NBA Free-Agent Rankings: The 25 players fantasy basketball managers need to know about this offseason

This year’s NBA free agent pool isn’t the deepest we’ve seen, but there are still marquee names and difference-makers whose decisions could swing fantasy basketball leagues. Here’s a ranking of the top 25 players you need to know before July 1.

1. LeBron James – LAL | Forward | Age 41 | UFA

The biggest wildcard on this list — retirement, a return to L.A., Cleveland?!?! or one last contender run are all realistic options. Bron’s fantasy value is entirely destination-dependent; however, we still know he can contribute at a high level, putting up 21/6/7 at 41, finishing as a top-20 asset in High Score and top-55 in 9-cat this past season.

Advertisement

2. James Harden — CLE | Guard | Age 36 | Player Option ($42.3M)

The Cavs made their first Eastern Conference Finals run since 2018, so it’s with near certainty that Harden will re-sign with Cleveland. He’ll be 37 in August and yet, he’s still producing at a high level. A floor expectation of 20 points with 8 assists is fair, and despite a poor FG percentage, he’ll make up for it in categories like 3s, FT percentage and steals. I’d still feel comfortable drafting him inside the first three rounds.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick ‘Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world’s biggest soccer tournament

3. Trae Young — WAS | Point Guard | Age 27 | Player Option ($49M)

When the Wizards traded for Young, the goal was to bring in a proven All-Star-caliber talent to run an offense flush with young talent. He didn’t play much last season, but the expectation is that Young will be ready to go by the start of the season. Given the Wizards’ cap space, I expect they’ll lock in Trae for at least a three-year deal. When healthy, Young remains one of the few guards capable of averaging at least 20 points and 10 assists per game — even with the Wizards.

Advertisement

4. Jalen Duren — DET | Center | Age 22 | RFA ($4.9M)

OK, the playoffs were a disaster. But in the regular season, Duren proved he’s a great complement to Cade Cunningham. He made a massive leap as a scorer and should be their franchise big man. Negotiations are underway, but fantasy managers should…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/article/nba-free-agent-rankings-the-25-players-fantasy-basketball-managers-need-to-know-about-this-offseason-161238102.html

Author : Dan Titus

Publish date : 2026-05-22 16:12:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.