in return.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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The Pistons proved to be the right fit for Beasley, who was dangerously close to entering “perpetual journeyman” territory.
Of course, now the real challenge begins. Beasley signed just a one-year contract last offseason, outplayed it spectacularly, and now the Pistons are left with two options to keep him: find a way to create cap space to sign him into that, or see if he’ll bite on the non-tax MLE.
What makes sense: Beasley, 28, knows the system works for him, which should lead to even more money down the road. If he accepts three years of the non-tax MLE, with a player option for the third season, he can opt out and Detroit will have full Bird rights due to him being on their team for three straight seasons. This would allow the Pistons to re-sign him to a major contract in the summer of 2027.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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Jones’ plan of signing with the Suns for a starting role and perhaps competing for a title didn’t go as planned as Phoenix failed to make the postseason. Could this influence his value? Given that he signed a minimum deal last summer, the arrow only points up if he decides to chase the money this summer.
The 29-year-old remains one of the league’s most secure ball-handlers and a strong 3-point shooter (41.4%), which virtually everyone has a use for.
What makes sense: Jones as a backup point guard on a good team, especially behind a young player in need of further development. Portland wouldn’t be a bad destination.
Status: Restricted free agent
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The raw numbers make Giddey look like a future All-Star, but the advanced numbers unearth several concerning areas, such as a general shooting inefficiency and defensive issues — two key elements for most highly paid players in today’s league.
Chicago, however, appears to love the guy, which raises the question: Will it make him an offer outright, as opposed to letting him go through restricted free agency? If the Bulls jump the gun, that could add several million onto the books.
What makes sense: The Bulls hold all the cards here. Entering free agency believing otherwise could prove catastrophic. Let someone else dictate his market, because odds are good no one will break the bank for him despite the headline-grabbing stats.
Status: Restricted free agent
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Look, opinions differ greatly on Thomas due to his lack of size, shaky defense and the fact he isn’t much of a playmaker. But one thing that should be indisputable is his ability to put the ball through the damn rim.
The question with Thomas should exclusively center around his future role. Is he a starting two guard or a high-volume sixth man with the potential to drop 20 off the bench for years to come? The answer to that question will heavily influence his compensation level.
What makes sense: Thomas, 23, will seek starter money, but the Nets aren’t in a position to know whether that will be his long-term role. They should squeeze as hard as they can, if only to make him more attractive on the trade market within the next few years. Thomas and his team could respond by arguing for a richer contract that runs for a shorter term, such as two years. That should satisfy both parties.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $8,382,150
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The 29-year-old wing might not be an All-Star, but he can score at a fairly high level (16.6 points over his past three seasons), is a decent rebounder and will compete defensively even if that side of the floor doesn’t always come naturally to him.
That type of production isn’t always easy to install onto a team, as Oubre does need shots and touches without being super efficient, but if he were to accept a sixth-man role on a good team, perhaps there’s a path to success that could see him and the team he signs with level up.
What makes sense: The Sixers are a bit of a mess, but that also means they could have a need for scoring. If Oubre dreams of producing a lot of numbers, sticking around makes sense. If his priority is to join a good team, taking a smaller deal in Boston to serve as a one-year replacement for Jayson Tatum shouldn’t be ruled out.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
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There’s no question that Jerome turned in one of the most surprising seasons of any player in the league, as he carved out a role for himself on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, thus significantly raising his own value.
Of course, Cleveland’s roster is already expensive, and it doesn’t have Jerome’s full Bird rights, which only makes the situation that much more complicated. The Cavaliers have to prepare themselves for the likelihood Jerome is off to somewhere else for a bigger payday.
What makes sense: Jerome probably isn’t a starter on a team with tall aspirations, but he could be a perfectly valid sixth man who plays more than he did this year and puts up starting-caliber numbers with high shooting efficiency. There aren’t any teams around that couldn’t use that, so he should have several suitors to choose from. The Toronto Raptors, who are in need of guard depth, wouldn’t be a bad destination.
Status: Exercised player option June 23
Value of option: $34,012,345
There’s no denying the current version of Middleton is a far cry from the prime version. Injuries and age have turned him into a role player as opposed to a two-way star. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. He’s broadly seen as a leader.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Alexander-Walker is a formidable two-way role player who has become more consistent with his 3-point shot. Nevertheless, he is still a role player who will likely be overtaxed as a starter.
What makes sense: The full non-tax MLE seems like a reasonable expectation.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
The 32-year-old is efficient and effective when on the floor, but his injury history indicates his floor time will be limited. Teams are keenly aware of this, so while he’ll have several suitors, don’t expect anyone to hand out a large contract.
What makes sense: He’d make an interesting fit with the Lakers as a backup to Luka Dončić.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $13,445,754
From a production perspective, Portis should probably be in a higher salary bracket, albeit not aggressively higher. But he is a great fit for what Milwaukee asks him to do.
What makes sense: The Bucks should unquestionably be interested in getting Portis back, even if they have to pay him more on a new deal.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Lopez might be 37. He might be slow. He might be declining. But the man is still a physical behemoth who will clog the paint, block shots and drain a ton of 3-pointers.
Those are valuable marks in today’s NBA, even if Lopez doesn’t necessarily fit into the “switch everything” ideology. As such, there should be a market for a team, especially among good teams looking for someone reliable who has championship experience.
What makes sense: Staying with the Bucks another year isn’t a bad play, but if Lopez is looking for another title run, he’ll have to look outside of the organization and identify a team that’s closer.
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Russell has reached the point in his career, where the secret is out. He’s not year-to-year consistent in his performance, and his defensive warts remain substantial. He can score a bit, shoot a bit and pass a bit, but rarely put it all together.
What makes sense: Orlando should give him a look, but only at a price point it feels comfortable with.
