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USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA 2025 free agent rankings: Top players who could be available
The 2025 NBA Draft is in the books, meaning we're just days away from free agency. Starting the day after the last game of the NBA Finals, teams were able to begin negotiations with their prospective free agents. But the doors open officially on Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET, teams may begin talking with free agents who finished seasons on other teams. Some are unrestricted free agents, which means they are able to sign with any team that offers a deal; restricted free agents can sign a contract with another team but the team he last played for has the right to match the offer and retain the player. Others have player options, meaning they can opt out of the final season of their contract and become a free agent or they can opt in and play out the final year of the deal. Similarly, some contracts have a team option on the final season of the contract, meaning the team can decide whether it brings the player back or allows him to enter free agency. It all sets up what should be a busy couple of weeks. Here are the top players who could be available come 6 p.m. on June 30: 1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers forward 2024-25 stats: 24.4 ppg, 8.2 apg, 7.8 rpg, 51.3% FG, 37.6% 3PT, 78.2% FT James hit free agency last summer and signed a two-year, $101.3 million contract with a player option at $52.6 million for 2025-26. It's likely James will become a free agent again and try to maximize his earnings (with the Lakers most likely) while including a no-trade clause in his contract. At every chance, James has indicated he is happy playing for the Lakers and living in the L.A. area. Plus, his son, Bronny, is under contract with the franchise. At 40 years old, James still produced at an All-NBA level. 2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers guard 2024-25 stats: 22.8 ppg, 8.7 apg, 5.8 rpg, 41% FG, 35.2% 3PT, 87.4% FT Harden has a player option for 2025-26 at $36.3 million for the season. He can play out the final year of the contract or become a free agent in the summer. He still logged significant minutes (35.3 per game) and continued to produce. A strong run during the postseason reaffirmed his status as a capable scorer. 3. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves forward 2024-25 stats: 18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 48.5% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 80.6% FT Randle is another player with an option for 2025-26. He can either finish the contract at $30.9 million for next season or become a free agent in the summer. What to watch here: Is the likely new ownership group led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore ready to spend what it takes to keep the core roster intact? 4. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks guard 2024-25 stats: 24.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.6 apg, 47.3% FG, 41% 3PT, 91.6% FT Kyrie Irving opted out of the final year of his contract and plans to sign a three-year, $119 million deal with the Mavs, according to ESPN. Irving, 33, had one season and $42.9 million left on his three-year, $120 million deal but decided to seek a longer contract. He underwent surgery on March 26 for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left kne and will miss a significant portion of next season. 5. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers center 2024-25 stats: 15.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 1.5 apg, 48.1% FG, 39.6% 3PT, 77.3% FT It seems Turner has been mentioned in trade talks for several seasons. Now, he's in control of where he plays next season as an unrestricted free agent. Playing almost four more minutes per game this season than last, Turner remains a positive presence in the Pacers' rotation, and he has been a steady anchor down low during Indiana's run to the NBA Finals. Turner's ability to stretch the floor and knock down 3s should increase his value on the open market. 6. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves center-forward 2024-25 stats: 14.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 46.2% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 77.6% FT Reid is headed for a big payday — whether it's this offseason or the next. He's under contract for 2025-26 at a team friendly $15 million for the season but can exercise his player option and become a free agent this summer rather than the summer of 2026. His production made it possible to part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns before the season. 7. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls guard 2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 7.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 46.5% FG, 37.8% 3PT, 78.1% FT Giddey is a pending restricted free agent in his first season with the Bulls after Oklahoma City traded him for Alex Caruso. Giddey does a little bit of everything for the Bulls, putting together career highs in assists, 3-point shooting percentage, 3s made per game and minutes. His strong play late in the season elevated the Bulls, which had lacked a distributor and creator, into playoff contention. 8. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets guard 2024-25 stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.6 spg, 37.8% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 81% FT The Rockets aren't picking the final season of a three-year, $128.5 million contract VanVleet signed in 2023 – but VanVleet plans to sign a two-year, $50 million deal to remain with Houston. 9. John Collins, Utah Jazz forward-center 2024-25 stats: 19.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 52.7% FG, 39.9% 3PT, 84.8% FT Collins exercised his $26.5 million player option for 2025-26, according to ESPN. 10. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors forward 2024-25 stats: 15.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2. apg, 45.4% FG, 30.5% 3PT, 66.8% FT Kuminga is a restricted free agent, meaning the Warriors can match any offer from other teams and retain him. He has missed time with injuries but he's the kind of youthful, athletic wing the Warriors could use, with further development. With Golden State's trade for Jimmy Butler, Kuminga fell out of the rotation, though he did re-emerge once injuries forced him back on the floor. 11. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves guard 2024-25 stats: 9.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 43.8% FG, 38.1% 3PT, 78% FT Alexander-Walker is in the final season of a two-year, $9 million contract, which makes him an unrestricted free agent in the summer. He has established himself as a viable rotation player, particularly on defense, where his length and athleticism are extremely valuable in the modern NBA. 12. Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons guard 2024-25 stats: 16.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 43% FG, 41.6% 3PT, 67.9% FT A veteran sharpshooter, Beasley is a plug-and-play sniper who should give any team instant contributions just from the volume of shots and accuracy he has from beyond the arc. Though he's only an occasional starter, Beasley ranked seventh in the NBA in 3-point shots per game (9.3). But when lacing them at 41.6%, he should find plenty of suitors. 13. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers forward 2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.5 spg, 47% FG, 29.3% 3PT, 75.1% FT He took on more responsibility with the series of injuries Philadelphia faced this season, and Oubre responded to become one of the team's more consistent producers. He has plus athleticism, can get to the rim and his length allows him to defend many of the athletic wings in the NBA well enough. 14. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets guard 2024-25 stats: 24 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 43.8% FG, 34.9% 3PT, 88.1% FT Thomas is a restricted free agent and headed for a raise on his $4 million salary in 2024-25. Limited by injuries that sidelined him for more than half of the season, he can still get buckets and drop 20-plus in just about every game. 15. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks forward 2024-25 stats: 13.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 46.6% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 83.6% FT Portis has a player option, so he would need to exercise it to remain with the team. Yet, if he opts to test the market, his ability to provide steady and solid scoring and rebounding off the bench could be appealing to any number of teams. A frequent contender for Sixth Man of the Year, Portis also brings instant energy and tenacity upon stepping on the floor. 16. Caris LeVert, Atlanta Hawks guard 2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.4 apg, 3.2 rpg, 46.7% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 71% FT LeVert will hit unrestricted free agency this summer following a two-year, $32 million contract. He had a nice season with Cleveland until it traded him, and he continued to excel as a scorer with Atlanta, where he got more offensive opportunities. 17. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers guard 2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 46.7% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 75.7% FT Grimes is a restricted free agent this summer, and he made the most of his opportunity after being traded from Dallas to Philadelphia. Grimes averaged 21.9 points on 46.9% shooting from the field and 37.3% on 3s and has scored at least 30 points five times with the 76ers, including 46 in an overtime loss against the Rockets. 18. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies center 2024-25 stats: 12.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 48.3% FG, 36.8% 3PT, 69.1% FT Aldama is a restricted free agent in the offseason, and he turned into a valuable big man for the Grizzlies' formidable frontcourt. The fourth-year big averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage. 19. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks center 2024-25 stats: 13.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 1.8 apg, 50.9% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 82.6% FT Lopez had been a valuable player for the Bucks, who signed him to a two-year, $48 million contract in 2023. Will the two sides be able to reach terms on a new deal in free agency and continue a mutually beneficial relationship, or will Lopez find a new team? 20. Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles Lakers forward 2024-25 stats: 8.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 44.8% FG, 41.1% 3PT, 66.7% FT Finney-Smith has a $15.3 million player option on the 2025-26 season. One aspect is certain: Since acquiring him from Brooklyn in a trade in late December, Finney-Smith made the Lakers a better defensive team with his length and versatility. 21. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks center 2024-25 stats: 8.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1 bpg, 55.9% FG, 53.6% FT Capela finished a two-year, $45.8 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent. He did lose his starting job midway through the season to Onyeka Okongwu, so that could affect his market. Playing his fewest minutes per game (21.4) since 2015-16, Capela's per-36 minutes stats reveal a noticeable contribution: 14.9 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. 22. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs guard 2024-25 stats: 8.8 ppg, 7.4 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.3 spg, 42.7% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 92.4% FT How much more does Paul want to play? He signed a one-year, $10.4 million contract last offseason and will have his choice of teams in unrestricted free agency if he wants to continue his playing career. 23. D'Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets guard 2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 5.1 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.0 spg, 39% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 83.4% FT Though his scoring numbers were down, a career low that was below even his rookie season levels from 2015-16, Russell is still a player who can handle the ball and create for others, one who can ignite from 3-point range and one who can infuse instant offense into a system. Feasibly, what Russell has needed most is a clear definition of his role and stability. 24. Russell Westbrook, Denver Nuggets guard 2024-25 stats: 13.3 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 spg, 44.9% FG, 32.3% 3PT, 66.1% FT Westbrook has a player option for 2025-26 at $3.4 million for the season. Was the partnership successful enough to get another season out of Westbrook in Denver? Will the Nuggets' — and Westbrook's — playoff success determine that? 25. Al Horford, Boston Celtics center 2024-25 stats: 9.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 42.3% FG, 36.3% 3PT, 89.5% FT This has been another fruitful relationship at the end of Horford's career. Following the end of a two-year, $19.5 million contract with the Celtics, Horford is an unrestricted free agent. Though didn't have as good a season as last, he's beloved by his teammates.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunder star Jalen Williams' emotional message to fans at parade
The post Thunder star Jalen Williams' emotional message to fans at parade appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Jalen Williams hype train is not slowing down anytime soon. What a year he had. He surged into a role and took the league by storm. Paired alongside the league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams was able to hit career highs in almost every category and win an NBA Championship in his third season. Advertisement Williams' numbers increased a ton. From 2024 to 2025, his points per game increased from 19.1 to 21.6, assists from 4.5 to 5.1, rebounds from 4.0 to 5.3, and steals from 1.1 to 1.6. His field goal percentage decreased a tad, but he attempted more shots per game. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Williams scored 40 points on 56% shooting in a masterclass performance. The former first-round pick played a crucial role with the Thunder this season and will likely be remembered forever already as one of the best players to put on a Thunder uniform. During the championship parade on Tuesday, Williams had an emotional message to the fans. 'None of this is possible without you guys. You guys have been through the ups and downs of the Thunder organization. We appreciate you guys. We love you guys.' Advertisement Williams has just one year left on his contract. He is due for a major payday at the right time. Both Williams and Chet Holmgren are in line for major contract extensions. 'Holmgren and Williams are eligible to sign up to a five-year, $247 million extension. The total value could increase to $296 million if MVP, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year escalator clauses are included,' ESPN's Bobby Marks wrote. 'The increase in salary will only occur if either player reaches one of the three criteria for the 2025-26 season.' Williams was an All-NBA Second Teamer this past season, so he could reach up to $296 million. His incredible rise to fame is only going to get better once he gets the payday he deserves. Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams 'feeling loose' at parade after viral 'Shirley Temples' comment Related: Thunder news: OKC mayor crowns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA rumors: Jazz making ‘aggressive' Jaylen Brown trade push
The post NBA rumors: Jazz making 'aggressive' Jaylen Brown trade push appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Boston Celtics seem resolute in not trading either Jaylen Brown or Derrick White this offseason, despite the expected dip with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to injury. But the Utah Jazz are reportedly still trying to change their mind. Advertisement Over the past few days, the Celtics have traded away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, both of whom are set to make more than $30 million next season and are, in Porzingis's case, a high injury risk, and in Holiday's case, in his mid-30s with three years left on his deal. The same worries do not exist for Brown or White, two of Boston's three best players. Although there could be reservations about the price they each carry — Brown is entering Year 2 of a five-year, $285.4 million extension, and White begins a four-year, $118 million deal this year — neither has turned 31 yet, both have played at least 63 games a season for the last four years, and they continue to be highly effective players, particularly for a perennially championship-contending team like the Celtics. And yet, teams, and the Jazz, in particular, appear intent on really making Boston say no to trading Brown, in particular. 'The Utah Jazz, who are spearheaded by former Celtics executives Danny Ainge and his son, Austin Ainge, made an aggressive push in the last couple of days for 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, multiple league sources told ClutchPoints,' Brett Siegel wrote. 'It was speculated that this trade proposal revolved around the fifth pick in the draft and multiple contributing talents in the final years of their contracts, which would provide immediate cap relief to Boston in 2026 to build around Jayson Tatum.' Advertisement Despite the interest, Siegel reported that the Celtics are still not 'actively shopping either player to the highest bidder, and there still aren't any indications that Boston wants to trade them.' Boston, which won the NBA championship a year ago and was often predicted to repeat this year, is expected to take a step back in light of Tatum's injury, which will likely preclude him from returning to action at any point during the 2025-26 season or playoffs. Without the five-time All-NBA selection and in the wake of the team being sold, the Celtics appear to be ready to utilize next season as a light reset of their cap sheet and roster construction. Related: Fans in disbelief over Ace Bailey's 20-pound transformation claim Related: Metta World Peace on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being 'better than Michael Jordan'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kristaps Porzingis trade grades after stunning Hawks-Celtics deal
The post Kristaps Porzingis trade grades after stunning Hawks-Celtics deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. Less than a day after trading Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Boston Celtics made another deal. In a three-team deal involving the Atlanta Hawks and the Brooklyn Nets, the Celtics offloaded Kristaps Porzingis. In return, Boston received Georges Niang while Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick in this year's NBA Draft went to Brooklyn. Advertisement The move was a necessity for the Celtics, whose payroll was simply too much to justify. However, Boston now has some flexibility when it comes to their bottom line moving forward. Despite the trade, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown is still in trade rumors as teams try to pry Boston's secondary star away from them. Here are our trade grades for the Porzingis deal for the Hawks and Celtics. Atlanta Hawks: A- Entering the offseason, the Hawks had a $25 million trade exception they wanted to use. After a disappointing season in 2024-25, Atlanta has some big holes to fill. One of them was their center spot. Onyeka Okongwu replaced Clint Capela in the starting lineup after an injury took him out for a stretch. However, the spacing left Trae Young having to do a lot of heavy lifting offensively. Advertisement To bring in Porzingis and only give up Mann and Niang and a draft pick is a fantastic outcome. The former NBA champion projects to be another premier pick-and-roll partner alongside Young. While Okongwu continues to develop his outside jumper, the seven-footer can operate as a floor spacer and shot blocker alongside him. While Porzingis' health is a question mark at this point in his career, he is well worth the risk. His arrival also helps keep Young in Atlanta as the team shuts down rumors surrounding their star. A starting five featuring Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Porzingis is a well-balanced defensive monster. This is the second Celtics trade made out of necessity, not desire. All eyes are on Boston, which needs to cut its payroll in order to avoid the second apron and put themselves in position to rebound into contention when Jayson Tatum returns. That being said, their return is far less than they would have liked. Advertisement Georges Niang can play off of Joe Mazzulla's bench, but doesn't come close to replacing Porzingis' absence. If there wasn't enough already, this move puts even more pressure on Al Horford to hold down the middle of the Celtics' defense. The 39-year-old might be the last rotational big left on Boston's roster next season if they don't retain Luke Kornet. At the end of the day, Boston's moves to add Holiday and Porzingis had the desired result. The Celtics won a title behind one of the most dominant starting fives in modern NBA history. However, the bill came due and Boston simply could not accept going that far into the luxury tax without their First Team All-NBA forward. Related: Hawks acquiring Kristaps Porzingis in 3-team trade with Celtics, Nets Related: NBA rumors: Multiple teams have 'significant interest' in Jaylen Brown trade
Fox Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves will make the first selection of the second round of the NBA draft
Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA draft resumes Thursday night with the Minnesota Timberwolves making the first selection of the second round. The draft picks up where it left off at Barclays Center in Brooklyn — though in a much smaller portion of it than was used Wednesday for the first round. The second round begins with the No. 31 pick and this year runs through No. 59 instead of 60, with the New York Knicks having been penalized their selection for tampering by negotiating with Jalen Brunson too soon before eventually signing the guard away from Dallas in 2022. The NBA points to the success of players such as Brunson, who became an All-NBA selection in New York, and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic of Denver when touting the types of difference-makers who could come out of the second round. The Mavericks, who selected Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick on Wednesday, do not currently have a selection in Round 2. The NBA began a two-night format for the draft last year after doing it one night ended too late. ___ AP NBA: recommended
