The free agency negotiating window opens at 6pm ET on Sunday, when each NBA team can negotiate with players on the market and perhaps even reach a deal. These agreements cannot be signed until July 6th at 12:01 pm ET, but there will be a lot of transactional action between then and beyond.
Here’s our big picture of the best free agents on the market.
Top free agents by position: shipowners | shooting guards | small forwards | power forward | centers
Free Agency Status: unrestricted (player’s choice)
Historically, James has preferred to keep his options open, allowing him as much flexibility as possible. This year is no different, as he will monitor the Lakers’ progress before making a final decision about their future.
Free Agency Status: restricted
Maxey was already a practical max contract player last summer, but the Sixers decided to use his low cap hit to maximize roster movement and improvement this summer. His maximum is coming, but he will be signed after the Sixers finish shopping.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted, but agreed to the new agreement
The 30-year-old has already agreed to a new deal worth $189.5 million over four years. The Pacers retain one of the most versatile forwards in the NBA to keep the train moving.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted (player’s choice)
George has many options ahead of him. He can accept and demand a trade to sign an immediate extension with a new team, or he can leave the Clippers and sign wherever he wants. The question is: will he be able to find the money and the right destination?
Free Agency Status: Unrestricted
DeRozan is the definition of availability and professionalism and is a straightforward go-getter. However, he is very picky about building, so his market could be all over the place if he doesn’t return to the Bulls.
Free Agency Status: Unrestricted (player’s choice)
Anunoby had a huge impact on the Knicks post-trade, fitting in perfectly under head coach Tom Thibodeau. Now he wants the biggest payday possible, and given how much the Knicks gave up to get him, he has significant upside.
Free Agency Status: restricted
The 24-year-old is about to break out after arriving in Toronto and rising to the next level. Some teams could test Toronto’s willingness to match a list of hefty offers, but ultimately the Raptors would be wise to match everything that comes their way.
8. PG James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
Harden is getting older (35 in August) and has a lot of miles on his body. Even so, he is still an elite playmaker and can assert himself in terms of goals. Are the Clippers ready to invest for the long term or would they prefer a shorter contract?
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
The second-best shooter of all time appears to be available for the right price this summer, but multiple lower-body injuries have slowed him down defensively. At 34, his health is unlikely to recover, which will likely limit his price at some point.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
Bridges is facing challenges on several fronts. Are teams willing to take a chance on his talent after he pleaded no contest to domestic violence? And even if they are, will he get the contract he’s looking for, given his inconsistent defense?
11. PG D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers
Free Agency Status: unrestricted (player’s choice)
Russell’s efficiency from long range (41.5%) and ability to score a lot of goals throughout the regular season will be attractive to several teams looking for an offensive punch. A team like Orlando shouldn’t be afraid to make an offer.
12. SG Bruce Brown Jr., Toronto Raptors
Free Agency Status: unrestricted (team option)
Odds are Brown will never hit the market as a free agent, but rather as a trade target. Toronto seems inclined to pick up his option, only to trade him over the summer and lose him for nothing. The Raptors were unable to move him before the deadline, but summers are always different.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted, but agreed to the new agreement
Monk is already out of the picture, having agreed to stay in Sacramento for $78 million over four years. Given that he just had the best two years of his career with the Kings, this feels like a win for both sides.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
One of the best young defensive centers in the NBA hits the market at 25 years old. It would be very surprising if he wasn’t inundated with offers.
15.PF Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
Much of the criticism that has fallen on Harris in recent years has been due to a $180 million contract that he was never able to justify. This will not be the case this time as his market will be much more realistic, potentially allowing him to be judged on his play rather than his performance.
16.SG Buddy Hield, Philadelphia 76ers
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
Hield continues to be one of the best shooters in the NBA and should have a stable market, especially among teams that like to play with a high tempo. At age 31, the question remains: How long in agreement is the sweet spot? That’s what the teams will try to figure out.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
The Knicks love Hartenstein, and Hartenstein loves the Knicks. Much like the Malik Monk situation, the current team is limited in what it can offer. But given the role and the potential for disruption, it’s likely both sides will figure something out.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
As one of the most stable and underrated point guards in the league, Jones should have no shortage of suitors. He would be a welcome presence on teams that need help attacking efficiently.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted (player’s choice)
Having won a ring with the Lakers and Nuggets, Caldwell-Pope has little to prove. At 31 years old and with the ability to play on both ends of the court, now could be the best time to optimize your gains.
20.PF Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers
Free Agency Status: Restricted
Toppin is a flying bucket who has become one of the most efficient players in the NBA. At 26 years old, any team that guarantees him will have possibly the best years of his career.
Free Agency Status: Unrestricted
At 32, Valančiūnas has a decision to make. Will he pursue a starting position, knowing that such promise could quickly change due to a potential decline? Or is he willing to come off the bench in a win-win situation? He will find more suitors if he is willing to knock on the second door.
22.PF Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls
Free Agency Status: restricted
At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Williams, 22, has developed into a strong defender with a reliable 3-point shot. This will mean a very strong market, even if it never improves. Are the Bulls ready to commit?
23. SG Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
A bad year in Toronto could influence the offers received, but an average of 19 points after the All-Star break is encouraging. He could sign a short-term deal to increase his value and soon return to free agency.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
As one of the best rebounders of all time who is willing to accept a role on the bench, Drummond is an achievement. Several contenders should try to get a boost in the cup next season.
25. SF Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
The 6-7 combo forward can score, although not very efficiently. A role on a good team where he is lower down the pecking order could be just what he needs to fix that part of his game.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted (player’s choice)
Smith is a highly efficient big man who can stretch the floor and crash the glass. At 24 years old, there is a lot of potential, which should create a substantial market.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
Beasley is a scorer and a good one at that. He has been betting on the 3-point shot for a few years now and has proven that he can be incorporated into a winning team. Whether this means a more attractive market remains to be seen, but each team needs more pitching.
Free Agency Status: restricted
A torn anterior cruciate ligament will hurt his market this year, which is a difficult time for him. At 6-7, 230 pounds and the ability to knock down a high volume of 3-pointers, perhaps a team would be willing to wait for him to recover.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
As one of the safest ball handlers in all of basketball, Morris strangely couldn’t see much of the court for the Lobos, which means teams could be under-banking on him and trying to sell him an opportunity for more minutes.
Free Agency Status: restricted
As a fluid 6-9 shooter, Fontecchio has value for both the Pistons and the entire league. Is his production in Detroit sustainable or was he just benefiting from a late-season surge on a bad team?
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
The positionally fluid winger is a strong defender who can stretch the court and help balance the otherwise offense-prone Suns as long as they can maintain it. That tax bill is not decreasing.
Free Agency Status: restricted
The Knicks made good use of the center after he arrived from Toronto, but with their team becoming increasingly expensive, you have to wonder if they are priced out.
Free Agency Status: restricted
Watford so high? Absolutely. The 6-8 big man can play both the four and five, is a productive rebounder, solid shooter and determined ball mover. Could be a huge steal of the summer for the right team.
Free Agency Status: restricted
Wiseman is more of a concept than a productive player at this point, but man, what a concept. An athletic 7-footer with a jump shot and a nose for rebounds and shot blocks? For the right team, it’s worth a look.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted (team option)
Everyone knows what Wagner gives you. Offense, offense and more offense. That’s not a bad thing, as he’s a threat inside and out and can help any team off the bench.
36. PG Kyle Lowry, Philadelphia 76ers
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
Old but wise. Short, but has heart. We all know what Lowry, 38, offers right now, and it’s a steady presence off the bench who can initiate actions, hit timely shots and provide veteran leadership. This doesn’t come for free.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted (player’s choice)
The two-way winger can play in multiple positions and could potentially secure a major contract this summer. Will he be able to produce for other teams or will his game be adapted primarily to fit Erik Spoelstra’s system?
38. PF Nic Batum, Philadelphia 76ers
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
A big surprise for the Sixers after going through the James Harden trade. Batum served multiple purposes for Philadelphia and remains effective as a great small-ball player with shooting range.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
Craig is a 3 and D wing that every team in the league is looking for. He’s getting there (33 years old) and wasn’t particularly healthy last season, but outside of the archetype he is, a market should develop.
Free Agency Status: unrestricted
Former All-Star who played well with the Hornets before being traded to the Thunder. He may not have a lot of energy left, but you can ask him to hold the ball and make plays.
