Top 25 NBA Free Agents in 2025: LeBron James, James Harden Headline List

The NBA season is reaching its climax with the Finals, and all eyes are already turning to the future – specifically, the whirlwind that is free agency. While the 2025 NBA Draft promises fresh talent, the veteran market is set to be incredibly active this summer

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Starting immediately after the final buzzer of the NBA Finals, teams can begin preliminary discussions with their own pending free agents. The real fireworks begin on June 30th at 6 PM ET, when teams are officially allowed to negotiate with free agents from other squads.

Navigating the free agency landscape requires understanding the different player statuses. Unrestricted free agents can sign with any team. Restricted free agents can also entertain offers from other teams, but their original team retains the right to match any offer, essentially keeping the player. Player options allow players to decide if they want to opt out of their current contract and test the market, or remain with their team for another year. Team options give the team the power to choose whether to retain a player for the final year of their deal or release them into free agency

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All of this sets the stage for potentially seismic shifts in team rosters across the league. Several big names are potentially available, creating intense speculation and strategic maneuvering.

Here are 25 of the most intriguing NBA free agents who could be on the move in 2025:

1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (Forward): Despite his age, James remains an elite player. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, showcasing his all-around dominance. With a player option looming, expect him to explore his options, likely aiming for a max contract with a no-trade clause, potentially staying with the Lakers to play alongside his son.
2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers (Guard): Harden also possesses a player option. His 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per game highlight his scoring and playmaking abilities. A strong playoff showing only enhances his value on the open market.
3. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves (Forward): Randle's player option adds intrigue to the Timberwolves' offseason. Averaging 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds, his decision could hinge on the new ownership's willingness to invest in the team's core.
4. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks (Guard): Recovering from a torn ACL, Irving's future is uncertain. Prior to the injury, he posted 24.7 points and exceptional shooting splits. His decision may depend on Dallas's commitment to rebuilding after trading Luka Doncic and the timeline for his return to the court.
5. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers (Center): Finally an unrestricted free agent, Turner's rim protection (2.0 blocks per game) and 3-point shooting make him a valuable commodity. His performance during Indiana's NBA Finals run will further increase his value.
6. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves (Center/Forward): Reid's team-friendly contract makes him an attractive asset. His production of 14.2 points and versatile skill set might lead him to opt out and seek a larger payday.
7. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls (Guard): As a restricted free agent, Giddey's all-around game (14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists) makes him a valuable piece for the Bulls. Chicago will have to decide if they are willing to match offers from other teams.
8. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets (Guard): Houston holds a team option on VanVleet. His veteran leadership and defensive intensity are valuable, but the Rockets' focus on developing young talent could lead them to decline the option.
9. John Collins, Utah Jazz (Forward/Center): Collins has a player option and can seek a fresh start if he desires. His 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds demonstrate his scoring and rebounding prowess, making him a valuable addition to a contending team.
10. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors (Forward): A restricted free agent, Kuminga possesses tremendous upside. Golden State's decision on whether to match offers will depend on his fit within the team's future plans after trading for Jimmy Butler.
11. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves (Guard): An unrestricted free agent, Alexander-Walker's defensive skills and improving offensive game make him a valuable role player.
12. Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons (Guard): Beasley's sharpshooting (41.6% from three) will attract numerous teams seeking perimeter firepower.
13. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers (Forward): Oubre's athleticism and scoring ability make him a valuable asset. He proved his worth in Philadelphia with consistent performance despite team injuries.
14. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets (Guard): As a restricted free agent, Thomas is due for a raise. His scoring prowess (24 points per game) makes him an exciting prospect, despite some injury concerns.
15. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks (Forward): Portis has a player option and provides instant energy and scoring off the bench, making him a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
16. Caris LeVert, Atlanta Hawks (Guard): LeVert's scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a valuable unrestricted free agent after being traded from Cleveland.
17. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers (Guard): A restricted free agent, Grimes showcased his potential after a trade to Philadelphia, becoming a key scorer.
18. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies (Center): Aldama's versatility and improving stats make him a valuable restricted free agent.
19. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks (Center): An unrestricted free agent, Lopez's rim protection and 3-point shooting will make him a sought-after veteran center.
20. Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles Lakers (Forward): Finney-Smith has a player option. His defensive versatility made the Lakers a better team upon his arrival.
21. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks (Center): Capela's rebounding and rim protection are valuable, even if his role has diminished somewhat in Atlanta.
22. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs (Guard): Paul's playmaking and experience could be valuable to a contender if he chooses to continue his career.
23. D'Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets (Guard): Russell's scoring and playmaking abilities make him a potentially valuable addition if he finds the right role and stability.
24. Russell Westbrook, Denver Nuggets (Guard): Westbrook's player option adds intrigue. His decision likely depends on the success of his partnership with the Nuggets.
25. Al Horford, Boston Celtics (Center): Horford's veteran leadership and all-around game make him a valuable unrestricted free agent, even at this stage of his career.

The 2025 NBA free agency period is poised to be full of surprises, with numerous stars and valuable role players potentially on the move, reshaping the landscape of the league.