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 has seen a whirlwind of action, with Jaylen Brown joining the Sixers and Kawhi Leonard returning to the Sixers. The Lakers have made a flurry of moves, including signing Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade. As for who's left, the league is on LeBron Watch 4.0 after LeBron James announced he will move on from the Lakers in free agency.
This article ranks the top free agents available in 2026, with a focus on their potential impact and market value. Here's a breakdown of the top players and their respective teams and salaries:
Gabe Vincent (Atlanta Hawks)
- Salary: $11.5 million
- Rights: Full
- Commentary: Vincent is an experienced veteran guard with a strong playoff resume. He shot a steady 36.9 percent from three-point range for the Lakers, but his fit wasn't seamless in Atlanta. In the right situation, he should be able to help a team that needs veteran bench leadership.
Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Salary: $11.2 million
- Rights: Full
- Commentary: Thybulle was drafted for his defensive skills, and he's remained a key player on the defensive end. His outside shot has come and gone, but he could return to a team hungry for a 3-and-D player.
Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors)
- Salary: $3.3 million
- Rights: Full
- Commentary: Payton provides perimeter defense and back-cuts to the basket for the Warriors. The team probably can't afford more than a minimum deal, but he should be comfortable at that price.
Nicolas Batum (LA Clippers)
- Salary: $5.6 million
- Rights: Early Bird
- Commentary: Batum is a seasoned veteran who can hit clutch open shots. The Clippers declined his team option, giving them greater cap flexibility, but he still holds value for postseason contenders.
Jordan Clarkson (New York Knicks)
- Salary: $3.6 million
- Rights: Non-Bird
- Commentary: Clarkson is a gun-for-hire who adds offensive punch in a bench role. He's a scorer and has NBA Finals experience, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Guerschon Yabusele (Chicago Bulls)
- Salary: $5.5 million
- Rights: Non-Bird
- Commentary: Yabusele is expected to return overseas, but he averaged 10 points a game in Chicago, shooting 38.3 percent from three.
Russell Westbrook (Sacramento Kings)
- Salary: $3.6 million
- Rights: Non-Bird
- Commentary: Westbrook's style of play isn't for everyone, but he averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists last season. He could find a new home and continue his career.
Bruce Brown Jr. (Denver Nuggets)
- Salary: $3.1 million
- Rights: Non-Bird
- Commentary: Brown fits in Denver and helped the team win a championship. He's at his best at 38.1 percent from deep and knows his role is to play defense and feed off Jokić.
Khris Middleton (Dallas Mavericks)
- Salary: $33.3 million
- Rights: Full
- Commentary: Middleton put up solid production for the Mavericks, but he won't get near his 2025-26 salary. He should find a home at a lower price as a reserve on a contender.
Nick Richards (Chicago Bulls)
- Salary: $5 million
- Rights: Full
- Commentary: Richards is a physical, old-school big man who can fill a starting role for teams in need.
Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
- Salary: $25.9 million
- Rights: Full
- Commentary: Green's defensive skills and leadership are invaluable, but his age and salary make him a tough fit for some teams.
Jonathan Kuminga (Atlanta Hawks)
- Salary: $23.8 million
- Rights: Non-Bird
- Commentary: Kuminga didn't fit with coach Steve Kerr's philosophy in Golden State, but he enjoyed a late postseason surge. The Hawks declined his team option, making him a free agent.
Bennedict Mathurin (LA Clippers)
- Salary: $9.2 million
- Rights: Full (restricted)
- Commentary: Mathurin has NBA Finals experience and has found a friendly home with the Clippers. He's a young, talented player who can contribute to a contender.
Peyton Watson (Denver Nuggets)
- Salary: $4.4 million
- Rights: Full (restricted)
- Commentary: Watson is a valuable player who helped the Nuggets when Jokić was sidelined. His absence illustrated his importance to the franchise.
Rui Hachimura (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Salary: $18.3 million
- Rights: Full
- Commentary: Hachimura raised his value with his steady jumper. The Lakers have significant cap room, but his cap hold and salary make him a tricky fit.
James Harden (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Salary: $39.4 million
- Rights: Non-Bird
- Commentary: Harden's trade to the Cavaliers galvanized the team and led to a conference finals berth. He's a valuable player who can help a team reach new heights.
Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)
- Salary: $6.5 million
- Rights: Full (restricted)
- Commentary: Duren has emerged as a game-changer in Detroit, especially defensively. He's a first-time All-Star and should get a sizable raise to stay.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Salary: $52.6 million
- Rights: Full
- Commentary: LeBron's career and postseason success make him a top free agent. He's a legendary star who will be sought after by top teams.
Honorable Mentions:
- Cam Thomas, Jaden Ivey, Cole Anthony, Ben Simmons
- DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, Quinten Post, Brandon Williams, Ochai Agbaji, Jeremy Sochan, Ziaire Williams, Kevon Looney, AJ Lawson, Aaron Holiday
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