As yet another gruelling NBA season comes to an end, teams find themselves preparing for free agency to set themselves in their direction of choice ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
In less than a month, the NBA off-season will be up and running with teams eligible to sign free agents and announce trades from July 6th.
But with internal negotiations, exercising of team and player options, and the likes of which are set for earlier dates, front offices are already likely to be working overtime to make the best of the most crucial period for roster construction in the NBA.
Whilst the free agency class of 2025 lacks in the superstar department, there is no shortage of gamechangers who are in the market looking for a change of scenery. Here, we take a look at the top 5 players who are likely to be available as free agents in the 2025 off-season.
The likes of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, who have player options that are likely to be exercised to remain with their incumbent teams, have been omitted from this list.
#5. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies find themselves in a tough spot ahead of the 2025 off-season.
A couple of seasons ago, the Grizzlies were touted to be among the most promising franchises in the league. However, things have taken a massive downturn since, and they could see one of their developmental success stories leave the franchise in free agency.
Santi Aldama does not scream star potential, but is precisely the mould of role player that is heavily sought after in the modern NBA. The 7-footer moves comfortably, can capably space the floor, and is a nifty offensive weapon who can round off the offence for any team.
After averaging 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists a game, the do-it-all forward who has improved in all major statistical categories year-by-year in his career is set to be a coveted free agent.
With the Grizzlies maxing out the contracts for Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., they may not be able to match offer sheets for Aldama. The Spanish forward could well be plying his trade at a contender come July.
#4. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers
For someone so talented with an ideal skill set to thrive in the modern NBA, the fact that Grimes has struggled to find a long-term home in the league is a mystery.
But after his performances for the Philadelphia 76ers in the latter part of the 2024-25 season, he is set to enter restricted free agency with his value at its highest.
Grimes flashed potential of being a solid 3-and-D wing at New York and Dallas, but his scoring explosion at Philly may make him an enticing option for any team looking to round out their starting lineup or for a sparkplug off the bench.
After being traded to the 76ers in February, Grimes averaged 21.9 points and 4.5 assists a game while shooting 37% from behind the arc. He even had two games in that stretch where he scored over 40 points a game.
Players capable of providing that level of offensive production while also contributing positively on defence are ever-valuable commodities in the NBA, and Grimes is set to be heavily sought after in free agency.
#3. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Kuminga, like Grimes and Aldama, is a restricted free agent in 2025. And similar to the situation Grimes and Aldama find themselves in, Kuminga’s incumbent team is also likely to be unable to meet any substantial offer he may likely receive in free agency.
The Warriors are in win-now mode and have failed to integrate the uber-athletic Kuminga into their regular rotation despite drafting him with the 7th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Jonathan Kuminga’s usage by the Warriors (Source: Basketball Reference) :
| Season | Games Played | Games Started | Minutes per Game |
| 2021-22 | 70 | 12 | 16.9 |
| 2022-23 | 67 | 16 | 20.8 |
| 2023-24 | 74 | 46 | 26.3 |
| 2024-25 | 47 | 10 | 24.3 |
Still only 22 years old, Kuminga might be the free agent with the highest upside in the 2025 market, and teams with cap space to work with who are willing to give him regular minutes as a starter could be set to reap the rewards for years to come.
The 6’8 wing was left out of the Warriors’ Playoff rotation before injuries forced Steve Kerr to give him a run. Kuminga took the chance when it came his way and may just have forged himself a path out of Golden State with a big payday to go with it.
#2. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves
The fan favourite who has been a key part of the Timberwolves’ recent success might just be priced away in the 2025 off-season.
Reid, who is expected to reject his player option for 2025-2026, is expected by many to re-sign a longer deal with Minnesota. However, for a player of Reid’s ability, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a team comes through with an offer that Minnesota just cannot afford.
Reid, who went undrafted in the 2019 draft, earned himself a role with the Timberwolves with his infectious energy, effort, and offensive production. Having seen his efforts translate to team success, Reid presents himself as a market opportunity any team should jump at.
The 2024 ‘6th Man of the Year’ averaged 14.2 points and 6 rebounds for the season while also spacing the floor and shooting at a 38% clip from behind the arc. Archetypes like Reid’s are rare, and any team could use an injection of his offensive skill set.
Expect a bidding war to unfurl for the big man this off-season.
#1. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves made their second consecutive Western Conference Finals appearance in 2025, but could lose Randle and Reid in a worst-case scenario this offseason.
Like Reid, Randle also holds a player option for 2025-2026, but after proving all his critics wrong with a stellar postseason run, he could test the open market for a long-term deal.
The former ‘Most Improved Player’ averaged 21.7 points, 5 assists, and shot 38.5% from three in the 2025 playoffs, where, for stretches, he operated as Minnesota’s most reliable offensive option.
In a free agent market that isn’t laden with All-Star-level talent, the former All-NBA forward could be set to receive a big contract.
Having traded Karl-Anthony Towns to acquire Randle just last offseason, the Timberwolves would hope to re-sign him as a key part of their future. However, a rogue offer from one of the many teams with more cap space than them, could throw a wrench in their plans.