TITLE: Key Free Agents Still Available, Early 2026 Draft Favorites, and Notable 2024 Re-Draft Shifts
SLUG: free-agency-2025-market-2026-draft-outlook-2024-redraft
CONTENT:
August 14, 2025 — Several marquee names from the 2025 free-agent class have already signed new contracts, yet a handful of lower-cost veterans and young contributors remain on the board, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus.
Top Affordable Free Agents
Pincus lists Al Horford, Russell Westbrook, and Amir Coffey as the three most attractive bargain options still unsigned.
- Al Horford is widely expected to join the Golden State Warriors. Multiple reports suggest an agreement could come once the club resolves forward Jonathan Kuminga’s status. Pincus also slots potential Warriors targets Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton at Nos. 5 and 6 on his board.
- Russell Westbrook continues to be linked to the Sacramento Kings. Sacramento has reportedly shopped guards Malik Monk and/or Devin Carter to clear minutes and salary, leaving Westbrook’s destination uncertain if those moves do not materialize.
- Amir Coffey has drawn limited public interest so far, while Pincus’s No. 4 free agent, Ben Simmons, has been mentioned with the Kings, Suns, Knicks, and Celtics without any momentum toward a deal.
Early 2026 Draft Board
With the 2025-26 college season approaching, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman sees a three-player race atop the 2026 NBA Draft: AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson are each viewed as potential No. 1 overall selections.
Overseas forward Karim Lopez of the NBL’s New Zealand Breakers is Wasserman’s highest-rated international prospect, while Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky) headlines the returning college group at No. 4 after starting 24 games for Arizona State as a 17-year-old.
Next Summer’s Major Contract Decisions
ESPN’s Bobby Marks projects that the 2026 offseason narrative will revolve around several superstars:
- LeBron James will enter unrestricted free agency, leaving his long-term future with the Los Angeles Lakers in question.
- Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo can all reach free agency in 2027 if they do not sign extensions prior to that date.
2024 Class Re-Draft
One season removed from the 2024 rookie crop, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie reshuffled his top 20 prospects:
- Stephon Castle, the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year, jumps to No. 1.
- Original top pick Zaccharie Risacher slides to No. 2.
- Jared McCain soars from No. 16 to No. 3, while Jaylen Wells climbs from No. 39 to No. 9.
- Ajay Mitchell records a notable leap, moving from No. 38 to No. 12.
The free-agency carousel, draft projections, and retrospective evaluations set the stage for an eventful year ahead across the NBA landscape.
Source: Hoops Rumors
