A Comprehensive Look at the 2025 NBA Free Agency Class: Highlighting Ten of the Most Talented and Sought-After Players Who May Become Available, Potentially Shaping the Future Landscape of the League as Teams Strategize to Acquire Elite Basketball Talent

From accomplished guards to versatile big men, there are options for teams looking to improve via 2025 free agency.

(From left) Julius Randle (30), Naz Reid (11) and Jonathan Kuminga (00) are 3 key names to watch in the 2025 free agency cycle.

It’s money season in the NBA, where once again the evidence will show there’s nothing “free” in free agency.

Yet dozens of players are free to choose their next destination, provided there’s mutual interest from one or multiple teams. There’s not a whale on the market in this free agency period, meaning nobody who’ll drastically shake up a franchise and leave unsuccessful suitors in tears.

Sure, LeBron James is technically a free agent, but he has unshakable ties to the Los Angeles Lakers, where his legacy and his son are firmly entrenched in his adopted hometown. With a $52 million option on the table, and potentially an extension for a 40-year-old, all is expected to be calm on the LeBron free agency front.

A handful of contending teams, though, are seeking positional upgrades or are anxious to fill voids to fortify their chances next season. There are players in this free agent pool who can certainly help that cause.

Here’s who deserve mention: Kyrie Irving (injured and reportedly set to sign an extension in Dallas), D’Angelo Russell (gunner for hire), Josh Giddey (likely to re-sign with the Chicago Bulls), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (developing combo guard), Quentin Grimes (ditto, but the Philadelphia 76ers are suddenly loaded in the backcourt), Bobby Portis (no more Milwaukee Bucks discount?) and Brook Lopez (the big man could be on the move.

And then there are others.

Here are 10 of the best, if not the best, possible 2025 free agents:

James Harden, LA Clippers

Status: $36 million player option

He’s about to begin his 17th season and turns 35 in August. Yet he finished fifth in assists at 8.7 last season; his playmaking was a saving grace for the Clippers. And while he’s not a lethal scorer anymore, he averaged just shy of 23 points. All told, Harden was an All-NBA Third Team selection and an All-Star while still possessing productivity here in his twilight. He’ll likely re-up with the Clippers and remain in his L.A. hometown, but anything’s possible for a player still seeking a championship.

Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves

Status: $15 million player option

He’s looking to cash in after years of being a bargain. The market will debate whether Reid deserves starter money. The former Kia Sixth Man of the Year will draw good interest once he, as expected, declines this option. He’s an undersized center and not big on the boards, but brings a decent 3-point shot (37.9% in 2024-25), averaged 14.2 points per game and can score off the dribble, too. The Wolves want to keep him, but can they pay a big price for both he and Rudy Gobert? Does tying up all that money in one position make sense, especially after they used their first-round pick on another center?

Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

Status: $30.9 million player option

Randle sparkled in his lone season with the Timberwolves and was tremendous in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Then, Oklahoma City’s defense exposed his weaknesses in the Western Conference Finals. This will be interesting to see who has the leverage. If Randle bails, then the Wolves have little to show for the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. Randle could sign an extension and stay in Minnesota, or decline the option and test the market. That last option could prove tricky if he wants to land with a winning team.

Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Turner is the longest-tenured Pacers player at 10 seasons, and he helped Indiana reach the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers will certainly consider that as they weigh what to offer in terms of years and money. Turner is a stretch-center and solid defensively near the rim. That said, Turner had a poor performance in the Finals, which could affect his market value or his future worth to the Pacers. Indiana doesn’t have a worthy replacement on the roster at this point, which works in his favor.

Myles Turner speaks on a decade of growth and development with the Pacers paying off in his first NBA Finals appearance.

Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

Status: Restricted free agent

He’s coming off an interesting season, to say the least, with the Warriors. Coach Steve Kerr drastically reduced his playing time, but Kuminga played well (15.3 ppg, 48.4% shooting in 23.4 minutes per game) when called upon in the playoffs. He’s only 22, has obvious talent and he will draw interest from other teams. How big of an offer will some team throw his way to pry him from the Warriors? Or will he and Golden State reach an understanding? The Warriors are unlikely to let him walk for nothing.

Charles, Kenny, Shaq & EJ see a pivotal offseason ahead for Golden State as it must decide its next moves.

Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

Status: Restricted free agent

It’ll be a surprise if he and the Nets don’t reach an agreement. Both sides want it to work, and Brooklyn has more than enough cap space for the scoring guard who just completed his fourth season. There’s plenty of upside here. Unless another team delivers an offer that makes Brooklyn blink, all signs point to Thomas returning to the team that’ll give him minutes and the ball.

Dennis Schröder, Detroit Pistons

Status: Unrestricted free agent

The ultimate journeyman, Schröder has suited up with nine teams in his 11 seasons and always seems to have bags packed. He was with three teams last season alone. Yet he had enough good moments with the Pistons that it wouldn’t be a surprise if such a relationship continues in the future. He averaged 12.5 ppg on 49.1% shooting in the playoffs and can be a quality backup again for Detroit (or for a handful of other teams).

Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Last season, his ninth, was the best of his career. Beasley became a dangerous 3-point shooter and an important piece for an emerging Pistons team. He finished second in 3-pointers made (319) — eight more than Stephen Curry — while shooting 41.6% on 3-pointers. Beasley, 28, was arguably the league’s biggest bargain last season ($6 million) and will command a raise.

Ty Jerome, Cleveland Cavaliers

Status: Unrestricted free agent

He emerged as a discovery off the bench last season for the Cavs and helped Cleveland capture the top seed in the East. He averaged 12.5 ppg and shot 51% in just 19.9 mpg as one of the league’s better sixth men, strengthening the Cavs’ deep backcourt. It could come down to chasing the most money or staying in Cleveland and chasing a ring. It’s a tough call for someone searching for his first big NBA payday.

Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Depending on your view of him at age 40, Paul is either one of the less attractive free agents or a must-have for certain teams. Both can be true. It’s unlikely he’ll return to the Spurs, but by serving as a mentor for that young team — much the way he did for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in one season with OKC — Paul’s job is done. He has accomplished everything in his future Hall of Fame career except win a championship. Does he give it one more try and send signals to, suppose, the Mavericks? Or hope something materializes closer to his Los Angeles home?

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.

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