Top Five NBA Free Agents of 2025: Big Stars, Huge Opportunities

After what happened in February with Luka Doncic before the NBA trade deadline, let’s just say no NBA rumors can be dismissed as too crazy anymore. This might be a new and bold era for NBA trades (Giannis?) as anything feels like it’s on the table after Doncic was dealt.

Even though the 2023 Nuggets, 2024 Celtics, and 2025 Thunder have shown us the value of building through the draft and signing minor free agents as a way to win a championship, that won’t stop teams from aiming high and spending big on a superstar.

This free-agent class was dealt a blow with Kyrie Irving’s injury and Brandon Ingram (Raptors) already re-signing. But we have some NBA free agent predictions for five of the best players available who can help their team’s odds to win NBA Finals improve.

5. PF Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors)

Jonathan Kuminga, 22, could cash in with a team other than the Warriors, where he’s developed into a solid scorer. He averaged 26.3 points in three games off the bench while Steph Curry was injured in the playoffs.

Kuminga could jump conferences to help out struggling teams (Hornets/Nets), or he could end up in Miami as the Heat look to deal this summer.

He better work on that 3-point shot, though (3P% dropped to .305).

Jonathan Kuminga working on his handles, coordination, and balance. I think this will be important, as you can see he has much improvement to be made in this area.

(@jonathan_Kuminga / IG) pic.twitter.com/L28wqTYKhC
— CeeJay (@ceejaytalksball) June 17, 2025

4. C Myles Turner (Pacers)

Myles Turner only knows playing NBA games for the Indiana Pacers, as he’s spent all 10 seasons there. But we’ll see if the quality-shooting big man opts for a change of scenery, which could happen if the Pacers don’t win this championship, given their dire NBA game odds going into Game 6.

Turner would be a big upgrade for the Lakers at center after they traded Anthony Davis to Dallas. That’s more 3-point shooting and one whole extra eyebrow.

“It’s the best time of the year, bro. We’re going back to Gainbridge, backs against the wall. It’s the type of stuff you dream of as a kid. I’m motivated.”

Myles Turner on do-or-die Game 6 back at home.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/Wih9z4nf4x
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 17, 2025

3. PF Julius Randle (Timberwolves)

We’ll see if the Timberwolves opt to make a deal with Julius Randle after he helped them to another Western Conference Finals in his first year. He was having an epic playoff run until he ran into that Thunder defense and reverted to the player we’re used to seeing struggle in the playoffs.

“I’ve been through a lot, I had a great mentor in Kobe.”

Julius Randle discusses facing adversity in his career and credits Kobe Bryant for showing him how 🐍 pic.twitter.com/Fj7o4rXKGr
— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2025

But maybe he’s another star who could benefit from a jump to the Eastern Conference just not for the Knicks (bridge burned) or Pacers to get over the hump.

2. PG James Harden (Clippers)

The Bearded One can still pull out the occasional 40-point clinic or triple-double, but he does turn 36 in August and has a player option with the Clippers. He could look for his sixth team as he searches for that elusive ring, but it’s more likely to come with him as a secondary option.

When prime James Harden dropped 44-15-10 and single handedly beat the warriors in 2019. pic.twitter.com/uByR3g0iVU

— 𝙍𝙊𝘾🏖️ (@RavensOsCelts08) June 10, 2025

1. PF LeBron James (Lakers)

Even at 40, LeBron is still one of the best players in the game, but he may want to exercise that team option for one last title run elsewhere if the Lakers can’t improve the roster.

LeBron James says he’s not retiring anytime soon and expects to play “another 10–15 years.”

(Via @WindhostESPN) pic.twitter.com/7BdeQYfYlD
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) June 17, 2025

It’ll be all eyes on what the King does next, but when the Nets are one of the few teams who can afford him, maybe he should just stay in LA.