While much of the NBA’s offseason has revolved around LeBron James and his looming decision, a host of high-profile free agents are still searching for their next home as the new season edges closer.
From former MVPs and NBA champions to proven All-Stars, several big names remain unsigned despite training camp fast approaching.
Here’s the latest on the biggest names still available, where they could land, and what’s holding up their decisions in the latest NBA Free Agency Update.
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LEBRON JAMES | SF | AGE 41
The wait continues for the NBA’s biggest free agency domino, with LeBron James yet to reveal where he’ll chase a fifth championship.
League-wide expectation remains that the four-time MVP will ultimately choose between the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors, although no franchise has emerged as a clear frontrunner.
LeBron James. Photo: Getty Images
LeBron James. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Supplied
James was reportedly close to deciding last week before opting to wait, with rival executives believing he’s monitoring potential roster moves that could strengthen his preferred destination.
The objective remains unchanged: maximise his chances of winning one final NBA title before bringing the curtain down on one of basketball’s greatest careers.
2025-26 AVERAGES: 20.9 PPG | 6.1 RPG | 7.2 APG | 51.5% FG
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors
RUSSELL WESTBROOK | PG | AGE 37
Russell Westbrook’s remarkable NBA journey has taken plenty of twists since his MVP season in 2017, but the nine-time All-Star is once again searching for his next opportunity.
After difficult spells with the Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets, Westbrook rediscovered solid form with the Sacramento Kings last season.
Despite that, Sacramento is reportedly not expected to bring the veteran point guard back, leaving him among the biggest names still available.
DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 29: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after a three point basket during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers at Ball Arena on April 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 29: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after a three point basket during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers at Ball Arena on April 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Much of Westbrook’s market could hinge on where LeBron James lands, with the Miami Heat viewed as a potential destination if they miss out on the four-time MVP.
The Washington Wizards have also been linked with a reunion, where Westbrook enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2020-21, averaging 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists while once again averaging a triple-double.
2025-26 AVERAGES: 15.2 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 6.7 APG | 42.7% FG
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS: Miami Heat, Washington Wizards
JAMES HARDEN | PG/SG | AGE 36
James Harden has made his intentions crystal clear this offseason – he wants to team up with LeBron James in Cleveland.
The 2018 NBA MVP declined his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season to negotiate a new deal with the Cavaliers, a move designed to give the franchise greater flexibility as it pursues James.
Speaking to ESPN Cleveland, Harden admitted the prospect of forming a superstar trio alongside LeBron James and Donovan Mitchell is exactly what he’s hoping for.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden reacts to a call during the first half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the New York Knicks in Cleveland, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden reacts to a call during the first half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the New York Knicks in Cleveland, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)Source: AP
“That’s the goal, that’s the plan... hopefully we see it in the next few days.”
If the Cavaliers fail to land James, league expectation is that Harden will still re-sign in Cleveland as he continues his pursuit of the elusive NBA championship that has escaped him throughout his decorated career.
2025-26 AVERAGES: 23.6 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 8.0 APG | 43.4% FG
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS: Cleveland Cavaliers
DEMAR DEROZAN | SF | AGE 36
DeMar DeRozan’s free agency remains on hold, with the veteran scorer one of several players waiting for the LeBron James domino to fall before the market truly opens up.
The Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons continue to be the strongest links for the six-time NBA All-Star, with NBA insider Marc Stein reporting that Detroit is actively evaluating a move for the veteran forward.
A move to the Pistons would add proven leadership and one of the league’s most reliable mid-range scorers to an emerging young core, providing valuable experience and offensive firepower.
FILE - San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, April 9, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
FILE - San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, April 9, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)Source: AP
There has also been growing speculation about a fairytale return to the Toronto Raptors, although reports suggest any reunion could hinge on the outcome of the ongoing Kawhi Leonard situation.
2025-26 AVERAGES: 18.4 PPG | 2.9 RPG | 4.1 APG | 49.7% FG
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS: Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors
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DRAYMOND GREEN | PF | AGE 36
Draymond Green’s free agency has never been about leaving Golden State, it has been about giving the Warriors every opportunity to reload around Stephen Curry.
The four-time NBA champion declined his $27.7 million player option to provide the Warriors with greater financial flexibility as they explored blockbuster pursuits of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
While neither move has eventuated, NBA insider Anthony Slater reports Golden State is expected to reward Green with the long-term deal he has been seeking if the Warriors are unable to land James.
A cornerstone of the Warriors dynasty since being selected with the 35th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Green appears destined to remain in the Bay Area as he continues chasing another championship alongside Curry.
2025-26 AVERAGES: 8.4 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 5.5 APG | 41.8% FG
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS: Golden State Warriors
BRADLEY BEAL | SG | AGE 33
Bradley Beal is once again one of the more intriguing names on the free-agent market after declining his $5.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The three-time NBA All-Star has been linked with both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, as contenders look to add proven scoring depth ahead of the new season.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Boston is exploring the possibility of pairing Beal with Jayson Tatum to help offset the offensive production lost following Jaylen Brown’s departure, while also easing the scoring burden on new arrival Paul George.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 21: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after making the game winning basket with seven second left in the second half at Capital One Arena on October 21, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 21: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after making the game winning basket with seven second left in the second half at Capital One Arena on October 21, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Miami also remains firmly in the mix. Whether or not the Heat land LeBron James, Beal would provide another experienced perimeter scorer alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as the franchise continues its push back into championship contention.
2025-26 AVERAGES: 8.2 PPG | 0.8 RPG | 1.7 APG | 37.5% FG
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS: Boston Celtics, Miami Heat
JONATHAN KUMINGA | SF/PF | AGE 23
Jonathan Kuminga remains one of the most interesting young names on the free-agent market, with several teams monitoring his situation as negotiations continue.
The 23-year-old, who won an NBA championship with Golden State in 2022, became a free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option. Any move is expected to require a sign-and-trade agreement.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as Kuminga’s most likely destinations, although NBA insider Jovan Buha reports the versatile forward is seeking a contract worth around $20 million per season.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 23: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 23: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
Negotiations have slowed as Cleveland remains focused on the LeBron James sweepstakes, while the Lakers continue reshaping their roster around Luka Dončić in the franchise’s new era.
Once James makes his decision, Kuminga’s market is expected to move quickly.
2025-26 AVERAGES: 12.2 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 2.3 APG | 46.3% FG
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS: Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers
JALEN DUREN | C | AGE 22
Jalen Duren is one of the biggest names yet to resolve his future after a breakout season that earned the Detroit Pistons star his first All-NBA Third Team selection.
The 22-year-old is eligible to sign a projected five-year, $287.1 million maximum contract, but negotiations with Detroit have reportedly stalled.
According to Chris Haynes, Duren has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress on a long-term extension.
FILE - Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) talks with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff during the first half in Game 7 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series May 17, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
FILE - Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) talks with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff during the first half in Game 7 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series May 17, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)Source: AP
Should the two sides fail to reach an agreement, NBA insider Jake Fischer reports Duren is prepared to sign his $9.6 million qualifying offer instead, a move that would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason and give him complete control over his future.
For now, Detroit remains the overwhelming favourite to retain its franchise centre, but the longer negotiations drag on, the more intriguing the situation becomes.
2025-26 AVERAGES: 19.5 PPG | 10.5 RPG | 2.0 APG | 65.0% FG
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOT: Detroit Pistons
TOP 10 NBA SALARIES FOR THE 2026-27 SEASON
1. Stephen Curry - $62.3 million
2. Nikola Jokić - $59.0 million
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo - $58.5 million
4. Jayson Tatum - $58.5 million
5. Anthony Davis - $58.5 million
6. Jaylen Brown - $57.8 million
7. Joel Embiid - $57.8 million
8. Devin Booker - $57.1 million
9. Karl-Anthony Towns - $57.1 million
10. Jimmy Butler - $56.8 million