If you’re wondering where your favorite NBA players might end up next season, you’re not alone. Free agency in 2025 is bringing drama, rumors, and endless speculation. From LeBron’s decision to Harden’s future and everything in between, we’ve ranked the top 20 NBA free agents and mapped out where they could be headed next.
What is a Free Agent in the NBA?
A free agent in the NBA is simply a player who is not currently signed to any team. Once their contract ends, they have the opportunity to join any team they choose. Some players have total freedom (called unrestricted free agents), while others are restricted, meaning their old team can still keep them if they match any offer. Free agency gives players the power to choose their next move and gives teams a chance to strengthen their rosters.
Top NBA Free Agents in 2025 (By Tier)
Tier 1 – Superstars (Player Option / UFA)
These are the biggest names in free agency — elite talents who can immediately change the direction of a franchise. Some hold player options, while others could become unrestricted free agents (UFA).
1. LeBron James – SF, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James may be nearing 41, but his numbers tell a different story. Averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.8 rebounds this past season, he remains one of the most efficient and impactful forwards in the league. With a player option on the table, LeBron holds all the cards. If the Lakers can’t build a true contender, or if a team drafting Bronny offers him a unique opportunity, he could surprise the basketball world once again. Teams with cap flexibility and a strong foundation may consider a short-term, high-impact deal.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age & Background | 40 years old (Born December 30, 1984) – Drafted 1st overall in 2003 (Cleveland Cavaliers) |
| 2024–25 Stats | 25.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 8.1 APG, 52.3% FG, 3.1 3PM |
| Current Contract | Player Option ($51.4 million) – Eligible to opt out in 2025 |
| Playing Style | All-around forward; elite passer, scorer, leader, floor general |
| Free Agency Outlook | Expected to re-sign or play where Bronny is drafted; still playing at All-NBA level |
2. James Harden – PG, LA Clippers
James Harden’s still got it. He’s not dropping 50 like he used to in Houston, but he’s become the kind of guy every contender wants — smart, unselfish, and clutch when it counts. If he doesn’t stay with the Clippers, don’t be surprised to see him link up with another star somewhere else. He wants that ring — and this summer might be his best shot.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age & Background | 35 years old (Born August 26, 1989) – Drafted 3rd overall in 2009 (OKC Thunder) |
| 2024–25 Stats | 17.9 PPG, 8.5 APG, 4.6 RPG, 38.1% 3PT, 87.2% FT |
| Current Contract | Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) |
| Playing Style | Elite playmaker, pick-and-roll specialist, floor-spacing guard |
| Free Agency Outlook | Still productive; may seek short-term high-value deal with contender (PHI, PHX, MIA) |
3. Kyrie Irving – PG, Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie’s still one of the smoothest guards in the NBA. Handles? Untouchable. Shot-making? Elite. He’s been a solid fit in Dallas, but with a player option in his hands, fans are watching closely. If he runs it back with Luka, the Mavs will stay dangerous. But if another team offers him more freedom or a bigger stage, Kyrie might just surprise us again.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age & Background | 33 years old (Born March 23, 1992) – Drafted 1st overall in 2011 (Cleveland Cavaliers) |
| 2024–25 Stats | 25.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.0 RPG, 49.6% FG, 40.8% 3PT |
| Current Contract | Player Option (est. $39.0 million) – Can opt out in 2025 |
| Playing Style | Elite ball handler, isolation scorer, clutch shooter |
| Free Agency Outlook | Still in All-Star form; likely to stay in Dallas unless major shift occurs |
4. Julius Randle – PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Julius Randle might not always make headlines, but he’s one of the most dependable big men in the league. He scores, rebounds, and battles every night. If he opts out of his deal, he’ll be a hot target for teams that need muscle in the paint and a guy who can drop 25 on any given night. Keep an eye on him — he could be a sneaky-big move this summer.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Julius Deion Randle |
| Age | 30 years old (Born November 29, 1994) |
| Height / Weight | 6’8″ (2.03 m) / 250 lbs (113 kg) |
| NBA Experience | 11 seasons (Drafted 7th overall in 2014 by the Los Angeles Lakers) |
| Current Team | Minnesota Timberwolves (traded from New York Knicks in 2024–25 season) |
| Contract Status | Player Option for 2025–26 season ($30.3 million salary) |
| Playing Style | Physical power forward, strong rebounder, mid-range scorer, can stretch floor |
| Free Agency Outlook | Could opt out in search of long-term security or join a contender |
5. Brandon Ingram – SF, New Orleans Pelicans
Ingram’s ability to score at all three levels makes him one of the most attractive free agents of 2025. He brings size, length, and a calm offensive rhythm that few wings possess. Though consistency and durability have been question marks, when healthy, he’s a 20+ PPG player with playmaking upside. If the Pelicans don’t offer a long-term extension, expect teams like the Magic, Pistons, or Spurs to enter the race.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 27 years old (Born September 2, 1997) – Drafted 2nd overall in 2016 by the Lakers |
| 2024–25 Performance | Averaged 21.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.8 APG – efficient mid-range and isolation scorer |
| Playing Style | Long, versatile wing; excels at shot creation, pick-and-roll playmaking |
| Free Agency Outlook | Potential UFA – May leave New Orleans if team pivots toward a younger core |
6. Myles Turner – C, Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner doesn’t get the hype of a superstar, but he does everything a team needs. He blocks shots, hits threes, runs the floor, and stays consistent. At 28, he’s entering his prime, and any team needing a defensive big who won’t clog the lane will be lining up for him. A move to a contender could finally give him the spotlight he deserves.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 28 years old (Born March 24, 1996) – Drafted 11th overall in 2015 (Pacers) |
| 2024–25 Stats | 15.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 36.4% 3PT |
| Playing Style | Defensive anchor, elite rim protector, pick-and-pop shooter |
| Free Agency Outlook | Expected to leave Pacers; prime candidate for teams needing interior defense |
7. De’Anthony Melton – SG, Philadelphia 76ers
Melton’s on-court value often shows up more in advanced stats than the box score. His defensive rating remains among the best for rotation guards, and his off-ball movement creates spacing even without the ball in his hands. Combine that with a 38.1% 3-point clip, and you have a player who enhances any lineup. He’s a prime fit for playoff-bound teams seeking glue guys who can guard multiple positions.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 26 years old (Born May 28, 1998) – Drafted in 2018 (2nd Round, #46 overall) |
| 2024–25 Stats | 10.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 38.1% 3PT |
| Playing Style | Defensive-minded guard, reliable spot-up shooter, excellent off-ball mover |
| Free Agency Outlook | Strong interest expected from contenders needing a 3-and-D backcourt option |
8. Malik Beasley – SG, Milwaukee Bucks
Beasley doesn’t need the ball for long — just a second of daylight. He’s the kind of player who can swing a playoff game with four threes in a quarter. At 27, he’s entering his prime and should be one of the most affordable, high-upside shooters available in 2025.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 27 years old (Born November 26, 1996) – Drafted 19th overall in 2016 by the Denver Nuggets |
| 2024–25 Stats | 11.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 40.7% 3PT, 71 games played |
| Playing Style | Sharpshooter, fast-paced scorer, excels in catch-and-shoot and off-ball action |
| Free Agency Outlook | Valuable rotational piece; strong demand from playoff teams needing shooting |
9. Luke Kornet – C, Boston Celtics
Kornet’s defensive metrics quietly tell the story. Opponents shoot noticeably worse at the rim when he’s on the floor, and his team defense remains among the most efficient for reserve bigs. Though not a scorer, he stays within his role and boosts lineup efficiency. He’s tailor-made for teams that value structure and rim protection over flash.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 29 years old (Born July 15, 1995) – Undrafted in 2017 out of Vanderbilt |
| 2024–25 Stats | 5.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 60% FG in 14 MPG |
| Playing Style | Smart, rim-protecting center; screens well, alters shots, plays within system |
| Free Agency Outlook | Ideal for contending teams needing a low-cost, reliable backup big man |
5. Cam Thomas – SG, Brooklyn Nets
Cam Thomas has already made headlines with multiple 40-point games in just his first few seasons. At 23, he’s proven he can catch fire at any moment. He may not be a complete player yet, but his ability to score one-on-one, pull up from deep, and create under pressure makes him one of the most intriguing young guards in free agency. If a team needs an offensive punch, Thomas is ready to deliver.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 23 years old (Born October 13, 2001) – Drafted 27th overall in 2021 |
| 2024–25 Stats | 19.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 36.2% 3PT in 30.2 MPG |
| Playing Style | High-volume scorer, isolation-heavy, instant offense off the dribble |
| Free Agency Outlook | Restricted FA – Teams may challenge Brooklyn with strong offers for starting role |
Tier 3 – Underrated & Veteran Free Agents
11. Gordon Hayward – SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
With OKC getting younger, Hayward’s time there may be up. But his skill set—playmaking, spacing, and composure—still has a place in the league. Teams like Phoenix or Golden State, both light on veteran wings, could be perfect landing spots.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 34 years old (Born March 23, 1990) – Drafted 9th overall in 2010 (Utah Jazz) |
| 2024–25 Stats | 8.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 48.1% FG |
| Playing Style | Smart playmaker, spot-up shooter, veteran leadership |
| Free Agency Outlook | Veteran-minimum or short-term deal; likely targets: Suns, Heat, Warriors |
12. Joe Ingles – SF, Orlando Magic
Ingles doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. He spaces the floor, sees plays before they happen, and rarely forces a bad shot. For a team like the Celtics, Heat, or Nuggets, Ingles would be the perfect 10–15 minutes-a-night veteran to organize second units and hit timely shots.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 37 years old (Born October 2, 1987) – Undrafted, joined NBA in 2014 (Utah Jazz) |
| 2024–25 Stats | 5.6 PPG, 2.5 APG, 38.4% 3PT in ~17 MPG |
| Playing Style | High-IQ wing, floor spacer, crafty passer, secondary ball-handler |
| Free Agency Outlook | Ideal for playoff teams needing a vet shooter and locker room leader |
13. Dennis Smith Jr. – PG, Brooklyn Nets
Dennis Smith Jr. has fought his way back into the league — not as a flashy scorer, but as a rugged, defensive-first guard. He’s embraced his new identity, bringing hustle, ball pressure, and smart passes. For teams that need grit and quickness off the bench, Smith is a strong value signing.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 27 years old (Born November 25, 1997) – Drafted 9th overall in 2017 (Dallas Mavericks) |
| 2024–25 Stats | 6.2 PPG, 3.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 45.1% FG in ~19 MPG |
| Playing Style | Defensive guard, fast in transition, aggressive point-of-attack defender |
| Free Agency Outlook | Target for teams needing athletic backup PG with defensive mindset |
14. Seth Curry – SG, Charlotte Hornets
Even at 34, Seth Curry’s shooting touch hasn’t gone anywhere. With nearly 40% from deep again this season, he remains one of the league’s best spot-up threats. He won’t give you much defensively, but in the right system, he can swing a playoff game with just a few timely threes.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 34 years old (Born August 23, 1990) – Undrafted in 2013, son of Dell Curry |
| 2024–25 Stats | 6.5 PPG, 1.3 APG, 39.5% 3PT in ~16 MPG |
| Playing Style | Elite shooter, off-ball mover, catch-and-shoot threat |
| Free Agency Outlook | Valuable bench shooter; ideal for teams needing floor spacing (e.g., Cavs, Nuggets, Heat) |
15. Markieff Morris – PF, Dallas Mavericks
Morris won’t be in your crunch-time five, but he’s the guy teammates respect and opponents think twice about. He brings toughness, knows playoff basketball, and has the kind of veteran edge that helps hold a team accountable during the grind of a long season.
| Attribute | Details |
| Age & Background | 35 years old (Born September 2, 1989) – Drafted 13th overall in 2011 by PHX Suns |
| 2024–25 Stats | 3.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 43.6% FG in ~9 MPG |
| Playing Style | Physical forward, defensive-minded, enforcer-type presence |
| Free Agency Outlook | Likely signs minimum deal; fits well as a locker room leader for a contender |
Tier 4 – Role Players & Specialists (Table)
| Player | Position | 2024–25 Team | Key Strength | Age | Projected Fit |
| Torrey Craig | SF | Chicago Bulls | Defense & Hustle | 33 | Heat, Wolves, Celtics |
| Dwight Powell | C | Dallas Mavericks | Screen setting & energy big | 33 | Nuggets, Hornets, Jazz |
| Yuta Watanabe | SF | Memphis Grizzlies | Catch-and-shoot 3s, effort | 30 | Warriors, Nets, Raptors |
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo | SF | Milwaukee Bucks | Locker room presence, effort | 32 | Bucks (return), Kings, Lakers |
| Gabe Vincent | PG | Los Angeles Lakers | Defense, energy guard | 28 | Pelicans, Blazers, Pacers |
