Top 10 NBA free agents: Paul George, LeBron James and more names to watch
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers watches during a loss to the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on April 12, 2024 in Los Angeles. Credit: Getty Images
The names are intriguing, including arguably the greatest player in NBA history, and all are available to the highest bidder. At least that’s the way it seems.
LeBron James, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey — all difference-makers — are potential free agents, heading a list of talented players who might find their way to a hopeful new franchise. But this summer, the start of free agency Sunday at 6 p.m. seems far less alluring than in recent years.
The new restrictive policies of the collective bargaining agreement and the willingness to take the payday from their own teams makes this start of free agency, well, boring. Some of the most interesting names already have agreed to deals with their own teams, with OG Anunoby, Immanuel Quickley and Pascal Siakam among them. But here are the top 10 free agents — at least for now, if they opt to join the market.
1. Paul George, L.A. Clippers (player option)
We put him atop the list because he seems like the one star who actually might be willing to relocate, and that is hardly a sure thing. George had a Saturday deadline to opt out of the remaining final year of his contract with the Clippers worth $48.8 million and was in search of one last huge payday at 34 years old. With a contract on the line, he played 74 games this season, averaging 22.6 points per game and still showing elite defensive skills. The 76ers have targeted him for months, but California is home and Steve Balmer needs a winner in move to the new arena.
Prediction: L.A. Clippers
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers (player option)
Seems a waste to even go through the formality of this. It’s no coincidence that his son Bronny was just drafted by the Lakers and his podcast co-host, JJ Redick, got the head-coaching job without a day of experience. This is LeBron’s franchise and he’s staying put.
Prediction: L.A. Lakers
3. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago (unrestricted)
He will be 35 years old before the start of the season, but he led the NBA in total minutes played and averaged 24 points. He carried the Bulls far beyond expectations when the team was riddled by injuries and seemed bound for a huge breakup. If George doesn’t bolt for Philadelphia, someone has to take that money, and he fits between Maxey and Joel Embiid.
Prediction: 76ers
4. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia (restricted)
Another formality here — Maxey has emerged as the partner to Embiid in the 76ers' building plans. He has developed into one of the most dangerous speedster scorers in the game, almost impossible to stop when he gets on a run to the rim. The 76ers are looking to score big in free agency, but once they do that, they will pay him the long-rumored five-year, $205 million extension.
Prediction: 76ers
5. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Denver (unrestricted)
He opted out of the $15.4 million final year of his contract and may have priced himself out of the Nuggets. He is the type of unheralded player who could help a team, as he has helped Denver to an NBA title.
Prediction: Magic
6. Tobias Harris, Philadelphia (unrestricted)
It feels as if Harris has been slandered a bit during his time in Philadelphia, absorbing blame for the failures of the team as Embiid gets MVP votes. But Harris has managed to play almost every night and score efficiently. Still, he seems bound for a payout and a tough free-agent job search.
Prediction: Hornets
7. Isaiah Hartenstein, Knicks (unrestricted)
It seems simple: The Knicks can offer Hartenstein only a four-year, $72.5 million contract (apologies to all the working folks for the “only”) and are working to clear that much in cap room to keep him. Hartenstein had his best season and fits nicely among the Knicks' starting lineup. But he also fits Oklahoma City, and the Thunder can pay him more. So if an offer comes — and word is it will from either OKC or Orlando — does loyalty and comfort level factor in? Maybe it does. Seems odd that the Knicks would work to clear the space if they believe he’s out.
Prediction: Knicks
8. Miles Bridges, Charlotte (unrestricted)
What would his free agency look like if he didn’t have to sit out the entire 2022-23 season after being charged with domestic assault? He wouldn’t even be on the market because Charlotte already had offered him one huge contract and he was headed toward a deal worth more than double that one. Now? The team seems ready to move on, and even after averaging 21.0 points and 7.3 rebounds, he’ll remain on the prove-it list while on a three-year probation. Expect someone to pay him a bargain deal.
Prediction: L.A. Lakers
9. Klay Thompson, Golden State (unrestricted)
It’s hard to imagine that after keeping the core of the Golden State championship squads together that one of the key pieces would walk, but Thompson is in a strange place. His play has deteriorated, but it just seems right that he takes the final shots of his career with the team that he has been such a part of for years.
Prediction: Golden State
10. James Harden, Clippers (unrestricted)
The same reasons that George likely will hang on in Los Angeles apply here. Aside from the fact that Harden already has worn out his welcome in a handful of franchises, he held up through the 2023-24 season with the Clippers, his latest franchise of choice. With Kawhi Leonard already back in the fold long-term, it just makes sense that they lock up the remaining stars.
Prediction: L.A. Clippers
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.