The landscape of NBA free agency has significantly changed over the past decade. Major player movement is now primarily facilitated through trades. Players can influence their destination by requesting a trade (either discreetly or publicly). Consequently, fewer teams focus on creating substantial cap space each offseason, preferring to build rosters with tradeable contracts for flexibility rather than pursuing big free-agent signings.
As a result, teams typically utilize free agency to reinforce their rosters around their established core players. While major free-agent signings are less common, they still happen occasionally when a team has significant cap space – Isaiah Hartenstein joining the Thunder was one of the more notable examples last summer. This year is expected to follow a similar pattern, with many of the top potential free agents holding player options and prioritizing either negotiating extensions with their current teams or seeking sign-and-trade opportunities.
Nevertheless, numerous teams will need to adjust their rotations this summer, and some face difficult decisions regarding whether to retain their own free agents. As teams navigate the restrictions of the new collective bargaining agreement, considerations like the luxury tax apron and future financial flexibility play an even greater role in free agency evaluations, which has already led to some unexpected transactions.
Below, we will examine each team`s list of potential free agents, along with the challenging choices they must make about keeping or letting go of certain players.
Glossary: team option (TO), player option (PO), restricted free agent (RFA), early termination option (ETO)
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are among several teams entering this summer with new leadership in the front office, as their search for a new president of basketball operations continues. The most significant decisions for the new regime lie on the trade front. Do they aim to reset the timeline around a young core and potentially trade Trae Young? Simultaneously, they have some free agency choices regarding veterans acquired in trades last year, such as Caris LeVert and Larry Nance Jr.
- Dominick Barlow (TO)
- Clint Capela
- Caris LeVert
- Garrison Mathews
- Larry Nance Jr.
- Keaton Wallace (RFA/Two-way)
- Jacob Toppin (RFA/Two-way)
Boston Celtics
The Celtics also face an intriguing summer following an early exit in the conference semifinals, compounded by Jayson Tatum suffering an Achilles injury expected to sideline him for the entire next season. With concerns about the second apron, a rising tax bill, and new ownership transitioning in a few years, Brad Stevens has much to consider this summer as they strategize how to retool and maintain their championship window. Most major decisions involve potential trades of core players, but two of their top three big men are also hitting free agency. Luke Kornet could be valued by other teams around the league and might receive an offer exceeding Boston`s comfort level, while 39-year-old Al Horford must decide whether to continue playing and at what price.
- Torrey Craig
- Al Horford
- Luke Kornet
- Drew Peterson (RFA/Two-way)
- JD Davison (TO)
Brooklyn Nets
In stark contrast to the Celtics, the Nets are in a rebuilding phase and seem focused on keeping their options open. They have the ability to renounce rights and decline options to clear significant cap space (with only $64 million guaranteed on their books), potentially signing outside free agents with an eye on future trades. Alternatively, they could re-sign many of their current players to short-term deals to defer decisions and maintain trade options later. They could also trade one or more of their remaining key players to further embrace the tanking process.
Regarding their own free agents, Cam Thomas presents the most interesting decision for the Nets. He is a restricted free agent who has shown scoring productivity, but his high-volume scoring skillset is not universally sought after in the current NBA landscape.
- Keon Johnson (TO)
- Tyrese Martin (TO)
- De`Anthony Melton
- D`Angelo Russell
- Day`Ron Sharpe (RFA)
- Cam Thomas (RFA)
- Drew Timme (TO)
- Trendon Watford
- Ziaire Williams (RFA)
- Jalen Wilson (TO)
- Tyson Etienne (RFA/Two-way)
- Reece Beekman (RFA/Two-way)
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is also in a rebuilding phase but has more foundational pieces than Brooklyn with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The Hornets` primary goal is to see what their team looks like when healthy for a full season to make proper evaluations, but this is not something they can control this summer. For the offseason agenda, the Hornets will likely look to re-sign Tre Mann as he recovers from a back injury, but most of their attention will be on the draft and exploring trade interest in the veterans on their roster.
- Seth Curry
- Taj Gibson
- Tre Mann (RFA)
- Wendell Moore Jr. (Two-way)
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls enter the offseason after another season participating in the play-in tournament and face one major roster decision. After trading Alex Caruso to the Thunder for Josh Giddey, Chicago is expected to reward his strong late-season performance with a substantial contract, widely anticipated to exceed $100 million. Whether this is a wise move remains to be seen, but the Bulls appear committed to making him a long-term core player. Beyond this, Nikola Vučević remains potentially available on the trade market as Chicago seeks to get younger while seemingly avoiding a complete teardown.
- Jevon Carter (PO; exercised)
- Josh Giddey (RFA)
- Talen Horton-Tucker
- Tre Jones
- E.J. Liddell (RFA/Two-way)
- Emanuel Miller (RFA/Two-way)
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs hoped they had moved past offseason uncertainty after re-signing Donovan Mitchell last summer, hiring Kenny Atkinson as coach, and seeing their core group excel in the regular season to secure the top seed in the East. Unfortunately, another early playoff exit has reignited discussions about the need for significant changes via trade. Adding to the pressure are a rising tax bill and second apron restrictions, which could hinder their ability to retain key free agents, particularly Ty Jerome.
- Javonte Green
- Ty Jerome
- Sam Merrill
- Chuma Okeke (TO)
- Tristan Thompson
- Emoni Bates (RFA/Two-way)
- Luke Travers (RFA/Two-way)
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks` first priority this summer is selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. Following that, the expectation is they will work out a new long-term extension with Kyrie Irving, even as he recovers from his latest knee injury, as he holds a player option for next season. After securing Irving, they need to address their backup/stop-gap point guard situation. While bringing back Spencer Dinwiddie is possible, it seems unlikely given their reported interest in nearly every available starter and high-level reserve on the trade and free agency markets.
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- Dante Exum
- Kyrie Irving (PO)
- Dwight Powell (PO)
- Kessler Edwards (RFA/Two-way)
- Kai Jones (Two-way)
Denver Nuggets
Good news for Nuggets fans: they don`t have any particularly high-profile free agents at risk of leaving this summer, unlike the past two years with Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The downside is that this is a team already lacking depth, with limited clear paths to remedy the situation. They will once again be targeting minimum signings in free agency but could explore bigger moves on the trade market if another team is interested in players like Michael Porter Jr.
- Vlatko Cancar
- DeAndre Jordan
- Dario Saric (PO)
- Russell Westbrook (PO)
- Trey Alexander (RFA/Two-way)
- PJ Hall (RFA/Two-way)
- Spencer Jones (RFA/Two-way)
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons made notable progress this season and now face one of the most challenging stages of team building. Transitioning from a lottery team to a playoff team is one hurdle, but establishing themselves as a perennial contender and a greater threat is even more difficult. The Pistons must decide which of their veteran free agents are crucial to their success and worth re-signing, and who they should allow to depart to make room for other moves. Early reports this summer suggest they aim to add a stretch five and attempt to bring back Dennis Schröder and Malik Beasley, though they will face significant competition for both guards from other teams looking to strengthen their backcourts.
- Malik Beasley
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Paul Reed
- Dennis Schröder
- Lindy Waters III
- Daniss Jenkins (Two-way)
Golden State Warriors
Everything in Golden State this summer hinges on their decision regarding Jonathan Kuminga in restricted free agency. The former top-10 pick showed development this past year and had his best statistical season, but it`s clear he isn`t fully trusted by coach Steve Kerr during playoff moments. We haven`t seen a significant offer sheet for an RFA in a few years (Deandre Ayton signed one with the Pacers that the Suns matched), but Kuminga`s situation could indicate the current state of the RFA market. He might not be an ideal fit in Golden State, but another team could believe they can maximize his potential. A sign-and-trade offer seems more likely than a direct offer sheet, though it`s possible someone could force the Warriors` hand by signing him to an offer sheet.
- Braxton Key
- Kevin Knox II
- Jonathan Kuminga (RFA)
- Kevon Looney
- Gary Payton II
- Quinten Post (TO)
- Gui Santos (TO)
- Pat Spencer
- Taran Armstrong (RFA/Two-way)
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are expected to be active players in the trade market, but they also face some key free agent decisions. Fred VanVleet reportedly wants to remain in Houston, but the Rockets will make the final call as they hold a team option worth nearly $45 million for next year. Beyond the VanVleet option, Houston will need to fend off other suitors to bring back Steven Adams after he proved to be a crucial piece for them in the playoffs and is likely to attract interest from several contenders this summer.
- Steven Adams (re-signed)
- Jeff Green
- Aaron Holiday (TO)
- Jae`Sean Tate
- Fred VanVleet (TO)
- Jack McVeigh (RFA/Two-way)
- N`Faly Dante (RFA/Two-way)
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers will likely try to bring back as much of their Finals roster as possible, but they will have to compete with other teams potentially pursuing Myles Turner. His loyalty despite years of trade rumors has been rewarded by the team`s success over the last two seasons, but Indiana might not be able to rely solely on a hometown discount to retain him. Their backup center during their run, Thomas Bryant, is also a free agent, and his playoff performance for the Pacers will likely command more than a minimum contract.
- Tony Bradley (TO)
- Thomas Bryant
- Isaiah Jackson (RFA)
- James Johnson
- Myles Turner
- Quenton Jackson (RFA/Two-way)
- Enrique Freeman (RFA/Two-way)
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are one of the teams awaiting a player option decision from their star, as James Harden has an option valued at just over $36 million. The general expectation is they will retain him on a new long-term deal, but the duration and price are key questions. Furthermore, Nicolas Batum also holds a player option, and they`ll need to evaluate if their Ben Simmons experiment was successful enough to warrant bringing him back next year.
- Nicolas Batum (PO)
- Amir Coffey
- James Harden (PO)
- Patty Mills
- Ben Simmons
- Trentyn Flowers (RFA/Two-way)
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers await LeBron James`s decision regarding his future plans, but all indications suggest he will return – either by exercising his player option for one more year or seeking to sign another 1+1 style contract. Once they have LeBron`s answer, they can begin working on acquiring the starting center they desperately need and failed to add at the deadline after trading away Anthony Davis. While James`s player option decision is the primary focus, Dorian Finney-Smith also has an option for next year which could create additional stress for Rob Pelinka if he declines it and enters the open market, where he would have numerous suitors among competing teams.
- Dorian Finney-Smith (PO)
- Jordan Goodwin (TO)
- Jaxson Hayes
- LeBron James (PO)
- Alex Len
- Markieff Morris
- Christian Koloko (RFA/Two-way)
Memphis Grizzlies
Will we see significant changes in Memphis? After dismissing Taylor Jenkins near the end of the regular season, the Grizzlies were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder and must now at least consider whether their current core group is structured correctly to contend in the West. From a free agency perspective, the most notable decisions facing the Memphis front office involve Luke Kennard and Santi Aldama`s restricted free agency.
- Santi Aldama (RFA)
- Marvin Bagley III
- Luke Kennard
- Lamar Stevens
- Yuki Kawamura (RFA/Two-way)
- Cam Spencer (RFA/Two-way)
Miami Heat
The Heat need to chart a new course for the future after trading Jimmy Butler but won`t have many options to do so through free agency. Following his performance late in the season and playoffs, it would be surprising if they don`t re-sign Davion Mitchell as their top RFA. There is also virtually no scenario where Duncan Robinson uses his early termination option to become a free agent, so he will be back and a common piece in trade machine scenarios created by Heat fans. Beyond these internal decisions, the focus is on what Pat Riley can do to retool the roster once more, as he is unlikely to be comfortable with a prolonged rebuilding period.
- Alec Burks
- Keshad Johnson (TO)
- Davion Mitchell (RFA)
- Duncan Robinson (ETO)
- Dru Smith (RFA)
- Josh Christopher (Two-way)
- Isaiah Stevens (RFA/Two-way)
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are poised to be one of the most captivating teams in the NBA this summer due to Giannis Antetokounmpo`s impending decision on whether to request a trade or remain in Milwaukee. If he seeks a trade, we could witness an unprecedented bidding war for a perennial MVP candidate. If he stays, the Bucks must figure out how to construct a contender around him again, with added difficulty as Damian Lillard is likely out for the entire next season with a torn Achilles. Giannis`s potential trade request will dictate their approach to pending free agents, but much of their key depth beyond Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Kyle Kuzma could enter free agency this summer if they choose.
- Pat Connaughton (PO)
- Brook Lopez
- Kevin Porter Jr. (PO)
- Bobby Portis (PO)
- Taurean Prince
- Ryan Rollins
- Jericho Sims
- Gary Trent Jr.
- Stanley Umude (Two-way)
Minnesota Timberwolves
After another conference finals loss, the Timberwolves also face significant decisions. They could attempt to re-sign all their key players and run it back for another season, but this would involve a substantial tax bill and potentially hitting the second apron. Julius Randle`s performance this postseason seemingly guaranteed his return to Minnesota on a new contract, but this will make it more challenging to retain some important depth players. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid, should he decline his option, will attract considerable interest from other teams offering potentially larger contracts than Minnesota is willing to provide.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker
- Luka Garza (TO)
- Joe Ingles
- Josh Minott (TO)
- Julius Randle (PO)
- Naz Reid (PO)
- Bones Hyland (Two-way)
- Tristen Newton (RFA/Two-way)
- Jesse Edwards (RFA/Two-way)
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have a new front office led by Joe Dumars and will aim to rebound from a challenging season marked by injury issues. Beyond hoping for better health, the Pelicans need to clarify their team-building strategy now that they`ve traded Brandon Ingram – a situation complicated by Zion Williamson`s health and off-court matters. In free agency, their most significant free agent is Bruce Brown, who is expected to leave for a contending team. However, they could potentially acquire assets in return by facilitating a sign-and-trade.
- Brandon Boston (TO)
- Bruce Brown
- Elfrid Payton
- Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
- Jamal Cain (RFA/Two-way)
- Keion Brooks Jr. (RFA/Two-way)
New York Knicks
The Knicks are searching for a new coach but also need to make some adjustments to their bench this summer. Delon Wright, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet all contributed at various points during their run to the conference finals, but the Knicks must decide who they want to keep and where they need to add different skillsets. Barring an unexpected trade – similar to the two they executed last offseason – they will rely on minimum contracts and exceptions to make these additions.
- Precious Achiuwa
- Ariel Hukporti (TO)
- Cameron Payne
- Landry Shamet
- PJ Tucker (TO)
- Delon Wright
- MarJon Beauchamp (Two-way)
- Anton Watson (RFA/Two-way)
- Kevin McCullar Jr. (RFA/Two-way)
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have the option to bring back their entire roster next year, as they control the options for both of their main roster free agents this summer. The question is whether general manager Sam Presti believes the team needs a more significant upgrade through trade. However, after making a notable move last summer by signing Hartenstein, they are expected to be much less active in free agency this July.
- Ajay Mitchell (TO)
- Jaylin Williams (TO)
- Branden Carlson (RFA/Two-way)
- Alex Ducas (RFA/Two-way)
- Adam Flagler (RFA/Two-way)
Orlando Magic
Like the Thunder, Orlando holds team options on all of its main roster free agents. Unlike the Thunder, the Magic are not coming off a Finals appearance. Orlando`s goal this summer is to become more dynamic offensively after struggling to score effectively against Boston in a tough first-round series. Significant changes would necessitate trades, but they could decline one or two options to create roster spots.
- Gary Harris (TO; declined)
- Caleb Houstan (TO)
- Cory Joseph (TO; declined)
- Moe Wagner (TO)
- Trevelin Queen (RFA/Two-way)
- Mac McClung (RFA/Two-way)
Philadelphia 76ers
Everything for the Sixers begins with Joel Embiid`s health, but they also need to assemble a stronger supporting cast around their stars in hopes of contending if their top players – Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George – are healthy and performing well. Few anticipated that one of their most significant internal free agent decisions would involve Guerschon Yabusele, but he was a rare positive contributor last season and is unlikely to be available for just the minimum contract this year. Quentin Grimes also performed well late in the season and is a restricted free agent, granting Philly the right to match any offer. Daryl Morey faces a busy offseason, and the Sixers could see a substantial turnover of their bench players this summer if they choose.
- Jared Butler (TO)
- Andre Drummond (PO)
- Justin Edwards (TO)
- Eric Gordon (PO)
- Quentin Grimes (RFA)
- Kyle Lowry
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (PO)
- Lonnie Walker IV (TO)
- Guerschon Yabusele
- Jeff Dowtin Jr. (RFA/Two-way)
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (Two-way)
Phoenix Suns
Speaking of challenging situations, the Phoenix Suns are right behind the Bucks in terms of offseason intrigue. They have a new GM and coach, and owner Mat Ishbia has indicated he will be more involved in decision-making – a dynamic that doesn`t always yield smooth results. The immediate priority is finding a trade for Kevin Durant, which seems widely expected. Following that, they have several veteran free agents, notably Tyus Jones, to either re-sign or let walk, and they must figure out how to build a more cohesive roster than last year despite having no cap space.
- Bol Bol
- Tyus Jones
- Damion Lee
- Vasilije Micic (TO)
- Monte Morris
- Mason Plumlee
- Collin Gillespie (RFA/Two-way)
- Jalen Bridges (RFA/Two-way)
- TyTy Washington Jr. (Two-way)
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are in an unusual position as a rebuilding team that hasn`t quite identified its core players. This uncertainty makes their summer plans difficult to predict. While they have a few free agency decisions, their main focus must be on establishing roster clarity, as they have congestion at various positions with both veterans and young players.
- Dalano Banton
- Rayan Rupert (TO)
- Matisse Thybulle (PO)
- Jabari Walker
- Justin Minaya (RFA/Two-way)
- Bryce McGowens (RFA/Two-way)
Sacramento Kings
The Kings are not a team drawing widespread attention this summer, but they have some fascinating decisions ahead. After dismissing coach Mike Brown, trading De`Aaron Fox at the deadline, and firing GM Monte McNair following a Play-In loss, the Kings are headed in a new direction once again. The key questions are what moves a new leadership group will pursue and how they will navigate building a team around Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. How does DeMar DeRozan fit into this evolving picture? They have numerous players from their bench unit entering free agency, including a couple of team options to consider. Sacramento might look to significantly shuffle their roster heading into next year.
- Jae Crowder
- Keon Ellis (TO)
- Markelle Fultz
- Isaac Jones (TO)
- Jake LaRavia
- Trey Lyles
- Doug McDermott
- Mason Jones (RFA/Two-way)
- Isaiah Crawford (RFA/Two-way)
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs` most significant decision this summer revolves around the Draft, where they hold the No. 2 pick, but the consensus No. 2 prospect, guard Dylan Harper, doesn`t appear to be the cleanest roster fit. Beyond the draft, they will focus on adding depth around Victor Wembanyama, De`Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and the rest of the team as they aim to make a leap towards playoff contention in the West next season. Chris Paul is their most prominent free agent this offseason, and if they draft Harper, it`s reasonable to assume there won`t be the kind of backcourt minutes available that the 40-year-old Paul might prefer.
- Charles Bassey
- Bismack Biyombo
- Sandro Mamukelashvili
- Jordan McLaughlin
- Chris Paul
- David Duke Jr. (RFA/Two-way)
- Harrison Ingram (RFA/Two-way)
- Riley Minix (RFA/Two-way)
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have only two free agents this summer and will be strategizing how to build a playoff contender after trading for Brandon Ingram at the deadline in February. Chris Boucher represents the biggest potential departure from the team; he has become a reliable stretch big off the bench. Whether they keep Boucher might depend on how strong his market is, but the Canadian player could opt for the comfort of Toronto, where he has found success.
- Chris Boucher
- Garrett Temple
Utah Jazz
The Jazz will primarily focus on the draft this summer, as they have only one potential free agent: John Collins. The veteran forward holds a $26.5 million player option for next year and must decide whether to exercise it (likely making him a trade chip for Utah later) or enter the free agency market this summer. Even if he declines his option, the Jazz could still be involved in a sign-and-trade given the limited cap space available around the league this summer.
- John Collins (PO)
- Micah Potter (RFA/Two-way)
- Oscar Tshiebwe (RFA/Two-way)
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are firmly in the rebuilding category and have a pair of veterans hitting the free agent market this summer. Malcolm Brogdon is likely to have interest from teams seeking a veteran backup point guard and is expected to leave. Khris Middleton presents a far more intriguing case with his $34 million player option for the upcoming season. While most players decline options to seek larger deals, Middleton`s injury history could lead him to exercise the option and look to build value for the trade deadline and/or next summer in Washington.
- Malcolm Brogdon
- Khris Middleton (PO; exercised)
- Tristan Vukcevic (RFA/Two-way)
- JT Thor (RFA/Two-way)
Jasper Hawthorne