The 5 best free agents still available in the NBA market
It's not that it's the best free agency in history, but there are still some more than interesting names wandering around.
The NBA free agency has lost some of the spotlight it had for years due to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which clearly favors franchises in retaining their stars by allowing them to offer longer and higher-paying contracts than other teams.
Nevertheless, the 2026 NBA market once again showcases high-caliber names. Legendary figures like LeBron James and James Harden are among the available players, although the main attraction lies in a new generation led by Jalen Duren, one of the young interior players with great potential in the league.
1. Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons) – Restricted Free Agent
At just 22 years old, Jalen Duren leads the ranking thanks to his immense potential. The Detroit center stands out for his physical explosiveness, ability to finish near the rim, and dominance on the boards. Furthermore, he has started to develop a reliable mid-range shot.
His modest performance in the 2026 playoffs may impact his next contract, but his growth potential remains one of the highest in the entire NBA.
Stats 2025-26: 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, shooting 65.0% from the field.
2. James Harden (Cleveland Cavaliers)
James Harden once again proves that his game ages better than expected. Transferred midway through the season from Los Angeles to Cleveland, the guard helped the Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference finals.
Although he no longer possesses the explosiveness of his prime years, he remains one of the best playmakers in the NBA and maintains his ability to score on difficult shots.
Stats 2025-26: 23.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 43.4% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.
3. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) – Player Option
At 41 years old and after 23 seasons in the NBA, LeBron James began to show some signs of aging. Advanced statistics indicate a slight decline in his impact, which is logical given the enormous workload he has had throughout his career.
Nevertheless, he remains a very productive player in scoring, rebounding, and facilitating the game, continuing to be one of the most significant names in the market.
Stats 2025-26: 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, shooting 51.5% from the field.
4. Rui Hachimura (Los Angeles Lakers)
Rui Hachimura has established himself as a very versatile power forward. His ability to handle the ball, attack the basket, create off the dribble, and stretch the floor with an excellent outside shot make him a highly sought-after piece.
Additionally, he provides defensive versatility by being able to guard various interior and perimeter positions.
Stats 2025-26: 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, shooting 51.4% from the field and an impressive 44.3% from three-point range.
5. Bennedict Mathurin (Los Angeles Clippers) – Restricted Free Agent
Bennedict Mathurin rounds out the Top 5 after a season where he regained some of his offensive prowess. The Canadian forward remains a highly versatile scorer, capable of producing from mid-range, driving to the hoop, and creating his own shots.
His main area for improvement was the inconsistency in his outside shooting during the second half of the season with the Clippers, yet he continues to be one of the most intriguing young talents available in free agency.
Stats 2025-26: 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, shooting 43.0% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 5 mejores agentes libres aún disponibles en el mercado NBA
