By Kevin Pelton | ESPN, 2025-07-03 21:41:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
正如预期，NBA自由球员市场开启后的最初几个小时内，新合同的签订速度异常火热。就在球员们（官方）可以开始与新球队谈判合同仅仅24小时后，我排名前25的潜在自由球员中，已有18人找到了下家。
然而，仍有一些球员可以为下赛季乃至未来带来改变。我最新更新的自由球员前十榜单主要分为两大类：受限制自由球员，他们在当前薪金空间有限的情况下很难获得报价合同；以及那些仍在决定下一站的中锋球员。
除此之外，还有一些大牌球员尚未签约，其中包括未来的名人堂成员克里斯·保罗 (Chris Paul) 和拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook)。接下来，让我们看看这些球员能为新球队带来什么，他们可能适合哪些目的地，以及一些仍未签约但被低估的贡献者。
- 约什·吉迪 (Josh Giddey)
芝加哥公牛 | 控球后卫
受限制自由球员
全明星周末后（距离公牛队交易扎克·拉文 (Zach LaVine) 仅两周），吉迪在数据方面表现惊人，场均贡献21.2分、10.7个篮板和9.3次助攻，投篮命中率达到50%，三分命中率高达46%。（尽管如此高的三分命中率可能难以持续，但吉迪常规赛三分命中率达到生涯新高的38%，这改变了对手防守他的方式。）
吉迪将在10月年满23岁，他仍有时间继续提升比赛水平，以期在季后赛中发挥出比2024年随俄克拉荷马城雷霆队时更大的影响力。
可能下家： 除非布鲁克林篮网队决定向吉迪开出报价合同，否则我们可能会看到一场僵局。吉迪最强的筹码是接受1110万美元的资质报价并为球队打完本赛季，但这会意味着放弃大量保障性合同。与帕特里克·威廉姆斯 (Patrick Williams) 去年受限制自由球员的情况不同，这次公牛队似乎不愿再自己和自己谈判。
- 昆汀·格莱姆斯 (Quentin Grimes)
费城76人 | 后卫/前锋
受限制自由球员
与吉迪类似，格莱姆斯在全明星周末后的表现也大幅提升，这得益于他被交易到了一支因保罗·乔治 (Paul George)、乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid) 和泰瑞斯·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey) 受伤而缺乏球星的76人队。在为费城效力的28场比赛中，格莱姆斯场均贡献21.9分，效率很高（真实投篮命中率0.592），此外还有4.5次助攻和5.2个篮板。
可能下家： 尽管非奢侈税中产特例对格莱姆斯来说是一份可行的报价合同，但目前尚不清楚哪支球队愿意开出这份合同。大多数拥有中产特例空间的球队对格莱姆斯的需求并不大。芝加哥队实际上会是一个不错的选择，但公牛队正忙于处理吉迪的受限制自由球员问题。华盛顿奇才队会仅仅为了未来可能交易格莱姆斯而开出报价吗？
- 乔纳森·库明加 (Jonathan Kuminga)
金州勇士 | 前锋
受限制自由球员
季后赛初期，库明加一度不在史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr) 教练的轮换阵容中，但在斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry) 对阵森林狼队的第二轮系列赛中伤停后，库明加成为了关键球员。该系列赛的最后四场比赛，库明加场均贡献24.3分，投篮命中率达到55%。
22岁的库明加有望随着时间的推移成为更稳定的贡献者。但考虑到库明加的技术特点与吉米·巴特勒三世 (Jimmy Butler III) 和德雷蒙德·格林 (Draymond Green) 重叠，他在勇士队之外的球队可能更容易实现这一目标。
可能下家： 在榜单前三位受限制自由球员中，库明加似乎最有可能通过先签后换的方式离队，前提是金州勇士队能找到一个更有助于球队冲击总冠军的球员。公牛队是一个合理的选择，迈阿密热火队也曾与库明加传出绯闻。
- 克里斯·保罗 (Chris Paul)
圣安东尼奥马刺 | 控球后卫
非受限制自由球员
今年5月年满40岁的保罗，是上赛季NBA仅有的六名打满82场比赛的球员之一。尽管保罗场均8.8分的得分创造了生涯新低，但根据GeniusIQ的数据追踪，在至少进行1000次持球掩护的球员中，保罗每次直接机会得分的效率仍排名联盟前18%（82nd百分位）。在马刺队签下榜眼秀迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper) 并拥有大量持球手的情况下，保罗似乎不太可能重返圣安东尼奥。
可能下家： 对于保罗来说，距离他洛杉矶休赛期的住所可能和篮球方面的适配度一样重要。据报道，保罗正在考虑重返快船队，该队在签下中锋布鲁克·洛佩兹 (Brook Lopez) 后，仍拥有部分非奢侈税中产特例空间；此外，太阳队也是其潜在下家。受第二土豪线限制，菲尼克斯太阳队只能以老将底薪签下保罗。
- 阿尔·霍福德 (Al Horford)
波士顿凯尔特人 | 前锋/中锋
非受限制自由球员
今年6月3日年满39岁的霍福德，凭借其攻防两端的全面性，仍然是凯尔特人队的中流砥柱。霍福德上赛季的上场时间增加到27.7分钟——季后赛更是达到31.6分钟——尽管波士顿队通过大量比赛轮休保护了他。随着杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum) 遭遇跟腱伤势，凯尔特人队下赛季需要整合阵容，霍福德可能会寻求加盟一支更有机会争冠的球队。
可能下家： 霍福德的名字曾与两支需要他技术特点的西海岸球队联系在一起：湖人队和勇士队。霍福德将允许湖人队在不牺牲内线身高和护筐能力的情况下，保持他们上赛季季后赛使用的五外战术空间；而他的投篮能力将非常适合金州勇士队的前场，与巴特勒和格林搭档。
- 克里斯·布歇 (Chris Boucher)
多伦多猛龙 | 前锋
非受限制自由球员
布歇在经历了一个低迷的2023-24赛季后，悄然反弹，生涯第二次场均得分上双，而场均上场时间仅为17.2分钟。他三分命中率36%，两分命中率63%，打出了精英级别的效率，同时也证明了自己在大个子替补阵容中也能胜任侧翼防守。
作为2019年总冠军队中唯一留下的猛龙球员，随着26岁的大前锋桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利 (Sandro Mamukelashvili) 的加入，布歇可能在这支阵容满员的球队中不再有位置。
可能下家： 布歇的投篮能力使他成为金州勇士队的另一个合理选择，他作为落选秀的职业生涯就是从勇士队开始，随后才加盟多伦多。我也很看好布歇与费城76人队的适配度，在失去格尔雄·亚布塞莱 (Guerschon Yabusele) 给纽约尼克斯队之后，76人队需要一名有尺寸的射手。
- 卡姆·托马斯 (Cam Thomas)
布鲁克林篮网 | 后卫
受限制自由球员
上赛季，托马斯为篮网队出战25场，场均贡献生涯新高的24分，但因多次腿筋拉伤缺席了很长一段时间。这种大包大揽的得分能力已不如从前那样有价值，尤其当其效率平平的时候。此外，托马斯防守低于平均水平，除了得分，在其他数据统计方面贡献甚微。与此同时，他年仅23岁，且投篮能力比其生涯34.5%的三分命中率所显示的更具威胁性。
可能下家： 与其他受限制自由球员相比，托马斯处于一个更艰难的境地，因为他效力于最有可能开出大额报价合同的球队。此外，托马斯590万美元的资质报价，也使得他下赛季成为非受限制自由球员的威胁性随之降低。
- 德安东尼·梅尔顿 (De’Anthony Melton)
布鲁克林篮网 | 后卫
非受限制自由球员
一年前，梅尔顿从金州勇士队获得了一份一年1280万美元的合同，但在赛季进行六场后，他遭遇了赛季报销的部分前交叉韧带撕裂。在勇士队交易丹尼斯·施罗德 (Dennis Schroder) 的交易中，梅尔顿被交易到布鲁克林，现在他再次成为非受限制自由球员，并有望在2025-26赛季初重返赛场。健康时，梅尔顿是一名出色的防守者，生涯三分命中率达到37%。
可能下家： 考虑到他的技术特点，梅尔顿几乎适合任何球队。他已与湖人队传出绯闻，湖人队需要一切可以得到的深度。
- 拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook)
丹佛掘金 | 后卫
非受限制自由球员
在丹佛效力期间，威斯布鲁克作为首发与尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 搭档表现出色。在36场首发中，他场均贡献15.3分、7.0次助攻和6.1个篮板，充分利用其空切和转换进攻能力，投篮命中率达到50%。作为替补，威斯布鲁克的投篮命中率仅为39%。在掘金队与最终的总冠军雷霆队进行了七场艰苦的季后赛系列赛，最终惜败后，威斯布鲁克的投篮命中率更是跌至35%，其中三分球32投仅7中（22%）。
可能下家： 职业生涯现阶段的威斯布鲁克是一个异常棘手的适配对象，因为任何签下他的球队都必须更多地去适应他，而非反过来。在掘金队本周签下老将布鲁斯·布朗 (Bruce Brown) 和小蒂姆·哈达威 (Tim Hardaway Jr.) 后，威斯布鲁克重返丹佛的可能性似乎不大。
- 马尔科姆·布罗格登 (Malcolm Brogdon)
华盛顿奇才 | 后卫
非受限制自由球员
在波士顿凯尔特人队赢得最佳第六人奖后的两年里，布罗格登在波特兰开拓者队和奇才队总共只打了63场比赛。2022-23赛季在布罗格登的职业生涯中尤为突出。他三分命中率达到44%，真实投篮命中率高达0.615，这是自2019-20赛季以来他唯一一次真实投篮命中率超过0.561。如果布罗格登保持健康，他仍然是一名合格的替补控球后卫，而且他上赛季的薪水为2250万美元，这次他的身价可能会低很多。
可能下家： 两年前，快船队曾非常接近交易得到布罗格登，如果他们未能签下保罗，布罗格登可能是一个合理的替代选择。
其他值得关注的名字：
亚历克·伯克斯 (Alec Burks)，迈阿密热火
阿米尔·科菲 (Amir Coffey)，洛杉矶快船
小加里·佩顿 (Gary Payton II)，金州勇士
莫里茨·瓦格纳 (Moritz Wagner)，奥兰多魔术
点击查看原文：NBA free agent rankings - CP3, Kuminga, Ayton among new top 10
NBA free agent rankings - CP3, Kuminga, Ayton among new top 10
As expected, new contracts have come at a fast and furious pace during the opening hours of NBA free agency. Just 24 hours after players could (officially) begin negotiating contracts with new teams, 18 of my top 25 potential free agents had already found landing spots.
Still, there are players available who could make a difference next season and beyond. My updated list of top 10 free agents falls largely into two buckets: restricted free agents who will have a difficult time landing offer sheets with little cap space available, plus centers who are still deciding on their next stop.
Beyond that, there are a handful of big names available, including future Hall of Famers Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. Let’s take a look at what these players can bring to their new teams, which destinations they might fit and some undervalued contributors who remain unsigned.
1. Josh Giddey
Chicago Bulls | PG
Restricted free agent
After the All-Star break (which came two weeks after the Bulls traded Zach LaVine), Giddey was incredible statistically, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 46% on 3s. (Although that level of 3-point shooting probably isn’t sustainable, Giddey hit a career-high 38% for the regular season, changing how opponents defend him.)
Giddey, who turns 23 in October, has time to continue developing his game to the point where he can make a bigger playoff impact than we saw with the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2024 playoffs.
Possible fits: Unless the Brooklyn Nets decide to extend Giddey an offer sheet, we might be looking at a stalemate. Giddey’s strongest leverage is playing this season for his $11.1 million qualifying offer, but that would mean leaving a lot of guaranteed money on the table. Unlike Patrick Williams’ restricted free agency last year, Chicago doesn’t seem inclined to negotiate against itself this time.
2. Quentin Grimes
Philadelphia 76ers | G/F
Restricted free agent
Like Giddey, Grimes’ performance jumped after the All-Star break, in this case because of a trade to a Sixers team playing without stars Paul George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey because of injuries. Grimes averaged 21.9 points on strong efficiency (.592 true shooting percentage) along with 4.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds in 28 games with Philadelphia.
Possible fits: Although the non-taxpayer midlevel exception is a viable offer sheet for Grimes, it’s unclear which team might be willing to offer it. Most of the teams that have the midlevel available don’t have a need for Grimes. Chicago would actually make some sense, but the Bulls are busy dealing with Giddey’s restricted free agency. Would the Washington Wizards make an offer to Grimes just to potentially trade him down the road?
3. Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors | F
Restricted free agent
After starting the playoffs out of coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, Kuminga became a key player with Stephen Curry sidelined against the Timberwolves in the second round. Kuminga averaged 24.3 points over the series’ final four games, shooting 55% from the field.
At 22, Kuminga should become a more consistent contributor over time. But that’s more likely with a team besides the Warriors given the way Kuminga’s skill set overlaps with those of Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green.
Possible fits: Of the three restricted free agents at the top of the list, Kuminga seems most likely to move via a sign-and-trade deal if Golden State can find someone who does more to help it compete for a championship. The Bulls are a logical fit, and the Miami Heat have also been linked to Kuminga.
4****.** Chris Paul
San Antonio Spurs | PG
Unrestricted free agent**
Paul, who turned 40 in May, was one of six NBA players to start all 82 games this past season. Although Paul’s 8.8 points average was a career low, he still ranked in the 82nd percentile in points per direct chance among players who received at least 1,000 on-ball screens, according to GeniusIQ tracking. A return to San Antonio doesn’t appear to be in the cards after the Spurs added No. 2 pick Dylan Harper to a large number of ball handlers on their roster.
Possible fits: Proximity to Paul’s offseason home in Los Angeles might be as important to him as basketball fit. Paul is reportedly considering a return to the Clippers, who have a portion of their non-taxpayer midlevel exception available after signing center Brook Lopez, as well as the Suns. Restricted by the second apron, Phoenix could sign Paul only for the veteran’s minimum.
**5.**Al Horford
Boston Celtics | F/C
Unrestricted free agent
Horford, who turned 39 on June 3, remained a linchpin for the Celtics with his versatility at both ends. Horford’s playing time went up last season to 27.7 minutes – and 31.6 in the playoffs – though Boston protected him with copious games off. As the Celtics consolidate heading into next season in the wake of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, Horford could look to play for a team with a better chance of contending.
Possible fits: Horford has been linked to two West Coast teams that could use his skill set: the Lakers and Warriors. Horford would allow the Lakers to maintain the five-out spacing they employed in last season’s playoffs without having to sacrifice size and rim protection, while his shooting would be an ideal fit in the Golden State frontcourt next to Butler and Green.
6**. Chris Boucher
Toronto Raptors | F
Unrestricted free agent**
Boucher quietly bounced back from a down 2023-24 season to average double-figure scoring for the second time in his career while playing an average of 17.2 minutes. He shot 36% on 3s and 63% on 2s in producing elite efficiency while also proving capable of defending on the wing in big second-unit lineups.
The lone Raptors player remaining from the 2019 title team, Boucher might no longer have a place on a roster that looks full with the addition of 26-year-old power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Possible fits: Boucher’s shooting makes him another logical fit for the Warriors, with whom he started his career as an undrafted free agent before landing in Toronto. I also like Boucher’s fit with the Philadelphia 76ers, who could use a shooter with size after losing Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks.
7****.** Cam Thomas
Brooklyn Nets | G
Restricted free agent**
Thomas averaged a career-high 24 points in 25 games last season for the Nets, missing extended periods because of multiple hamstring strains. That kind of volume scoring no longer has the meaning it once did, particularly when accompanied with fairly average efficiency. Thomas is also a below-average defender who does little to fill out the box score besides scoring. At the same time, he’s 23 and a more dangerous shooter than his 34.5% career 3-point accuracy would indicate.
Possible fits: As compared to other restricted free agents, Thomas is in an even more difficult position because he plays for the team best positioned to make a sizable offer sheet. Additionally, Thomas’ $5.9 million qualifying offer makes the threat of becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer less viable.
8****.** De’Anthony Melton
Brooklyn Nets | G
Unrestricted free agent**
After getting a one-year, $12.8 million deal from Golden State a year ago, Melton sustained a season-ending partial ACL tear six games into the season. Traded to Brooklyn in the Warriors’ deal for Dennis Schroder, Melton is again an unrestricted free agent and should be back on the court early in the 2025-26 season. When healthy, Melton is an outstanding defender and a 37% career 3-point shooter.
Possible fits: Given his skill set, Melton fits just about anywhere. He has been connected with the Lakers, who could use all the depth they can get.
9****.** Russell Westbrook
Denver Nuggets | G
Unrestricted free agent**
During his season in Denver, Westbrook excelled as a starter alongside Nikola Jokic. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 36 starts, taking advantage of his cutting and transition game to shoot 50% from the field. As a reserve, Westbrook shot just 39%. That dropped to 35%, including 7-of-32 (22%) on 3s, during the Nuggets’ hard-fought seven-game playoff series loss to the eventual champion Thunder.
Possible fits: Westbrook is an unusually tricky fit at this stage of his career because any team that signs him has to adapt to Westbrook as much as the other way around. A return to Denver doesn’t seem likely after the Nuggets added veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. this week.
10. Malcolm Brogdon
Washington Wizards | G
Unrestricted free agent
Over the two years since winning the Sixth Man Award with the Boston Celtics, Brogdon has played just 63 total games between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Wizards. The 2022-23 season stands out from the rest of Brogdon’s career. He shot 44% from 3-point range and posted a .615 true shooting percentage (TS%), the only time since 2019-20 that he’s been better than a .561 TS%. If Brogdon is healthy, he remains a capable backup point guard, and his price will probably be far lower after making $22.5 million last season.
Possible fits: The Clippers came close to trading for Brogdon two years ago, and if they don’t land Paul, Brogdon might be a reasonable alternative.
Other notable names:
Alec Burks, Miami Heat
Amir Coffey, LA Clippers
Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors
Moritz Wagner, Orlando Magic
By Kevin Pelton | ESPN, via ESPN