Before NBA free agency even started, we’d already seen Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant changing teams. Trade candidates like Jaylen Brown and Kawhi Leonard are still dominating the NBA rumors but with the negotiating period officially open at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30 things are about to get even crazier.
There is usually a burst of action at the beginning especially for the stars at the top. But there is enough depth in this free agent class that things could stretch well into next week’s NBA Summer League with big names still available.
Best available players in NBA free agency
Below, we’ve ranked the 25 best free agents available, including both restricted and unrestricted free agents. This list only includes players who were still uncommitted as of the morning of June 30, and doesn’t include players like Kristaps Porziņģis, Landry Shamet, CJ McCollum or Trae Young, who had already agreed to deals to return to their previous teams. As signings are announced, we’ll clean names out of the best available list and add contract details and analysis below, so stay tuned.
| BEST AVAILABLE NBA FREE AGENTS |
|---|
| 1. LeBron James, F |
| 2. Jalen Duren, C |
| 3. James Harden, G |
| 4. Norm Powell, G |
| 5. Peyton Watson, F |
| 6. Walker Kessler, C |
| 7. Draymond Green, F |
| 8. Jonathan Kuminga, F |
| 9. Rui Hachimura, F |
| 10. Sandro Mamukelashvili, C |
| 11. John Collins, F |
| 12. Mitchell Robinson, C |
| 13. Tari Eason, F |
| 14. Bennedict Mathurin, G |
| 15. Luke Kennard, G |
| 16. Quentin Grimes, G |
| 17. Kelly Oubre Jr., G |
| 18. Collin Sexton, G |
| 19. Anfernee Simons, G |
| 20. Marcus Smart, G |
| 21. Keon Ellis, G |
| 22. Bruce Brown Jr., G |
| 23. Bones Hyland, G |
| 24. Spencer Jones, F |
| 25. Nikola Vučević. C |
1. LeBron James, F
- Previous Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Unrestricted free agent
He’ll turn 42 in the middle of next season but he’s still one of the 25 best players in the league. Whether it’s in Golden State, Cleveland or back with the Lakers, he should be in the postseason next season pushing for one more title.
2. Jalen Duren, C
- Previous Team: Detroit Pistons
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Restricted free agent
The Pistons say they’re not going to let Duren go but they may have to match a max offer sheet to keep him around. Duren was a disaster in the playoffs but he’s one of the best young bigs in the league and a powerful interior anchor at both ends of the floor.
3. James Harden, G
- Previous Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Unrestricted free agent
Harden seems to be headed back to Cleveland but he didn’t exactly endear himself to Cavs fans with his postseason flameout. He’s a problem on defense and has a well established track record of disappearing in big moments. But he’s also a one-man offense and put up 24-8-4 last season at the age of 36.
4. Norm Powell, G
- Previous Team: Miami Heat
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Unrestricted free agent
All signs point to Powell returning to the Miami Heat to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in pursuit of a title. He was a late bloomer and will be 33 next season but has become a dynamite second creator and dangerous outside shooter.
5. Peyton Watson, F
- Previous Team: Denver Nuggets
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Restricted free agent
Watson was injured for the Nuggets’ postseason run but has blossomed as a versatile, two-way wing — averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. He shot nearly 50 percent from the field, topped 40 percent from beyond the arc and turns 24 just before next season. If you’re looking for upside on the wing, he’s the guy in this free agent class.
6. Walker Kessler, C
- Previous Team: Utah Jazz
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Restricted free agent
The Jazz can match any offer Kessler receives but have so far loathe to pony up for a max. He has limited offensive range but is automatic in the paint, a terrific shot-blocker
7. Draymond Green, F
- Previous Team: Golden State Warriors
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Unrestricted free agent
Draymond Green may be headed right back to Golden State, opting out only to give them some financial flexibility to chase other upgrades. But he’s still an elite defender and connective passer, even if he can’t shoot and will make you listen to his podcast.
8. Jonathan Kuminga
- Previous Team: Atlanta Hawks
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Unrestricted free agent
The Hawks declined Kuminga’s option and we’ll finally get a chance to see what the market really is for his services. It’s probably closer to what the Warriors wanted to pay but there should still be a solid market for a highly athletic
9. Rui Hachimura, F
- Previous Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Unrestricted free agent
Hachmiura is 6-foot-8 and made at least 40 percent of his 3s in each of the last three seasons, topping out at 44.3 percent last year. That’s it, that’s the whole scouting report.
10. Sandro Mamukelashvili, C
- Previous Team: Toronto Raptors
- New Team: TBD
- Status: Unrestricted free agent
He’s not a household name but Mamukelashvili was a key breakout for the Raptors last year, averaging 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He’s not much of a shot blocker and stands just 6-foot-9, but he plays with bruising physicality and made 38.9 percent of his 3s last season.
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