NBA Market | The 5 Best Free Agents of the Upcoming Summer

The NBA free agency has changed in recent years. The collective bargaining agreement rules clearly favor franchises when it comes to retaining their top figures since they can offer more money and more years of contract than any other team. Nevertheless, the market remains one of the most attractive moments of the calendar, and the NBA summer market of 2026 looks to be particularly interesting.

The 2026 free agent list mixes big established names with young players on the rise. Among the veteran figures, players like James Harden or Trae Young stand out, but it's profiles like Jalen Duren or Austin Reaves that could shape the market's direction. Despite LeBron James being a free agent, we won't include him in this first list:

Jalen Duren

The center from Detroit, a restricted free agent, represents the classic mold of a dominant interior player who shined in the 2010s. He's not a player focused on outside shooting and rarely attempts mid-range or three-point shots, but he compensates for that limitation with a privileged physique and a wingspan exceeding 2.25 meters. He finishes with authority near the rim, is a constant threat in the pick-and-roll, and provides interior protection. At just 22 years old and constantly growing, Detroit is expected to try to retain him at all costs.

In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 17.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and a 63.1% field goal shooting, with a salary of 6.48 million dollars.

Austin Reaves

The shooting guard from the Los Angeles Lakers has a player option, and everything indicates he will exercise it to enter the market seeking a much higher contract. Despite some physical issues during the season, his offensive performance has been outstanding: he scores from beyond the arc and mid-range, creates opportunities for his teammates, and draws numerous fouls.

In 2025-26, he averaged 25.4 points, 6.0 assists, and a 50.8% field goal shooting, earning 13.9 million dollars. His fit alongside Luka Doncic has been productive, but the summer could bring a new contractual scenario.

Trae Young

The point guard from Washington, with a player option, ranks third. When healthy, he is one of the most productive playmakers on offense thanks to his ability to create off the dribble and his deep shooting range. However, his defensive limitations and the collective impact of his teams in recent years raise some doubts.

He could earn close to 49 million dollars if he exercises his option, making his decision one of the most relevant in the market. In 2025-26, he registered 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, with a 41.5% field goal shooting and a 30.5% from three-point range.

Norman Powell

Currently in Miami and close to becoming an unrestricted free agent, he arrives after the best season of his career and his first All-Star participation at 32 years old. He is an efficient scorer at all three levels, although his playmaking and defense are not his main virtues.

He closed the season with 23.0 points per game and a 39.6% three-point shooting, earning slightly over 20 million dollars.

James Harden

The guard from Cleveland has a player option after being traded midway through the season. He now shares the spotlight with Donovan Mitchell and, despite the passage of time, maintains a high level as a playmaker and scorer in demanding situations.

In 2025-26, he averaged 25.0 points and 8.2 assists, with a salary close to 39.2 million dollars. His experience and offensive production place him among the standout names of the summer.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mercado NBA | Los 5 mejores agentes libres del próximo verano