NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players

One of the three best players in the NBA. Rumors are swirling about his interest in joining the Knicks, but when it comes time to make a decision, will he really opt to leave the perfect situation he’s currently in?

Now healthy, he’s one of the best players in the league again and will surely command a huge contract next summer. The question is: Has Toronto done enough this season to convince him to stay long-term?

One of the hardest-to-defend point guards in the league. Will he listen to outside suitors this offseason or is him re-signing in Boston an inevitability?

For the past three seasons, he has performed at an elite level but hasn’t been paid like it. That will undoubtedly change this offseason.

One of the best shooters in league history, he is also an extremely able defender who seemingly never gets injured. 2019 will probably be the summer he gets his first massive contract, and it’ll probably come from Golden State, barring a huge surprise.

A tough, two-way wing who can defend multiple positions and score 20 per night at an efficient level. His fit with the 76ers isn’t totally ideal, however, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see him end up on a different team this summer.

He played the best basketball of his young career this season, helped lead Brooklyn to a playoff spot and got the first All-Star bid of his time as a professional. Looks to be someone the Nets might build around, but those plans could change depending on how they fare in free agency this summer.

His numbers this year, across the board, were monstrous, but a porous showing in the playoffs could hurt his stock as a free agent.

After averaging career-highs across the board this season, he couldn’t be going into free agency at a better time.

After a trade landed him in Dallas, team owner Mark Cuban made it clear the organization plans to keep him around for the long haul.

One of the most underrated wings in basketball. He scores efficiently and also distributes, rebounds and defends all at above-average rates for his position. First-time All-Star this season.

Upon returning from a torn Achilles, he had a good run to close the season, even flashing moments where he looked like his old self. However, a quad injury in Game 2 of the playoffs will force him to miss the postseason, and cast a shadow on his impending free agency.

Elite finisher around the paint. Specializes in using athleticism to drive by slower big men. Averaged career numbers in multiple categories this year.

He doesn’t score a bunch of points, but his all-around game is excellent. Few big men share his blend of playmaking and defense.

His skill as an outside shooter and passer should help his game age nicely. Does a bit of everything from the center position. His showing in the playoffs, primarily his outstanding defense, will help elevate his stock as a free agent.

Put up a career-high in points, rebounds and assists. One of the best shooters in the NBA. His value as a free agent is only hurt by the fact he just turned 30 and his lackluster defense. 

One of the few big men in the league who can shoot threes and protect the paint at above-average rates. He’s already in his 30’s, but his game has aged nicely thanks to his high skill level.

Even in his 30s, still one of the best rebounders the NBA has to offer. Elite screen-setter, as well.

Can play either guard spot effectively, both on offense and defense. Has blossomed into a knockdown three-point shooter. 

An adept floor-spacer from the 4-spot with quick feet on the defensive end. Can be quite streaky with his shot, however, which hurts his value.

He displayed clear signs of regression this year, which makes sense since he’ll be entering his age-32 season next year. Reportedly undecided on whether or not he will exercise his player option this summer.

Averaging his lowest points per game in nine years. Still a versatile big man who can defend at a high level and score when needed. One of Denver’s better performers in the playoffs.

Relocated his elite shooting form in a big way this season. Shot over 45 percent from three while playing hounding defense on the perimeter in 2018-19.

Despite it being his age-34 season, putting up a career-high in points. One of the best sharpshooters the game has to offer.

He’s still just entering his prime even though it feels like he’s been around forever. Good scorer, especially out of the post, and was a true threat from three this year.

Provides the Celtics with an element of toughness they wouldn’t have without him. Solid scoring big man who can iso, post-up and shoot the long ball.

Can still score when called upon. Maybe not at the high-volume pace of his prime, but he has become a better three-point shooter to make up the difference.

A hugely impactful contributor thanks to his plus defense and finishing around the basket.

Almost out of nowhere, he had moments this year where he resembled his old self. Shot a career-best percentage from three, which helped him offset his drop in athleticism. Nagging injuries still a problem.

Reliable floor general. Coach-on-the-floor type who has become a respectable three-point shooter. It seems likely that he’ll be wearing a different jersey next season.

Not a great scorer, but does the little things that help you win. Plus defender on the wing.

Bouncy big man who can switch defensively and throw down with the best of them.

Put up crazy numbers per-36 minutes this season at 25.2 points and 13.8 rebounds per 36. Great rebounder and post scorer with a decent jumper.

Great scorer down low, ferocious rebounder and a good finisher out of the pick-and-roll. His problems are a lack of a three-point shot and subpar defensive contributions. A good showing so far in the playoffs has helped his stock as a free agent.

Athletic perimeter player who can knock down triples with aplomb and score off the dribble.

Numbers have taken a dip now that he’s returned to a full-time bench role. Proved in 2017-18 that he can handle starting point-guard duties, and handle them dutifully.

Through injuries, he ended up having a solid season for New Orleans this year, proving that he’s still one of the better distributors in the Association.

Complete pest defensively. A guy you want on your side to close a tight game. 

Getting up there in age, but still one of the most consistent 3-and-D players in the NBA.

Veteran point guard who can run an offense, hit open shots and jump passing lanes defensively at a high level.

Has proven to still be a very able scorer. His issues defensively, with injuries and with conditioning are what hinders his impact and outlook.

Athletic wing who can make an impact as a cutter and on the offensive glass. In a bigger role with the Suns, he was able to put up career numbers as a scorer. However, shooting has regressed once again.

Good scorer on the wing who averaged a career-high in points this season.

Excellent bench scorer for a big man and appeared to improve his defense and rebounding.

Productive guard whose play has picked up in the absence of John Wall. Elite spot-up shooter and good at cutting to the basket.

Hyper efficient scorer, primarily around the basket.

Reportedly considering opting out of the final year of his deal due to issues with playing time and being asked to come off the bench this season.

Numbers have taken a plummet as the Bulls have gone with a youth movement. Still a serviceable backup center.

Still a productive point guard who can rack up assists and wreak havoc defensively by jumping passing lanes. His man-to-man defense really dropped off this year, though.

Tough, throwback big with a decent jumper. Hard-nosed defender.

Slightly above-average three-point shooter and a good ball-stopper on the wing.

Excellent spot-up shooter, but did not acclimate that well to playing with the Lakers. Still should receive good interest in free agency thanks to his skill set.

Respected veteran who makes a huge nightly impact off the bench.

Had trouble finding his 2017-18 form as a member of the Pacers. Good bench scorer who can take over primary creator duties for stints as a reserve.

Solid backup guard. Likes to score one-on-one. Gets after it on defense.

Had a career resurgence after joining the Rockets. Uses athleticism and safe hands to finish explosively around the rim.

Had a career season as far as consistent nightly impact. Fantastic rim protector who is really good scoring out of the pick-and-roll. 

Injuries killed him last season. Wasn’t able to get a huge role as a member of the Thunder, so it’s very doubtful he’ll be back there next year.