The 2026 NBA free agency period is shaping up to be a blockbuster, with a host of stars changing teams and available players flying off the board. The trade market is abuzz with activity, as Jaylen Brown and Kawhi Leonard return to their former teams, while Walker Kessler is headed to the Lakers in a sign-and-trade. The free agent front is equally exciting, with LeBron Watch 4.0 in full swing after LeBron James announced his intention to move on from the Lakers. The following is a descending ranking of the top free agents available in 2026, with a focus on players who have already made significant moves or are expected to do so.
Gabe Vincent
Gabe Vincent, an experienced veteran guard, is a strong candidate for a team that needs veteran bench leadership. He has a strong playoff resume with the Miami Heat and shot a steady 36.9 percent from three-point range for the Lakers. However, his fit wasn't seamless in Atlanta, where he dropped to 30 percent. Vincent may not get more than a minimum contract at this stage in his career, but he should be able to help a team in need of veteran leadership.
Matisse Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle, a defensive specialist, struggled to stay on the court this past season but hit a strong 39.8 percent from three-point range through 30 games. While the Blazers aren't likely to pay him as well, he could return to a team hungry for a 3-and-D player. Thybulle was drafted at No. 20 for the Philadelphia 76ers and has remained a defensive anchor when healthy.
Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II is a key player for the Golden State Warriors, providing perimeter defense, making back-cuts to the basket, and hitting an occasional three-point shot. The team decided to continue the relationship with Payton, and a Curry extension seems inevitable. The Warriors and Kerr decided to continue the relationship, and while losing Payton wouldn't be as odd to adjust to as Klay Thompson moving on, he should be comfortable sticking at the minimum price.
Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum is a seasoned veteran past his prime but still elite in basketball intelligence with the knack for hitting clutch open shots. The Clippers declined Batum's $5.9 million team option, giving them greater cap flexibility and the chance to give his spot to a younger player. However, he still holds value in this league for postseason contenders.
Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson has remained a gun-for-hire in the NBA for several years, adding offensive punch in a bench role. He's a scorer through and through and is still capable when called upon by the Knicks. Clarkson has an NBA Finals appearance from his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and now a title with the Knicks in his 12th season.
Guerschon Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele agreed to adjustments that allowed the Knicks to move him to the Bulls. There's an expectation in NBA circles that the forward/center returns overseas to play next season. Yabusele averaged a solid 10 points a game, shooting 38.3 percent from three through 26 games in Chicago.
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook, despite his style of play not being for everyone, averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists a game last season. He could find a new home and continue into a 19th season, as the Kings have been continuously bad for a couple of decades.
Bruce Brown Jr.
Bruce Brown Jr. fits in the NBA, and he helped the Nuggets win a championship in 2022-23, shooting the second-best three-point percentage in his career. Returning as a free agent on a minimum contract, Brown is at his best at 38.1 percent from deep. While he's only on a one-year deal, Brown may return to Denver, given his success with the Nuggets.
Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton put up solid production on a not-very-good Mavericks squad, starting 16 of 29 games and averaging 10 points on 39.1 percent shooting from three since his trade to Dallas from the Washington Wizards. Middleton won't get near his 2025-26 salary, but he should find a home at a lower price as a reserve on a contender needing an experienced presence.
Nick Richards
Nick Richards, a starting-capable center, has thrown his weight around as a physical, old-school big man, averaging 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds through 20 games. Richards may be best as a backup center, but he can fill that starting role for teams in need.
Draymond Green
Draymond Green has slowed with age, and his future with the Warriors is uncertain. With Steph Curry's contract ending, Green could opt out to explore other options. A team with postseason aspirations could use a player of Green's caliber, though he'll struggle to find the same salary as his option.
Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga, a 23-year-old forward, didn't fit with coach Steve Kerr's philosophy in Golden State. The Hawks took a flier on Kuminga, and he enjoyed a late postseason surge against the New York Knicks. However, Atlanta didn't see enough value at the $24M price tag.
Bennedict Mathurin
Bennedict Mathurin, a 23-year-old guard, has found a friendly home with the Clippers, especially when Kawhi Leonard is healthy alongside him. Mathurin has NBA Finals experience, scoring 27 points in Game 3 against the champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Peyton Watson
Peyton Watson helped carry the Nuggets when Nikola Jokić was sidelined for 16 games with a knee injury. Watson averaged 21.9 points per game and shot 46.2 percent from three-point range through 15 games in January. Denver has the power to keep Watson, but will another team issue a massive offer sheet to test the Nuggets' mettle?
Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura raised his value throughout the playoffs with his steady jumper. The Lakers are one of the few teams with significant cap room, but that assumes Hachimura moves on. As an unrestricted free agent, he'll take up $27.4 million of LA's space with his cap hold.
James Harden
James Harden, a former NBA MVP, turned down his $42.3 million player option and is working on a multiyear agreement to keep him in Cleveland. The Cavaliers acquired Harden from the LA Clippers, knowing he had the option to explore unrestricted free agency in July.
Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren, a defensive specialist, has emerged as a true game-changer in Detroit. Named to the All-NBA Third Team and a first-time All-Star, Duren averaged a career high of 19.5 points a game for the best team in the Eastern Conference by record (60-22).
LeBron James
LeBron James, a legendary NBA star, tops the list despite his age. He's been incredible in the postseason for the Lakers and has announced his intention to play next season and move on to another organization in free agency. James could join a star-laden team such as the Golden State Warriors or the New York Knicks.
_0.jpg?w=3800&h=2000)
