NBA: Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings
Mar 15, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (left) and Sacramento Kings guard-forward DeMar DeRozan (10) are seen talking during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The NBA offseason thus far has been one of the most hectic and unpredictable of all time. Even now, there’s still looming chaos with the messy Kawhi Leonard sponsorship situation. This is holding Leonard back from officially becoming a Toronto Raptor once again.
Outside of that specific case, the NBA is quiet right now, but more moves are looming.
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Big names are still unsigned and can potentially swing contenders over the hump. Here are some notable unrestricted free agents still available and where they fit best.
DeMar DeRozan
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings
Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan before the game against the LA Clippers. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Released by the Sacramento Kings on July 6, DeMar DeRozan was wasting his career away in Sacramento and must prioritize winning.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the rumored suitors for DeRozan are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat.
Of those teams, Denver would be the best fit and give DeRozan the best chance to win. Yes, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are still ruling over the Western Conference. But the East is deeper than ever, and there’s not a better player to play with than Nikola Jokic.
Denver needs another creator on offense, and while the 3-point shooting isn’t there, DeRozan gives Denver another scoring threat and someone for opposing teams to worry about in clutch situations.
James Harden
NBA: Playoffs-Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) reacts during the second quarter of game 2 against the New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
James Harden has a much simpler situation than DeRozan’s. He should re-sign with the Cavaliers. Cleveland traded for Harden midway through last season and got better because of it.
The trade was somewhat vindicated with the Cavaliers making a surprise appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. Harden and Donovan Mitchell played well together. With a full offseason together, they can improve their connection even further.
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Cleveland with Harden is a top-five team in the Eastern Conference. There really isn’t another situation where Harden can insert himself and play to his strengths as he does in Cleveland.
Jonathan Kuminga
NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics
Mar 27, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) talks with an official during the second half against the Boston Celtics. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Jonathan Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks from the Golden State Warriors last season and gave the Hawks a real scoring punch in the home stretch of the season.
After a mediocre playoff performance against the New York Knicks, the Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option.
Multiple teams are pursuing Kuminga, but the Los Angeles Lakers make the most sense. With playmakers like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the way, LA needs athleticism and additional perimeter defense.
Kuminga brings both of those and would get the most open looks he’s ever had playing next to Doncic.
Kevin Love
NBA: Utah Jazz at Minnesota Timberwolves
Mar 18, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Not the impact the other free agents listed can bring, Kevin Love still can space the floor and grab rebounds for a contender.
This one is also easy to call: reunite Love and LeBron James in Philadelphia. The former teammates won the 2016 NBA title together in Cleveland. Because the 76ers are looking to win right now, veteran depth and locker room leadership are always needed.
Bradley Beal
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns
Nov 6, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (0) against the Phoenix Suns. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Bradley Beal is another veteran and former NBA All-Star who should cling to a contender and see what happens. The Miami Heat are back in win-now mode after making a monster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
One key result of the Giannis trade is that Miami doesn’t have much financial flexibility. Beal, coming off a season in which he only played six games, won’t sign for more than a veteran minimum, which Miami can still afford.
The Heat need shooting around Giannis; right now, the most reliable shooters are Tim Hardaway Jr., Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell. Both had solid shooting seasons in 2025-26 but have been up-and-down shooters for their careers.
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