Ranking the Top 20 NBA Free Agents Available This Summer

It’s hard to imagine the 2018 offseason could match the excitement of 2017, but when you look at the list of free agents, that outcome seems possible. LeBron James and DeMarcus Cousins are among the stars who could land on the open market. Here is a ranking of the 20 best free agents who could be available this summer.

Lebron James
Getty

Lebron James

Lebron James

The 2017 NBA offseason was the most fascinating of any major professional U.S. sports league has had in years. So many superstars found themselves playing for new teams. 

The Celtics and Cavs—the two best teams in the Eastern Conference—flipped their star guards, Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving. The Timberwolves traded for a disgruntled Jimmy Butler, and the Russell Westbrook-led Thunder acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Meanwhile, the Rockets snagged Chris Paul.

Plenty happened on the free agency market, too. Gordon Hayward aligned with his old college coach and the Celtics, infuriating the Utah faithful. Paul Millsap joined the Nuggets. J.J. Redick signed a one-year deal with the 76ers. Thanks to Kevin Durant taking a pay cut, the Warriors kept the band together, doling out $201 million to Stephen Curry and bringing back veterans Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston.

Every year, key players land on the open market, and where they elect to sign shifts the fortunes of the entire league. Consider 2016, when Durant spurned Oklahoma City and signed with rival Golden State. Or the year before, when LeBron James signed a two-year deal with the Cavs. Imagine what the NBA would look like right now if either player had gone somewhere else.

Both of those guys, arguably the two best players in the league, could be on the market again this summer. They aren’t the only stars who may become available—Chris Paul, Paul George, and DeMarcus Cousins are also in the mix.

Don’t discount role players, either. A number of guys who have stepped up in this year’s playoffs, like Redick, Clint Capela, and Nikola Mirotic, will have an opportunity to explore new options, and their efforts this season may lead to big-time offers.

It’s hard to imagine the 2018 offseason could match the excitement of 2017, but when you look at the list of free agents, such an outcome seems possible. Below is our ranking of the 20 best free agents who could be available this summer.

20. Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart

19. J.J. Redick

JJ Reddick

18. Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors

17. Jusuf Nurkic

Jusuf Nurkic

16. Will Barton

Will Barton

15. Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza on the court for the Rockets.

14. Zach LaVine

Tim Fuller

13. Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas

12. Tyreke Evans

Tyreke Evans

11. Nikola Mirotic

Nikola Mirotic

10. Jabari Parker

jabari parker resized

9. Aaron Gordon

Image of Aaron Gordon

8. Julius Randle

Julius Randle

7. Clint Capela

Clint Capela

6. DeAndre Jordan

DeAndre Jordan Shoots Free Throw 2018

5. DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins during a game against the Jazz.

4. Chris Paul

Chris Paul.

3. Paul George

Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder

2. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant dunking.

1. LeBron James

Lebron James

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