There will not be many teams with cap space this summer. In fact, the lone team with significant cap space is the Brooklyn Nets. But while teams will not have much cap space, there are contenders that will have access to the mid-level exception. Depending on whether they are over the cap or not, teams can offer $5.168 (tax-payer) and $14.105 million (non tax-payer). Today, we will look at some free agent centers that can be had for that type of money.

Big Men, Bargain Deals – Top 7 Cheap Free Agent Centers

The reality is that the market for centers is not that big this summer. Some of the free agent centers on this list have made more money in previous years, but they are at a point of decline in their career. Others have had good years and can capitalize on that with a slight raise. Let’s take a look.

Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond has a player option that he needs to decide on by June 29. His last contract was for $5 million per season, with the second year being an option. He turns 32 years old on August 10 and can be a serviceable big for a team needing rebounds. Don’t expect him to score, but teams looking to add a backup big who can play 12 to 16 minutes, Drummond is their guy.

Mar 9, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Utah Jazz forward KJ Martin (99) blocks a shot from Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Kevon Looney

A 10-year veteran, Kevon Looney has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors. It might be time for a fresh start elsewhere. The Warriors might not have enough money to bring him back, even though he earned $8 million last season. Looney is a traditional big who doesn’t shoot from outside but does the little things that contribute to winning. He defends, battles for loose balls, and rebounds.

Luke Kornet

Luke Kornet is a good center coming off a career-best year. Turning 30 years old on July 15, Kornet is a solid rebounder, and suits teams that want to pass the ball around. Boston might choose to keep him, but their salary issues make it problematic. He played for $2 million last season, and teams can likely get him perhaps with the tax-payer mid-level exception.

Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez might be the best big man available on the market. While he earned $20+ million for the last several years, he is well on the wrong side of 30. Lopez might have one or two more years left in him playing for a contender. He is a good defensive center, who was in the running for DPOY a few times. He can shoot from behind the arc. Teams might have to use their full non-tax mid-level exception to get him, but he is a good final piece to a championship puzzle.

Thomas Bryant

The Indiana Pacers were willing to go into the tax for next season before Tyrese Haliburton went down with an Achilles injury. Now, all bets are off. Thomas Bryant is still a fairly young center who has played for several teams. These playoffs showed he might help you win a game. In Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, he was amazing, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, and a block in 13 minutes of action.

Clint Capela

Clint Capela is another free agent who earned $20+ million last season but is due for a discounted price. He is an efficient scorer in the paint but has shot only six three-pointers in his entire career. Teams should not expect him to bring shooting, but instead provide hustle plays, pick-and-roll action, and some defense.

Al Horford

Al Horford is an interesting name to watch. He turned 39 years old on June 3 but is still a serviceable player. He found a loving home in Boston, but if the Celtics decide to cut even more salary, they might not bring him back. Whether he retires at that point or decides to give it one more year with a contender, we will have to wait and see.

Photo credit: © Madeleine Mertens-Imagn Images