Now that the 2026 NBA Draft is done, the league’s attention turns to the start of free agency, with the official “tampering” period beginning on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
But teams and free agents can’t sign their contracts until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET when the NBA’s moratorium on signings ends.
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There has already been some action well before the free agency start, as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu plans to sign a five-year, $112 million contract to return. Also returning to their teams are Washington Wizards guard Trae Young, who agreed to a four-year, $212 million deal, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who is set to ink a four-year, $185 million extension, the largest contract in NBA history for an undrafted player.
Here are the best remaining NBA free agents:
Age: 41
25-26 stats: 20.9 ppg, 7.2 apg, 6.1 rpg (51.5% FG, 31.7% 3-pt FG)
No one should be doing what James is doing at his age, but one more run with the Lakers before retirement, and the Reaves re-signing would still make them a playoff threat in the West.
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Age: 31
25-26 stats: 19.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.3 apg (47.9% FG, 39% 3-pt FG)
LaVine’s $49 million option makes him prime trade bait unless there is a team out there willing to hand the 31-year-old injury-prone playmaker another massive deal. Going back to the Sacramento Kings in the long term would be a questionable move as well.
Age: 22
25-26 stats: 19.5 ppg, 10.5 reb, 2 apg (65% FG)
The Detroit Pistons can offer Duren a five-year deal, worth up to $287.1 million, after he made the All-NBA third team this season. The question is whether Detroit wants to or will be foolish enough to pay that, especially after his disappearing act in the playoffs.
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James Harden (player option)
Age: 36
25-26 stats: 23.8 ppg, 8.0 ast, 4.8 rpg (43.4% FG, 37.5% 3-pt FG)
Like every contender in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers have to decide on an aging yet still effective and championship-less Harden, whose $42.3 million option would be hard to pass up for any other player.
Age: 30
25-26 stats: 16.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.5 apg (44.6% FG, 33.8% 3-pt FG)
With Al Horford back in the mix with a new two-year, $14 million deal, the Golden State Warriors now turn their attention to Porzingis, whose injury history makes him a risk no matter where he ends up next season.
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Age: 31
25-26 stats: 15.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.7 apg (47.5% FG, 41.4% 3-pt FG)
Wiggins’ player option is worth $30.2 million, so staying put would be the wise move. But moving on would complicate the Miami Heat‘s plans for building a competitive roster.
Age: 28
25-26 stats: 11.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg (51.4% FG, 44.3% 3-pt FG)
The NBA is all about stretching the floor and shooting, and any team could use a sharpshooter like Hachimura, who has hit 40% or better from downtown in each of the last three years.
Age: 33
25-26 stats: 21.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg (47% FG, 38% 3-pt FG)
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The Heat need Powell on the roster, especially because of his shooting. Will Powell look to score one final big payday elsewhere, or does he stay around, hoping the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade puts them back in the mix for a title?
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best NBA free agents available ahead of official ‘tampering’ period
