We have taken our top free agents of the 2026 class list and split it into five positions: point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards, and centers.
Below, check out how we rank the centers of the 2026 class of NBA free agency:
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1. Jalen Duren / Detroit / Restricted
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A big man in the mold of those who thrived in the 2010s, he doesn’t have the offensive game that many of today’s modernized bigs do. He doesn’t shoot many jumpers and he hasn’t attempted a three-pointer since his second NBA season. But he more than makes up for that with his explosive athleticism and freakish 7-foot-5-plus wingspan, which allows him to finish everything around the rim and through contact, at that. He’s a huge lob threat and great finisher out of the pick-and-roll, as well as a decent rim-protector. Still just 22, he continues to get better as well, making it very difficult to see anyone getting him away from Detroit this summer.
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2025/26 stats: 19.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.9 bpg, 64.2 FG%
2025/26 earnings: $6,483,144
Career earnings: $19,474,944
2. Isaiah Hartenstein / Oklahoma City / Team Option
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Considering there were rumors the Thunder were considering trading him at the deadline, it’s pretty clear which direction the team is leaning regarding whether or not to pick up the team option on the final year of his deal. Even if the Thunder do let him hit free agency, that’s not a knock on him as a player but rather a financial decision. He remains an excellent screen-setter, a high-energy player, a good finisher around the rim and a sneaky good passer out of the short roll.
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2025/26 stats: 9.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.8 bpg, 61.8 FG%
2025/26 earnings: $28,500,000
Career earnings: $81,517,272
3. Nikola Vucevic / Boston
Feb 8, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) shoots the ball against the New York Knicks in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Skilled, veteran big man with the ability to space the floor from three, set powerful screens, roll and finish near the rim, or pass it out of the short roll. Not much of an impact on the defensive end, but he can block a shot here and there. Good post-up player, although in the modern NBA, that isn’t that valued of a skill set. Strong rebounder.
2025/26 stats: 15.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.7 bpg, 49.6 FG%, 37.3 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $21,481,481
Career earnings: $214,338,639
4. Walker Kessler / Utah / Restricted
An elite rebounder and shot-blocker, he’s another throwback big man without much jump-shooting ability. Regardless, there’s still a place for a player like him even in the modern NBA, as he makes a huge impact defensively and is a good finisher out of the pick-and-roll near the basket on the other end.
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2025/26 stats: 14.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.8 bpg, 70.3 FG%
2025/26 earnings: $4,878,938
Career earnings: $13,372,418
5. Mark Williams / Phoenix / Restricted
The former Duke standout is a freakishly long-armed and bouncy big man who can finish just about everything around the rim. Forms a good defensive presence around the basket thanks to his size and length, and can really clean up on the glass. Lacks range on his offense, though, and has some injury troubles from time to time.
2025/26 stats: 11.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.9 bpg, 63.3 FG%
2025/26 earnings: $6,276,531
Career earnings: $18,054,104
6. Sandro Mamukelashvili / Toronto / Player Option
Jan 25, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Toronto Raptors forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) reacts to an officials call during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
An absolute lock to opt out of the final year of his deal, which would pay him just $2.8 million, a much smaller number than he’s projected to get as a free agent after the breakout season he just had. A floor-spacing big man with good lateral quickness and some shot-blocking ability.
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2025/26 stats: 11.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 51.9 FG%, 37.7 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $2,461,463
Career earnings: $7,054,585
7. Deandre Ayton / LA Lakers / Player Option
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 06: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball over Derik Queen #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 06, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Didn’t do much to change the narrative on his game with the Lakers, even playing with two playmakers as great as Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Athletic, long, quick leaping ability, good rebounder and finisher around the basket. Can attack the offensive glass. But provides little defensive impact and can float in and out of games with regard to his focus far too often.
2025/26 stats: 12.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.9 bpg, 67.4 FG%
2025/26 earnings: $8,104,000
Career earnings: $170,867,769
8. Mitchell Robinson / New York
Apr 11, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Athletic big man with a ridiculous wingspan, great timing and quick hops, all attributes that make him a very adept rim-protector. Also uses those physical gifts well on the glass. No range as a scorer but finishes well near the rim.
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2025/26 stats: 5.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.9 spg, 1.1 bpg, 72.5 FG%
2025/26 earnings: $12,954,546
Career earnings: $67,046,018
9. Jusuf Nurkic / Utah
Feb 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (30) reacts against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Enjoyed a bounce-back season in Utah, displaying the impressive rebounding, screen-setting and playmaking from the elbows that made him such a good player in his prime. Mediocre finisher near the basket.
2025/26 stats: 10.9 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.5 bpg, 50.3 FG%, 35.2 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $19,375,000
Career earnings: $129,445,180
10. Day’Ron Sharpe / Brooklyn / Team Option
Energy big man with great lateral quickness, making him an impactful defender on switches. Fights on the glass, can finish around the basket and even shoot some threes.
2025/26 stats: 8.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.4 bpg, 60.1 FG%, 23.1 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $6,250,000
Career earnings: $16,567,802
11. Brook Lopez / LA Clippers / Team Option
Feb 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) drives with the ball around Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) to score a basket during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Aging big man who can still block some shots and hit some threes, but can’t be relied on to play as many minutes as he could in his prime.
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2025/26 stats: 8.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.6 spg, 1.1 bpg, 42.5 FG%, 36.3 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $8,750,000
Career earnings: $229,414,643
12. Jaxson Hayes / LA Lakers
Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) get tangled up during a play during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Athletic center who can finish explosively around the basket, grab rebounds and block shots. Doesn’t have much range on his offense but within his role, he can be quite effective.
2025/26 stats: 7.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.8 bpg, 74.7 FG%
2025/26 earnings: $3,449,323
Career earnings: $30,749,854
13. Jock Landale / Atlanta
Feb 5, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Jock Landale (31) reacts after a basket against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Australian big man who can space the floor from three or drive it against hard closeouts. Has some quickness laterally, allowing him to switch on guards.
2025/26 stats: 10.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.5 spg, 0.5 bpg, 51.3 FG%, 38.2 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $2,461,463
Career earnings: $21,053,233
14. Nick Richards / Chicago
Big man with quick leaping ability and good instincts on the defensive end, allowing him to be an impactful rim-protector. Good finisher around the rim.
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2025/26 stats: 5.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.7 bpg, 51.2 FG%, 27.8 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $5,000,000
Career earnings: $19,353,695
15. Precious Achiuwa / Sacramento
Has some positives, namely his quickness for a big man, but he’s an inconsistent player on offense. Good switch defender and can block some shots.
2025/26 stats: 9.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.7 bpg, 53.5 FG%, 31.3 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $2,453,285
Career earnings: $21,017,909
16. Andre Drummond / Philadelphia
Feb 3, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) and Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) high five during the fourth period against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Although he doesn’t get as many minutes as he used to, he makes a strong impact in his brief stints of action. Averaged over 15 rebounds per 36 minutes in 2025-26. Great finisher near the basket.
2025/26 stats: 6.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.8 bpg, 47.0 FG%, 34.6 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $5,000,000
Career earnings: $155,098,705
17. Al Horford / Golden State / Player Option
Feb 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (20) passes the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Unclear whether he plans to retire this summer or not. He can still make an impact with his defense and spot-up shooting, but it’s getting clear he’s lost a step from his prime.
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2025/26 stats: 8.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.2 bpg, 42.4 FG%, 36.0 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $5,685,000
Career earnings: $290,871,768
18. Mo Wagner / Orlando
Looked like his pre-ACL injury self in Orlando this season, providing the team with strong screens, as well energy on both ends. Solid finisher near the basket.
2025/26 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.5 spg, 41.8 FG%, 31.8 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $5,000,000
Career earnings: $33,846,166
19. Kelly Olynyk / San Antonio
Jan 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward/center Kelly Olynyk (8) walks up the court in the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Likely on his last legs as an NBA player, though can still give spot minutes and make an impact with his shooting and playmaking.
2025/26 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.4 spg, 49.5 FG%, 26.1 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $13,445,122
Career earnings: $121,819,279
20. Robert Williams / Portland
Super athletic and long big man who makes a huge impact blocking shots and fighting on the offensive glass. Great finisher down low. Gets injured often.
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2025/26 stats: 6.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.6 spg, 1.5 bpg, 71.5 FG%, 33.3 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $13,285,713
Career earnings: $57,162,761
21. Guerschon Yabusele / Chicago
Feb 11, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) tries to get between Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Didn’t have as glorious a return to the NBA as was expected after his impressive Olympic stint with Team France. Could still have a chance to stick in the NBA thanks to his size, strength and versatility on both ends.
2025/26 stats: 5.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.4 spg, 40.5 FG%, 37.4 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $5,500,000
Career earnings: $16,150,772
22. Thomas Bryant / Cleveland
Veteran big man with long arms who can rebound, block shots, space the floor from three and play with energy.
2025/26 stats: 6.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.4 bpg, 49.6 FG%, 34.2 3P%
2025/26 earnings: $3,287,409
Career earnings: $37,443,611
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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: 2026 NBA free agent rankings: Top centers available this summer