.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
2026 NBA free agency has seen a lot of player movement, but it has come mostly through trades, as quite a few of the top free agents have yet to sign deals.
Obviously, most teams are waiting for LeBron James to make his highly anticipated decision. James coming off the board should lead to a domino effect of signings across the league.
That said, let's predict the landing spot for the top remaining players on the free-agent market, and as you will see, there is still a ton of talent looking for an opportunity.
Predicting landing spots for the top remaining NBA free agents
LeBron James: Cleveland Cavaliers
There's a decent chance that 2026 will be the final season of James' illustrious career, so why not end it where it all started?
By joining the Cavs, James would also have the opportunity to compete for a championship. Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference Finals this past season and may just be a piece away from finally getting over the hump.
Though James, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden, who is expected to return, may not be perfect fits with each other, the trio is incredibly talented and possesses a ton of playoff experience.
A reunion between LeBron and the Cavs would just feel right for the 22-time All-Star's final NBA chapter.
DeMar DeRozan: Golden State Warriors
Golden State is heavily pursuing James, but the franchise isn't very optimistic they'll land the future Hall of Famer to pair with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, who declined his player option but is likely to re-sign on a team-friendly deal.
DeRozan would be a solid backup plan for the Warriors if James doesn't sign with them. The 36-year-old was recently acquired by the Sacramento Kings, but remains an efficient scorer who would add some much-needed wing scoring to Steve Kerr's lineup.
ESPN's Anthony Slater has already reported that Golden State will look into signing DeRozan, who figures to have a strong market filled with contenders.
Jalen Duren: Detroit Pistons
Duren and the Pistons are at a contract standstill, but I expect both sides to come to terms on a deal sooner rather than later.
There aren't many suitors left for Duren, whose market hasn't been as active as he thought it would be. Though the young center struggled in the postseason, Duren is still an All-NBA-caliber player and the anchor of Detroit's defense.
It would be wise for the Pistons to get a contract done with Duren, and it'll likely be for less than initially expected.
James Harden: Cleveland Cavaliers
A return to Cleveland is the most likely scenario for Harden, as the 11-time All-Star guard was a pivotal piece of Kenny Atkinson's squad.
Though Harden is no longer the record-breaking scorer he once was, the 17-year veteran is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the sport and will help Cleveland's title quest for next season.
Re-signing Harden also shouldn't prevent the Cavs from signing James and even making other moves to bolster the roster.
Jonathan Kuminga: Los Angeles Lakers
Kuminga has had an up-and-down NBA career so far, but the former No. 7 overall is a promising wing with elite athleticism and stifling defense.
There is reportedly mutual interest between Kuminga and the Lakers, and the fit would make sense. Los Angeles needs to add more depth on the wing, and Kuminga would be a nice spark off the bench in JJ Redick's rotation.
Peyton Watson: Denver Nuggets
Denver is open to sign-and-trades involving Watson, and the Los Angeles Clippers have been heavily linked to the ascending wing.
However, the Nuggets would be foolish to let go of Watson. The 23-year-old had a breakout 2025 campaign and is only going to get better. Denver may have to maneuver the salary cap to retain Watson, but it would be well worth it to keep a valuable role player who fits well with Nikola Jokić.
Russell Westbrook: Miami Heat
Outside of signing sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr., the Heat have been quiet in free agency.
Miami's top need is perimeter shooting, and though Westbrook wouldn't address that, the former MVP would be a fantastic facilitator and leader of the Heat's second unit.
Westbrook averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists per game with the Kings in 2025, and should sign for the minimum. This would be a savvy signing by the Heat, and one that Erik Spoelstra would take full advantage of.
English (US)