2024 NBA Free Agency: Ranking the Top 30 Stars Potentially Available (2024)

Much has changed since the initial post-trade deadline 2024 NBA free agency B/R ranking.

Some players and teams have exceeded expectations; others may need serious soul-searching on the path ahead. Two top-10 free agents (Jrue Holiday at No. 5, and Grayson Allen at No. 9) came off the market with veteran extensions.

The intel from various sources (front office executives, player agents, etc.) has begun to crystalize—maybe not the answers, but the questions for late June and early July. The initial impression is that teams will primarily retool via trade over free agency, where few franchises have spending power and the free agent class projects to be like the draft: "relatively underwhelming."

Still, several potential free agents, notably LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, deserve attention. Is it a lock he returns, or could another organization draft his son Bronny James to lure the league's all-time leading scorer?

With all their enviable cap space, who will the Philadelphia 76ers land?

How will the newer, stringent rules of the collective bargaining agreement limit team spending?

And what players will outright opt for an extension before July?

These questions and more are tackled here with an updated free-agent ranking, expanded to 30, along with possible landing spots:

A free agent can only get paid what teams have available to offer, and spending will be curtailed this season with most franchises heavily invested. The NBA's most recent projection has a $141 million salary cap, $171.3 million luxury tax, $178.7 million first apron and $189.5 million second apron.

The following few teams are projected to be significantly under the cap, with pending decisions on options, non-guaranteed salaries, cap holds and potential trades that could tweak the numbers or even add/remove teams from the list:

Once any of those teams spend to the cap, they'll gain the $8 million room mid-level exception (RMLE).

Franchises above the cap will have $12.9 million to spend with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE) and $4.7 million via the bi-annual exception (BAE, provided they didn't use it last year). However, both the NTMLE and BAE trigger a first-apron hard cap.

Those above the first apron will only have the taxpayer mid-level of exception (TMLE) of $5.3 million, which locks in a second-apron hard cap. Once any of the above run out of spending tools, they can always sign players to minimum contracts (provided they don't go over any optional hard caps, if triggered).

Free agents can move from one team to another via sign-and-trade, but the team that acquires that player will have a hard cap at the first apron; the team sending out will be capped at the second apron. Also, complicating matters, a team taking back a single dollar or more in trade than it sent out will have a first-apron hard cap. Those sending out players together in aggregation to take back a more expensive player will have a second-apron hard cap.

Sparing the additional minute detail (it's a lot to keep track of), team building in the NBA can be frustratingly complex.

Team: Chicago Bulls
Current Deal: Two years, $6.6 million
2023-24 Salary: $3.4 million

The center market is relatively thin with Drummond fourth on the list at his position. While he's a long way off from his peak in 2019-20 when he averaged 17.7 points and 15.2 rebounds per game, Drummond is a legit-sized big who can provide a near double-double in relatively low minutes (8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game).

He may not get a full mid-level, but Drummond could see a slight raise in the $5-8 million range if a team needs what he has to offer. That could be from a team with cap room like the Thunder or others like the Phoenix Suns or Denver Nuggets, who can only pay the minimum of $3.3 million.

The Bulls have his early Bird rights, which could pay up to about $13 million, or he could return to the Lakers or Sixers. Others needing a veteran reserve at center include the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers—although some may find size in the draft or free agency with younger, less experienced prospects.

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Current Deal: One year, $4.5 million
2023-24 Salary: $4.5 million

Prince contributed more to the Lakers this season as a reserve (29 games) than a starter (49) but was a steady three-point shooter at 39.6 percent. He's a solid defender and positive teammate but is already 30 years old, which may reduce the number of suitors.

The Lakers can pay him up to 120 percent to return ($5.4 million) and might. He could help the 76ers or Magic if they have extra cap room (or RMLE) to spare. The San Antonio Spurs have money and may look to bring on additional veterans to fit around Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.

Expensive teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks or Suns could use wing depth at the minimum. Others could include the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers (he shot 41.5 percent from three-point range over 29 games for the Cavaliers in 2020-21), New York Knicks or Thunder.

For Prince, the answer will probably depend on which team is willing to pay the most, but $6 million is probably his ceiling.

Team: LA Clippers
Current Deal: Two years, $7.9 million ($4 million player option in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $3.8 million

There's some industry buzz that Westbrook may opt out of his deal with the Clippers to find a more significant role with another team. He joined LA as a starter midseason 2022-23, but after a handful of games post-James Harden trade, he was relegated to the bench.

While the Clippers have his early Bird rights, the team has significant financial issues to hammer out with Paul George and Harden. If Westbrook opts out, he may need to look elsewhere for work.

Though there's no intel to suggest it yet, the obvious choice is a reunion with Kevin Durant via Phoenix. The Suns' biggest weakness is at the point, and Westbrook averaged 4.5 assists in 68 games for the Clippers. That's almost what Bradley Beal and Durant gave the Suns (5.0 per game) in over 33 minutes each (tied for second on the team behind Devin Booker's 6.9).

Given the Suns' limited resources as one of the NBA's highest-spending franchises, Westbrook may find the $3.3 million Phoenix offers worth more to him than the $4 million option in Los Angeles.

Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Current Deal: Five years, $180 million
2023-24 Salary: $39.3 million

Harris may be one of the hardest players on the list to rank. At 32 in July, he's heading for a sizable pay cut, possibly as low as the minimum. The issue is that his age and skill set may not fit most teams with money to spend. Perhaps he doesn't belong this high on the list, but dropping a 17.2 point-per-game scorer off the top 30 is also difficult.

Harris, well-regarded for his low-maintenance personality, is finishing a way-too-large contract and is among the better veteran scorers available. Unless one of the teams with cap room or a larger spending exception gives him a short deal, Harris may end up a reserve on a team with playoff aspirations such as (just speculating) the Houston Rockets, Bucks, Suns, Nuggets, Heat, Bulls, Nets or Kings.

Team: Indiana Pacers
Current Deal: Four years, $22.1 million
2023-24 Salary: $6.8 million

Toppin is the first restricted free agent on the list, and, as is usually the case, it's rare for a restricted player to relocate unless the original team doesn't want him back.

The Pacers aren't facing serious luxury tax or apron issues yet, but that may depend on Pascal Siakam's fate. Toppin's qualifying offer to restrict him is about $7.7 million. If he and the team can't agree, Toppin can accept that as a one-year deal to stay in Indiana. More likely, the team looks to lock him in at a reasonable fee as a reserve athletic power forward.

And that price may be determined by those with cap room who might want a young player, like the Pistons, Hornets or Spurs. An offer sheet at the RMLE may not be enough to steal Toppin from Indiana, but the threat could push the Pacers to pay above $8 million in starting salary before he signs one. If a team throws real cap room at Toppin, Indiana might let him go, but that would be an aggressive contract for a good but still unproven player.

Team: Toronto Raptors
Current Deal: Three years, $51.8 million
2023-24 Salary: $18.6 million

Trent, 25, has seemingly been around forever. While his scoring fell from 17.4 points per game in 2022-23 to 13.7, his role shrank as the Raptors retooled. Toronto has full rights and can easily re-sign him to an extension before he hits free agency in July. The intel has suggested that Trent and the team aren't entirely on the same financial page.

Unless that changes, Trent may be a positive get for a franchise needing shooting (with some defense on the wing). Trent seemingly came into the league more focused on defense; some of that may have slipped as his scoring numbers climbed. A change of scenery may be the best answer, provided he ends up in a better situation.

That may be a team like the Magic or Pistons with cap room. If Malik Monk leaves Sacramento, the Kings might need a replacement. Trent seems like a player who will earn at least the NTMLE, but only if franchises are willingly giving them out (which is not always the case, and fewer may with the rule change that the NTMLE can be used for more than just signing a player but as a trade exception).

Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Current Deal: Four years, $94 million
2023-24 Salary: $19.8 million

Hield played 32 games with the Sixers following a trade from the Pacers, most without Joel Embiid, who was recovering from a knee injury. Hield averaged 12.2 points per game while shooting 38.9 percent from the field. But the Sixers didn't turn to him much in the playoffs until Game 6, and while Philadelphia lost to the New York Knicks, Hield gave his team 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting from three.

If that was a missed opportunity, it appears the Sixers are moving on from the 31-year-old shooter to chase bigger names in free agency. If that fails, Hield could return in the NTMLE or higher range. That's going to depend on who chases him, and if it's a team desperate for shooting with cap space like the Pistons or Magic, it could be closer to a $15 million starting salary.

Team: Golden State Warriors
Current Deal: Four years, $120 million ($30 million non-guaranteed in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $30.8 million

The Warriors can keep Paul outright, but the odds appear remote they do at his $30 million price tag. Golden State may try to get under the luxury tax threshold altogether by waiving (or trading Paul). Assuming he's cut, Paul could re-sign with the Warriors at the minimum, but he may move on.

The Lakers and Clippers are the obvious choices, as Paul's family still resides in Los Angeles. The chance to play with James and the Lakers may trump the Clippers, though Paul is undoubtedly familiar with the other LA team from his prior stint. He could consider the Suns, who have a hole at point guard.

The Spurs could offer Paul a larger salary to run the pick-and-roll with Wembanyama, but the LA teams probably make more sense unless San Antonio offers enough.

Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Current Deal: One year, $2.8 million
2023-24 Salary: $2.8 million

Like Paul, Lowry is an older point guard nearing the end of his career. After helping the Heat get to the NBA Finals in 2023, he joined the Sixers as a starter (off a buyout) for 20 of 23 games and all through the playoffs (six games).

He's probably better suited for a bench role, but Lowry is one of the great older veterans in the league. The Sixers may bring him back, either on a minimum contract or with part of their RMLE.

While that seems like the most likely outcome, he'll probably have minimum offers from the Clippers, Lakers and Suns.

Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Current Deal: Two years, $30.1 million
2023-24 Salary: $15.4 million

The market for the 32-year-old traditional center may not be strong, so Valančiūnas may need the Pelicans to take care of him this summer. Historically, New Orleans doesn't pay luxury taxes, so the team may have to choose between using the NTMLE or paying Valančiūnas.

The math could change with a more significant trade, but Valančiūnas may see his starting salary drop to the $5-8 million range. While he's older, Valančiūnas has been remarkably durable over the last 2-3 years.

None of the teams with cap space or the NTMLE seem obvious destinations. Unless the Pelicans pay him or the Thunder want to add straight-up bulk behind Chet Holmgren, Valančiūnas may be a minimum contract candidate. If so, any team in the West looking to challenge Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets in the playoffs, such as the Lakers, Suns, Kings, Grizzlies, etc., may have interest.

Team: Toronto Raptors
Current Deal: Two years, $45 million ($23 million team option in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $22 million

After winning a championship with the Nuggets, Brown cashed in with the Pacers on an oversized but short contract. Indiana had to spend the money to reach the minimum team salary, and the team functionally converted that cap room into a tradable asset (returning Siakam from the Raptors).

Of course, Brown is a talented player and person, who benefitted from an odd circ*mstance. He may get a second crack at it, depending on who is willing to take Brown via trade from the Raptors after they exercise his $23 million team option.

If Toronto can't find a suitor, it will likely let him out of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent who could help room teams like the Spurs, Thunder and 76ers, or others with their mid-level exception.

Brown is not a great outside shooter (32.3 percent last season), but he was significantly better in Denver (35.8 percent) and Brooklyn (40.4 percent on relatively low volume). However, Brown is a strong defender and solid secondary playmaker who should find a reasonable salary this season if he doesn't get the full $23 million.

Team: Miami Heat
Current Deal: Three years, $20.4 million ($7.1 million player option in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $6.8 million

The Heat have some long-term decisions to make, notably regarding Jimmy Butler, who will seek an extension. If Miami chooses not to give it to him, he may want to relocate to a team like the 76ers, who are believed to be willing. That would represent a significant shake-up, and Martin and Miami may choose each other.

If Butler stays, the Heat are fielding a very expensive roster and may not have the budget to keep Martin, should he opt out. Martin is a solid rotation player who started 23 games, averaging 10 points per game while shooting 34.9 percent from three.

He was stronger through five playoff starts, scoring 11.6 points per game while hitting 44 percent (five attempts a game), which may inspire other suitors for the almost 29-year-old wing. That might be a team with cap room like the Pistons or Raptors or one with the NTMLE.

Worst case, if he doesn't get enough traction, Martin will just opt in to stay with the Heat.

Team: Washington Wizards
Current Deal: Two years, $29 million
2023-24 Salary: $14 million

As the Wizards rebuild, the team may want a selfless veteran point guard to help organize the offense and put young players in the best position to succeed. Jones, at 28, could be precisely that. But he may also prefer to play in a winning situation.

With that said, the Wizards might be one of the few teams that would offer him a starting job, even if it's only temporary. Washington has Jones' full rights and may pay him enough to stay.

The Spurs are the obvious alternative as a team with cap room that needs a starting point guard who can spread the floor—and they also happen to employ his brother Tre.

Another option might be sign-and-trade, but the Spurs, who are further along than Washington and have young star center Wembanyama, may make too much sense.

Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Current Deal: One year, $2.9 million
2023-24 Salary: $2.9 million

Oubre is a strong example of how limited the market can be for free agents. Once the money dries up, it doesn't matter if he scored 20.3 points per game for the Hornets in 2022-23. Oubre ended up stuck taking the minimum to play with Philadelphia.

And he made the most of his time, averaging 15.4 points per game. He's not a good shooter from deep (31.1 percent), but he spiked in the playoffs (39.1 percent over six games). He competes hard and could end up back in Philadelphia, even though the Sixers don't have notable rights.

The 76ers, who are looking to go shopping for bigger names, may be able to save some for Oubre or at least offer the RMLE. He'll need another franchise to give him some leverage with an offer, though it's not clear where that's coming from unless the Spurs, Pistons, Thunder, Raptors, Magic, etc., decide he's worth chasing. If not, he'll be hunting for a team's NTMLE.

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Current Deal: Two years, $36 million ($18.7 million player option in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $17.3 million

Russell was recently the subject of a deeper dive, and while he and the Lakers may be ready to part ways, that will depend on the market initially. If Russell can find a suitor in initial talks (technically illegal, but standard practice behind the scenes), he'll opt out of his contract and move on as a free agent.

If not, he'll need the Lakers to either sign-and-trade him to a team that doesn't have cap room (after opting out), or he'll finish his contract with the team, becoming a trade piece for LA. The Lakers' offseason hinges on this decision.

Given the need for shooting and playmaking, the Magic stand out as the most likely destination of the teams with cap space. The Nets might be a sign-and-trade partner, but the Russell market is otherwise challenging to peg.

Team: Dallas Mavericks
Current Deal: One year, $2.7 million
Salary: $2.7 million

Jones emerged from Just a Guy (JAG), albeit an athletic one, to a viable starter on a potential NBA Finals team. He was good during the regular season, but Jones' growing confidence has led to improved play throughout the postseason.

His three-point shooting was below average (34.3 percent from three over 76 games) over the regular season, but he's at an impressive 39.2 percent through 16 postseason games (including a jump in minutes from 23.5 to 31.3). He's defending hard without fouling (2.8 a game) and is earning himself a nice payday.

Unfortunately for Dallas, he's only on a one-year minimum deal. Unless the team can shed some salary, the most it can pay to retain Jones, 27, is the $5.3 million TMLE. That makes him a flight risk.

Any of the teams with salary-cap space or the higher NTMLE can probably offer more than Dallas. And in the modern NBA, a defensive wing who plays hard and is showing signs that he can hit the three on the biggest stages? Jones will have a long line of callers this offseason.

Team: Denver Nuggets
Current Deal: Two years, $30.1 million ($15.4 million player option in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $14.7 million

The Nuggets are heavily invested in their championship starting five. The team's lack of depth is the more significant issue, and it can't afford to lose Caldwell-Pope. He can choose to opt in to re-sign next year.

But if he wants a longer commitment, he likely opts out, perhaps to sign back at a slight discount to a lengthier deal. At 31, Caldwell-Pope may not find teams with cap room, though the Sixers may snatch him up if they don't find a singular star. Perhaps the Thunder want an experienced defensive wing who can hit the three.

If not, then the Nuggets might be able to get him back at or near the NTMLE amount, which would help the franchise with its tax situation while giving him at least three years of additional financial security.

Team: Brooklyn Nets
Current Deal: Two years, $17.3 million
2023-24 Salary: $9.6 million

The Nets have Claxton's rights, but he's not extension-eligible. The 25-year-old center averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game last season. He's strong at the hoop (62.9 percent from the field) and fills a clear need in Brooklyn.

The bigger question will be price, as he's believed to want in the $25 million range per season, which may be more than the Nets hope to pay. The market will write this story as Claxton will need a team with cap room to give him a competitive offer.

If not the Thunder, it's hard to gauge who will pursue a center with cap space since the Utah Jazz, 76ers, Spurs and even Hornets are relatively set at the position.

The expectation is that Brooklyn and Claxton find a price that both sides find acceptable.

Team: Charlotte Hornets
Current Deal: One year, $7.9 million
2023-24 Salary: $7.9 million

Bridges is coming off a strong season, even if the Hornets were objectively terrible. He averaged 21 points per game on moderate efficiency (34.9 percent from three). At 6'7", he's a solid rebounder (7.3 a night) but not an incredibly high-level playmaker (3.3 assists).

Bridges went unsigned for the entire 2022-23 season after pleading no contest to a felony domestic violence charge in November 2022. He was also suspended for the first 10 games of the 2023-24 season.

It's unclear where the Hornets stand with new ownership and the (somewhat) recent hiring of Jeff Peterson as top basketball executive. The team could pay Bridges whatever the market bears, let him walk or send him out via sign-and-trade.

Over the last few months, many competing executives have suggested the Pistons as a Bridges suitor. Still, now that Trajan Langdon has been hired to run the front office, it's difficult to gauge what direction Detroit will take with its significant cap space. Others have suggested the Sixers may look at Bridges as a backup plan.

Team: New York Knicks
Current Deal: Two years, $16 million
2023-24 Salary: $9.2 million

Few players helped themselves more in the postseason than Hartenstein with the Knicks. Injuries thrust him into a starting role, and he delivered 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists (high for a center not named Domantas Sabonis or Jokić). He played almost 30 minutes per game while generally staying out of foul trouble (3.2 a night).

The Knicks have Mitchell Robinson (often hurt) under contract, but Hartenstein may have made him expendable, assuming both sides can agree to a contract. New York only has his early Bird rights, so the most he can get to stay starts at $16.2 million.

The Thunder are the obvious team with cap space to outspend New York. They need additional size up front, and Hartenstein is still only 26. It makes a lot of sense on paper, but Oklahoma City has to decide that Hartenstein is the right fit.

Team: Chicago Bulls
Current Deal: Three years, $81.9 million
2023-24 Salary: $28.6 million

There's a strong chance the Bulls and DeRozan reach contract terms before July on an extension. That might get done in the $25 million range yearly for two additional seasons.

Most teams with cap room aren't likely to chase a player nearly 35, but the Sixers are always looming with their massive haul of space. The Magic need shooting, and as great a scorer as DeRozan has been in the NBA for a long time, he's not as impactful from three-point range.

DeRozan could find a new home if the Bulls change direction or a team like the Clippers abandons their current plans. But the buzz has Chicago keeping DeRozan.

Team: Golden State Warriors
Current Deal: Five years, $189.9 million
2023-24 Salary: $43.2 million

Thompson is coming off a "down" season with the Warriors, but he's one of the greatest shooters of all time, and his averages of 17.9 points per game and 38.7 percent shooting were still better than many. The Warriors may pursue freedom from luxury taxes, which may mean letting Thompson go.

If so, the Magic need shooting, and Thompson is certainly a name that would bring some buzz to Central Florida. Orlando would need to pay enough to scare off the Warriors, probably something in the $20-25 million starting range (or even higher).

Some in the league think Golden State will ultimately relent and keep the core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Thompson together through 2026-27. The Sixers could also be a dark horse, though the team may prefer Paul George, a better defender, as Thompson's biggest slide since his leg injuries has been on that side of the ball.

Team: Sacramento Kings
Current Deal: Two years, $19.4 million
2023-24 Salary: $9.9 million

Monk just missed out on the Sixth Man of the Year award, but the Kings may not be able to bring him back. After two years, the most Sacramento can pay Monk is $17.4 million. Without trading a significant number of players to reduce salary and get under the cap, there's nothing the Kings can do to get around that.

Either Monk takes that starting salary, or he gets more from another team. It's unclear who, but the Magic, Pistons and Spurs stand out as potential poachers. The Sixers could also pivot to Monk if their top choices falter.

Team: Toronto Raptors
Current Deal: Four years, $10.8 million
2023-24 Salary: $4.2 million

The Knicks weren't willing to pay Quickley what he wanted before the rookie-scale extension deadline in October, so New York sent him to the Raptors, who are probably happy to complete a deal with Quickley as quickly as possible.

At the time, New York was thought to be in the $20 million-per-season range, and Quickley wanted closer to $25 million per. That's now the ballpark for Toronto. Since Quickley is a restricted free agent, this is probably a one-team negotiation that shouldn't take long to resolve.

Team: New York Knicks
Current Deal: Four years, $72 million ($19.9 million player option in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $18.6 million

The Knicks didn't get a healthy Anunoby from the Raptors, but the hope is for some extended rest and a stronger 2024-25 with a roster that is more fully formed from the start. Anunoby is expected to opt out to re-sign on a new, long-term deal.

How high will the Knicks go? That's not clear yet, but there's a sense that a deal will be reached pretty quickly in free agency. The Sixers loom as the opportunistic team ready to strike if New York gets stingy with Anunoby.

Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Current Deal: Two years, $68.6 million
2023-24 Salary: $35.6 million

Harden remains a powerful offensive force, even as he ages. The Clippers didn't get a true look at their roster in the playoffs with Kawhi Leonard out with injury. Harden did seem to wear down throughout the season, but the Clippers are expected to continue the relationship.

It isn't easy to guess the price, and Harden may not have any other significant suitors, but it will probably be below the max near the $30 million range.

It's unclear what would happen if the Clippers went in a different direction, but so far, there's no buzz to suggest that's coming.

Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Current Deal: Four years, $176.3 million ($48.8 million player option in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $45.6 million

For months, most in the industry seemed to believe that George would return to the Clippers. That hasn't shifted dramatically, but it's become clear that there's a rift between the team and George on a contract extension.

The odds still seem high that it's posturing and both sides reach a compromise, but if the Clippers are dead set on not overinvesting with the new CBA rules, perhaps the team really does shift direction. Would LA let Harden and George walk, significantly impacting the franchise's financial flexibility?

With a new building opening in Inglewood this coming season, the Clippers aren't going to try to rebuild suddenly. It would certainly be a bold choice.

George's primary suitor, outside of LA, is the Sixers, though some suggest the Magic could be a wild card.

Team: Indiana Pacers
Current Deal: Four years, $136.9 million
2023-24 Salary: $37.9 million

The Pacers didn't trade for Siakam just to let him go as a free agent. But the buzz has Siakam expecting a max contract starting at $42.3 million. Given Indiana's surprise postseason success, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, it may be difficult for the Pacers to negotiate down.

The Sixers could try to swoop in with a max offer, but the vibe around the league is that Siakam and the Pacers work it out. The negotiation may hinge more on length (three or four years) than on dollar amount.

Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Current Deal: Four years, $12.2 million
2023-24 Salary: $4.3 million

The Sixers will pay Maxey the most they can to stay with the team. Any other result will be shocking for the restricted free agent.

Maxey wasn't given an extension last offseason because his low cap hold ($13 million) as a free agent enables the franchise to spend in free agency before paying him roughly $35.3 million.

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Current Deal: Two years, $99 million ($51.4 million player option in 2024-25)
2023-24 Salary: $47.6 million

Outside of the Sixers taking a flier on Bronny James in the draft and offering his father a max contract (there is no buzz to suggest that's in play, but Philadelphia executive Daryl Morey has a reputation for pushing the envelope), LeBron James is likely back with the Lakers next season.

It's more of a question of whether he opts in at $51.4 million and extends for two years or opts out at a slightly smaller max, starting at $49.4 million. Either way, he's likely to sign through the 2026-27 season. The latter is slightly better for the Lakers' flexibility this season and allows James to add a no-trade clause (otherwise unavailable via the extension route).

Will L.A. hire his podcast partner JJ Redick to coach the team, draft James' son (possibly trading up to do so) and do whatever else James wants this offseason to secure him for what may be the final three years of his career? There is no answer yet, but that's where others in the industry believe it's headed.

Evaluating players is a subjective art. Siakam was less valuable to the Raptors as a player than the Pacers. The long list of omitted players may include future All-Stars, and the best (or luckiest) front offices will find those who were overlooked.

Kyle Anderson is the obvious miss on the top-30 list (he could slot as high as No. 19 to give a sense of how close the final 11 are. Anderson may not have much footspeed, but he's a highly effective role player.

Some ball-handling guards include Markelle Fultz, Spencer Dinwiddie and De'Anthony Melton, who would be in the top 30 if he didn't sit out much of the season with injury. The same applies to potential restricted free agents Saddiq Bey and Patrick Williams. Other possible restricted players are Precious Achiuwa, Isaac Okoro, Max Christie and Simone Fontecchio, among others.

Wings include Gordon Hayward, Royce O'Neale, Lonnie Walker IV, Alec Burks, Haywood Highsmith, Malik Beasley, Gary Harris, Nicolas Batum, etc. Viable rotation big men include Mason Plumlee, Dario Šarić, Daniel Theis and more. Does James Wiseman finally find a place to blossom? Regardless, the NBA needs to make sure Boban Marjanovic has a roster spot somewhere next season.

Some teams can opt players out to restricted free agency. The Pelicans can decline Jose Alverado's option to re-sign him with the right of first refusal, opt him in for an extension, or wait until he's unrestricted in 2025. The Thunder may make similar decisions on Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.

Others, like Zion Williamson, Lauri Markkanen, T.J. McConnell and Alex Caruso, have non- or partially guaranteed salaries with virtually zero chance of being waived outright. The Knicks may decide Bojan Bogdanović is too expensive and may waive him for financial flexibility, though trading him instead may make more sense.

The Sixers may not have room for Paul Reed Jr., but he's more likely to be traded than waived. Others like Jae'Sean Tate may have their team options picked up to be traded. The Grizzlies have an expensive roster, and they may let Luke Kennard go via option or opt him in for a trade.

The many available developing prospects have all been slighted, but like the limited roster spots in the league, this list can't go on forever.