NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players

Probably the top player in 2018-19 if you factor in regular season and playoffs performances. Raptors have done everything they could to convince him to stay long-term.

One of the three best players in the NBA. How his Achilles injury will affect his free agency is the question as we head into the summer.

One of the hardest-to-defend point guards in the league. Is there a chance for Boston to retain him, or are the constant rumors tying him to the Nets true?

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.

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.

If the Nets land Irving and another max free agent as has been rumored, they would have to renounce D’Angelo Russell’s free-agent rights to do so. Russell will have a crowded market if he does hit unrestricted free agency.

One of the best shooters in league history. Will a torn ACL suffered in the last game of the season change his market this summer?

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

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.

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

He rushed back from a quad injury to play in the Finals, but might have been better off sitting out, because his poor play in the championship series might hurt his stock heading into free agency.

The addition of Zion Williamson probably means Julius Randle will be switching teams for the second summer in a row. He put up huge numbers this season, though, so he won’t find it hard finding his next home. 

After opting out, he and the Celtics mutually agreed to part ways this summer. He will have a variety of suitors this offseason.

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.

Coming off a career season. Could the Pacers’ trade for TJ Warren mean he will be finding a new team this summer?

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. 

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 before seeing his shooting marks plummet in the postseason. Shot over 45 percent from three in the regular season and under 33 percent in the playoffs.

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

He surprisingly opted out of his deal with the Kings, but the fact that he did so could mean he had a pre-agreement in place with them to re-sign on a long-term deal.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 took a huge dip this season after returning to a bench role.

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 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.

Numbers took a plummet as the Bulls went 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.

Bucket-getter off the bench. Can really do damage against second units.

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.

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.

Experienced forward who still has hops despite being in his 30s.

Briefly entered the Nuggets’ rotation this year before ultimately being pulled due to ineffectiveness. It seems like his best days are very much in the past.

Solid defender and merely a decent shooter from the 2-guard spot. Should have thrived next to LeBron, but he was never able to put it all together as a Laker.

Lightning quick floor general who can get to whatever spot he wants to on the floor. His struggles as an outside shooter really hurt his potential impact.

One of the few centers who can protect the paint and knock down threes at an above-average rate. Coming off the two best years of his career as a Hawk.

Improved his production this season and had a career year according to multiple advanced metrics.

Solid scorer and rebounder from the 4-spot who can space the floor from deep, making him a good fit as a modern big man.

His numbers don’t measure his impact. Could even be a half-decent spot starter in the right situation.

Good shooter from the outside who likes to do his damage coming off screens.

Has mastered the role of backup point guard over the years.

Good at finishing with either hand, good at finishing in traffic and a solid rebounder.

Not the perfect modern center due to lack of mobility, but he can still put up numbers thanks to his soft touch and overwhelming size on offense.

Safe wing option who doesn’t do anything particularly well, but sticks around thanks to his athleticism and size.

Put up all right numbers as a Hawk, but once he got traded to the Raptors, he completely fell out of the rotation. Not the best thing to happen when you’re about to hit free agency.

Solid scorer who has the patented Curry shooting touch.

Fell out of the rotation for the Kings, which doesn’t exactly speak glowingly to his NBA future.

Veteran forward who might be more important for the locker room at this point than for his on-the-court contributions.

Solid big man who has extended his shooting to the midrange. Reliable finisher around the basket.

Reliable backup ball-handler who struggles as a three-point shooters but is adept around the rim.

Veteran 3-and-D wing who can play some power forward in certain lineups.

Tough power forward who spaces the floor from the 4-spot.

Solid ball-handle and outside stroke makes him a matchup problem against other centers on offense.

An extremely trustworthy backup lead guard who boasted an elite assist-to-turnover ratio last season. Mediocre outside shot hampers his impact.

One of the best players in Europe over the last few seasons. Can get his own shot and create for others very well.

Veteran presence who can knock down triples and is a tenacious, pesky defender.

Veteran wing who shot 43.6 percent from three last season.

Floor-spacing, rim-protecting center who could be ready for a bigger role next season.

A career 36.5 percent shooter from three, which makes him relatively unique for a center.

If he’s willing to take a secondary role, he could be a productive piece on a good team. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like he’s willing to take that role quite yet.

Athletic wing who racks up steals and is a decent threat from three-point range.

A still productive backup guard, but one coming off a brutal Achilles injury.

An elite outside shooter who has blossomed into a serviceable reserve point guard.

Undersized but bouncy big man; can block shots, as well as step outside and knock down threes.

Jack of all trades, master of none. Though he can defend, distribute, create his own shot and spot up from deep, he doesn’t do any of those things at an elite level.

A vet stretch-4 who plays his role well.

Now in the tail end of his career, he could be a good option for teams in need of a positive influence on the locker room.

Athletic wing who gets after it on defense but struggles mightily on offense.

Became a productive 3-and-D wing for Houston this year.

He lacks a three-pointer but can face up on offense and defend multiple positions. 

Athletic wing who has yet to put it all together in the NBA.

An experienced end-of-bench big man.

Defensive-minded wing with a poor jump shot.

Experienced a career resurgence with Memphis this year, displaying impactful two-way play off the bench.

Acquitted himself nicely playing for a contender last season. Shooting nearly 39 percent from three over the last two years.

Shot 48 percent from three last season and showed good scoring bounce off the bounce.

Coming off a breakout year with the Knicks and still just 23.

Athletic center who excels on the offensive glass and out of the pick-and-roll.

A skilled big who can make a big impact on offense when his three-point shot is falling. Last year it wasn’t so he fell out of the rotation.

Heading into the final year of his career, it’ll be interesting to see where he spends his last days in the NBA. He put up decent numbers last year, including from deep, so he could help out a playoff-caliber club.

Keeps it simple offensively. Pesters opponents defensively and has a knack for coming up with loose balls.

Reliable wing. Plays hard on both ends. Above-average stroke from three.

He’s athletic and has championship experience, making him an interesting option for wing-needy teams.

A career 35.3 percent three-point shooter, he hasn’t lived up to the sharpshooter label he had coming out of college