This year’s NBA free agent pool isn’t the deepest we’ve seen, but there are still marquee names and difference-makers whose decisions could swing fantasy basketball leagues. Here’s a ranking of the top 25 players you need to know before July 1.
1. LeBron James – LAL | Forward | Age 41 | UFA
The biggest wildcard on this list — retirement, a return to L.A., Cleveland?!?! or one last contender run are all realistic options. Bron’s fantasy value is entirely destination-dependent; however, we still know he can contribute at a high level, putting up 21/6/7 at 41, finishing as a top-20 asset in High Score and top-55 in 9-cat this past season.
2. James Harden — CLE | Guard | Age 36 | Player Option ($42.3M)
The Cavs made their first Eastern Conference Finals run since 2018, so it’s with near certainty that Harden will re-sign with Cleveland. He’ll be 37 in August and yet, he’s still producing at a high level. A floor expectation of 20 points with 8 assists is fair, and despite a poor FG percentage, he’ll make up for it in categories like 3s, FT percentage and steals. I’d still feel comfortable drafting him inside the first three rounds.
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3. Trae Young — WAS | Point Guard | Age 27 | Player Option ($49M)
When the Wizards traded for Young, the goal was to bring in a proven All-Star-caliber talent to run an offense flush with young talent. He didn’t play much last season, but the expectation is that Young will be ready to go by the start of the season. Given the Wizards’ cap space, I expect they’ll lock in Trae for at least a three-year deal. When healthy, Young remains one of the few guards capable of averaging at least 20 points and 10 assists per game — even with the Wizards.
4. Jalen Duren — DET | Center | Age 22 | RFA ($4.9M)
OK, the playoffs were a disaster. But in the regular season, Duren proved he’s a great complement to Cade Cunningham. He made a massive leap as a scorer and should be their franchise big man. Negotiations are underway, but fantasy managers should expect Duren to sign an extension this summer. Being tethered to Cade is best for Duren’s value going forward.
5. Austin Reaves — LAL | Guard | Age 28 | Player Option ($14.9M)
Reaves outplayed his contract, so he’ll be one of the hottest free agents available. Or will he? The Lakers surely want him back regardless of LeBron’s decision. Reaves’ production was at a third-round value this season and fantasy managers should expect that to be his floor price heading into next season.
6. Walker Kessler — UTA | Center | Age 24 | RFA ($3.3M)
At 24 and entering restricted free agency on a $3.3M deal, Kessler is likely to attract aggressive offer sheets that could challenge Utah’s ability to match. The Jazz might also consider trading him, despite having turned down previous offers. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Kessler, as his mid-round value could swing significantly depending on his landing spot.
7. C.J. McCollum — ATL | Guard | Age 34 | UFA ($32M)
CJ cooked for the Hawks, providing Atlanta with a reliable scorer and playmaker from the deadline through the postseason. Given his age, one would assume he’d want to be with a contender. Wherever he lands, McCollum is an underrated asset, dropping at least 18 points with 4 assists per game.
8. Kevin Porter Jr. — MIL | Guard | Age 26 | Player Option ($5.4M)
KPJ’s on-court production is worth more than $5M per year. He’s definitely opting out. His value is in flux because if he extends with the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpohasn’t been traded yet. Availability’s been an issue for Porter, but he was an outstanding value for fantasy managers last season. I’d still view him as a top-100 pick with upside for points, assists and steals.
9. Zach LaVine — SAC | Guard | Age 31 | Player Option ($49M)
Sacramento has a crowded roster of vets who make way too much money relative to their impact. With LaVine having a player option for $49M, there’s no way he turns that down. I don’t love his fantasy value with the Kings, so barring a trade (he has an expiring contract), he’ll likely be on my fade list because he doesn’t do much outside of scoring in his current situation.
10. Isaiah Hartenstein — OKC | Center | Age 28 | Club Option ($28.5M)
OKC will decide whether they want to keep him. Depending on how the Thunder fare for the rest of the playoffs, their moves could change. For now, Hartenstein gives OKC size and strength in the interior. He’s also a high-IQ player who unselfishly fits in a 25-minute-per-game capacity. The Thunder drafted Thomas Sorber last season and has two top-20 picks in the 2026 Draft. Letting him walk isn’t out of the question.
11. Andrew Wiggins — MIA | Forward | Age 31 | Player Option ($30.2M)
At $30M, I’d expect Wiggins to exercise his player option. Every team needs a versatile wing player like Wiggins. If he walks, I think it’d be for less money, but perhaps he can join a contender. But, you have to wait-and-see if Miami lands Giannis first. Beyond his defensive contributions, Wiggins isn’t a player I actively target in fantasy.
12. Norman Powell — MIA | Guard | Age 32 | UFA ($18M)
One of the best pure scorers on the free-agent market, Powell will get a raise. The question is which team will hire him. He’s a bucket who tends to land between the mid-80s and 90s in drafts. His value should be consistent regardless of where he lands.
13. Peyton Watson — DEN | Forward | Age 23 | RFA ($2.8M)
Denver will do its best to match any offer, but at $2.8M, a bidding war is imminent. The Nuggets obviously want to bring back Watson, but how will they create enough cap space to make it happen? Watson broke out in his fourth season and, when healthy, looked like a starting-caliber player gifted on both ends. He may not be a household name, but his value is rising in fantasy circles.
14. Neemias Queta — BOS | Center | Age 26 | Club Option ($2.7M)
Talk about value. Queta emerged as the starting center for the Celtics at a modest $2.35M last season. He posted 12 points with 8 rebounds and over 2 stocks per contest while playing in 76 games. The Celtics will definitely exercise their option and though their financial situation isn’t great, they’ll find a way to get Queta a raise, too. Queta was a top-75 player in 9-cat leagues and expect he’ll be one of the cheap, solid late-bigs to draft next season.
15. Mark Williams — PHX | Center | Age 24 | RFA ($4.5M)
Williams’ body seems much older than his age (24). He’d be a top-70 player if he could stay healthy. Coming off a down year and questionable medicals, I don’t expect teams to go wild with their offers, so it’ll come down to whether Phoenix wants to match. Keep an eye on Khaman Malauach and Oso Ighodaro if the Suns decide to let Williams walk.
16. Ayo Dosunmu — MIN | Guard | Age 26 | UFA ($7M)
Rescuing Ayo from the Bulls was huge for Minnesota, especially now that they’ll be without Donte DiVincenzo next season. Changes beyond Ayo could be on the way after the Wolves stalled in the semifinals, but Dosunmu was efficient and played a multitude of roles for the Wolves, so they’ll do their best to find a way to bring him back next season. He’s a sleeper I’ll be eyeing next year.
17. Tobias Harris — DET | Forward | Age 33 | UFA ($26M)
Harris may be boring, but he’s a floor raiser. The Pistons want him back, just not at the $26M price tag. Assuming the Pistons acquire another secondary scorer, Harris’ value would be somewhat suppressed heading into next season.
18. Bennedict Mathurin — LAC | Forward | Age 23 | RFA ($7.5M)
The Clippers have made it clear they want to get younger with no long-term financial obligations. It’s an interesting spot for Mathurin because teams can willingly put out offers that will force the Clippers’ hand one way or another. I like Mathurin in LA, but he’s not a needle-mover for fantasy purposes.
19. Collin Gillespie — PHX | Guard | Age 27 | UFA ($2.4M)
Gillespie put up career numbers and made enough of an impact in Phoenix that the team wants to bring him back. Given his success last season, I wouldn’t mind him running it back as a sixth man with upside if an injury happens.
20. Nikola Vučević — BOS | Center | Age 35 | UFA ($20M)
His best days are well behind him and we caught a glimpse of what’s to come as he split time with Queta after being traded to Boston. Without getting starters’ minutes, I have no interest in drafting Vučević.
21. Tari Eason — HOU | Forward | Age 25 | RFA ($4.1M)
Eason wasn’t great for fantasy this season, but he’s young and talented enough that teams will try to acquire him this summer. I’d like to see Eason play elsewhere and compete for starter minutes, because when healthy, he’s an effective fantasy player across formats.
22. John Collins — LAC | Forward | Age 28 | UFA ($25M)
Collins has become an unreliable fantasy option, but he’ll surely be picked up in free agency. I’ll reserve my thoughts on his fantasy prospects until we know where he’s headed.
23. Kristaps Porziņģis — GSW | Center | Age 30 | UFA ($30M)
KP is such an injury risk that it’s hard to see any new destination as a positive for his fantasy value. He could be a value next season, or he could be what he is now — an overdrafted big man who rarely lasts more than 50 games per season.
24. Anfernee Simons — CHI | Guard | Age 26 | UFA ($25M)
He’s outside the top 100 for me because he needs a starting role to maximize his skillset. He’s an undersized combo guard who is a liability defensively. The best hope for his fantasy value is that he pulls a CJ McCollum on a tanking team — plays well and gets traded to a contender in need of a guard.
25. Kelly Oubre Jr. — PHI | Forward | Age 30 | UFA ($8.2M)
I debated putting Deandre Ayton here, but after that poor postseason effort, Oubre will likely be more coveted on the open market. Oubre can be an effective fantasy asset because he’s fluctuated from being a second or third scoring option to being the primary 3&D wing. Whatever role he plays for his next team, he’s a good bet for averaging at least 13 points, 5 rebounds and over a steal per game.