{"id":686602,"date":"2026-03-29T20:00:52","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T20:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/686602\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T20:00:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T20:00:52","slug":"2026-nba-free-agent-rankings-top-centers-available-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/686602\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NBA free agent rankings: Top centers available this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

We have taken our top free agents of the 2026 class<\/a> list and split it into five positions: point guards<\/a>,\u00a0shooting guards<\/a>,\u00a0small forwards<\/a>, power forwards<\/a>, and centers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Below, check out how we rank the centers of the 2026 class of NBA free agency:<\/p>\n

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1. Jalen Duren \/ Detroit \/ Restricted\"IMAGN\"<\/p>\n

IMAGN<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a019.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.9 bpg, 64.2 FG%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings:\u00a0$6,483,144<\/p>\n

Career earnings:\u00a0$19,474,944<\/p>\n

2. Isaiah Hartenstein \/ Oklahoma City \/ Team Option\"IMAGN\"<\/p>\n

IMAGN<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a09.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.8 bpg, 61.8 FG%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings:\u00a0$28,500,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings:\u00a0$81,517,272<\/p>\n

3. Nikola Vucevic \/ Boston\"Feb<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a015.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.7 bpg, 49.6 FG%, 37.3 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings:\u00a0$21,481,481<\/p>\n

Career earnings:\u00a0$214,338,639<\/p>\n

4. Walker Kessler \/ Utah \/ Restricted<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a014.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.8 bpg, 70.3 FG%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings:\u00a0$4,878,938<\/p>\n

Career earnings:\u00a0$13,372,418<\/p>\n

5. Mark Williams \/ Phoenix \/ Restricted<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a011.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.9 bpg, 63.3 FG%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings:\u00a0$6,276,531<\/p>\n

Career earnings:\u00a0$18,054,104<\/p>\n

6. Sandro Mamukelashvili \/ Toronto \/ Player Option\"Jan<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a011.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 51.9 FG%, 37.7 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $2,461,463<\/p>\n

Career earnings:\u00a0$7,054,585<\/p>\n

7. Deandre Ayton \/ LA Lakers \/ Player Option\"NEW<\/p>\n

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)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a012.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.9 bpg, 67.4 FG%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $8,104,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings:\u00a0$170,867,769<\/p>\n

8. Mitchell Robinson \/ New York\"Apr<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a05.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.9 spg, 1.1 bpg, 72.5 FG%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $12,954,546<\/p>\n

Career earnings:\u00a0$67,046,018<\/p>\n

9. Jusuf Nurkic \/ Utah\"Feb<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a010.9 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.5 bpg, 50.3 FG%, 35.2 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $19,375,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $129,445,180<\/p>\n

10. Day’Ron Sharpe \/ Brooklyn \/ Team Option<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a08.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.4 bpg, 60.1 FG%, 23.1 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $6,250,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $16,567,802<\/p>\n

11. Brook Lopez \/ LA Clippers \/ Team Option\"Feb<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a08.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.6 spg, 1.1 bpg, 42.5 FG%, 36.3 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $8,750,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $229,414,643<\/p>\n

12. Jaxson Hayes \/ LA Lakers\"Apr<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a07.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.8 bpg, 74.7 FG%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $3,449,323<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $30,749,854<\/p>\n

13. Jock Landale \/ Atlanta\"Feb<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a010.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.5 spg, 0.5 bpg, 51.3 FG%, 38.2 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $2,461,463<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $21,053,233<\/p>\n

14. Nick Richards \/ Chicago<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a05.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.7 bpg, 51.2 FG%, 27.8 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $5,000,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $19,353,695<\/p>\n

15. Precious Achiuwa \/ Sacramento<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a09.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.7 bpg, 53.5 FG%, 31.3 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $2,453,285<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $21,017,909<\/p>\n

16. Andre Drummond \/ Philadelphia\"Feb<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a06.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.8 bpg, 47.0 FG%, 34.6 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $5,000,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $155,098,705<\/p>\n

17. Al Horford \/ Golden State \/ Player Option\"Feb<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a08.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.2 bpg, 42.4 FG%, 36.0 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $5,685,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $290,871,768<\/p>\n

18. Mo Wagner \/ Orlando<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a07.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.5 spg, 41.8 FG%, 31.8 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $5,000,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $33,846,166<\/p>\n

19. Kelly Olynyk \/ San Antonio\"Jan<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

Likely on his last legs as an NBA player, though can still give spot minutes and make an impact with his shooting and playmaking.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a03.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.4 spg, 49.5 FG%, 26.1 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $13,445,122<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $121,819,279<\/p>\n

20. Robert Williams \/ Portland<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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2025\/26 stats:\u00a06.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.6 spg, 1.5 bpg, 71.5 FG%, 33.3 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $13,285,713<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $57,162,761<\/p>\n

21. Guerschon Yabusele \/ Chicago\"Feb<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a05.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.4 spg, 40.5 FG%, 37.4 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $5,500,000<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $16,150,772<\/p>\n

22. Thomas Bryant \/ Cleveland<\/p>\n

Veteran big man with long arms who can rebound, block shots, space the floor from three and play with energy.<\/p>\n

2025\/26 stats:\u00a06.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.4 bpg, 49.6 FG%, 34.2 3P%<\/p>\n

2025\/26 earnings: $3,287,409<\/p>\n

Career earnings: $37,443,611<\/p>\n

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: 2026 NBA free agent rankings: Top centers available this summer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We have taken our top free agents of the 2026 class list and split it into five positions:…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":686603,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[869,3845,7,369,37289,1586,204,949,912,32,3692,2289,192,1698,185,1247,6,10745,7990,1405],"class_list":["post-686602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nba","tag-al-horford","tag-andre-drummond","tag-basketball","tag-brook-lopez","tag-career-earnings","tag-deandre-ayton","tag-guerschon-yabusele","tag-isaiah-hartenstein","tag-jalen-duren","tag-jaxson-hayes","tag-jock-landale","tag-kelly-olynyk","tag-la-clippers","tag-la-lakers","tag-lebron-james","tag-mitchell-robinson","tag-nba","tag-precious-achiuwa","tag-sandro-mamukelashvili","tag-walker-kessler"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/116314251080400322","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/686602","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=686602"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/686602\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/686603"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=686602"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=686602"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=686602"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}