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NBA Free Agency is always one of the most exciting parts of the offseason. It comes right after the Draft, and teams are looking to finalize their rosters before Summer League begins. Established players pair up with stars, while others earn the biggest paydays of their careers. Free agency is filled with unexpected moments and players bringing hope to a new franchise, or creating an entire city of fans that hate them. Here are the five biggest free agents on the move.
MORE: 3 Biggest winners from round one of the 2026 NBA Draft
Jan 7, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
LeBron just finished an eight-year run with the Lakers, his longest with any franchise, which included seven All-Star appearances, an NBA Championship, and an NBA Cup title. Now he enters free agency with a few options.
TheLakers, Warriors, and Cavaliers seem like the main destinations. He could stay in LA with Doncic and Reaves, but with this likely being his final season, he’s probably looking for the best chance to contend. Cleveland feels most likely. They had a phenomenal season and seem one playmaker away from becoming a true contender. A third stint there could be the perfect ending.
Duren is coming off a breakout season, averaging nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds as Detroit finished as the No. 1 seed in the East.
His playoff struggles may hurt the payday he expected from Detroit. If the Pistons let him walk, the Lakers could become a strong option with Luka wanting a true big man in LA.
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Harden started last season with the Clippers before being traded to Cleveland after a rough start. He still has a large contract, and the Cavaliers will likely try to restructure it, making it seem likely he stays.
Dort has been one of Oklahoma City’s key pieces. He may not be the biggest name, but he’s the team’s best defender and one of the league’s better 3-and-D players.
With Oklahoma City bringing in more guards, they could move in a different direction financially. Chicagostands out as a possible fit because of its focus on length and defense.
Hartenstein was another major part of Oklahoma City’s championship run and one of the best backup big men in the league. After drafting Aday Mara, the Thunder could move toward younger options.
If that happens, teams like the Lakers or Celticscould become possible destinations.
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MORE: 3 Biggest winners from round one of the 2026 NBA Draft
LeBron James
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Jan 7, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
LeBron just finished an eight-year run with the Lakers, his longest with any franchise, which included seven All-Star appearances, an NBA Championship, and an NBA Cup title. Now he enters free agency with a few options.
TheLakers, Warriors, and Cavaliers seem like the main destinations. He could stay in LA with Doncic and Reaves, but with this likely being his final season, he’s probably looking for the best chance to contend. Cleveland feels most likely. They had a phenomenal season and seem one playmaker away from becoming a true contender. A third stint there could be the perfect ending.
Jalen Duren
Duren is coming off a breakout season, averaging nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds as Detroit finished as the No. 1 seed in the East.
His playoff struggles may hurt the payday he expected from Detroit. If the Pistons let him walk, the Lakers could become a strong option with Luka wanting a true big man in LA.
James Harden
You must be registered for see images attach
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Harden started last season with the Clippers before being traded to Cleveland after a rough start. He still has a large contract, and the Cavaliers will likely try to restructure it, making it seem likely he stays.
Lu Dort
Dort has been one of Oklahoma City’s key pieces. He may not be the biggest name, but he’s the team’s best defender and one of the league’s better 3-and-D players.
With Oklahoma City bringing in more guards, they could move in a different direction financially. Chicagostands out as a possible fit because of its focus on length and defense.
Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein was another major part of Oklahoma City’s championship run and one of the best backup big men in the league. After drafting Aday Mara, the Thunder could move toward younger options.
If that happens, teams like the Lakers or Celticscould become possible destinations.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
