As the NBA`s 2025 free agency period approaches, set to commence at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, many significant decisions have already been made, with several prominent players agreeing to stay with their current teams. LeBron James, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Julius Randle, Fred VanVleet, and Naz Reid have all either exercised contract options or finalized new deals to remain where they are. James, for instance, activated his $52.6 million player option to continue with the Lakers.
Details on some of these agreements include Harden signing a two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Clippers, Irving a three-year, $119 million deal with the Mavericks, VanVleet a two-year, $50 million contract with the Rockets, and the Timberwolves pair of Randle (three years, $100 million) and Reid (five years, $125 million) also finalizing new contracts.
These developments were largely expected, as this year`s free agent class was predicted to be relatively shallow, given that many key players were anticipated to stay put. So, who is still available? Below is a ranking of the top 50 free agents currently on the market as of Monday morning, according to the author.
You may disagree with the rankings or feel someone should be on the list who isn`t, but these are all players to keep an eye on, offering various levels of interest. We begin with a big man widely expected to stay in Indianapolis.
Understanding free agent types: Unrestricted free agents are free to sign with any NBA team. Restricted free agents can sign offer sheets with new teams, but their original team has the right to match the offer and keep the player. Let`s dive into the list.
2025 NBA Top 50 Free Agents
1. Myles Turner (Unrestricted)
IND • C • #33 | Key Stats: 15.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2 BPG
Played a crucial role as a stretch-five and rim protector in Indiana`s unexpected deep playoff run. The Pacers have indicated they intend to bring him back, and it would be surprising if he didn`t return.
2. Jonathan Kuminga (Restricted)
GS • PF • #00 | Key Stats: 15.3 PPG, 2.2 APG, 0.98 3P/G
Potentially one of the most impactful players this offseason. Kuminga, who has spent his career with the Warriors, is an athletic forward with potential All-Star scoring ability. A team like Brooklyn could make a significant offer (potentially over $30 million annually), forcing Golden State to match or lose him without compensation. Alternatively, he could be a key asset in a sign-and-trade deal for the Warriors.
3. Josh Giddey (Restricted)
CHI • PG • #3 | Key Stats: 14.6 PPG, 7.2 APG, 1.5 3P/G
Chicago is highly likely to match any offer Giddey receives. He had an outstanding performance over the final two months of last season, often threatening triple-doubles, showing high-level scoring with an improved three-point shot, while maintaining his excellent passing skills. His effectiveness is less pronounced off the ball.
4. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Unrestricted)
MIN • SF • #9 | Key Stats: 9.4 PPG, 2.7 APG, 1.72 3P/G
He is due for a substantial pay raise this summer. Given that the Wolves have already re-signed Julius Randle and Naz Reid to significant contracts ($225 million combined), they may find it difficult to afford him without exceeding the second luxury tax apron. Alexander-Walker is a strong defender who can hit threes and create plays off the dribble, making him highly sought after in a relatively weak market.
5. Deandre Ayton (Unrestricted)
POR • C • #2 | Key Stats: 14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 0.98 BPG
Ayton is the newest major addition to the 2025 free agent class, with reports indicating he is finalizing a buyout with the Trail Blazers. He will now have the freedom to choose his next team. The first overall pick in the 2018 draft, Ayton will turn 27 in July and immediately becomes one of the most attractive options on the market. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season and has posted a double-double average in every season of his career. Ayton was a key player for the Suns when they reached the NBA Finals in 2021 but later fell out of favor in Phoenix.
6. Dorian Finney-Smith (Unrestricted)
LAL • PF • #17 | Key Stats: 8.7 PPG, 1.4 APG, 2.05 3P/G
Finney-Smith declined his $15.4 million player option and is entering free agency. He is expected to have numerous interested teams due to his ability to fit into any system as a versatile wing. He can defend multiple positions on the perimeter and shoots threes at a high percentage. It`s possible the Lakers might not retain him. Reports from Jake Fischer and Marc Stein suggest the Rockets have emerged as a potential destination for Finney-Smith.
7. Malik Beasley (Unrestricted)
DET • SG • #5 | Key Stats: 16.3 PPG, 1.7 APG, 3.89 3P/G
He made 319 three-pointers last season, just one shy of Anthony Edwards for the league lead, hitting them at a 42% rate. Beasley is a fearless shooter who significantly boosts any offense. However, a pending investigation related to gambling has reportedly paused serious talks with the Pistons about a potential $42 million deal.
8. Ty Jerome (Unrestricted)
CLE • SG • #2 | Key Stats: 12.5 PPG, 3.4 APG, 1.59 3P/G
Jerome was outstanding for the Cavaliers last season, with exceptional performances in some playoff games. He has solidified his position as a top-tier backup guard capable of effectively leading the offense for periods. He offers shooting, playmaking, and defense, making him arguably the premier reserve point guard available in free agency.
9. Brook Lopez (Unrestricted)
MIL • C • #11 | Key Stats: 13 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.85 BPG
Still effective at protecting the rim and shooting threes, Lopez shot 37% from deep last season on five attempts per game. He is a veteran big man who can anchor a regular-season defense, although he is primarily limited to drop coverage, which can be a defensive constraint. Reports suggest he will be leaving Milwaukee, with the Lakers mentioned as a strong possibility.
10. Al Horford (Unrestricted)
BOS • C • #42 | Key Stats: 9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.85 BPG
He can still be reliably counted on for over 60 games a season. Horford remains a high-level defender and a capable three-point shooter that defenses must respect. He is still a highly impactful player who could greatly benefit a contender if he does not stay with Boston. There`s speculation about a potential return to Atlanta, which could be a good fit.
11. Santi Aldama (Restricted)
MEM • PF • #7 | Key Stats: 12.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 0.45 BPG
A seven-footer with a 36% three-point shooting percentage over the past three seasons is valuable. Aldama is an interesting player with potentially more upside than he could show in Memphis. He is not known as a strong defender. There are reports that Detroit is considering him as a floor-spacing big man to create more driving lanes for Cade Cunningham. Memphis holds the right to match any offer, but as the Grizzlies look to reduce cap space to offer Jaren Jackson Jr. a raise, Aldama is likely to leave.
12. Quentin Grimes (Restricted)
PHI • SG • #5 | Key Stats: 14.6 PPG, 3 APG, 2.16 3P/G
Grimes` performance skyrocketed after being traded from Dallas to Philadelphia, where he averaged 22 points on 59% true shooting over 28 games. While a small sample size, this strong showing is likely enough to secure him a decent contract this summer.
13. Gary Trent Jr. (Unrestricted)
MIL • SG • #5 | Key Stats: 11.1 PPG, 1.2 APG, 2.43 3P/G
A top-tier shooter coming off the bench. He made over 41% of his threes last season on almost six attempts per game for the Bucks. He had explosive scoring nights in the playoffs, scoring 37 and 33 points in Games 3 and 5 against Indiana. After playing on a veteran minimum last season, he is line for a significant pay increase.
14. Dennis Schröder (Unrestricted)
DET • PG • #17 | Key Stats: 13.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, 1.69 3P/G
Schröder had a somewhat inconsistent season last year, excelling as a primary scorer with the Nets, then struggling slightly with the Warriors, before finding his optimal role as a high-minute reserve in Detroit. He is a self-starting scorer who effectively pressures the paint when playing well. He delivered some strong performances in the playoffs.
15. Tyus Jones (Unrestricted)
WAS • PG • #12 | Key Stats: 12 PPG, 7.3 APG, 1.5 3P/G
Often described as the league`s best backup point guard, Jones showed last season that he can be an effective full-time starter, averaging 12 points and 7.3 assists for the Wizards. While Washington may want to retain him, given their current roster situation, he is likely to receive significant interest from other teams looking for reliable point guard play.
… The list continues, ranking players 16 through 50.
Jasper Hawthorne