Which 2026 RFAs Could Receive Qualifying Offers?
which-2026-rfas-could-receive-qualifying-offers
Seventeen players are listed as potential restricted free agents in the 2026 class, but their status will only become official if their current teams extend qualifying offers before the start of free agency.
A qualifying offer is a one-year contract that grants the originating club the right to match any outside offer sheet. In some situations the offer is routine. For example, Chicago had no hesitation issuing one to guard Josh Giddey last summer.
Teams can decline a qualifying offer for financial or roster reasons. Brooklyn followed that route last offseason, opting against an $8.35 million offer for forward Ziaire Williams. The Nets later brought him back on a two-year, $12.5 million agreement that better preserved cap space.
On the other hand, a team may simply decide to move on. Portland chose not to tender a qualifying offer to Jabari Walker, allowing him to join Philadelphia as an unrestricted free agent.
Last June, 10 of 18 standard-contract players eligible for qualifying offers received them. A comparable split is expected this summer as front offices weigh cap considerations against the risk of losing talent without compensation.
An early assessment suggests several of the 17 candidates are strong bets for qualifying offers, while others could reach the open market unrestricted. Final decisions are due shortly before free agency opens in July.
Source: Hoops Rumors
