This has been a wild summer in the NBA. Before and after the 2026 NBA Draft, there has been a boatload of trades, including deals that sent superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown to new teams. There has also been notable movement in free agency, as stars like LeBron James and Walker Kessler took their talents to different franchises this summer.
While the trade market has cooled off in recent days, there are still quite a few veterans who can make an impact in 2026-27 available in NBA free agency. We take a look at the 10 best and predict where they will land before teams begin training camp for the new season.
Bradley Beal
10Jan 14, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (0) leans on the scorers table as he watches players warm up prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Three-time All-Star Bradley Beal’s best days are well behind him. Furthermore, it doesn’t help that he is returning from a season-ending injury as he heads into his age-33 season. However, if he is healthy, he can still help a lot of teams that need more depth at the guard spot or three-point shooting threats off the bench.
While many assumed he would be one-and-done with the Los Angeles Clippers, it would not be surprising if he returns to LA because the rebuilding team offers Beal more opportunities to play.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
Kevin Love
10Mar 18, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Kevin Love has been removed from his prime for quite a while. However, as a player off the bench and a plus in the locker room, Love can be a help to any team in the NBA. However, the places he wants to go, the Philadelphia 76ers or a return to the Utah Jazz, seem unlikely. That is why we would not be surprised if he ends up with a team like the Phoenix Suns.
They desperately need more depth in the frontcourt, and Love can be a valuable greybeard leader in the locker room.
Russell Westbrook
10Mar 29, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook looks on during a timeout in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
It is a bit surprising that Russell Westbrook is still available in free agency despite having a pretty good season for the Sacramento Kings last season. However, it may be a sign that many teams don’t have positive opinions about the one-time NBA MVP.
However, one team that may overlook that to add more talent to finally get back to the playoffs is the Washington Wizards. The Wiz need more impact guards, and Westbrook would get the chance to be a Sixth Man of the Year contender in DC.
Prediction: Washington Wizards
DeMar DeRozan
10Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan is another one of the surprising names still available in NBA free agency. Especially since he is reportedly open to taking a very team-friendly deal to join a playoff contender. That is why it is very likely he ends up with the Miami Heat.
Although he doesn’t bring the three-point shooting they really need, DeRozan offers scoring from the guard spot. Which is something else Miami is in need of before the season begins. They should certainly be in the hunt for a top-four spot in the East next season, and who wouldn’t enjoy being a millionaire living in South Beach?
Peyton Watson
10Mar 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) after making a basket during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Heading into NBA free agency, Denver Nuggets veteran Peyton Watson was viewed as one of the best players available on the market. He is only 23, took a big leap forward in his three-point shooting last year, and can be an impact player on defense.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to Watson for weeks, and he would be a very good addition for the Eastern Conference runners-up. Look for them to complete a sign-and-trade that sends the Nuggets Max Strus and a future first-round pick for the talented forward.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
Jonathan Kuminga
10Apr 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
For a second straight offseason, Jonathan Kuminga is having trouble finding a team willing to give him a long-term deal at the price he wants. It would not be surprising if one of the teams that fail to sign Peyton Watson makes the Golden State Warriors veteran their Plan B.
The Clippers are in rebuild mode and would offer Kuminga the chance at a lot of playing time. With the Kawhi Leonard trade still in limbo, we predict they fail to land their top target, Watson, and pivot to Kuminga in the next couple of weeks.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
Ben Simmons
10Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Rumors have emerged that Ben Simmons is set to begin his journey back to the NBA by training with Australia’s national team this month. Yes, he is no longer the man who went to the All-Star team in three straight seasons, but he can help teams in multiple ways because he’s a versatile defender, good rebounder, and proven ball handler.
With the New York Knicks having open roster spots and showing interest last year, we predict the Aussie lands with the defending champions.
Prediction: New York Knicks
Jalen Duren
10May 17, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts before game seven of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Restricted free agent Detroit Pistons All-Star Jalen Duren entered the open market expecting to land a big payday from them or another interested team. However, after some awful play in the playoffs and the Pistons stonewalling all sign-and-trade ideas, this summer has not gone the way he hoped.
All signs point to a return to Detroit, either on a qualifying offer so he can be an unrestricted free agent next summer, or a long-term deal far lower than what he was originally aiming for.
Prediction: Detroit Pistons
Bennedict Mathurin
10Apr 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) moves the ball up court against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Former Indiana Pacers lottery pick Bennedict Mathurin has not reached the potential many NBA analysts saw in him, but he has been a good player the last couple of years. Last season he split time between the Pacers and Clippers and averaged just over 17 points, five assists, and a steal.
With this being an underwhelming offseason so far for the Warriors, don’t be surprised if they target a sign-and-trade for Mathurin in the hopes they can develop the 24-year-old into an impact member of the roster well beyond the 2026-27 campaign.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors
James Harden
10May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) walks off the court after game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Yes, future Hall of Famer James Harden is still a free agent. But you can guarantee he will be re-signing with the Cavaliers this summer. Both sides enjoyed their time together after he landed in Cleveland before February’s trade deadline, and they are one of the few teams willing to give him a multi-year pact.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka … More about Jason Burgos