The 2025 NBA Draft has concluded, and we are now just a few days away from the start of free agency. Negotiations with potential free agents began the day after the NBA Finals, but the official opening will be on Monday, June 30th at 6 p.m. ET. Teams will have the opportunity to speak with free agents who ended their seasons with other teams. Some players are unrestricted free agents, meaning they can sign with any team that offers them a deal. On the other hand, restricted free agents can sign with a different team, but their previous team has the option to match the offer and keep the player.
There are also players with player options, allowing them to either become free agents or continue playing under their current contract for another season. Similarly, some contracts include team options for the final year, giving the team the decision to retain the player or let them enter free agency. This sets the stage for what is expected to be a busy few weeks in the NBA.
Highlighted below are some of the top players who could be available once free agency begins on June 30th:
1. LeBron James, forward for the Los Angeles Lakers
Stats: 24.4 ppg, 8.2 apg, 7.8 rpg, 51.3% FG, 37.6% 3PT, 78.2% FT
LeBron James became a free agent last summer and signed a lucrative two-year contract with a player option for the following season. It is likely that James will explore free agency again to maximize his earnings, potentially with the Lakers, while ensuring a no-trade clause in his contract. Despite being 40 years old, James continues to perform at an elite level and has expressed contentment with playing for the Lakers.
2. James Harden, guard for the Los Angeles Clippers
Stats: 22.8 ppg, 8.7 apg, 5.8 rpg, 41% FG, 35.2% 3PT, 87.4% FT
Harden holds a player option for the upcoming season and can either play out his current contract or become a free agent. He maintained strong performance and scoring ability throughout the season and postseason.
3. Julius Randle, forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves
Stats: 18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 48.5% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 80.6% FT
Randle also has an option for the upcoming season, which presents the decision to continue with his current team or explore free agency. The Timberwolves’ new ownership group may play a significant role in retaining him.
4. Kyrie Irving, guard for the Dallas Mavericks
Stats: 24.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.6 apg, 47.3% FG,
1. Myles Turner has been a reliable presence in the Indiana Pacers’ lineup, particularly excelling in the team’s journey to the NBA Finals. His ability to shoot from long range adds value to his game, making him a sought-after player in the market.
2. Naz Reid, playing as a center-forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has put up impressive statistics in the 2024-25 season. With his contract situation looming, Reid is poised for a significant payday, whether he explores free agency this summer or the next.
3. Josh Giddey, a guard for the Chicago Bulls, has shown versatility and skill on the court during the 2024-25 season. As a pending restricted free agent, his contribution to the team’s success has been evident, elevating them into playoff contention.
4. Fred VanVleet, a guard for the Houston Rockets, is planning to sign a new deal with the team after his current contract expires. Despite a decline in his shooting percentages, VanVleet remains a key player for the Rockets.
5. John Collins, a forward-center for the Utah Jazz, has opted to exercise his player option for the upcoming season. His performance on the court has solidified his importance to the team.
6. Jonathan Kuminga, a forward for the Golden State Warriors, has shown promise despite facing injuries during the season. As a restricted free agent, the Warriors have the opportunity to retain Kuminga with the right offer.
7. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has proven himself as a valuable rotation player, especially on the defensive end. With his contract expiring soon, Alexander-Walker is set to explore free agency.
8. Malik Beasley, a guard for the Detroit Pistons, is known for his sharpshooting abilities. Despite mostly coming off the bench, Beasley’s proficiency from beyond the arc makes him an attractive asset for potential suitors.
9. Kelly Oubre Jr., a forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, stepped up in the face of injuries within the team, showcasing his versatility and consistency. Oubre’s athleticism and defensive skills make him a valuable contributor in the league.
14. Cam Thomas, guard for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2024-25 season, put up impressive numbers with an average of 24 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. Shooting at 43.8% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc, and 88.1% from the free-throw line, Thomas, a restricted free agent, is likely to see a raise from his $4 million salary due to his scoring ability, despite being hampered by injuries that kept him out for a significant portion of the season.
15. Bobby Portis, a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, posted solid stats in the 2024-25 season, averaging 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. With shooting percentages of 46.6% from the field, 36.5% from three-point range, and 83.6% from the free-throw line, Portis holds a player option to stay with the team. Known for his consistent scoring and rebounding off the bench, Portis also brings energy and tenacity, making him an attractive option for various teams if he decides to explore the free-agent market.
16. Caris LeVert, a guard for the Atlanta Hawks, showcased his skills in the 2024-25 season, averaging 12.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. With shooting percentages of 46.7% from the field, 37.3% from three-point range, and 71% from the free-throw line, LeVert will become an unrestricted free agent after his two-year, $32 million contract expires this summer. Following a trade from Cleveland to Atlanta, LeVert flourished as a scorer, capitalizing on increased offensive opportunities.
17. Quentin Grimes, a guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, had an impressive 2024-25 season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Shooting at 46.7% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc, and 75.7% from the free-throw line, Grimes, a restricted free agent, thrived after being traded to Philadelphia from Dallas. Noteworthy for his scoring prowess, Grimes recorded multiple 30-point games with the 76ers, including a standout performance of 46 points in an overtime loss to the Rockets.
18. Santi Aldama, a center for the Memphis Grizzlies, made significant contributions in the 2024-25 season, averaging 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Shooting at 48.3% from the field, 36.8% from three-point range, and 69.1% from the free-throw
23. D’Angelo Russell, guard for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2024-25 season, showcased statistics of 12.6 points per game, 5.1 assists per game, 2.8 rebounds per game, and 1.0 steal per game. Despite a decline in scoring compared to previous seasons, Russell remains a versatile player who excels in ball-handling, playmaking, and scoring from beyond the arc. His performance hinges on a defined role and stability within a team.
24. Russell Westbrook, guard for the Denver Nuggets, posted averages of 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in the 2024-25 season. Westbrook has a player option for the following season at $3.4 million, raising questions about his future with the team based on their playoff success and partnership dynamics.
25. Al Horford, center for the Boston Celtics, recorded stats of 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 2024-25. Approaching free agency after completing a two-year contract with the Celtics, Horford is valued for his contributions despite a slight dip in performance. He remains respected by his peers as he navigates the next chapter of his career.
This content was originally published on USA TODAY, evaluating the top NBA free agents for 2025.
