Every July, NBA teams wait with bated breath for the next crop of free agents to hit the open market and hopefully change their franchise in an instant.
It can be worth the crap shoot for middling or fringe playoff teams to make a gamble in signing a player to a big-money contract as they seek to boost their title hopes.
These days, any signing of significance has a “championship or bust” attachment to it, and with it, a change in the mindset of players who not only want to secure generational wealth but burnish their legacies as ring-finger envy has permeated the league.
But over the summer, some of the league’s stars, such as reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, three-time MVP Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr., Mikal Bridges, and De’Aaron Fox, have been locked up with big deals, especially in the Western Conference. With some of the biggest names off the board, the likelihood of one player going to another team and completely shifting the balance of power in the league has diminished.
Several players who are still on their rookie deals also came off the market, such as Paolo Banchero (Orlando), Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City), and Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston).
Still, there remains some notable players who can become unrestricted free agents as their contracts end or who can exercise their player option:
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Unrestricted free agent
James remains the biggest name in the NBA, but he will be 42 years old next summer and has missed the start of this season with sciatica, a painful nerve injury. Infer whatever you want with that information.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Player option
Young, who led the NBA in assists, is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension up until June 30 or a five-year, $345 million supermax extension if he is named to an All-NBA team this season. If an extension is not reached, Young could become a free agent next summer – but only if he declines his $49 million player option for 2026-27. Whether he re-signs with Atlanta or goes somewhere else, they will be paying strictly for his offense – he’s averaged 25.3 points and 9.8 assists in his career – as he can be a liability on defense.
Bradley Beal, Los Angeles Clippers
Player option
At this point in his career, the 32-year-old Beal is strictly looking for a championship, which is why he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers for two years and just under $11 million after being bought out by the Phoenix Suns. Beal, whose scoring average has decreased in each of the past four years, can still score at an efficient level. The Clippers are starting him at shooting guard despite a knee issue that hindered him in the preseason.
James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
Player option
Harden is still looking for championship glory, and he will begin his third season in Los Angeles as part of the oldest team in league history. The Clippers also have to deal with the ongoing distraction featuring his teammate Kawhi Leonard, which could derail any title hopes. Still, while Harden’s usage rate has gone down considerably since his days in Houston, he is still playing at an All-Star level.
Kristaps Porzingis, Atlanta Hawks
Unrestricted free agent
Porzingis is playing on the last year of a two-year, $60 million veteran contract extension he signed when he was with the Boston Celtics. It will be interesting to see how Porzingis meshes with Young in Atlanta, which will ultimately determine his future moving forward in that city. There is no doubt that Porzingis can help any team with his ability to score and his defensive presence – but only if he can stay healthy. He hasn’t played more than 70 games in a season since his rookie year in 2015.
Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings
Player option
Perhaps the most interesting player facing a decision will be LaVine, who will make close to $49 million if he selects his player option. He can wait to see if Sacramento is anywhere close to contenders or bet on himself to see if he can secure one last big-money contract, as he will be 31 by next summer.
Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder
Club option
The dreaded second apron to avoid massive salary cap penalties could be the reason for Hartenstein’s possible last season in a Thunder uniform. His $28.5 million club option for the 2026-27 season might be too much for the NBA champions. They aren’t paying him to stuff the box score, but he brings an invaluable energy and rebounding skills that can’t be found on most rosters.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Club option
Kuminga might be the future in Golden State, whenever Stephen Curry decides to retire, or he might burn the few bridges he has left on his way out of town. For now, the 23-year-old Kuminga will be making $22.5 this season after a prolonged contract standoff and is expected to be a vital piece of the Warriors push toward another championship. If things go south, expect a lot of chatter around the Feb. 5 trading deadline.
Other players to watch
Andrew Wiggins, Miami Heat (player option); CJ McCollum and Kris Middleton, Washington Wizards (both unrestricted).
2026 rookie extensions
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is eligible for a big rookie extension worth five years and $271 million at season’s end. Expect Wembanyama, who just named Western Conference Player of the Week for the opening week of the 2025-26 season, to contend for multiple league awards, if he stays healthy. He was limited to 46 games last season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
