Harden has a player option for 2025-26 at $36.3 million for the season. He can play out the final year of the contract or become a free agent in the summer. He still logged significant minutes (35.3 per game) and continued to produce. A strong run during the postseason reaffirmed his status as a capable scorer.

From accomplished guards to versatile big men, there are options for teams looking to take a big step via 2025 free agency.

With the draft (Wednesday and Thursday) and free agency (opening Monday at 6 p.m. ET) closing in, the signings should come fast and often. As deals become official, we're grading the moves and examining what each means for the 2025-26 season and beyond.