Landing Spots for the 15 Biggest NBA Free Agents This Offseason

15) F Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith landed with the Lakers last season, but his stint in Los Angeles may not be as long as Rob Pelinka hoped when he traded for the 3-and-D forward. The Florida product opted to decline his player option with the Lakers over the weekend, and with him set to test free agency, he'll likely have plenty of suitors.

Considering he was considered a top trade target over the last two years, options should be bountiful. Finney-Smith could find a fit in the Western Conference with another contending team. 

Prediction: Houston Rockets

Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Team: Los Angeles Lakers | Age: 32

2024-25 Stats: 63 GP | 28.8 MPG | 8.7 PPG | 3.9 RPG | 1.4 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 44.8% FG | 41.1% 3PT%

2) G James Harden, LA Clippers

James Harden is another talented veteran to enter free agency with a player option. The star guard seemingly rejuvenated his career this past season with the Clippers, putting himself back in All-Star honors and being named to an All-NBA team along the way. Harden forced his way to the Clippers a couple of years back, and after his impressive season in Los Angeles, it would be an absolute shock to see the Arizona State product decline his option to find a spot elsewhere. For that reason, I predict he'll stand firm in LA.

Prediction: LA Clippers

Free Agent Type: Player Option ($36.3M)

Team: Los Angeles Clippers | Age: 35

2024-25 Stats: 79 GP | 22.8 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 8.7 APG | 1.5 SPG | 0.7 BPG | 41.0 FG% | 35.2 3PT%

*Update: Harden declined option, re-signed with Clippers*

3) G Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving heads into the offseason recovering from his season-ending ACL injury. The Mavericks star expects to be back on the court next season, but when he can return is still up in the air. Regardless, all signs point to him opting into his deal with Dallas and staying put to help the Mavs make a run in what many expect to be the biggest year of Jason Kidd and Nico Harrison's careers.

Prediction: Dallas Mavericks

Free Agent Type: Player Option ($44.0M)

Team: Dallas Mavericks | Age: 33

2024-25 Stats: 50 GP | 24.7 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 4.6 APG | 1.3 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 47.3 FG% | 40.1 3PT%

*Update: Irving declined player option, signed long-term extension*

4) F Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle landed with the Timberwolves just before the 2024-25 regular season began in a blockbuster trade. Through the regular season, many critics felt that Minnesota made a mistake landing the versatile forward, and considering his underwhelming play at the time, the pessimism seemed warranted. However, Randle seemingly just needed time to adjust to his new fit because he turned his play around in a significant way through the T-Wolves' postseason run. However, early signs suggest Minnesota seeks a way to move on from Randle. The ball is in the Kentucky product's court, considering he holds a player option. For Randle, opting into his contract makes the most sense to avoid fighting for a similar deal on the open market. As for Minnesota, there's no guarantee that he'll be playing on that contract for the T-Wolves.

Prediction: Opts-In to PO but is traded

Free Agent Type: Player Option ($30.9M)

Team: Minnesota Timberwolves | Age: 30

2024-25 Stats: 69 GP | 18.7 PPG | 7.1 RPG | 4.7 APG | 0.7 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 48.5 FG% | 34.4 3PT%

*Update: Randle declined player option, signed long-term extension*

5) C Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner is one of the few pending free agents still playing in June. The Texas product has put himself in a position to earn a big payday on the open market with his play throughout the postseason. Early reports suggest that the Pacers have already begun initial contract discussions with the big man. Still, with teams like the Detroit Pistons rumored to be interested in landing the stretch big, Indiana may have their hands full in a bidding war if it hopes to retain their versatile center. However, amid a run to the NBA title, it's hard to envision Turner wanting to be anywhere other than Indiana.

Prediction: Indiana Pacers

Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Team: Indiana Pacers | Age: 29

Position: C

2024-25 Stats: 72 GP | 15.6 PPG | 6.5 RPG | 1.5 APG | 0.8 SPG | 2.0 BPG | 48.1 FG% | 39.6 3PT%

6) G Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

Josh Giddey was traded to the Bulls last offseason after his role in Oklahoma City seemingly diminished down the stretch. Giddey joined Billy Donovan's squad with plenty to prove in his new role, and he did exactly that. The Australian native showcased his ability to manipulate opposing defenses and be a reliable playmaker. He also showed flashes of how crafty he can be as an offensive scorer when aggressive. Giddey could cash in on the open market, but all signs suggest that the Bulls and the guard have mutual interest in a long-term deal getting done to keep him in the Windy City.

Prediction: Chicago Bulls

Free Agent Type: Restricted

Team: Chicago Bulls | Age: 22

2024-25 Stats: 70 GP | 14.6 PPG | 8.1 RPG | 7.2 APG | 1.2 SPG | 0.6 BPG | 46.5 FG% | 37.8 3PT%

7) G Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets

When Fred VanVleet signed with the Rockets, it was clear that the two sides envisioned a short-term partnership. Houston was seeking a big fish to help them get their team back on track in terms of winning and resetting the culture under Ime Udoka, and VanVleet was seeking a payday. At this point, the veteran guard's play has visibly declined. However, he's still able to produce enough that would allow him to contribute on multiple contending teams moving forward, but not at the expense of a $44.9 million contract, especially not with the Rockets. The ball is obviously in Houston's court, and if they do pick up VanVleet's team option, it's likely because he'll be included in a trade that will send him elsewhere as a primary salary filler. However, if no trade materializes, it's hard to imagine that Houston would be willing to pay a premium price for subpar play. If he hits the open market, a team like the Orlando Magic would make perfect sense for him.

Prediction: Orlando Magic (HOU declines TO)

Free Agent Type: Team Option ($44.9M)

Team: Houston Rockets | Age: 31

2024-25 Stats: 60 GP | 14.1 PPG | 3.7 RPG | 5.6 APG | 1.6 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 37.8 FG% | 34.5 3PT%

*Update: VanVleet declined player option, signed long-term extension*

8) F/C Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves

Naz Reid is a player many expect to receive a much-deserved payday this offseason. The LSU product has developed into one of the best bench players in the league and has made more than a fine enough argument that he could be a starting big man for multiple teams. With a $15 million player option looming, Reid will have a decision to make on whether he feels he should take a hometown discount to remain in Minnesota or test the open market and see if the Timberwolves will prove how much they value him by paying him what he feels he's worth. Early reports suggest that Reid has plenty of suitors ready to make a run at him, including the Pistons, who are hoping to find a stretch big who can be inserted into their starting lineup. The Timberwolves are also interested in re-signing the big man to a long-term contract, but with Reid vocalizing that he knows his worth, it's fair to wonder if the T-Wolves could be maxed out on the open market?

Prediction: Detroit Pistons

Free Agent Type: Player Option ($15.0M)

Team: Minnesota Timberwolves | Age: 25

2024-25 Stats: 80 GP | 14.2 PPG | 6.0 RPG | 2.3 APG | 0.7 SPG | 0.9 BPG | 46.2 FG% | 37.9 3PT%

*Update: Reid declined player option, signed long-term extensio*

9) F Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga heads into restricted free agency, but all indications are that the forward will suit up for a new team next season. The former G-League Ignite standout's relationship with the Warriors has seemingly soured over the last year, especially after the two sides couldn't agree to an extension in the offseason. From there, a decreased role made it clear that the two sides would soon separate. Golden State hopes to use Kuminga as a trade chip to receive some type of compensation in a sign-and-trade deal with whatever team he lands with, which makes it clear that the forward is heading towards a fresh start. Kuminga will likely be seeking guaranteed playing time in his next role, and one team that immediately comes to mind is the Brooklyn Nets, who hope to continue adding young talent to their rebuild. With the Nets being a major market and having plenty of cap space, it wouldn't be a shock to see them be a major suitor for the Warriors' wing. However, another team mentioned as a true dark horse is the Miami Heat, who could pivot to Kuminga if they miss out on Kevin Durant.

Prediction: Miami Heat

Free Agent Type: Restricted

Team: Golden State Warriors | Age: 22

2024-25 Stats: 47 GP | 15.3 PPG | 4.6 RPG | 2.2 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 45.4 FG% | 30.5 3PT%

10) G Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons

Malik Beasley signed with the Pistons last offseason on a cheap prove-it deal, but he quickly made it clear that he was set to outplay that contract. The Sixth Man of the Year runner-up now heads into free agency, where he'll have plenty of teams looking to offer him a solid payday and an increased role. A return to the Pistons seems most likely if they can agree to a deal that makes sense for both sides. Assuming a dark horse team with money to spend, like the Nets, doesn't make an outlandish offer to land the sharpshooter, he is expected to stay in the Motor City.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons

Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Team: Detroit Pistons | Age: 28

2024-25 Stats: 82 GP | 16.3 PPG | 2.6 RPG | 1.7 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.1 BPG | 43.0 FG% | 41.6 3PT%

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11) G Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

Cam Thomas has long been viewed as one of the most electric scorers in the league since entering the NBA as a rookie out of LSU. However, he hasn't truly shown whether he's just simply a microwave scorer, or if he could be a player the Nets prioritize in their rebuilding process.

As a restricted free agent, I guess we'll see just how much Brooklyn truly believes in his abilities, or if another team values his potential more. Nonetheless, if I had to predict his free agency outcome today, I'd expect a deal to get done with the Nets.

Prediction: Brooklyn Nets

Free Agent Type: Restricted

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Team: Brooklyn Nets | Age: 23

2024-25 Stats: 25 GP | 31.2 MPG | 24.0 PPG | 3.3 RPG | 3.8 APG | 0.6 SPG | 0.1 BPG | 43.8 FG% | 34.9 3PT%

12) F Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies

Santi Aldama has continued to develop into one of the better stretch bigs in the league over the last four seasons with Memphis. Aldama has proved valuable as both a reliable bench player and a capable plug-in starter.

Entering restricted free agency, he'll likely be a name many teams are monitoring. With how dysfunctional the Grizzlies organization has looked over the last year, it won't be a surprise if the forward tries his hand with an outside team, even if there's a slight chance Memphis won't match.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons

Free Agent Type: Restricted

Team: Memphis Grizzlies | Age: 24

2024-25 Stats: 65 GP | 25.5 MPG | 12.5 PPG | 6.4 RPG | 2.9 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 48.3 FG% | 36.8 3PT%

13) C Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks

Brook Lopez is expected to have a robust market, and it doesn't come as a surprise considering he's continued to play a key role for the Bucks, even at age 37. The big man is clearly on the back end of his career, and there's no doubt that competing for another championship will be a primary selling point for any teams pitching him free agency deals.

I expect Lopez's time in Milwaukee to come to an end after back-to-back disappointing outcomes for Milwaukee in the past two years.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Team: Milwaukee Bucks | Age: 37

2024-25 Stats: 80 GP | 31.8 MPG | 13.0 PPG | 5.0 RPG | 1.8 APG | 0.6 SPG | 1.9 BPG | 50.8 FG% | 37.3 3PT%

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14) G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves

Nickeil Alexander-Walker may be the one player who played himself into a huge payday this offseason following his time with the Timberwolves. Since entering the league, the guard has shown flashes of his potential impact, but he proved just how good he can be in the right situation this past season.

Alexander-Walker is not only expected to be a top target for many teams, but considering Minnesota has already opened up the checkbook for Naz Reid and Julius Randle, it's hard to envision the T-Wolves having the funds to bring back the two-way playmaker, too.

Prediction: Atlanta Hawks

Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Team: Minnesota Timberwolves | Age: 26

2024-25 Stats: 82 GP | 25.3 MPG | 9.4 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 2.7 APG | 0.6 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 43.8 FG% | 38.1 3PT%

15) F Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith landed with the Lakers last season, but his stint in Los Angeles may not be as long as Rob Pelinka hoped when he traded for the 3-and-D forward. The Florida product opted to decline his player option with the Lakers over the weekend, and with him set to test free agency, he'll likely have plenty of suitors.

Considering he was considered a top trade target over the last two years, options should be bountiful. Finney-Smith could find a fit in the Western Conference with another contending team. 

Prediction: Houston Rockets

Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Team: Los Angeles Lakers | Age: 32

2024-25 Stats: 63 GP | 28.8 MPG | 8.7 PPG | 3.9 RPG | 1.4 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 44.8% FG | 41.1% 3PT%