Top 25 NBA free agents: The best potential options this summer
The 2024 NBA free agency period begins June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, as teams start negotiating with players before official announcements are made July 6.
Here, we take a look at the 25 best options available on the open market, broken down by restricted free agents (RFA), unrestricted free agents (UFA), player option (PO), or team option (TO).
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 54 | 41 | 75 | 7.3 | 8.3 | 25.7 |
2023-24 earnings: $51.4M
James seems a lock to elect free agency despite a tantalizing $51.4-million option for next season. A return to the Lakers seems like the most plausible outcome for the 39-year-old, but the added wrinkle of his son's draft availability means no one's quite sure where the NBA's all-time leading scorer will suit up next season.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 47.1 | 41.3 | 90.7 | 5.2 | 3.5 | 22.6 |
2023-24 earnings: $45.6M
George has plenty of juice left in the tank, nearly joining the 50-40-90 club in his age-33 season. It's clear the nine-time All-Star can still serve as a lead option on a contender. His shotmaking ability and elite perimeter defense would be a tremendous addition to any club.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 45.0 | 37.3 | 86.8 | 3.7 | 6.2 | 25.9 |
2023-24 earnings: $4.3M
Maxey is all but certain to head back to the 76ers considering his RFA status and Daryl Morey's candid plan to build around him and Joel Embiid. One thing worth watching, though: the 76ers could choose to forgo an extension with Maxey this summer in order to preserve as much cap space as possible.
Anunoby reportedly agreed to a five-year, $212.5-million deal with the Knicks on June 26.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 48.9 | 38.2 | 75.3 | 4.2 | 2.1 | 14.7 |
2023-24 earnings: $19.9M
The Knicks seemingly found the perfect fit when they landed Anunoby in a midseason trade with the Raptors. A rugged 6-7 forward who possesses both the strength and agility to guard virtually anybody, the 26-year-old is also a respectable outside threat and made strides as a willing passer in recent seasons. He'd be the quintessential supporting option for several contenders if he doesn't opt to continue with New York.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 42.8 | 38.1 | 87.8 | 5.1 | 8.5 | 16.6 |
2023-24 earnings: $35.7M
Harden brings a lot to the table, even though he isn't the dominant scorer he once was. The 34-year-old remains one of the Association's top playmakers, an efficient outside threat, and can still get a basket for himself in isolation.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 43.4 | 39.5 | 85.3 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 17.0 |
2023-24 earnings: $4.2M
Quickley flourished after arriving in Toronto in February, where he was provided a full-time starting role and the keys to an offense on a franchise changing course toward a rebuild. He had little issue exclusively running the point; his assists jumped from 2.5 to 6.8 per game but his turnovers stayed relatively consistent with a tiny jump of 0.8 more per game.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 48 | 33.3 | 85.3 | 4.3 | 5.3 | 24.0 |
2023-24 earnings: $28.6M
DeRozan mentioned an openness to re-sign with the Bulls but it's tough to imagine the 34-year-old vet returning to Chicago with so many questions surrounding its contention status. The three-time All-NBAer can still be an ideal supplemental piece on a contender as a secondary or even tertiary scoring option, though a dearth of cap space elsewhere could make such a move tough to pull off.
Claxton reportedly agreed to a four-year, $100-million deal with the Nets on June 26.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 62.9 | 20.0 | 55.1 | 9.9 | 2.1 | 11.8 |
2023-24 earnings: $9.6M
Brooklyn's top priority this offseason is to bring back Claxton, who's blossomed into one of the NBA's best defensive bigs after five roller-coaster Nets seasons. However, as an unrestricted free agent, the budding 6-11 center is likely to command significant interest and a lucrative deal, whether in Brooklyn or elsewhere.
Monk reportedly agreed to a four-year, $78-million deal with the Kings on June 20.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 44.3 | 35.0 | 82.9 | 2.9 | 5.1 | 15.4 |
2023-24 earnings: $9.9M
Monk's been an electric spark off the bench throughout his two seasons in Sacramento, going toe-to-toe with Naz Reid for Sixth Man of the Year this past campaign. Teams in need of scoring behind their starters will be taking a good look at the 26-year-old.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 46 | 40.6 | 89.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 10.1 |
2023-24 earnings: $15.4M
If Caldwell-Pope declines his player option, one of the league's most reliable 3-and-D threats will hit free agency. A two-time champion with the Nuggets and Lakers, the 31-year-old provides title experience, superb defense, and prowess from deep.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 45.6 | 41.5 | 82.8 | 3.1 | 6.3 | 18.0 |
2023-24 earnings: $17.3M
Russell's solid regular season was overshadowed by another disappointing playoffs. But that shouldn't discourage teams from pursuing the former No. 2 overall pick. Russell's combination of shooting and playmaking should be appealing to clubs in need of a starting point guard, especially as the 28-year-old enters his prime years.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 46.2 | 34.9 | 82.5 | 7.3 | 3.3 | 21.0 |
2023-24 earnings: $7.9M
Bridges proved he can handle a larger role, averaging at least 20 points and three assists in each of the past two campaigns. The 6-7 wing is an athletic finisher above the rim, active cutter, rebounds well for his position, and provides flexibility on both ends of the floor.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 48.7 | 35.3 | 87.8 | 6.5 | 3.1 | 17.2 |
2023-24 earnings: $39.3M
Harris won't make anywhere close to his salary from this past season, but his former big contract shouldn't impede teams from signing him. Averaging 17.2 points over the last 11 seasons, the 31-year-old was miscast in his offensive role for the Sixers. Teams looking for scoring help should target Harris.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | 43.6 | 38.6 | 88.1 | 3.2 | 2.8 | 12.1 |
2023-24 earnings: $19.8M
Despite having a down season, Hield remains highly coveted due to his elite 3-point shooting. No player's drained more threes than Hield over the previous five campaigns. He was 15th in the Association last season with 219 triples.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | 43.2 | 38.7 | 92.7 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 17.9 |
2023-24 earnings: $43.2M
Thompson's set to enter his first real free agency period at 34, and is another player looking at a significant salary reduction. While a Warriors reunion is on the table, a big offer for potentially his last contract could pry the veteran sharpshooter away from Golden State. Thompson and the Magic reportedly have mutual interest.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 48.9 | 41.4 | 80.0 | 2.7 | 7.3 | 12.0 |
2023-24 earnings: $14M
Jones is an intriguing option for clubs in need of point guard depth - or a potential new starter. The 27-year-old had a solid showing for the middling Wizards, posting career highs in scoring and assists in his first full season as a starter. He was one of two players to average 12 points, seven assists, and shoot at least 40% from three; the other was LeBron.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 55.9 | 30.8 | 78.5 | 8.8 | 2.1 | 12.2 |
2023-24 earnings: $15.4M
Valanciunas has been a steady presence in the Pelicans' middle. Since being acquired from the Grizzlies in 2021, he ranks sixth in total rebounds (2,368) and seventh in double-doubles (126). Valanciunas has his limitations as a defender, but he's developed into a respectable 3-point shooter for his position.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 64.4 | 33.3 | 70.7 | 8.3 | 2.5 | 7.8 |
2023-24 earnings: $9.2M
Hartenstein delivered for the Knicks when he was called upon in the playoffs. The German big showed off his dependable two-way play on the team's biggest stage, picking up some offensive slack while being tasked with guarding Embiid. Hartenstein can play effectively as a starter or backup.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | 47.8 | 32.3 | 82.4 | 4.2 | 2.9 | 10.8 |
2023-24 earnings: $22M
Brown's case is more interesting, as the Raptors will need to decline his team option in order for him to hit the market. The franchise is reportedly set to trade him around the draft after picking up his $23-million salary for 2024-25 (the club has until June 29 to officially exercise the option). The veteran swingman had an inconsistent campaign after helping the Nuggets win a title last season, but remains a good 3-and-D option.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 39.7 | 37.0 | 68.6 | 4.8 | 2.8 | 7.7 |
2023-24 earnings: $9.5M
O'Neale was a seamless fit on the Suns, providing the club with another floor-spacer alongside its star trio and a versatile defender on the wing. His 3-and-D skills are always in demand and should land him another deal similar in value to his previous extension inked with the Jazz in 2020.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 44.1 | 31.1 | 75.0 | 5.0 | 1.5 | 15.4 |
2023-24 earnings: $2M
Despite playing on a minimum deal, Oubre was among the 76ers' most dependable names when Embiid was sidelined for over half the season. His outside shooting still hasn't come around but he could still find himself a steady market as a gritty, 28-year-old defensive wing who's most efficient around the basket.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 57.3 | 40.3 | 77.0 | 3.9 | 1.6 | 10.3 |
2023-24 earnings: $6.8M
Toppin quickly acclimated to the Pacers' up-tempo offense, providing the club with an athletic weapon in the open floor. The 26-year-old's improved outside shooting, strong postseason play off the bench, and age could draw an aggressive offer sheet.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 42.6 | 39.3 | 77.1 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 13.7 |
2023-24 earnings: $18.6M
Trent saw a slightly diminished role with the Raptors this past season, losing two shot attempts compared to 2022-23. But the move improved his shooting from deep, as Trent shot 39.3% from three last season, his best across parts of four seasons in Toronto. He's a quality defender, too, averaging 1.4 steals in four seasons.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 47.2 | 22.2 | 69.7 | 3.2 | 2.8 | 7.8 |
2023-24 earnings: $17M
Fultz battled knee injuries this past season, appearing in only 43 contests for the playoff-bound Magic. In 158 contests over the last four seasons, he averaged 12.7 points and 5.4 assists, turning into a dependable guard when healthy. Teams targeting depth at the point should be looking at the 26-year-old.
2023-24 season averages:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 44.8 | 45 | 88.9 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 11 |
2023-24 earnings: $14.8M
Kennard's case to enter free agency seems dependent on what the Grizzlies do in the draft. Holding the ninth pick, Memphis could draft a more cost-effective shooter and decline the 27-year-old's team option. The ex-Duke wing has been a productive shooter in the NBA, never dipping below 39%.