The 2026 NBA free-agency period begins June 30 at 6 p.m. ET as teams start negotiating with players before official announcements are made July 6.
Here, we take a look at the 25 best players available on the open market, including restricted free agents (RFA) and unrestricted free agents (UFA) as well as those with player options (PO) and team options (TO).
Statistics are from the 2025-26 season.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 20.9 | 6.1 | 7.2 | 51.5 | 31.7 | 73.7 |
2025-26 earnings: $52.6M
James, 41, faces a decision that will send shockwaves through the league ahead of what could be his record-extending 24th season. Will he retire, return to the Lakers, or take a pay cut to join a contender on a two-year non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE), with the second year being a player option? How great his desire is to win a fifth ring will inform his choice.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 19.5 | 10.5 | 2 | 65 | 0 | 74.7 |
2025-26 earnings: $6.5M
After Duren and the Pistons hit an impasse on extension talks last fall, the 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign highlighted by his first All-Star selection and All-NBA third-team nod. The latter makes him eligible for a mammoth five-year extension worth up to 30% of the salary cap. However, Duren had a horrid playoff run, which could affect his potential earnings.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 23.3 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 49 | 36 | 87.1 |
2025-26 earnings: $13.9M
Reaves is eligible for a five-year, $239-million max deal on the heels of a breakout season, and after playing on a budget deal while emerging as the Lakers' second-highest scorer, he should feel entitled to a massive raise. All indications are that the 28-year-old wants to return to L.A. to be Luka Doncic's running mate, and the Lakers would be wise to oblige.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 23.6 | 4.8 | 8 | 43.4 | 37.5 | 88.4 |
2025-26 earnings: $39.4M
The Cavaliers, who had the highest payroll this season as the league's only second-apron team, seem intent on running it back. They're projected to be in the second apron again if Harden triggers his $42.3-million player option, though he could instead opt out and sign a new deal that allows Cleveland to dump its second-apron status and facilitate a sign-and trade for another star.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 17.9 | 2 | 8 | 45.8 | 33.8 | 82.5 |
2025-26 earnings: $46.4M
Young declined his $48.9-million player option and will enter free agency, though it's understood that the Wizards are the front-runner to retain the four-time All-Star guard on a multi-year agreement. The 27-year-old averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 assists, and three rebounds in five appearances for Washington after being acquired from Atlanta in January.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 21.7 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 47 | 38 | 82.7 |
2025-26 earnings: $20.5M
Powell is coming off his first All-Star selection as a result of leading the Heat in scoring. This free-agency period could represent the 33-year-old's final significant payday, and he'll likely draw interest from contenders seeking an experienced scoring option. Miami's offseason plans, including whether the team opts to compete or spark a youth movement, will be a factor as well.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 3.5 | 62.2 | 0 | 61 |
2025-26 earnings: $28.5M
After attempting in vain to secure back-to-back titles while operating under the tax, the Thunder face financial hurdles ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, when lucrative extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren kick in. In all likelihood, the ever-reliable Hartenstein will return to Oklahoma City as the organization seeks tax relief elsewhere.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 19.2 | 2.8 | 2.3 | 47.9 | 39 | 88 |
2025-26 earnings: $47.5M
It's difficult to foresee a scenario in which LaVine turns down a $49-million player option for his age-31 season, no matter how ruinous things are in Sacramento. He could also opt out and ink a long-term deal with a lower annual value. Surely the Kings won't bring back both LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, who has a year left on his deal. Or maybe they will. Beggars can't be choosers.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 14.8 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 51.7 | 43.9 | 87.6 |
2025-26 earnings: $7.5M
Dosunmu's deadline-day arrival from Chicago gave the Timberwolves' backcourt the defensive-minded intensity it lost with Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure last summer. Dosunmu's price tag went up as a result of his stellar postseason showing, meaning Minnesota will likely have to flirt with second-apron stumbling blocks to retain the 26-year-old, which it absolutely should.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 8.3 | 3.6 | 1.2 | 38.5 | 34.4 | 75.9 |
2025-26 earnings: $18.2M
Like with Hartenstein's situation, bringing Dort back could contribute to some financial conundrums. Although the Thunder's bench is incredibly deep and the 27-year-old played the fewest minutes (26.8) since his rookie campaign, none of Mark Daigneault's role players can offer what Dort does in terms of physical presence.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 17.6 | 5.4 | 2.4 | 43 | 31.5 | 86.9 |
2025-26 earnings: $9.2M
The Clippers own Mathurin's Bird rights after acquiring him in a midseason trade with the Pacers. While the Canadian two-way guard could be a hot commodity on the open market, L.A. is likely to match an estimated $8.8-million qualifying offer and secure his services on a deal in the three-year, $50-million range, which is slightly above the mid-level exception (MLE).
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 14.4 | 10.8 | 3 | 70.3 | 75 | 70 |
2025-26 earnings: $4.8M
A torn labrum ended Kessler's season just five games in. If he returns to Utah, the towering 7-foot-2 rim-protector could form an imposing three-man frontcourt with Lauri Markkanen and trade-deadline acquisition Jaren Jackson Jr. The Jazz have first dibs on the 24-year-old, and their ability to re-sign him could be determined by how Kessler and his representatives appraise his value.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 10.5 | 6.3 | 1.5 | 41.6 | 35.8 | 77.6 |
2025-26 earnings: $5.7M
Eason, 25, is a vital piece and defensive anchor of Houston's young core. He could seek a deal north of $20 million annually, which other franchises with cap space would offer. Retaining him at that number may push the Rockets into first-apron territory. Plus, they'll have to consider the effects of awarding long-term extensions to Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard in addition to Jabari Smith Jr., whose new deal kicks in next season.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 14.6 | 4.9 | 2.1 | 49.1 | 41.1 | 73 |
2025-26 earnings: $4.3M
Watson's importance to Denver became especially apparent in January, when he averaged 21.9 points with Nikola Jokic sidelined. The team then felt Watson's absence deeply during its first-round playoff exit. The typically thrifty Nuggets can match any offer sheet for the 23-year-old, but they might need to put up a big number to stave off suitors flush with cap space.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 12.2 | 5.6 | 2.3 | 46.3 | 33.3 | 72.4 |
2025-26 earnings: $24.3M
Atlanta is likely to trigger the team option on the two-year, $46.8-million deal Kuminga previously inked with Golden State. Alternatively, Hawks president Onsi Saleh could convince the 23-year-old to sign a longer-term team-friendly contract similar to Onyeka Okongwu's four-year, $69.9-million agreement. That route would allow Atlanta to pursue higher-value targets in free agency as well.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 16.7 | 5.2 | 2.5 | 44.6 | 33.8 | 84.2 |
2025-26 earnings: $30.7M
Porzingis has missed 90 regular-season games across the last two campaigns due to health and injury issues. Yet he's expected to seek a deal in excess of $20 million annually, which the Warriors can't afford, especially if they want to stay beneath the second apron while recruiting another significant piece using the NTMLE.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 5.7 | 8.8 | 0.9 | 72.3 | 0 | 40.8 |
2025-26 earnings: $12.9M
There are a host of teams that will presumably be in the market for a center, including those with cap space, such as the Bulls. Robinson certainly increased his value during New York's Finals run, though the Knicks, who project to be over the second apron again if they re-sign him, will face stiff competition for the 28-year-old.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 11.5 | 3.3 | 0.8 | 51.4 | 44.3 | 69.4 |
2025-26 earnings: $18.3M
Hachimura's incredibly efficient nine playoff games against two of the league's top defenses improved his stock immeasurably; he averaged 17.5 points on an absurd 56.9% shooting from deep. Teams seeking a small-ball 4 or floor-spacing 3-point marksman needn't look further than Hachimura, an all-in-one answer to those needs.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 18.7 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 45.5 | 37.5 | 77.2 |
2025-26 earnings: $30.7M
McCollum could become a free agent for the first time in his career if he and the Hawks can't come to terms. The 34-year-old won't see anything near the $30.7 million he made last season, though he continues to be a reliable scoring option and looked like prime Dwyane Wade in the first three games of Atlanta's thrilling first-round series with New York.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 13.3 | 5.1 | 2.5 | 46.9 | 36.8 | 86.6 |
2025-26 earnings: $26.6M
All indications are that the Pistons and Harris are keen on a reunion. Duren's poor postseason and potential reduced deal could free up enough money to re-sign the soon-to-be 34-year-old and stave off the likes of the Bulls and Nets. Or Detroit could pursue a younger replacement with improved 3-point shooting whose age better fits the team's championship window.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 17.1 | 3.4 | 4 | 44.6 | 36.2 | 81.7 |
2025-26 earnings: $12.9M
We are now firmly in the thick of the unglamorous yet reliable part of this list. The Hornets were 23-28 when they traded for White at the deadline. They went 21-10 over the remainder of the regular season, a turnaround due in part to White's steady influence on the second unit. Charlotte has his Bird rights and the cap space to get a new deal done.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 14.3 | 2.5 | 3.4 | 44 | 38.5 | 89.6 |
2025-26 earnings: $27.7M
Simons appeared in only six games for the Bulls following an in-season trade from the Celtics. New front-office head honcho Bryson Graham takes over as the team sits $124.8 million beneath the second apron, though it's doubtful that Chicago or any other organization views Simons as more than a NTMLE-level player.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 8.4 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 41.8 | 32.6 | 70.2 |
2025-26 earnings: $27.7M
Steph Curry likely has at least a couple more years in Golden State, considering Steve Kerr inked a new two-year deal in May. That may influence Green to decline his option and sign a multi-year contract with a lower salary in 2026-27, which would allow the Warriors to re-sign Porzingis and target a marquee free agent with the NTMLE.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 14.1 | 5 | 1.6 | 46.7 | 36 | 76.6 |
2025-26 earnings: $8.3M
Oubre could be poised for a big payday after inking a budget $16.3-million extension ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, though the 76ers might prioritize re-signing Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond. The 30-year-old wing defender should have plenty of suitors after shooting at a career-high clip from deep on 4.8 attempts.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 15.4 | 4.8 | 2.7 | 47.5 | 41.4 | 78.4 |
2025-26 earnings: $28.2M
Wiggins continues to be a quietly productive two-way contributor ahead of his age-31 season. The former No. 1 overall pick has a $30.1-million player option for 2026-27. He could opt in and explore free agency next summer or seek a multi-year extension with Miami in the neighborhood of three years, $60 million.
