NBA Free Agency: Top 10 NBA Free Agency Players in 2026 Feat. LeBron James

We have compiled a list of the top players who could be available in next year’s free agency.

The 2025 NBA free agency period is still active, and major names in the league are on the market looking for a new destination. Russell Westbrook, Al Horford, and Ben Simmons are some of the players who are out of contract and could strengthen any team in the coming days or weeks.

However, several other decisions have already been made, and the period of greatest activity is behind us. The vast majority of franchises have limited salary-cap space, and negotiations from now on are likely to be limited to re-signing restricted free agents and signing minimum contracts.

Given the aforementioned factors, several executives are already eyeing next year’s free agency. A number of teams will have more cap space, along with an increase in the salary cap and a likely more star-studded roster.

With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the top players who could be available in next year’s free agency. We’ve also detailed their contractual statuses. Check it out!

LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers (Unrestricted Free Agent)

The NBA’s greatest star of the century could also be a hot topic in next year’s free agency. So far, however, LeBron’s situation remains largely unknown. Currently, what is known is that his relationship with the Lakers is not at its best, and some sources close to him aren’t predicting a trade involving the forward.

Was up early thinking 🤔!! 23 years in the league… the ups, the downs and everything we accomplished along the way. What if I never got that first opportunity to show what I could do?!?! 🤷🏾‍♂️👑 #ad

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 5, 2025

Despite this, any negotiation for the veteran—who turns 41 in December—is not straightforward. A more straightforward way to secure a move would be through free agency in 2026, since at the end of his current contract, he becomes an unrestricted free agent for the first time since 2018. But at this point, we don’t even know if James intends to continue his career beyond next season.

Whatever the outcome, there will be no shortage of great stories in LeBron’s saga. The only certainty is that, on the court, nothing seems to be a problem for the star, who continues to produce at the highest level.

Kevin Durant – Houston Rockets (Unrestricted Free Agent)

Kevin Durant’s trade to the Houston Rockets was already agreed on June 22, but was only made official on July 6. Since then, the forward has been eligible for a contract extension, which has not yet been signed with the new team as of the date of publication of this article.

While a scenario in which Durant becomes an unrestricted free agent is extremely unlikely, it should be considered. According to recent reports, the player is satisfied with the trade and wants to make the Rockets the final team of his career. However, the value of the deal should be considered with caution.

KD’s current salary is $54.7 million, and a two-year, $118 million extension, the maximum amount that can be agreed upon between the parties, will result in the star receiving a salary of almost $60 million at age 39. It’s worth noting that Houston is expected to have significant contract extensions for Amen Thompson and Tari Eason.

Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks (Player Option)

Trae Young ‘s future with the Atlanta Hawks has been under question over the past few years, especially during the 2024-25 season. However, the team has made some good moves and has everything it needs to remain competitive throughout the upcoming campaign.

Trae is eligible for a four-year, $223 million extension and has a $48 million player option next year. Young is extremely vulnerable on defense and has seen his shooting percentage decline over the years.

On the other hand, he’s a great playmaker and led the league in assists last season. He’s likely to stay with the Hawks, especially since the team needs to remain competitive, as it only regains control of its first-round picks in 2029. However, a possible delay in finalizing the deal could create problems and leave the situation open.

Draymond Green – Golden State Warriors (Player Option)

While his numbers can’t sum up everything he does on the court, Draymond Green had a particularly productive 2024-25 season statistically. His nine-point average represented his highest mark since 2017-18, when the Golden State Warriors won their second consecutive NBA championship .

Green also earned his ninth career All-Defensive Team selection, including his fifth first-team selection. He also finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Draymond Green is going to compete in a 1v1 to 100 POINTS in China on September 19th!

Paul George, Derrick Rose and Boogie Cousins previously competed in a Star Street Battle 1v1 to 100. pic.twitter.com/7jBnT80WwE

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 5, 2025

All of these facts help illustrate the veteran’s continued importance to the Warriors, even at 35. Next year, he has a $27.7 million player option, the same season Stephen Curry’s $62.5 million extension comes into effect.

It remains to be seen whether the power forward will be satisfied with the amount and duration, or whether he will seek one last big contract of his career, whether with Golden State or another franchise.

Austin Reaves – Los Angeles Lakers (Player Option)

Another Lakers name on the list, and this one seems destined for free agency. Austin Reaves’ contract is one of the biggest bargains in the NBA today, and he’ll certainly decline the $14.9 million player option he’s entitled to. By comparison, Bruce Brown Jr., who played 41 games for the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans last season, received $23 million.

Recently, Reaves even turned down Los Angeles’s maximum extension offer of four years and $89.2 million. And he did so rationally, considering he stands to earn more on the open market. The point guard has been steadily improving over the past few seasons and is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents in the class.

“We’re all living our dreams, but generally speaking, it’s a league of misery” — Austin Reaves and Duncan Robinson discuss being grateful for the NBA **from YM3 earlier this season** pic.twitter.com/BiKrTQD2Ky

— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) August 28, 2025
James Harden – Los Angeles Clippers (Player Option)

Just like this offseason, James Harden enters the upcoming offseason with a player option in his hands. This time, it’s worth $42.3 million. About to turn 36, the “beard” continues to produce at an All-Star level in the NBA , so much so that in 2025, he received the 11th selection of his career.

With Norman Powell’s departure from the Los Angeles Clippers, still unfilled, the point guard will likely have even more offensive responsibilities. This could be a downside, as Harden no longer has the vitality he had with the Rockets to carry the offense. But it could also help him increase his value as he seeks one last big contract in the final stretch of his career.

Kristaps Porzingis – Atlanta Hawks (Unrestricted Free Agent)

Traded to the Hawks at the beginning of the offseason, Kristaps Porzingis has yet to agree on a contract extension with the team. He’s entering the final year of his contract, with a $30.7 million salary to be paid. Atlanta has the entire season to extend the center’s contract, should they wish to do so.

Initially, the Latvian’s stay is likely directly related to his availability. Last season, Porzingis, who is expected to be a starter for Quin Snyder’s team, missed half (42) of the regular season games for the Boston Celtics.

Despite this, when he was on the court, he posted good numbers, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 41.2% from the perimeter.

Norman Powell – Miami Heat (Unrestricted Free Agent)

Amid a quiet offseason, the Miami Heat didn’t hesitate when they saw the opportunity to add a top scorer to their roster. So, the team entered into a three-way trade with the Clippers and the Utah Jazz, securing the arrival of Norman Powell.

To achieve this, he only gave up veterans Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson, who Erik Spoelstra has rarely used. However, Powell is preparing for his first season in Florida with a big question in mind that will arise in the upcoming offseason.

B/R says Norman Powell is a top 2 most lopsided trades of the off-season:

“All Miami gave up as part of this deal was two players who didn’t factor into its immediate or long-term plans. This isn’t just good, opportunistic business. It’s a heist.”

Got a 20+ PPG scorer for free. pic.twitter.com/HJriCZj6ph

— 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) September 6, 2025

The shooting guard is entering the final year of his current $20.4 million contract. If he can replicate his 2024-25 performance, when he averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, he’ll certainly demand a hefty contract to stay with the Heat or sign with a new team.

Coby White – Chicago Bulls (Unrestricted Free Agent)

When it seemed destined for a relatively low-key NBA career, Coby White turned things around and became one of the league’s most efficient point guards. That’s why the value of his last contract with the Chicago Bulls, averaging $12 million annually, doesn’t reflect his on-court performance.

Next offseason, White, who averaged 20.4 points per game last season, has every chance of securing a generous salary increase. Several teams have already coveted the youngster, but the Bulls have ruled out any possibility of a trade and are expected to spare no effort to secure a new contract.

Lu Dort – Oklahoma City Thunder (Team option)

Lu Dort is the only team option player mentioned in this article. This means the Thunder can exercise the clause and secure the defensive specialist’s automatic renewal for one year and $18.2 million.

While the aforementioned decision seems the most likely, Oklahoma City could be facing an intriguing choice. Starting next offseason, the team will become the most expensive in the entire league, with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren’s contracts driving up the payroll.

If Dort opts for an automatic renewal, the franchise would find itself in even more trouble. There’s no doubt that the Canadian is a key player on the roster, but as we saw last season, based on the Celtics’ example, the league’s new salary rules are unforgiving, and everything can change overnight.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Gulshan Sharma

Gulshan Sharma is a passionate writer with a love for storytelling. With a keen interest in Sports Journalism, he aim to craft engaging and thought-provoking content that resonates with readers.