These will be the best Restricted Free Agents in the summer of 2026

Diego Jiménez Rubio | Tue, 10/21/2025 - 18:23

Benedict Mathurin, Restricted Free Agent in 2026. Photo: gettyimages

Looking towards the future is an obligation in the NBA, especially when such important operations as those that could take place in the summer of 2026 are on the horizon. Up to nine high-level and promising players in the league have declined to sign a contract extension on the scale following the expiration of their rookie contracts, making them Restricted Free Agents.

It's a topic that has gone unnoticed by many, but it's worth paying attention to. Strong emotions are on the horizon in the NBA market in the summer of 2026, with the inclusion of nine players coveted by any franchise, both for their proven talent and their growth potential. They will come in the form of Restricted Free Agents, allowing their franchises to match any offer they receive, but it wouldn't be far-fetched to think that some team might go all-in for them.

Much will depend on what they are able to achieve this season. Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren will seek great performances with the Pistons, Jeremy Sochan could become a piece bound to leave the Spurs while Benedict Mathurin aims for a significant role with the Pacers to be perceived in the NBA as a star. Tari Eason, Peyton Watson, and Ochai Agbaji aim to establish themselves as accomplished 3&D players, while Mark Williams and Walker Kessler are aware that if they continue to improve, they will be sought after by many teams to strengthen the paint.

Notable players who will now become restricted free agents in 2026 after not agreeing to a rookie-scale extension with their teams:

Jaden Ivey
Bennedict Mathurin
Tari Eason
Jeremy Sochan
Jalen Duren
Mark Williams
Walker Kessler
Peyton Watson
Ochai Agbaji pic.twitter.com/KqrYGxm9pN
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 20, 2025