NBA clubs no longer depend on free agency to assemble title contenders the way Brooklyn did in 2019, yet impactful talent still reaches the open market each year. With lottery reforms expected to motivate cap-flexible teams to compete rather than tank, the 2026 class could draw heightened interest. The list below ranks the 50 most notable players expected to hit free agency on Tuesday, weighing both short- and long-term value and leaning slightly toward projected market price.
1-10
1. Jalen Duren, C, Pistons (RFA) — An All-NBA Third Team center at 22, Duren’s playoff dip likely removes the max-deal certainty but leaves major upside for a team coming off 60 wins.
2. Trae Young, G, Wizards (player option) — Despite an injury-marred year and a modest trade haul, the four-time All-Star still averages 26.2 points and 10.5 assists since 2022. He is poised to sign a four-year, $212 million deal in Washington.
3. Austin Reaves, G, Lakers (player option) — After posting 23.3 points per game on near-50% shooting, the guard intends to ink a four-year, $184.8 million pact to stay in Los Angeles.
4. Walker Kessler, C, Jazz (RFA) — One of the league’s premier rebounders seeks more than Utah’s reported five-year, $140 million offer after shoulder surgery cut short his season.
5. LeBron James, F, Lakers — Turning 42 in December, James still logged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds while appearing in 60-plus games for a third straight year.
6. James Harden, G, Cavaliers (player option) — Cleveland’s veteran playmaker, 37 in August, is expected to decline a $42.3 million option and negotiate a new multiyear deal.
7. Peyton Watson, G/F, Nuggets (RFA) — A 23-year-old two-way wing who shot 41.1% from three; Denver may move salary to match offers that could top $25 million annually.
8. Isaiah Hartenstein, C, Thunder (team option) — Set to convert a $28.5 million option into a three-year, $75 million contract that lowers Oklahoma City’s first-year cap hit.
9. Ayo Dosunmu, G, Timberwolves — Coming off a 43-point playoff performance, the combo guard plans to sign for five years and $112 million in Minnesota.
10. Coby White, G, Hornets — The Charlotte native is expected to finalize a three-year, $74 million agreement after earning a starting role following LaMelo Ball’s trade.
11-20
11. Andrew Wiggins, F, Heat (player option) — May bypass a $30.2 million option to seek a longer, higher-total deal at age 31.
12. Tari Eason, F, Rockets (RFA) — A potential elite three-and-D forward whose market could hinge on an outside offer sheet.
13. Luguentz Dort, F, Thunder (team option) — Oklahoma City weighs a $17.7 million decision on the 27-year-old former All-Defensive wing.
14. Julian Champagnie, F, Spurs (team option) — San Antonio may decline a $3 million option to negotiate a longer deal after his key Finals role.
15. Mitchell Robinson, C, Knicks — Elite rebounder and rim protector likely to command non-taxpayer mid-level money away from cap-heavy New York.
16. Draymond Green, F, Warriors (player option) — A $27.7 million option looms for the 36-year-old defensive stalwart.
17. Rui Hachimura, F, Lakers — Career 42.6% L.A. three-point shooter should draw widespread interest if Los Angeles looks elsewhere.
18. Norman Powell, G, Heat — Fresh off a 21.7-point season and first All-Star nod, injuries and defense temper market questions at 32.
19. Neemias Queta, C, Celtics (team option) — Boston must decide between a $2.67 million option or a richer multi-year contract after a breakout year.
20. Tobias Harris, F, Pistons — The dependable veteran started every game the past two seasons and remains a stabilizing scorer at 34.
21-30
21. John Collins, F, Clippers — A 40.6% three-point shooter whose minutes dipped to a career-low 27.1 per game.
22. Kristaps Porzingis, F/C, Warriors — Productive when healthy, the 31-year-old’s availability remains the prime concern.
23. Jonathan Kuminga, F, Hawks (team option) — Atlanta could decline a $24.3 million option to pursue a new deal with the athletic forward.
24. Collin Gillespie, G, Suns — Agreed to four years, $48 million after shooting 40.1% from deep in 80 games.
25. Sandro Mamukelashvili, F/C, Raptors (player option) — Expected to draw $10 million-plus offers if he declines a minimum-salary option.
26. Mark Williams, C, Suns (RFA) — Set for a three-year, $38 million deal despite late-season foot issues.
27. Robert Williams, C, Trail Blazers — Posted a 107.2 defensive rating on the court; durability still a red flag.
28. Marcus Smart, G, Lakers (player option) — Likely to opt out of $5.13 million after reestablishing elite defense in 62 games.
29. Dean Wade, F, Cavaliers — Rugged defender with reliable perimeter shooting enters free agency after a three-year, $18.5 million contract.
30. Quentin Grimes, G, Sixers — Solid defender faces a cooler market after a down shooting year and scaled-back role.
31-40
31. Anfernee Simons, G, Bulls — Injury-shortened season could make the 63 scorer a buy-low target.
32. Collin Sexton, G, Bulls — Similar profile to Simons, offering downhill scoring but limited defense.
33. Luke Kennard, G, Lakers — League-leading 47.8% from three and flashes of playmaking boost his value.
34. Kelly Oubre Jr., F, Sixers — Versatile wing averaged at least 14 points and five boards for three straight seasons.
35. Bennedict Mathurin, G, Clippers (RFA) — Scoring guard’s three-point slide may prompt L.A. to reconsider extending a qualifying offer.
36. Deandre Ayton, C, Lakers (player option) — Leaning toward picking up an $8.1 million option after fitting into a lower-usage role.
37. Keon Ellis, G, Cavaliers — Career 40.7% shooter offers point-of-attack defense but limited size.
38. Jordan Goodwin, G, Suns — Defensive specialist to sign a three-year, $19 million contract in Phoenix.
39. Jose Alvarado, G, Knicks (player option) — Championship-winning guard to re-sign for three years and roughly $14 million.
40. Al Horford, C, Warriors (player option) — The 40-year-old has a two-year extension in place after a strong second half.
41-50
41. Tim Hardaway Jr., G/F, Nuggets — Sixth-Man runner-up should exceed last season’s minimum salary.
42. Daniss Jenkins, G, Pistons (team option) — Detroit could pick up a $4 million option or renegotiate after a steady rookie year.
43. De’Anthony Melton, G, Warriors (player option) — Expected to decline a veteran minimum option following a healthy stretch run.
44. Harrison Barnes, F, Spurs — Reliable 3-and-D veteran may accept a pay cut to remain in San Antonio.
45. Spencer Jones, F, Nuggets (RFA) — Denver faces cap pressure to match offers for the 39.6% three-point shooter.
46. Marvin Bagley III, F/C, Mavericks — Coming off a 61.8% shooting year, the former No. 2 pick targets taxpayer mid-level money.
47. Jusuf Nurkić, C, Jazz — Rebounded from a down season to average 10.9 points and 10.4 boards in Utah.
48. Khris Middleton, F, Mavericks — The 35-year-old three-time All-Star played 63 games, his most since 2022.
49. Brandon Williams, G, Mavericks — Interior-oriented guard could land his first above-minimum deal.
50. Jock Landale, C, Hawks — Productive in extended minutes for two clubs, offering size and dependable positioning.
Teams can begin negotiating with these free agents Tuesday afternoon, and several tentative agreements may still shift before the moratorium ends in July.
Source: Hoops Rumors
