As the NBA regular season draws to a close, teams are gearing up for the offseason, eagerly eyeing potential roster enhancements. With a plethora of high-caliber free agents up for grabs, the league is buzzing with speculation and anticipation for notable player movements. Franchises in pursuit of that final key player to bolster their championship aspirations are expected to be particularly active during this period. Let’s delve into the top 30 available players and offer predictions on their likely destinations for the upcoming NBA offseason.
30. Gary Trent Jr.
It’s been a tough year for the former Blue Devil, who has seen his minutes dwindle in Toronto. Trent Jr. was a main rotation piece (and starter) for the Raptors over the last two seasons. In ’24, Trent Jr. has seen his minutes dip to a lower number than he’s seen since his second year in the league. He accepted his player option last Summer in hopes of securing a huge deal in the offseason. However, he may find that deal tough to come by. Teams adore shooters, but Trent Jr. has struggled to make an impact in any other area of the floor. Once he doesn’t find any suitors willing to pay him a big contract, Trent Jr. will eventually land back with the Raptors on another short-term deal.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors
29. Malik Beasley
Milwaukee’s starting shooting guard Malik Beasley is in a similar spot to Trent Jr. However, there are a few key differences. For one, Beasley is being paid roughly $16 million less than Trent Jr. this season. Beasley is also two years older. It should be noted Beasley is currently enjoying a better season. He’s played nearly every game for one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference and is among the leaders in three-point percentage on a high volume of attempts. His defense is dismal which could lead the Bucks to look for a different backcourt partner with Damian Lillard. The Heat are always in need of shooting, and they have enough solid defensive players already in place to mitigate Beasley’s biggest weakness.
Prediction: Miami Heat
28. Royce O’Neale
There’s no doubt that Royce O’Neale will have plenty of suitors once he reaches free agency. He’s the type of ‘glue guy’ every contending team in the league would be happy to have. O’Neale can contribute in several ways. He’s a steady shooter from the outside. O’Neale has shot over 38-percent from three over his career. And, he’s not just a shooter. When teams close out on O’Neale, he can put the ball on the floor and make the next play. On defense, he guards multiple positions successfully. The Suns will have competition from the other Western Conference contenders (O’Neale would be a great fit on the Warriors, Lakers or Clippers) but they should be able to bring him back at an affordable price.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns
27. Kelly Olynyk
Kelly Olynyk is a player with a ton of value in today’s league. That’s why it was a bit surprising to see a team like the Raptors acquire him at the deadline. It would have been interesting to see Olynyk provide his skill set to a contender this year. He’s a stat-sheet stuffer when given ample playing time. Olynyk is an active defender, a good shooter, and a savvy passer. He was averaging over 4 APG for the Jazz before the trade. Reportedly, the Celtics were interested in trading for him earlier in the year. Olynyk would provide great depth to Boston’s frontcourt and would be returning to the team that drafted him out of Gonzaga back in 2013.
Prediction: Boston Celtics
26. Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones is one of the steadiest guards in the game today. A former National Champion at Duke, Jones doesn’t possess the flashiest game but he’s extremely effective. He’s led the league in AST/TO ratio in five of the last six seasons. Jones consistently gets the ball to his teammates in advantageous spots and rarely ever turns the ball over. He had a 20-game stretch in the middle of the season averaging over 10 APG with just 1 TOPG. And, he’s scoring at a career-high rate with the Wizards this year. A potential match in San Antonio makes all too much sense. The Spurs desperately need heady ball handlers who can feed Victor Wembanyama the ball. And, Tyus would be teaming up with his younger brother, Tre, in San Antonio.
Prediction: San Antonio Spurs
25. Markelle Fultz
It’s heartwarming to see Markelle Fultz find success in the NBA following a rocky start to this career. Fultz was the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and was expected to develop into a superstar. It didn’t exactly pan out that way as Fultz’s time with the 76ers was mired by injuries and confusion. Fultz landed on the Magic in 2019 and has since revitalized his career. Though his scoring potential has never been realized, Fultz has become a quality playmaker and defender. His time in Orlando could be coming to an end. The Magic have recently added several young guards, including Anthony Black, which makes us believe they think Fultz is expendable. Looking for potential spots where Fultz can snag a starting spot, the Nets are a strong match. Brooklyn could use a table-setter who will consistently get the ball to Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas.
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
24. Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein has shown he can provide quality backup center minutes while also having the ability to start in a pinch. Hartenstein has always been a good per-minute player. With the Knicks this year, Hartenstein has seen more minutes than ever. He’s produced at a high level for a Knicks team that lost its starting center, Mitchell Robinson, earlier in the year. Hartenstein is snagging over 8 RPG while adding 1 BPG and 1 SPG. And, he’s a solid passing big man who can rack up a few assists every night. The Thunder are severely lacking up front. They could use a big body to protect Chet Holmgren in more difficult matchups. Hartenstein would be an ideal backup center for an OKC looking to leap into contention.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder
23. Buddy Hield
Hield’s position isn’t all too dissimilar to Gary Trent’s or Malik Beasley’s. All three players are shooters who struggled to provide much else consistently. The main difference with Hield, though, is that he isn’t just a good shooter — he’s one of the most prolific three-point specialists the game has ever seen. Hield demands attention as soon as he steps onto the floor. Contending teams — such as his current squad, the Philadelphia 76ers — would love to have a player like Hield to stretch the floor. That being said, we could see one of the teams with cap space seize this opportunity. The Pistons are desperate to escape the Eastern Conference cellar. Hield’s shooting would be a welcomed addition to Detroit’s core.
Prediction: Detroit Pistons
22. De’Anthony Melton
The 76ers sorely missed De’Anthony Melton during their recent skid down the Eastern Conference standings. Philly went just 9-12 with Melton out since the start of January. His ability to space the floor and cause havoc on the defensive end are not easily replaceable traits. Melton has been an absolute difference-maker for the 76ers ever since coming over from Memphis two seasons ago. He routinely is among the league leaders in steals (when given ample playing time) and is shooting over 38-percent from three over the last four seasons. Re-signing Melton to a deal should be among Philly’s top priorities this offseason.
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
21. Bruce Brown
After helping the Nuggets win a title last season, Bruce Brown signed a massive deal during 2023 free agency. Brown inked a contract with the Pacers worth an eye-popping $45 million over two years. Though, plans have surely changed since Brown was traded to the Raptors. He’s on a team option for next year, and the Raptors could let Brown walk to try and recoup some cap space. However, with a fairly weak impending FA class, it might behoove the Raptors to keep Brown around for another year. If anything, they could try and trade him next February to a contender rather than letting him walk this Summer for nothing.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors
20. Russell Westbrook
A former league MVP, Russell Westbrook has had a tough time adjusting to his new role. Though he is seemingly happier with the Clippers than he ever was with their neighbors, Westbrook has struggled throughout the season. His shooting has dipped below 30-percent from three and he’s enduring another awful year from the charity stripe. The Clippers could use his roster spot for a more cerebral guard who can play within the flow of an offense. Westbrook isn’t a seamless fit on most rosters in the league. Though, we think a potential match is in Memphis. Ja Morant has been unreliable and could use a backup/mentor such as Westbrook. In the event Morant misses more time next season, Westbrook would be one of the better-suited replacements available.
Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies
19. Jonas Valančiūnas
Centers can find it difficult in free agency. With teams trotting out smaller and smaller lineup configurations, it can be challenging to find the right landing spot for a traditional big man. Jonas Valančiūnas would have been a top commodity two decades ago, but now the 31-year-old will probably have just a few suitors to select from. Staying in New Orleans seems like the most obvious move. He’s started every game for them since joining three seasons ago. And, he’s the only Pelican to appear in every game this season thus far.
Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans
18. Malik Monk
Malik Monk has emerged as one of the game’s best bench players. When Monk enters the game, it’s like the entire dynamic changes. His speed, range, and tenacity can change a game instantly. One of the more interesting developments throughout Monk’s career has been his playmaking. He’s averaging over 5 APG with the Kings — nearly matching Sacramento’s starting PG De’Aaron Fox. Monk has been under control in ’24 and has earned a hefty payday this offseason. The Kings should give it to him, as he’s been an invaluable piece to Sacramento’s surge into relevancy.
Prediction: Sacramento Kings
17. Grayson Allen
Teams in need of shooting will have no trouble finding matches this offseason. Grayson Allen ranks a bit ahead of some other free agents who can light it up from beyond the arc. That’s because Allen isn’t a complete sieve defensively. The league leader in three-point percentage is a good athlete who has always been good at creating deflections on the defensive end. He’s averaging a career-high in blocks with the Suns at just under one per game. Phoenix is likely to get priced out of the sweepstakes. Looking at potential landing spots, we like the Pacers. Indiana dealt Buddy Hield earlier this season, and Allen would be a solid replacement as a three-point specialist.
Prediction: Indiana Pacers
16. D’Angelo Russell
It seemed like the worst-kept secret in the NBA that D’Angelo Russell was set to get traded at the deadline. In a shocking turn, the Lakers opted to make zero moves which included holding onto Russell. The former All-Star signed a two-year deal this offseason but has a player option for next year. He could potentially walk and leave the Lakers with nothing. However, we don’t see that happening. Either Russell signs another 1+1 with the Lakers, or he’s used as a chip in a sign-and-trade alongside LA’s remaining draft picks.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
15. Patrick Williams
Chicago’s young forward is an interesting case. When he’s played, Williams has flashed the two-way ability that made the Bulls select him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2020. However, Williams has struggled to stay on the floor throughout his tenure. He appeared in just 17 games two seasons ago, and recently underwent season-ending foot surgery in February. Williams is obviously talented. There aren’t too many 22-year-olds who play great defense and shoot 41-percent from three for their career. The Bulls might be able to get him at a discount while hoping for his long-term health to hold up.
Prediction: Chicago Bulls
14. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Denver starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will have a decision to make this offseason. The 31-year-old enters the Summer with a player option for roughly $15 million. If he accepts, Caldwell-Pope will return to Denver for at least one more season and maintain one of the league’s most well-rounded starting lineups. If he chooses to decline, a whole heap of contenders would be pining for his services. $15 million is a big number for a role player. And, it’s not like his market would dry up in 12 months. We’re predicting KCP stays in Denver for one more year and prolongs his free agency until 2025.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets
13. Saddiq Bey
If history has told us anything, players like Saddiq Bey typically make a lot of money on the open market. While Bey isn’t an All-Star by any means, the former Villanova standout will be just 25 years old next season and fits the mold of a prototypical wing. His shooting numbers have taken a dip in 2024, but that was to be expected after he knocked down 40-percent of his threes in Atlanta last year. Teams will take even mid-30s from three for Bey if he can provide solid defense on the perimeter and close to seven rebounds a game. The Hawks have a glut of wings, but Bey is probably the best of the bunch anyway. Both sides strike a long-term deal in the $15-$18 million AAV range.
Prediction: Atlanta Hawks
12. Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris’ time in Philadelphia is approaching a close. He played well to start the year under new head coach Nick Nurse. However, Harris has been trending down ever since the All-Star break. It’s not an ideal time for a slump with the reigning MVP Joel Embiid on the mend. The 76ers enter the offseason with potentially a ton of cap space, and there could be massive changes across the roster. Sensing a chance to swoop in, the Jazz could strike a deal with the 31-year-old. Utah hasn’t fully embraced a rebuild and could see Harris as a player that could help them jump a few spots in the Western Conference standings.
Prediction: Utah Jazz
11. Immanuel Quickley
Some NBA pundits argued for the Raptors getting the best player in their mid-season swap with the Knicks. Of course, that deal saw defensive-minded wing OG Anunoby get sent to New York. In return, the Raptors received former No. 3 overall pick R.J. Barrett plus speedy guard Immanuel Quickley. Quickley was a fan favorite in New York due to his scoring ability and carefree style of play. He’s started every game for the Raptors since being traded to Toronto. The Raptors are letting us know that Quickly is part of the long-term future of this team. Quickley has been among the league’s best guards in AST/TO ratio and has shot well above 40-percent from three in Toronto. You don’t let young talent walk in free agency for nothing.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors
10. Miles Bridges
It’s not too long ago when people thought Miles Bridges would be signing a max contract. That was taken out of the cards after Bridges was arrested for domestic violence in 2022. Bridges missed all of last season and the first 10 games this year before returning in November. He’s been a key player for the Hornets on the court ever since. Handing Bridges a max seems like a stretch given his past. Though, we don’t see the Hornets letting him go. Charlotte won’t even open up any cap space if they don’t re-sign Bridges. And, he’s played well next to LaMelo Ball previously. A Bridges-Miller forward duo boasts a ton of talent.
Prediction: Charlotte Hornets
9. Nic Claxton
The buzz around Nic Claxton is certainly intriguing. It doesn’t always feel like the Nets appreciate his skill set. He’s fixed the foul issues that plagued him earlier in his career but still can’t even get 30 minutes a night regularly. The Nets shockingly have some depth at center, opening the door for the team to move on from the young center. A team to immediately watch out for with Claxton is the Memphis Grizzlies. Claxton is a former AAU teammate of Ja Morant. And, Memphis has plenty of contracts that can be moved — opening up the chance for a sign-and-trade with Brooklyn.
Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies
8. DeMar DeRozan
In one of the more puzzling deadline decisions, the Bulls opted to stand pat and not make any moves. Deciding not to trade DeMar DeRozan was shocking. The 34-year-old shouldn’t be part of the Bulls’ long-term plans, and surely has some value on the trade market. We can’t see Chicago inking him to a long-term deal — but this front office has done crazier things before. Getting far away from the Bulls organization should be DeRozan’s motivation. Orlando has cap space and a need for an offensive star. He’d be a great veteran to add to a young group on the rise.
Prediction: Orlando Magic
7. OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby’s fit on the Knicks is too perfect. He’s exactly the player needed for a Tom Thibodeau team. He doesn’t need many touches on offense. Anunoby is content with spotting up in the corner and cleaning up misses around the rim. He’ll find his way to 15 points a night by knocking down three and giving effort. On the defensive end, the 6-foot-7 forward is one of the game’s premier perimeter players. He’s constantly bothering ball handlers and making a difference in the passing lanes. The Knicks wouldn’t have traded away two young players with promise (R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) if the front office wasn’t confident in securing Anunoby long-term.
Prediction: New York Knicks
6. Jrue Holiday
It took some time to adjust, but Jrue Holiday has been balling for the Celtics as of late. The tremendous, two-way guard is a winning basketball player. There’s no denying his impact on the defensive end of the floor. Paired next to Derrick White, the Celtics have formed one of the stingiest defensive backcourts in recent memory. On the other end, Holiday is getting more open looks than ever and converting at a career-high mark from three. At this point in his career, it doesn’t seem like Holiday is interested in personal accolades. Both sides are seemingly motivated to get a deal done as soon as possible.
Prediction: Boston Celtics
5. Pascal Siakam
Former Raptor Pascal Siakam expressed his interest in testing free agency this Summer. Before the deal that sent him to Indiana, Siakam’s camp reportedly stated he would not be interested in signing a long-term deal with whichever team acquired him. Since dealing for him, the Pacers have shown confidence in their ability to get a deal done. Siakam has been a snug fit in Indiana’s starting lineup. His ability to change ends of the floor quickly makes him a perfect running mate next to a point guard like Tyrese Haliburton. Both sides would benefit from a long-term partnership.
Prediction: Indiana Pacers
4. James Harden
We’ve seen this story before. The 76ers traded for the enigmatic superstar James Harden two years ago with shallow promises of signing the former MVP to a long-term contract. The long-term deal never came, and Harden’s relationship with the Philadelphia front office was ruined as a result. Now, Harden hopes to secure that pact with a Clippers team desperate to make a Finals run. With a new stadium on the horizon, the Clippers will likely want all three stars (Harden, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard) in tow. That means getting Harden to sign on the dotted line.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
3. Paul George
He’s not as consistently dominant on both ends of the floor as he once was, but Paul George remains one of the better two-way forwards in the game today. George has always possessed a smooth offensive game. And, he’s been even more efficient since James Harden joined the Clippers. George has regained his potency from beyond the arc while cutting his turnover rate significantly. If the Clippers hope to breakthrough in the Western Conference, all hands need to be on deck. George stays put.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
2. LeBron James
LeBron has seemingly made his offseason plans well-known. He was previously known for signing one-year deals but has changed his tune with the Lakers. He signed a four-year deal with the team in 2018 and is reportedly interested in locking down another multi-year deal. However, the Lakers will have a fair share of combatants vying for James’ services. The game’s all-time leading scorer has been linked to several teams in recent years. The Warriors reportedly tried to trade for him at the deadline. James has complimented OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti in the past. A James-Dončić pairing would be sensational in Dallas. That said, we don’t see James uprooting his family at age 40 to chase rings. He seems ready to ride towards the sunset in Los Angeles.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
1. Tyrese Maxey
A first-time All-Star in 2024, 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey enters this upcoming offseason as the top player on the board. A primary factor here is age. Maxey will be 24 years old in November and has already emerged as one of the most exciting young guards in the game today. James Harden’s departure allowed Maxey to flourish as the team’s lead guard. He’s developed excellent chemistry alongside Joel Embiid. He’s also seemingly well-liked in the locker room and always plays with energy. The 76ers aren’t letting a 23-year-old All-Star walk without offering him a max deal. Maxey isn’t going anywhere.
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers