Free agency isn’t what it once was in the NBA, as these days, players are almost always choosing to sign contract extensions rather than test the open market. That’s because the new CBA has given players much more financial incentive not to switch teams.

Either way, some good players could end up hitting free agency next year anyway, as they always do.

Below, check out the projected top 2026 NBA free agents (for now).

Luka Doncic / PG / LA Lakers / Player Option

A yearly MVP candidate, it will be fascinating to see how the next season and a half goes for him now that he’s joining the Lakers. Will the Lakers even let him hit free agency? Regardless, one of the best players in the NBA and will remain so if he takes his conditioning and diet seriously.

2024/25 stats: 26.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 7.7 apg, 2.0 spg, 0.5 bpg, 45.1 FG%, 33.7 3P%
2024/25 earnings: $43,031,940
Career earnings: $152,668,811
Agent: Bill Duffy

Paolo Banchero / PF / Orlando / Restricted

A somehow underrated former No. 1 pick who looks like a future All-NBA guy. It is a bit scary that he missed so much time in 2024-25 due to injury but that was the first time he’s missed such an extended period since getting to the NBA, so shouldn’t be a huge concern. Great size, strength, athleticism and skill on the wing who can score at a high level, as well as create and rebound. Has developed his jumper quite nicely, too. We’re going to list him here for now, but he’s more than likely signing an extension before free agency comes.

2024/25 stats: 23.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.8 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.8 bpg, 41.9 FG%, 29.3 3P%
2024/25 earnings: $12,160,800
Career earnings: $34,824,000
Agent: Mike Miller

Jaren Jackson Jr / C / Memphis

His game seems to be expanding, as he’s putting up the best numbers of his career right now. Still not much of a rebounder but a very good shot-blocker, solid floor-spacer and excellent for a big man driving the ball.

2024/25 stats: 22.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.7 bpg, 49.7 FG%, 36.1 3P%
2024/25 earnings: $25,257,798
Career earnings: $110,594,725
Agent: Austin Brown and Maxwell Saidman

Jalen Williams / SF / Oklahoma City / Restricted

Finally hit that All-Star level, the question is: Can he reach an All-NBA level? Very crafty scorer from the midrange who can also finish around the rim. One-on-one bucket-getter with good size on the wing.

2024/25 stats: 21.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.7 bpg, 47.6 FG%, 35.1 3P%
2024/25 earnings: $4,775,760
Career earnings: $13,675,920
Agent: Bill Duffy and Justin Haynes

De’Aaron Fox / PG / San Antonio

It will be fascinating to see how his time in San Antonio goes. Should form a fun partnership with Victor Wembanyama. If they acclimate well, it might be tough for another team to pry him out of San Antonio. Lightning-fast point guard with three-level scoring and a quick crossover.

2024/25 stats: 24.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 6.3 apg, 1.6 spg, 0.4 bpg, 46.5 FG%, 31.5 3P%
2024/25 earnings: $34,848,340
Career earnings: $150,476,187
Agent: Rich Paul

Chet Holmgren / C / Oklahoma City / Restricted

Questions linger about his ability to stay healthy due to his thin frame. Experienced a second extended absence in 2024-25. When he’s out there, he’s a very unique player – a big man who can handle the ball like a guard, hit shots from all over the floor, drive and finish or kick, and block shots at a high level on the other end.

2024/25 stats: 15.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.9 spg, 2.9 bpg, 50.3 FG%, 39.6 3P%
2024/25 earnings: $10,880,640
Career earnings: $31,157,880
Agent: Bill Duffy

Kevin Durant / SF / Phoenix

Game hasn’t started to slow down to age yet, the one concern is with nagging injuries, as he has started to miss more time here and there. Even so, when healthy, remains an elite scorer, solid rebounder and playmaker, and an impactful defender when he locks in late in games.

2024/25 stats: 26.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 1.4 bpg, 53.0 FG%, 40.2 3P%
2024/25 earnings: $51,179,020
Career earnings: $457,119,040
Agent: Rich Kleiman

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