Best NBA Free Agents Still Available: LeBron, DeRozan, Westbrook Among Notable Players

There weren't many big NBA transactions on Thursday, so instead of a recap of moves today, let's discuss some available free agents.

We will be using the NBA's site to identify some players.

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Big Names

There's a ton of big-name players who are still available this offseason. 

The biggest name of the bunch is LeBron James, who is looking for a new team after it was announced that he wasn't returning to the Lakers.

Despite being 41 years old, James can still provide plenty of value to a team. He's a good fantasy asset yet too. Even though he's a better second or third option now, that doesn't mean James cannot make a big difference.

We should get word of his landing spot soon, so I expect to be featuring him in a daily roundup soon, so keep checking back for that.

James Harden is another big name who is technically a free agent yet. He is fully expected back in Cleveland at this point.

He declined a player option, and is likely waiting to sign once the Cavaliers have pretty much filled up the rest of their roster.

Harden is still a high-end fantasy player as a 36-year-old. He will continue to be a big-time asset in Cleveland, but be a notch below Donovan Mitchell, even though he will power the Cavs semi-often himself.

Cleveland needs Harden to have any chance of competing in the East, so expect the vet to sign there at some point this offseason.

Jalen Duren is a restricted free agent. He has been in trade talks, but the longer things go on, the more likely it seems that he'll return to the Pistons.

Regardless of where Duren ends up, he will be a big-time fantasy asset as a nightly double-double threat. Again, if Detroit wants any chance of competing in the East, it needs Duren back.

The Pistons would get a big return if they sign-and-trade Duren, so this is one of the bigger pieces that has yet to fall this offseason.

DeMar DeRozan is a new free agent after being waived by the Kings a couple days ago. He will have some suitors, but likely won't take too much longer to decide on a new home.

Expect him to target a contending team. He's a better second or third option, but will be an above-average fantasy asset in that role. If he lands on a team where he can be the top option, then DeRozan could be an even better fantasy asset.

Other Notable Players

Russell Westbrook is still a pretty big name, but he's a step below the other guys we have already mentioned, so I decided to have him kick off this section of the article.

He still has fantasy value as a well-rounded player, and he should remain that type of fantasy asset in 2026-27 at least. I'd expect him to land with a contender, and be a solid option off the bench for someone.

Bennedict Mathurin is a restricted free agent, and most expect him back with the Clippers. He has been a solid player over the years, and another team might take a swing on him and try to sign him away.

Regardless of where Mathurin ends up, I expect him to be a pretty good fantasy asset again in 2026-27. The landing spot matters though, so we will have to wait to see his destination.

Peyton Watson is another restricted free agent. He has shown flashes of promise, and seems to have another level or two he can reach, so he's a valuable player to go after.

Denver wants to re-sign him, but another time could swoop in at any second and sign him away. Watson might get a fantasy boost if he leaves Denver, so I'm really intrigued to see where he ends up.

Brandon Williams isn't as big of a name as the others we've mentioned in this section, but he did average 13 points per game last season, so that makes him worthy of a mention here.

I'm surprised the 26-year-old hasn't found a home already. I'm not sure if it makes sense for him to go back to Dallas. Ideally, he lands with a roster lacking talent, which would boost his fantasy value for the coming season.

Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga are a couple other bigger names that are still free agents.

Green declined his player option with Golden State. That was supposedly to help go after James in free agency. Green is expected back with the Warriors, but we'll see if someone else wants to bring the veteran forward in.

Kuminga has an option declined by Atlanta, and while there's been a bit of talk around Kuminga, no teams seem super linked to him. He's just 23 years old, so some team is going to give him a contract and chance to keep developing.

Some Others to Track

There's a bunch of other players still looking for new homes as well. While they might not turn into big assets, they are still worth mentioning, at least.

Cam Thomas is one name to watch. He showed some high-upside scoring over his career, but has hit a roadblock in his career over the past couple years. If he lands in the right spot, he could be a legit fantasy asset again.

Bradley Beal is another scorer looking for a new home. Injuries continue to hold him back, but when healthy, he can be a solid fantasy asset.

Trendon Watford has been a solid reserve player for Philly, but had his option declined by the team. He should eventually find a home elsewhere, and if he plays enough, he could remain a deep-league fantasy asset, at least.

Bruce Brown is another reserve who can fill up the stat sheet off the bench. The 29-year-old offers some veteran leadership too and should land with a contender at some point.

Gary Trent Jr. has a little fantasy appeal as well. He's spent the past couple years with the Bucks, and most expect him back there. Depending on where he lands, he could play a big enough role to have deep-league fantasy appeal.

Keep checking back to FantasySP for NBA offseason coverage! All our offseason articles can be found on the fantasy basketball page.