LeBron James leads top 25 NBA free agents in 2024 – USA TODAY

Does LeBron James stay with the Los Angeles Lakers? The reasonable answer is yes.
Does Klay Thompson remain with the Golden State Warriors? Do Paul George and James Harden continue their careers with the Los Angeles Clippers? The answers to those questions are murkier.
All those questions will be answered during the NBA’s fast-paced, league-reshaping free agency period which begins June 30. Let’s take a look at the top 25 free agents in 2024.
(Two players who would’ve been on this list are Malik Monk and Pascal Siakam. But Monk and Sacramento and Siakam and Indiana took advantage of a new rule that allows teams to negotiate with their free agents after the Finals and before the start of the free agency period.)
James, who has $51.4 million for 2024-25 left on his contract, indicated at the All-Star Game he wants to remain with the Lakers. But he could opt out and re-sign for more years and more money.
An All-Star for the first time in 2023-24 and a vital part of the Sixers, Maxey, who averaged 25.9 points and 6.2 assists, is headed for a massive salary increase, and the Sixers have no plans to let him go.
Under contract for $48.7 million in 2024-25, George can become a free agent. Amid a successful season, it will be interesting to see if the Clippers can keep George, a nine-time All-Star at 33 years old who averaged 22.6 points and 5.2 rebounds and shot 47.1% from the field last season.
Acquired by the Knicks at the trade deadline, Anunoby has a player option at $19.9 million for 2024-25. He was a big part of the Knicks’ success, and it’s imperative they retain him if they want to remain a factor in the East.
Harden was good for the Clippers at 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game and at 38.1% shooting on 3s. Money and years on a new deal are key factors on his next contract.
Turning 35 in August, DeRozan was fantastic last season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds and shooting 48% from the field and 85.3%on free throws.
After the Knicks traded Quickley, he produced with the extra playing time, increasing his scoring, assists and rebounds.
A vital member of Denver’s 2023 championship squad, Caldwell-Pope can take the $15.4 million for 2024-25 or seek a longer deal for more money – with the Nuggets or another team.
Another valuable contributor to the Knicks’ success, Hartenstein averaged 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds against Philadelphia in the first round and 6.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists against Indiana in the conference semifinals.
Claxton was almost a double-double producer for the Nets (11.8 points and 9.9 rebounds plus 2.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game and 62.9% from the field).
Harris just finished his 13th season and his fifth-plus season with the Sixers. Will his 14th season be with a team other than Philadelphia?
Thompson in a uniform other than Golden State’s is strange to consider but that’s a possibility for the game’s all-time great 3-point shooter.
Russell is due $18.6 million next season if he decides to start another with the Lakers. He averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists and shot 41.5% on 3s in 2023-24.
If a team is looking for a forward who averaged 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists, Bridges can fill that role.
Jones had the best assist-turnover ratio in the league (7.3:1.0), shot 48.9% from the field and 41.4% on 3-pointers. He wants to start, and Washington may be the best place for him to do that and get the contract he wants.
Brown took a big-dollar, short-term deal a year ago with the Indiana Pacers, who traded him to Toronto. He should be looking for a longer deal in free agency.
Trent averaged 13.7 points and 1.1 steals and shot 39.3% on 3s last season and can be a sly acquisition for a contender in need of bench scoring.
Okoro had his best all-around season, including a career-best 39.1% on 3s, with the Cavs whose offseason roster decisions will be interesting to follow.
Toppin played a significant role for the Pacers – mostly off the bench – and was reliable, appearing in all 82 regular-season games. He averaged 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds and was efficient with his scoring, shooting 57.3% from the field, including 70.6% on 2-pointers and 40.3% on 3-pointers.
Massive big men still have a place in today’s game, and Valanciunas delivers at 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 55.9% from the field – in just 23.5 minutes per game.
Melton played in just 38 games due to injury (back), but he is a strong defensive guard who also can supply double-digits in points per game.
The Sixers acquired Hield at the trade deadline. He alternated between starting and coming off the bench, averaging 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists and shooting 28.9% on 3s. Another shooter who will get attention from teams in need of that specialty.
The Heat develop players – sometimes they retain them and sometimes they end up elsewhere.
The Sixers’ roster decisions are adding up, from Harris to Melton to Hield to Oubre who was dependable in heavy minutes for Philadelphia in the playoffs. He averaged 15.4 points and 5.0 rebounds last season.
The Timberwolves had Anderson on a deal that was friendly for the team. Will the Timberwolves, who are facing financial decisions in coming seasons, be able to retain Anderson on a deal that both sides like?
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

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