Predicting where Fred VanVleet, James Harden and the 15 best NBA free agents in 2025 land this summer

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Predicting where Fred VanVleet, James Harden and the 15 best NBA free agents in 2025 land this summer

Jason Burgos · Sportsnaut

Tue, Jun 24, 2025 ·

7 min read

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We are just a few days away from teams around the league being able to talk with all the available NBA free agents this summer. In theory, stars like LeBron James , Julius Randle , and Kyrie Irving could opt out of their deals and hit the open market. However, if they do, they are expected to quickly re-up with their current teams.

That is why in this space, we will focus on the 15 most impactful NBA free agents that will be in play for multiple clubs this summer. And predict whether they will return to their teams from 2024-25, or take their talents elsewhere this offseason.

Fred VanVleet

The Rockets have no interest in paying Fred VanVleet the $44 million he is set to make next season. That is why they put a club option for this year in his deal. They will not exercise it, but they definitely would like to keep him. However, he will have suitors on the open market if he is willing to take half of what he would have made next season.

If the Bulls could move a couple of veteran contracts, they may be a potential option. However, he is likely to stay in Houston .

Prediction: Houston Rockets

Myles Turner

Pacers star Myles Turner bet on himself and heads it 2025 NBA free agency as the best big on the market. Unfortunately, the team with the most cap space is the Nets. Who already has a big deal invested in Nic Claxton . Turner returning to Indiana this summer is the biggest guarantee. However, don't be surprised if he does some flirting before putting pen to paper. He's earned it.

Prediction: Indiana Pacers

Al Horford

Al Horford played his last game for the Celtics last month. Due to being in salary cap hell, they have to let a well-aged team great walk in NBA free agency. At his age, he is sure to be a target for many teams with their veteran mid-level exceptions. Rivals the Knicks will be in play, but joining team greybeard in Oakland for a title run feels likely.

Prediction: Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors veteran Jonathan Kuminga has been linked to the Nets for months since they will have the most cap space this summer. However, recent reports have suggested they are not that interested. With the Heat unlikely to complete a trade for Kevin Durant , look for them to make a sign-and-trade with Golden State in the hopes that Kuminga can be a key building block for years.

Prediction: Miami Heat

James Harden

Many expect James Harden to opt in to next season with the Clippers . But if the future Hall of Famer has proven anything, it's that he is unpredictable. He should opt in, but it is completely possible he doesn't and goes looking to be a contending team's backup plan if they don't land Durant.

Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers

D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell's best days are behind him at 29. However, that doesn't mean he can't be a big-time impact player on many teams around the league. Especially if he were to embrace a role as an elite sixth man. The Nuggets had a good one this season in Russell Westbrook . But he is likely to depart in free agency. Denver could replace one Russell with another.

Prediction: Denver Nuggets

Naz Reid

The Timberwolves want to keep Naz Reid. But the homegrown star has a $15 million player option he is not going to use. He will be one of the better big men on the market and should fetch some lucrative offers. Don't be surprised if the Nets use a bunch of their cap space to lure away the talented forward.

Prediction: Brooklyn Nets

Bobby Portis

Bobby Portis has evolved into one of the game's best reserves. And that is why he will not pick up his option in Milwaukee and look for a raise in NBA free agency. He is sure to have quite a few suitors. A team to keep an eye on is the Pistons . They can clear more cap space. And for a team that is going with a depth and youth approach, the 10-year vet would be a very nice fit.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons

Chris Paul

At 40, NBA legend Chris Paul may call it a career. If he doesn't retire, changing teams again this summer doesn't make a lot of sense. The Spurs appreciate what he brings to their locker room as a leader and mentor. If he is back in 2025, the future Hall of Famer is staying put.

Prediction: San Antonio Spurs

Russell Westbrook

After a solid run with the Clippers, Russell Westbrook had a resurgence in Denver. He should stay there. But the aging legend passed on his $3.4 million option in search of a raise in NBA free agency. The Pistons could lose Dennis Schroder and/or Tim Hardaway on the open market this summer. The one-time MVP would be an intriguing sixth man option for the fast-rising club next season.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons

Quentin Grimes

Former Knicks first-round pick Quentin Grimes stunned many NBA observers with his outstanding play for the 76ers in the second half. In that 28-game stretch, he posted over 21 points and five boards. That is sure to get him a whole bunch of interest this offseason. Following their move that sent Desmond Bane out of town, a sign-and-trade with the Grizzlies that gets Philly some draft picks seems likely.

Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies

Josh Giddey

After seeming like he may never reach his potential in Oklahoma City , Josh Giddey eventually flourished in the second half with the Bulls last season. Chicago is hopeful they can turn him into an All-Star-level talent in the years ahead. With him being a restricted free agent and few teams with cap space, Giddey isn't going anywhere.

Prediction: Chicago Bulls

Guerschon Yabusele

Frenchman Guerschon Yabusele proved his value as a high-level big off the bench with the 76ers last season. Philly is cash-strapped and is unlikely to retain his services. The Knicks are reportedly big fans and will likely try and lure him to New York with their mid-level exception and the chance at pretty good minutes off the bench.

Prediction: New York Knicks

Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez is sure to get solid interest as one of the better big man NBA free agents this summer. Yet, he is well-removed from his prime and is not a classic rim protector. But he is a proven winner who can stretch the floor. A center-needy club like the Lakers is sure to make a hard push for his services.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

Clint Capela

The Suns have been wanting to upgrade the center spot with a traditional rebounder and rim protector for the last year. Reports suggest they may have trouble getting that in a Kevin Durant trade. And if they don't complete a deal before the NBA Draft , that won't be a path to get an impactful one either. Hawks veteran Clint Capela is no longer in his prime. But he is a rock-solid NBA veteran and will likely be a target for Phoenix later in the summer.

Prediction: Phoenix Suns

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