NBA Free Agency Watch: Standout Players of the 2025-26 Season
As the NBA season of 2025-26 unfolds, it’s still early days—with just three weeks gone and free agency looming over six months away. However, it’s not too soon to spotlight a dozen standout players eligible for free agency, shaping their futures with their current franchises.
Criteria for Selection
To curate this roster of potential free agents, we employed specific criteria. Notably, players who have previously been selected for All-NBA or All-Star teams were omitted, which means we won’t be discussing names like Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls, James Harden from the LA Clippers, or even LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Moreover, players with team options in their contracts—like Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder and center Isaiah Hartenstein—also did not make the list. This is crucial since if a player demonstrates significant performance, their respective teams are unlikely to decline those options.
Notable Players to Watch
Beginning with the Lakers, Austin Reaves has emerged as a notable contributor, particularly during LeBron James’ absence, positioning himself for a substantial contract come the summer of 2026. Reaves has significantly boosted his scoring average from last season’s 20.2 to a remarkable 31.1 points per game this season. He currently ranks sixth in the league for points, trailing behind star players like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Recently, he also made history by becoming the fourth undrafted player in the shot-clock era to score 50 points in a game.
In addition to his scoring, Reaves has excelled in playmaking, averaging 10 assists over three games in which Doncic was sidelined, highlighting a remarkable high of 16 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 29. The Lakers, due to contractual restrictions, cannot extend Reaves’ contract up to 140% of the average player’s salary before June 30, which leads to the prospect of him opting out and entering unrestricted free agency. If that occurs, he could sign a lucrative deal with the Lakers worth as much as five years for $241 million, depending on available cap space.
Other noteworthy players include Norm Powell, now with the Miami Heat, whose efforts this season hint at an All-Star-worthy performance. After a slow start and an injury-plagued last season, Powell is averaging 23.3 points per game this year on improved shooting percentages. His talents will keep him in the spotlight as he becomes eligible for a significant four-year, $128.5 million extension with the Heat beginning January 7.
Quentin Grimes from the 76ers is also making headlines after a checklist to assess his role following the team’s draft moves. Grimes has maintained solid performance levels with averages reflecting his growth potential, making him an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
The list continues with players like Rui Hachimura, who has been a consistent starter for the Lakers and is noted for a significant improvement in his shooting efficiency. Similarly, Pistons center Jalen Duren is trending upwards with his rebounding skills and scoring ability, having opted to defer a rookie extension in hopes of cashing in during free agency.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton showcases renewed vigor with the Hornets, building on his career-best numbers, while Kelly Oubre thrives with the 76ers, proving himself as a reliable scorer.
Despite early injuries, Cam Thomas‘ robust scoring in the few games he played cannot be overlooked, raising questions about his free agency decision-making. Each of these players, with their unique circumstances, is setting the stage for their respective futures, with many expected to seek significant contracts by next summer.
Conclusion
Thus, as the NBA season progresses, eyes will be keenly focused on how these players navigate their contract year, with implications that could reshape team rosters alongside their own personal careers.
