The NBA truly has no offseason. Some of the most exciting parts of the year for NBA fans is the summer. Summer League action with all of the teams’ top draft picks is just part of the fun, however. The real drama comes in the free agency period where players decide which team they will play next. Let’s take a look at some of the top restricted and unrestricted free agents heading into the free agency period.

8. Jalen Smith (PF/C)

He may not be a household name yet in the NBA, but Jalen Smith likely made himself a good amount of money last year. After not playing basically at all in his first 1.5 years in the NBA, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers. During his 22 games there he played 24 minutes per game, averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and shot 37.3% from three. The 22-year-old could be a hot commodity as a stretch big man who can defend this offseason.

7. Montrezl Harrell (PF/C)

The former Sixth Man of the Year will command a lot of interest this offseason. Harrell brings energy and scoring off of the bench or as a starter. He has shot 62% or higher in six of his seven seasons while also scoring 13 or more points per game in each of his previous four seasons.

6. T.J. Warren (SF)

Many people have forgotten how good T.J. Warren was before he got injured. Warren has only played four games since the 2019 season, but he is expected back fully healthy this year. In that 2019 season he averaged 19.5 points per game and shot 40% from three.

5. Jusuf Nurkic (C)

The Portland Trail Blazers are likely to move on from Nurkic. He has struggled to stay healthy, but when healthy, he is one of the best centers in the NBA. Last season he averaged 15.1 points and 11.1 rebounds.

4. Miles Bridges (SF/PF)

Bridges is one of the most physically gifted players in the NBA. He had a breakout season last year averaging 20.2 points per game, and he is still just 24-years-old.

3. DeAndre Ayton (C)

Ayton is likely to move away from the Suns this offseason. It hasn’t worked out there for him recently as he has had some miscommunications with the coaching staff and organization. Still, he is young and already one of the best overall centers in the NBA. Some team will be willing to give him a big deal.

2. Anfernee Simons (PG)

With CJ McCollum being traded and Damian Lillard out the last half of the season, Simons showed he could be a legit star. Portland will likely try to keep him, but they may have to pay a high price to retain him. A lot of people compare him to Jordan Poole with potentially higher upside.

1. Zach LaVine (SG)

One of the true proven stars will hit free agency this offseason. The Bulls built around LaVine, but DeMar DeRozan took over as the star in Chicago. It is rumored he could go somewhere he can be the star again or to the Lakers.

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