The 2026 NBA free agency period is in full swing, but several big names remain unsigned, including LeBron James, James Harden, and Jalen Duren.
Here’s a breakdown of the top-10 available players, with projected landing spots for each.
10) Bradley Beal, G, UFA
2025-26 Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Just two seasons ago, Bradley Beal averaged 17.0 points per game on 49.7/38.6/80.3 shooting splits. However, after being released by the Phoenix Suns last offseason and missing nearly the entire 2025–26 season with the Los Angeles Clippers due to a left hip fracture, his value has hit an all-time low.
Signing with a contending team on a minimum deal makes the most sense at this stage of his career. The Miami Heat and Beal reportedly have mutual interest as they look to fill out their roster with veterans to bolster their depth.
Potential Landing Spots: Heat, Knicks
9) Khris Middleton, F, UFA
2025-26 Team: Dallas Mavericks
At 34 years old, it’s not overly surprising that Khris Middleton remains a free agent. Over the next couple of weeks, expect several contenders to show interest.
Like Beal, Middleton has been mentioned as a potential minimum-contract target for the Heat, and it’s very possible that he will reunite with his former co-star Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami.
Potential Landing Spots: Heat, Warriors
8) Jonathan Kuminga, F, UFA
2025-26 Team: Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency. The 23-year-old left quite a lot to be desired last season with the Warriors and Hawks, averaging just 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range. Now, he could be forced to take a one-year prove-it deal with a team in need of a forward.
Potential Landing Spots: Hawks, Lakers, Cavaliers
7) Rui Hachimura, F, UFA
2025-26 Team: Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers made a splash on Wednesday when they added Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton in the span of roughly 35 minutes.
These moves may mean that Rui Hachimura has played his final game with Los Angeles (although there are some rumblings that the Lakers may be looking for creative ways to re-sign him). The sharpshooting forward holds a ton of value and should draw strong interest from other contenders.
Potential Landing Spots: Lakers, Nets, Cavaliers
6) Peyton Watson, F, RFA
2025 Team: Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson emerged as one of the NBA’s most improved players this past season, increasing his scoring average from 8.1 points per game to 14.6 while becoming a key part of Denver’s rotation.
Watson is a restricted free agent. Will a young team with cap space try to poach the 23-year-old away from Denver with an aggressive offer sheet?
Potential Landing Spots: Nuggets, Nets
5) Bennedict Mathurin, G, RFA
2025 Team: Los Angeles Clippers
4) Draymond Green, F/C, UFA
2025 Team: Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green surprisingly declined his $27.7 million player option on Monday, later saying he’s “working with the organization” to give the Golden State Warriors more flexibility to pursue some notable additions.
The move was reportedly intended to help Golden State pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via a trade with the Washington Wizards. While the Wizards seem determined to hold onto Davis, Golden State seems to be a serious suitor for James. While Green is technically an unrestricted free agent, ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that he will be back with the Warriors on a new deal no matter what.
Potential Landing Spots: Warriors
3) Jalen Duren, C, RFA
2025 Team: Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons reportedly do not want to pay All-NBA center Jalen Duran more than $35 million per year, which has opened the door for other teams to enter the mix for the restricted free agent. Duren was excellent during the regular season before struggling mightily during the playoffs, which impacted his stock heading into free agency.
MORE: NBA Rumors: DeMar DeRozan ‘Hoping To Accelerate His Exit’ From the Kings Amid Free Agency
The Sacramento Kings are expressing interest in a sign-and-trade, while the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls could potentially emerge as suitors as well. If the Pistons don’t agree to a sign-and-trade involving Duren, the center will have to sign an offer sheet and Detroit will have the opportunity to match.
Potential Landing Spots: Pistons, Kings, Nets
2) James Harden, G, UFA
2025 Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
James Harden recently declined his $42.3 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent, and there’s a report that he’s willing to take less money to help the Cleveland Cavaliers add reinforcements.
A return to Cleveland seems most likely for Harden after the team traded Garland and a second-round pick to the Clippers for the former NBA MVP.
Potential Landing Spots: Cavaliers, Rockets
1) LeBron James, F, UFA
2025 Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Potential Landing Spots: Warriors, Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers
