Dec 15, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images With a riveting, seven-game Finals in the recent rearview as well as the first round of a draft whose top pick long was a foregone conclusion, the NBA now welcomes free agency.
Conventional wisdom suggests it could be somewhat bland, but that just means LeBron James will get out of his option to become player-coach of the New York Knicks, doesn’t it?
Big-name talent such as James could opt out, of course, but the likelihood marquee players will take their acts elsewhere is slim. Here’s a glance at some early free agency buzz. Beginning at 6 p.m. EDT on Monday, organizations can start negotiating with free agents who spent last season with other teams.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
As with last summer, James can become a free agent by opting out of a player option in La La Land that’s slightly greater than last season’s ($52.6 million versus $51 million).
Also as with last summer, he’s unlikely to leave L.A., which still was the third seed in the Western Conference in 2024–25 despite some roster unevenness and coach J.J. Redick learning on the job.
A full season of having superstar Luka Dončić as his running mate seems like a foolish proposition to abandon. L.A. also employs James’ son, Bronny, in case you’ve forgotten. Here’s guessing LeBron James, 40, indeed opts out but aims to maximize his earnings with the Lake Show in his 23rd NBA season.
Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
Jan 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) looks on during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Could Randle be in position to join his third different team in as many seasons this summer?
He has a $30.9 million player option for 2025–26 after joining Minnesota in a trade from New York, a deal that paid dividends for both sides as the Timberwolves and Knicks each advanced to their respective conference finals.
Of course, Minnesota also has Randle’s teammate, Naz Reid, who has a more friendly $15 million player option. The Wolves should work to keep both as they try to clear the conference finals hurdle, but either reasonably could change teams.
Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs
Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) dribbles by San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) in the first period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images Paul turned 40 a few weeks after the regular season ended — without the 34-48 Spurs, of course — after showing well for a non-contending team.
The veteran point guard averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 28 minutes while playing in all 82 games, a jolt to his durability after playing in no more than 65 games over the three previous seasons.
Seasoned leaders and ballhandlers always are a coveted piece, and with no shortage of teams hoping to reload for a title run, Paul figures to have his share of suitors if he still wants to play.
The Los Angeles Lakers fit the bill and are near Paul’s California home, while the Dallas Mavericks also are reportedly interested. Paul hasn’t played in the Eastern Conference in his 20-year career. Don’t expect that trend to change.
James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
May 1, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) shoots the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during game six of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Harden enjoyed a solid playoffs after a regular season that saw him average 22.8 points, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 35.3 minutes.
He’ll turn 36 before the season, for which he has a $36.3 million player option.
With Harden apparently content with the Clippers, he may proceed with the final season of his contract to allow L.A. to add further pieces in a bid to improve on last season’s seven-game first-round postseason exit.
