As we approach the NBA offseason, several players’ situations are unclear, either due to unrestricted free agency status, or team/player options hanging over their heads.

Still, it’s time to break down the potential top point guards in this year’s free-agent market, with the free-agent negotiating window opening at 6 p.m. ET Monday.

(Note: Positions are being determined off Basketball-Reference’s positional breakdowns, meaning a player will be listed at the position in which he played the most minutes. So if you’re looking for James Harden and Kyrie Irving, you’ll find them in the shooting guard section.)

Free-agent position rankings: Shooting guards | Small forwards | Power forwards | Centers

1. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets

Status: Agreed to 2-year, $50 million deal

Since becoming an All-Star in 2022, VanVleet has seen his scoring diminish every year since. That doesn’t mean he isn’t important to the Rockets as their main facilitator, but almost $45 million for a guy who barely cracked 14 points and didn’t even crack 38% shooting overall is a lot.

Given that this year’s market flat-out isn’t flush with cash, the Rockets were wise to decline the $44.9 million option and negotiate a deal at a lesser price. 

2. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Paul loved his stay in San Antonio, which is worth noting in terms of his future, but the franchise did not make the postseason, which you have to assume is a priority to him.

Also a priority is spending time with his family, which means he’s likely exploring all angles. At 40 years old, could one of those options be retirement?

What makes sense: With Paul residing in California, and the Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić this past season, it may make sense to link up with him and LeBron James, the latter of whom is a close friend.

3. Tyus Jones, Phoenix Suns

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Jones’ plan of signing with the Suns for a starting role and perhaps competing for a title didn’t go as planned as Phoenix failed to make the postseason. Could this influence his value? Given that he signed a minimum deal last summer, the arrow only points up if he decides to chase the money this summer.

The 29-year-old remains one of the league’s most secure ball-handlers and a strong 3-point shooter (41.4%), which virtually everyone has a use for.

What makes sense: Jones as a backup point guard on a good team, especially behind a young player in need of further development. Portland wouldn’t be a bad destination.

4. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

Status: Restricted free agent

The raw numbers make Giddey look like a future All-Star, but the advanced numbers unearth several concerning areas, such as a general shooting inefficiency and defensive issues — two key elements for most highly paid players in today’s league.

Chicago, however, appears to love the guy, which raises the question: Will it make him an offer outright, as opposed to letting him go through restricted free agency? If the Bulls jump the gun, that could add several million onto the books.

What makes sense: The Bulls hold all the cards here. Entering free agency believing otherwise could prove catastrophic. Let someone else dictate his market, because odds are good no one will break the bank for him despite the headline-grabbing stats.

5. Ty Jerome, Cleveland Cavaliers

Status: Unrestricted free agent

There’s no question that Jerome turned in one of the most surprising seasons of any player in the league, as he carved out a role for himself on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, thus significantly raising his own value.

Of course, Cleveland’s roster is already expensive, and it doesn’t have Jerome’s full Bird rights, which only makes the situation that much more complicated. The Cavaliers have to prepare themselves for the likelihood Jerome is off to somewhere else for a bigger payday.

What makes sense: Jerome probably isn’t a starter on a team with tall aspirations, but he could be a perfectly valid sixth man who plays more than he did this year and puts up starting-caliber numbers with high shooting efficiency. There aren’t any teams around that couldn’t use that, so he should have several suitors to choose from. The Toronto Raptors, who are in need of guard depth, wouldn’t be a bad destination.

Best of the rest

6. Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards

Status: Unrestricted free agent

The 32-year-old is efficient and effective when on the floor, but his injury history indicates his floor time will be limited. Teams are keenly aware of this, so while he’ll have several suitors, don’t expect anyone to hand out a large contract. He’d make an interesting fit with the Lakers as a backup to Luka Dončić.

7. D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Russell has reached the point in his career, where the secret is out. He’s not year-to-year consistent in his performance, and his defensive warts remain substantial. He can score a bit, shoot a bit and pass a bit, but rarely put it all together. Orlando should give him a look, but only at a price point it feels comfortable with.

8. Dennis Schröder, Detroit Pistons

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Schröder is capable, he’s fast and he can get you points if you need them, even if you need them at a scaled up capacity. However, he remains an iffy shooter, his defense isn’t what it once was, and he’s getting older. 

He’ll get a contract, but don’t expect it to run more than a couple of years and at a modest compensation level.

James Harden and the Clippers are sticking together.

Harden declined his player option Sunday and agreed to a two-year, $81.5 million contract with L.A., according to ESPN.

Teams can begin negotiating with free agents at 6 p.m. ET Monday, and shooting guard is perhaps the best position of an unremarkable overall class.

Let’s dive in and break down the potential top shooting guards in this year’s free-agent market.

(Note: Positions are being determined off Basketball-Reference’s positional breakdowns, meaning a player will be listed at the position in which he played the most minutes. That’s why you’ll find James Harden and Kyrie Irving in the shooting guard section.)

Free-agent position rankings: Point guards | Small forwards | Power forwards | Centers

1. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

Status: Agreed to 2-year, $81.5 million contract

Harden silenced plenty of critics by displaying an ability to return to his high-volume ways, which seemed to have deserted him the previous season. That should raise the level of optimism around him despite the fact he’ll be entering next season at 36.

Additionally, for the first time in a fairly long while, it appears Harden has found a home in which he’s comfortable and has found some stability. The short-term deal with a player option for next season makes perfect sense for both sides.

2. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks

Status:Agreed to 3-year, $119 million contract

Irving would have been first on the list had it not been for the ACL tear he suffered, which raises questions about his future, given that he’s 33 and often relies on speedy dribbles and shifty changes of direction to gain separation.

Then there’s the added drama of being in Dallas, an organization that traded Luka Dončić and then won the NBA Draft Lottery. Does it make sense for Irving to rehab for a year and then join 19-year-old Cooper Flagg? Apparently Dallas thinks it does.

3. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers

Status: Restricted free agent

The numbers don’t do Grimes justice, as he averaged nearly 22 points per game after his midseason trade to Philadelphia. The sweet-shooting guard displayed a previously unknown ability to create consistent looks off the dribble, putting him in a tier or two higher than most originally had him in.

He’s a player who should be receiving plenty of attention and interest from the outside, but given how the market is overall low on available money, this gives the Sixers a significant advantage.

What makes sense: Grimes could sign a shorter deal with the Sixers to give him an easier out in a few seasons. Given the contract complications of Joel Embiid and Paul George, the future is on extremely shaky ground, so having an out wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.

4. Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Beasley’s free-agent market could shift dramatically in the wake of ESPN reporting that the U.S. District Attorney’s office is investigating him on allegations “of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets.” 

Prior to the news, the Pistons had proved to be the right fit for Beasley, who was dangerously close to entering “perpetual journeyman” territory. He signed just a one-year contract last offseason, outplayed it spectacularly, and the Pistons have two options to keep him: find a way to create cap space to sign him into that, or see if he’ll bite on the non-tax MLE.

What makes sense: ESPN reported that Beasley and the Pistons had been in talks on a three-year, $42 million contract but those negotiations are now “on pause.” Beasley’s NBA future now hinges on the outcome of the investigation and whether he is actually charged on the allegations.

5. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

Status: Restricted free agent

Look, opinions differ greatly on Thomas due to his lack of size, shaky defense and the fact he isn’t much of a playmaker. But one thing that should be indisputable is his ability to put the ball through the damn rim.

The question with Thomas should exclusively center around his future role. Is he a starting 2-guard or a high-volume sixth man with the potential to drop 20 off the bench for years to come? The answer to that question will heavily influence his compensation level.

What makes sense: Thomas, 23, will seek starter money, but the Nets aren’t in a position to know whether that will be his long-term role. They should squeeze as hard as they can, if only to make him more attractive on the trade market within the next few years. Thomas and his team could respond by arguing for a richer contract that runs for a shorter term, such as two years. That should satisfy both parties.

Best of the rest

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Alexander-Walker is a formidable two-way role player who has become more consistent with his 3-point shot. Nevertheless, he is still a role player who will likely be overtaxed as a starter. The full non-tax MLE seems like a reasonable expectation.

Bruce Brown, New Orleans Pelicans

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Since winning the championship with Denver in 2023, Brown, 28, has seemed lost while he’s been touring the NBA. With his large contract now concluded, making his return to Denver to play alongside Nikola Jokić would be a strong outcome. The all-around connector still has age on his side, and he could greatly rehab his value in a familiar system.

Keon Ellis, Sacramento Kings

Status: Team option (but less straightforward)

The Kings can either decline his option and see him enter restricted free agency this season, or they can pick up the option and hope to extend him when he becomes eligible on Feb. 9, 2026.

The safe bet is restricted free agency, as Ellis can otherwise decline any extension and head into the summer of 2026 as an unrestricted free agent.

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Julius Randle isn’t hitting the market. The potential top power forward available agreed to a three-year, $100 million contract to remain with the back-to-back Western Conference finalists. 

Still, the power forward market offers an interesting mix of proven players and young talent carving out their place in the league.

Let’s break down the potential top power forwards in this year’s free-agent market, with the negotiating window opening at 6 p.m. ET Monday.

(Note: Positions are being determined off Basketball-Reference’s positional breakdowns, meaning a player will be listed at the position in which he played the most minutes.)

Free-agent position rankings: Point guards | Shooting guards | Small forwards | Centers

1. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

Status: Agreed to 3-year, $100 deal

It was genuinely nice to see Randle break his pattern of poor playoff performance and raise his value.

His timing couldn’t have been better, as he reached a new deal, knowing full well how much the Timberwolves need his all-around offensive game and how well he seems to mesh with Anthony Edwards.

Things should keep rolling along in Minnesota.

2. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

Status: Restricted free agent

Oh boy. Kuminga and the Warriors will need to figure this one out together, even if it looks like the two sides desperately want to split. Kuminga’s contract status makes it difficult for the Warriors to explore sign-and-trades, and losing him for nothing would be a significant hit.

Kuminga’s athleticism, overall scoring prowess and raw upside are intriguing, so his camp will undoubtedly hope the Nets take a kind eye to him and hand over an expensive offer sheet.

What makes sense: If no offer sheet comes, Kuminga should sign a short-term deal with the Warriors, with the shared understanding they’ll try to move him before the 2026 trade deadline.

3. John Collins, Utah Jazz

Status: Exercised $26,580,000 player option

Collins has enjoyed two good years in Utah, finally showing his decline in Atlanta was due to situational factors outside of his control.

That said, Collins is who he is: a high-scoring power forward who can rebound the heck out of the ball, and that’s … mostly it. This isn’t to say he doesn’t have value, but interested teams have to be aware of the kind of player he is and not expect him to do much more.

What makes sense: While Collins has spent two years reshaping the narrative around him, there just isn’t a lot of money out there this summer. Picking up the player option and kicking the decision down the road for a year is a wise decision.

4. Al Horford, Boston Celtics

Status: Unrestricted free agent

The 39-year-old big man remains as fundamentally solid as ever, but his athleticism has taken a hit, and it’s clear Father Time is hastily tracking his steps.

Horford, though, is a thinker — and a damn good one — who has a knack for finding solutions to the limitations attached to his own game. He should have at least one more year in him, if he so chooses.

What makes sense: Horford and Boston go well together. The system allows him to be the best possible version of himself, and the Celtics still need big-man depth. A one-year deal seems logical.

5. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies

Status: Restricted free agent

Aldama, 24, is just getting started. The 6-11 big man has the touch of a wing, is capable of making 3-point shots and still does a lot of the big-man stuff in which he utilizes his size.

It’s not great timing for Aldama to reach the free-agent market, given the lack of available money, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be interest.

What makes sense: Aldama shouldn’t settle for a highly discounted deal. He’s simply too good and too young to end up on a long-term deal that’s too team-friendly. If anything, he can offer Memphis a short-term solution, which allows him the flexibility to become an unrestricted free agent sooner and for Memphis to possibly shop him later and get something in return.

Best of the rest

Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards

Status: Exercised $34,012,345 player option

There’s no denying the current version of Middleton is a far cry from the prime version. Injuries and age have turned him into a role player as opposed to a two-way star. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. He’s broadly seen as a leader.

Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks

Status: Agreed to three-year, $44 million deal

From a production perspective, Portis should probably be in a higher salary bracket, albeit not aggressively higher. Portis was obviously a priority for the Bucks, even if they had to pay him more on a new deal.

Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles Lakers

Status: Declined $15,378,480 player option

Defensively versatile combo forwards who can play a bit of center should have a market. 

Finney-Smith is no exception. That said, will that market pay him more than his option? If he’s given long-term money, probably, but then it’d have to be worth it.

There was no need for Tarik Skubal to change things up because his changeup was working.

The Detroit Tigers ace used his best off-speed pitch to fan five of the first six Minnesota Twins the hard-throwing lefty faced. He got all of them swinging.

That was the ninth time Skubal has collected five strikeouts through two innings of a game, twice more than any other Tigers pitcher since the mound was lowered in 1969, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.

Fast forward to the top of the third inning, and the 2024 AL Cy Young Award winner struck out the side. He got second baseman Brooks Lee with a four-seam fastball. Then he went back to his changeup to punch out third baseman Jonah Bride and catcher Christian Vázquez. They went down swinging, too.

After his seventh straight K, Tigers faithful erupted in Comerica Park. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Skubal walked off with well-deserved swagger that his 52-win team commands.

For the first time in his career, Skubal had eight strikeouts through three innings.

Before the next inning’s end, the 28-year-old southpaw had struck out all nine batters in Minnesota’s lineup. 

Skubal didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning. It was a single. He didn’t allow a walk until the sixth inning. It was on a full count. Skubal had 11 strikeouts by that point, and his Tigers had a 3-0 lead, in large part thanks to right fielder Kerry Carpenter, who homered in the first and then hit an RBI triple in the fifth.

Skubal set a new single-game career high in the seventh inning with his ninth strikeout via changeup. That same frame, he upped his K total to 13, getting Twins first baseman Ty France looking on a 99 mph four-seam fastball.

Skubal entered the night with a 2.29 ERA and a 9-2 record to go along with his 125 strikeouts — the fourth most in baseball — and an MLB-leading 0.87 WHIP.

Then he put on a whiff-themed masterclass against a division rival. 

There was no need for Tarik Skubal to change things up because his changeup was working.

The Detroit Tigers ace used his best off-speed pitch to fan five of the first six Minnesota Twins the hard-throwing lefty faced. He got all of them swinging.

That was the ninth time Skubal has collected five strikeouts through two innings of a game, twice more than any other Tigers pitcher since the mound was lowered in 1969, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.

Fast forward to the top of the third inning, and the 2024 AL Cy Young Award winner struck out the side. He got second baseman Brooks Lee with a four-seam fastball. Then he went back to his changeup to punch out third baseman Jonah Bride and catcher Christian Vázquez. They went down swinging, too.

After his seventh straight K, Tigers faithful erupted in Comerica Park. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Skubal walked off with well-deserved swagger that his 52-win team commands.

For the first time in his career, Skubal had eight strikeouts through three innings.

Before the next inning’s end, the 28-year-old southpaw had struck out all nine batters in Minnesota’s lineup. 

Skubal didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning. It was a single. He didn’t allow a walk until the sixth inning. It was on a full count. Skubal had 11 strikeouts by that point, and his Tigers had a 3-0 lead, in large part thanks to right fielder Kerry Carpenter, who homered in the first and then hit an RBI triple in the fifth.

Skubal set a new single-game career high in the seventh inning with his ninth strikeout via changeup. That same frame, he upped his K total to 13, getting Twins first baseman Ty France looking on a 99 mph four-seam fastball.

Skubal entered the night with a 2.29 ERA and a 9-2 record to go along with his 125 strikeouts — the fourth most in baseball — and an MLB-leading 0.87 WHIP.

Then he put on a whiff-themed masterclass against a division rival. 

Matchday 20 of the 2025 MLS season will be wrapped up this evening with just two fixtures remaining on the docket to close out another intriguing weekend of action across the United States and Canada.

Here is how it all went down in Columbus as the Crew clashed with the Philadelphia Union ahead of the upcoming late fixture in Los Angeles as the Vancouver Whitecaps lock horns with LAFC.

Farsi’s strike ends Philly’s unbeaten run

Scorers: Farsi 45+2′

Eastern Conference powerhouse Columbus Crew banked a massive home result tonight after a narrow 1-0 win over pack-leading Philadelphia Union.

Across what was a dull yet dominant opening 45 minutes of action at Lower.com Field, the Crew took a justifiable 1-0 lead on the stroke of halftime after Mo Farsi’s marauding run to the back post was picked out by Lassi Lappalainen for the Algerian to slot past Andre Blake.

Thanks to a severe weather delay, a running theme across competitive football this summer, play resumed in Columbus as Wilfried Nancy’s men remained largely on the front foot after crossing the hour mark.

Despite a few changes, including introducing teenage talents Cavan Sullivan and Sal Olivas, Philly headmaster Bradley Carnell could not rewrite the script and find an equalizer before the full-time whistle. 

With that, the Crew ended the Union’s 11-match unbeaten run, while also closing the gap to the Eastern Conference leaders to just three points.

STILL TO COME

📸 Editorial Photo Credit: © Joseph Maiorana | 2025 Jun 29 – Imagn Images

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden State Warriors exercised team options for center Quinten Post and forward Gui Santos on Sunday and extended a qualifying offer of $7.9 million to forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Post had his second-year option for $1.9 million and Santos his third-year option of $2.2 million that isn’t guaranteed.

Golden State will now be able to match any offer Kuminga has from another team and also extended a qualifying offer to guard Taran Armstrong.

By extending a qualifying offer to both players prior to Sunday’s deadline, Golden State owns the right to match any offer sheets they may sign with another team. All will become restricted free agents on July 1.

Kuminga’s future with the franchise is one of the biggest storylines of the offseason for Golden State, which lost in the second round of the playoffs to Minnesota. He missed much of the season with a right ankle injury, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 24.3 minutes over 47 games with 10 starts.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed Ajay Mitchell to a three-year, $9 million deal. They declined his $3 million team option for the 2025-26 season in favor of long-term security.

The NBA champion has had a busy weekend of house cleaning the roster. Most will be brought back next season, besides some changes at the bottom of the depth chart. Mitchell’s extension signals OKC’s desire to keep its rotation intact.

Mitchell was a pleasant surprise for the Thunder last season. He played bench minutes before he suffered a toe injury that derailed his rookie campaign with a three-month absence.

Let’s examine Mitchell’s extension and break down what it means for the Thunder:

Mitchell’s background

Mitchell played in three college seasons at UC Santa Barbara. The Thunder drafted him with the No. 38 pick of the 2024 NBA draft. They worked their way up in the second round to acquire him with multiple trades. He started the season on a two-way deal.

Mitchell averaged 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 36 games last season. He was off to a hot start before a toe sprain required surgery in January that knocked him out for three months. He returned right before the playoffs started but didn’t have a defined role.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Mitchell worked his way up in the rotation. He was the rare two-way player who never suited up for the G League’s OKC Blue. The Thunder converted him to a standard deal in February so he could be eligible for the playoffs.

Mitchell’s fit

Throughout the season, the Thunder had a weak spot in their roster. They didn’t have a true backup point guard. Instead, Jalen Williams ran the bench lineups with the help of Isaiah Hartenstein as a secondary playmaker. Mitchell was the sole backup guard on the roster who was healthy.

The Thunder understand that they lack playmakers and doubled down on the solution in the draft. Nikola Topic and Mitchell are solutions on paper. But only the latter can use actual production on the court to show he can fix the problem.

Expect Mitchell to serve a similar role next season. The 23-year-old will be a key bench guard who can run the offense when needed. He will have some competition with Topic, but the Thunder view that as a positive.

Mitchell’s future

It took several steps to get here, but Mitchell is now basically on a standard rookie deal. The Thunder gain some long-term security with him. He didn’t even play for half a season, but what he showed before his toe sprain was enough to warrant a new deal.

The Thunder hope Mitchell can be the answer to their backup guard woes. The halfcourt offense stagnated without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It almost cost them a championship. But just because they won a title, doesn’t mean there aren’t areas to improve.

Mitchell and Topic will fight it out for the backup guard role. Mitchell has shown more on the NBA court, but Topic’s potential makes him an intriguing possibility. Either way, the Thunder hope one of them can step up and count on internal development.

Final thoughts

This was a solid business move by the Thunder. For Mitchell, too, as he gets a long-term deal. The NBA champion has used the decline-and-sign strategy in recent years to retain their role players. And even if the 23-year-old doesn’t work out in OKC, he has an extremely movable salary.

The Thunder continue to make the right roster moves with the anticipation that Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Chet Holmgren will make up most of their payroll for the foreseeable future. Hitting on second-round picks like Mitchell is the best way to field out a competent roster.

It remains to be seen if Mitchell can stretch his production over an entire season, but the early returns were too good to ignore. You bet on that and his work ethic. Don’t overreact to a freak toe injury that cost him three months and his rhythm once he returned.

Final Grade: B

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Deal grade: Examining OKC Thunder’s new contract for Ajay Mitchell

The Golden State Warriors have had over 600 players don the more than 60 jersey numbers used by their players over the more than 75 years of existence the team has enjoyed in its rich and storied history.

Founded in 1946 during the Basketball Association of America (BAA — a precursor league of the NBA) era, the team has called home the cities of Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland, and even San Diego.

 To commemorate the players who wore those numbers, Warriors Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team. For this article, we begin with the sixth of nine players who wore the No. 16 jersey for the Warriors.

That player would be Golden State guard alum Jim Phelan. After ending his college career at La Salle, Phelan was picked up with the 78th overall selection (there were many more rounds in that era of the draft) of the 1951 NBA draft by the (then) Philadelphia (now, Golden State) Warriors.

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native would play the only season of his pro career with the Dubs, retiring from the league as a player afterward.

During his time suiting up for the Warriors, Phelan wore only jersey No. 16 and put up 1.3 rebounds per game.

All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors jersey history – No. 16 – Jim Phelan (1953-54)