2025 NBA FREE AGENCY
This year’s free agent crop is very thin due to
all the starts staying with their current teams via extensions or exercising a
player option. These stars include LeBron James, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.
High end starters like Julius Randle and Fred VanVleet also signed extensions.
Here are the teams with cap space:
|
Atlanta Hawks |
Charlotte Hornets |
|
Chicago Bulls |
Houston Rockets |
|
Memphis Grizzlies |
New Orleans Pelicans |
|
Oklahoma City Thunder |
Portland Trail Blazers |
|
Sacramento Kings |
San Antonio Spurs |
|
Utah Jazz |
Washington Wizards |
The remaining 16 teams can only re-sign their own players or trade for free agents via sign and trade with strict trade guidelines
Here is my player list by tiers:
Tier 1: Starting Big Men
Centers that have a versatile skill set are valued
very highly in the NBA
1. MYLES TURNER-C- INDIANA PACERS
6'10''/250
AGE: 29.3
STATS: 15.6 PTS 6.5
REB 2.0 BLK 39.6%-3PT 77.3%-FT
Market Value:
Rudy Gobert: 3 years/$109.5 (36.5 AAV)
Isaiah Hartenstein: 3 years/$87.0 (29.0 AAV)
Turner proved his value as the third best player on the team that was one win away from a championship. He can score, block shots and stretch a defense. He is the perfect modern day big man that can fit on any team in the league. He is durable and is still only 29 years old despite playing in the league for a decade. The Pacers will do everything in their power to keep him in Indiana.
2. DEANDRE AYTON-C- Bought Out by Portland
7'0''/250
AGE: 26.9
STATS: 14.4 PTS 10.2
REB 1.0 BLK
Market Value:
Isaiah Hartenstein: 3 years/$87.0 (29.0 AAV)
Ivica Zubac: 3 years/$58.65 (19.55 AAV)
Like Turner, Ayton is a good starting center
that was the third best player on a team that lost the NBA title. However, that
was back in 2021. Since then, he has wallowed in obscurity as a bad fit with Kevin
Durant on the Suns and when then traded to Portland. It is very clear that Ayton
is looking for a new beginning. Ayton is an elite rebounder and is as strong
and athletic as any center in the league. He is now the most interesting player
in this free agent market
3. BROOK LOPEZ-C-MILWAUKEE BUCKS
7'1''/280
AGE: 37.2
Awards: 1x All Star, 1x NBA Champion, 2x All Defense
STATS: 13.0 PTS 5.0 REB 1.9 BLK 37.3%-3PT 82.6%-FT
Market Value: Mid-Level Exception
Lopez is the ageless wonder that can do pretty much everything Turner can do. He is just eight years older. He is still one of the best shooting big men in the game. The Warriors and Lakers would LOVE to have him but they also have other needs to fill.
Tier 2: Young Restricted Free Agents
All are seeking contracts over 15-20 million
per year but since they are restricted free agents, they are likely to stay
with their current team. The current team can match any offer made to them.
4. CAM THOMAS-SG-BROOKLYN NETS
6'4''/210
AGE: 23.8
STATS: 24.0 PTS 3.8 AST 3.3 REB 34.9%-3PT 88.1%-FT
Thomas is a big-time bucket getter that has
great size for a shooting guard. Durability concerns are the only thing that
may keep him from getting a huge bag this offseason. The Nets have the most cap
space to they will try to keep him AND sign one or two other good free agents
this summer
5. JOSH GIDDEY-CG/SF-CHICAGO BULLS
6'8''/210
AGE: 22.7
STATS: 14.6 PTS 7.2 AST 8.1 REB 37.8%-3PT 78.1%-FT
Giddy is a playmaker that offers a bit of everything.
He has improved his three-point shot but will never be known as a scorer. He is
a much better fit in Chicago than he was in OKC. The young Australian has a
combination of Ben Simmons and Rajon Rondo to his game. How much that will be
worth on the open market remains to be seen.
6. JONATHAN KUMINGA-CF-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
6'8''/210
AGE: 22.7
STATS: 15.3 PTS 4.6 REB 2.2 AST 0.8
STL
Kuminga needs a change of scenery. He has All-Star
potential when given the opportunity to be a true second option. He is not a
great fit with Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Head Coach Steve
Kerr does not trust him in big spots. He is the most likely sign and trade candidate.
The Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons would be perfect fits for the athletic versatile
forward.
7. QUENTIN GRIMES-SG-PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
6'5''/205
AGE: 25.2
STATS: 14.6 PTS 4.3 REB 3.0 AST 38.5%-3PT 75.5%-FT
Grimes was a monster averaging over 20 points
per game in Philly after being traded from Dallas. The 76ers have Paul George
returning and just drafted VJ Edgecombe so Grimes appears to be the odd man out
of the wing rotation. He is rumored to want a contract at over 20 million per
year. That would put the 76ers over the tax so a sign and trade is more likely.
8. SANTI ALDAMA-PF-MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
6'11''/224
AGE: 24.4
STATS: 12.5 PTS 6.4 REB 2.9 AST 0.8
STL
Almada was the 30th pick in the
2021 draft and has made the most of his opportunity. He is a great rotation
piece that can is a good passer, rebounder and defender. Memphis’ moves indicate
that they want to keep Aldama long term as they did not draft or trade for
another power forward.
Tier 3: Point Guards
Some of these players are starters though most
would be better served as 6th/7th men on contenders.
Market Value: Starting Point Guard
Collin Sexton: 4 years/$70.95 ($17.74 AAV)
Cole Anthony: 3 years/$39.1 ($13.03 AAV)
9. CHRIS PAUL-PG-SAN ANTONIO SPURS
6'0''/175
AGE: 40.1
Accolades: 12x All NBA, 11x All Star, 9x All Defense
STATS: 8.8 PTS 7.4 AST 3.6 REB 37.7%-3PT 92.4%-FT
Paul played in all 82 games last year at age
39. The future first ballot Hall of Famer is looking for somewhere where he can
compete. Dallas would be the best fit as he can hold down the fort while Kyrie
returns to health.
10. RUSSELL WESTBROOK-PG-DENVER NUGGETS
6'4''/200
AGE: 36.5
Accolades: 2016 NBA MVP, 9x All NBA, 9x All Star
STATS: 13.3 PTS 6.1
AST 4.9 REB 1.4 STL
Another future Hall of Famer, Westbrook can
still help a contender with his insane energy, athletic ability and
versatility. He played well in the playoffs against the Clippers and then not
so good in the Nugget’s series loss against the Thunder. He looks to be a good
fit with Jokic so Denver remains the best bet for him.
11. D'ANGELO RUSSELL-PG-BROOKLYN NETS
6'5''/193
AGE: 29.1
Accolades: 1x All Star
STATS: 12.6 PTS 5.1
AST 2.8 REB 31.4%-3PT 83.4%-FT
Russell officially has entered journeyman status as he was
traded for the 5th time in his career. The former number two overall
pick in 2015 shot a career worst from three last season. It feels like he is at
a crossroads in his career. Rumors are the Mavs want him and he’s a younger option
that CP3 and Westbrook.
12. DENNIS SCHRÖDER-PG-DETROIT PISTONS
6'1''/170
AGE: 31.7
STATS: 13.1 PTS 5.4 AST 2.6
REB 34.2%-3PT 83.8%-FT
Schröder is one of the fastest players in the league. He is inconsistent but he
can run and offense and get buckets.. He played for three teams last season
before ending up in Detroit.
He posted on social media: "I want to stay in Detroit for sure, but Detroit ain't waiting for me, I can tell you that much," That means the Pistons likely told him they will rescind his free agent rights in order for them to create cap space.
13. TYUS JONES-PG-PHOENIX SUNS
6'1''/196
AGE: 29.2
STATS: 10.2 PTS 5.3
AST 2.4 REB 41.4%-3PT 89.5%-FT
Jones is the safest backup point guard one can find in the league. He has a
great assist to turnover ratio and is a very high percentage shooter. The Minnesota native played his first four seasons in his home state. A return
home could be just what he and the Timberwolves need for them to take the next
step in a tough Western Conference.
14. MALCOLM BROGDON-PG-WASHINGTON WIZARDS
6'4''/229
AGE: 32.5
Accolades: 2017 Rookie of the Year, 2023 6th Man of the
Year
STATS: 12.7 PTS 4.1
AST 3.8 REB 88.0%-FT
Brogdon is only two years removed from winning the 6th Man Award in
Boston. He has missed 101 games the past two seasons. He is a great playmaker
with excellent size. A team may give him a one-year deal that could end up as a
very valuable asset.
Tier 4: Veteran Big Men
Market Value: Veteran Starting Center
Steven Adams: 2 years/$25.2 ($12.6 AAV)
Jonas Valančiūnas: 3 years/$30.3 ($10.01 AAV)
15. CLINT CAPELA-C-NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
6'10''/240
AGE: 31.1
STATS: 8.9 PTS 8.5
REB 1.1 AST 1.0 STL
Capela can still start but his days of playing
close to 30 minutes per game are now gone. He is still long, athletic and a good
rebounder. He is solid in the pick and roll on offense and can switch on defense.
16. AL HORFORD-C-BOSTON CELTICS
6'10''/240
AGE: 39.1
STATS: 9.0 PTS 6.2
REB 2.1 AST 36.3 3P%
Horford is another ageless wonder that plans
on entering his 19th year in the NBA. He can still rebound, defend
and can hit an open 3. He knows his role and plays it well even as he pushes
40.
17. MORITZ WAGNER-C-ORLANDO MAGIC
6'11''/245
AGE: 28.2
STATS: 12.9 PTS 4.9
REB 1.4 AST 36.0 3P%
Wagner has embraced his role as a great backup to Wendell Carter in Orlando. In
Orlando he gets to play alongside his brother Franz. It seems like a great
situation, but some feel Wagner could be even better if given the opportunity
to start somewhere.
Tier 5: Sharpshooters plus 3&D Wings
Market Value:
Grayson Allen: 4
years/$70.0 (17.5 AAV)
Austin Reaves: 4 years/$53.83 (13.457 AAV)
18. MALIK BEASLEY-SG-DETROIT PISTONS
6'4''/187
AGE: 28.5
STATS: 16.3 PTS 2.6 REB 1.7 AST 41.6%-3PT
The whole FBI probe is the reason he is not a
top ten free agent. It is very likely he gets a one-year deal somewhere and
cashes in next summer. He finished second in the NBA in threes made while
shooting a very high percentage.
19. NICKEIL ALEXANDER-WALKER-SG-MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
6'5''/205
AGE: 26.8
STATS: 9.4 PTS 3.2
REB 2.7 AST 38.1%-3PT
The best ability is availability and Alexander-Walker
had played 82 games in back-to-back seasons. He has carved out a very nice role
in Minnesota due to his toughness, defense and long-range shooting. He gets
ranked higher than some guys with better numbers due to his age and durability
20. DORIAN FINNEY-SMITH-CF/SG-LOS ANGELES
LAKERS
6'7''/220
AGE: 32.2
STATS: 8.7 PTS 3.9
REB 1.4 AST 41.1%-3PT
Finney-Smith is the perfect 3 and D role player.
He knows how to use his 7-foot wingspan to guard the other team’s best scorer. He
would be a valuable asset on any team.
21. JORDAN CLARKSON-SG- Bought Out by Utah
6'4''/190
AGE: 33.1
STATS: 16.2 PTS 3.2
REB 3.7 AST 36.2%-3PT
Clarkson can still score, makes plays off the
dribble and shoot a good percentage. He is no longer the player he was when won
6th Man of the Year in 2021. He could be a great asset off the bench
for any contender.
22. CARIS LEVERT-SG/SF-ATLANTA HAWKS
6'7''/200
AGE: 30.8
STATS: 12.1 PTS 3.2
REB 3.4 AST 37.3%-3PT
LeVert is a very versatile player that can do
bit of everything on offense. He has enough size to play small forward but is
better as a shooting guard. He put up better numbers after being traded from
Cleveland to Atlanta.
23. SPENCER DINWIDDIE-CG/SF-DALLAS MAVERICKS
6'5''/215
AGE: 32.2
STATS: 11.0 PTS 4.4
AST 2.6 REB
Dinwiddie was a solid role player for Dallas
where he played in 79 games and started 30 games. He is a versatile player that
has great size and play making skills. He is an inconsistent shooter, which
limits his value.
24. GARY TRENT JR.-SG-MILWAUKEE BUCKS
6'5''/209
AGE: 26.4
STATS: 11.1 PTS 2.3
REB 1.2 AST 41.6%-3PT 84.8%-FT
Trent’s numbers went down last season in Milwaukee. He has averaged 70 games
played in the past four seasons. He can score from deep or the mid-range. He is
still only 26 years old and may still have his best basketball ahead of him.
25. LUKE KENNARD-SG-MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
6'5''/206
AGE: 29.0
STATS: 8.9 PTS 2.9
REB 3.5 AST 43.3%-3PT 89.5%-FT
Kennard’s shooting numbers speak for themselves.
He may be due for a change of scenery after Memphis traded for KCP and drafted
Cedric Coward. He is a fit on nearly every team in the league.
26. DUNCAN ROBINSON-SG/SF-MIAMI HEAT
6'7''/215
AGE: 31.2
STATS: 11.0 PTS 2.3
REB 2.4 AST 39.3%-3PT 88.7%-FT
Robinson is as good a shooter as Trent and
Kennard but is below them on the list due his age. He is a good shooter that has the size to play either wing position. He opted out of 20 million so he is looking to get one last long term deal.
27. TIM HARDAWAY JR.-SG-DETROIT PISTONS
6'5''/205
AGE: 33.2
STATS: 11.0
PTS 2.4 REB 1.6 AST 36.8%-3PT 85.5%-FT
Hardaway Jr. is a good veteran shooter that is very durable and is a consummate
professional. Even at age 32 he was able to play in 77 games and play 28
minutes per game. He was a good fit with the Pistons last season.
28. TY JEROME-SG-CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
6'5''/195
AGE: 27.9
STATS: 12.5 PTS 2.5 REB 3.4 AST 43.9%-3PT 87.2%-FT
Jerome had a breakout season in his 6th year in the league. He set
career highs in points and three-point shooting. He is also an underrated
playmaker. He is very valuable in Cleveland as a backup to Donovan Mitchell and
Darius Garland.
29. BRUCE BROWN-G/F-DENVER NUGGETS
6'4''/202
AGE: 28.9
STATS: 8.3 PTS 4.0
REB 2.0 AST 1.1 STL
Brown has not seen the level of success since
he left Denver two summers ago. He is a good role player that was a beast in
the playoff back in 2023. He was a very good playmaker and rebounder in Denver.
Hopefully je returns there.
30. AMIR COFFEY-SG/SF-LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
6'7''/210
AGE: 28.0
STATS: 9.7 PTS 2.2
REB 1.1 AST 40.9%-3PT 89.1%-FT
Coffey was a valuable role player for the Clippers during the regular season,
but to no surprise he saw his role diminish once Kawhi Leonard returned. He’s played
his entire 6 year career with the Clippers, but it may be time for an opportunity
with more minutes on another team.
31. DE'ANTHONY MELTON-CG-BROOKLN NETS
6'2''/200
AGE: 27.1
2023-24 STATS: 11.1 PTS 3.7
REB 3.0 AST 1.6 STL 36.0%-3PT
Melton can score, defend, and brings energy.
He had a torn ACL last season and a bad back in 2024. He was traded from Golden
State to Brooklyn though he did not play a game in Brooklyn.
32. LONNIE WALKER-G/F-PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
6'4''/204
AGE: 26.5
STATS: 12.4 PTS 3.2 REB 2.5 AST 36.5%-3PT
Walker has averaged on 45 games the past 3 seasons. The 18th pick in
2018 may have already peaked when he was 23 years old in San Antonio. Since then
he has played on three different teams and has not had the same level of
success.
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