This is shaping up to be one of the craziest NBA offseasons in recent memory. Players like Bradley Beal and Karl-Anthony Towns have been involved in trade rumors, teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans are looking to shake it up, and teams like the Chicago Bulls and Toronto are heading into the summer as major question marks.
But amid all the trade rumblings sits free agency, and while this year’s class isn’t as stacked as previous ones have been, there are still some heavy hitters who could be on the move. Lots of players could be in new jerseys.
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the best five free agents from this year’s class who could switch teams this offseason.
(Also, for potential landing spots, if a squad doesn’t have cap space, assume they would get a deal done by way of a sign-and-trade.)
NBA Free Agency: Top 5 players who will be on new teams next season: Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
As the Milwaukee Bucks look to push forward after an embarrassing playoff loss, they may have to do so without Brook Lopez. The big man will be an unrestricted free agent looking to get paid, and the Bucks may not have enough money to bring him back.
Potential landing spots: Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA Free Agency: Top 5 players who will be on new teams next season: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers
There’s still a chance James Harden stays with the Philadelphia 76ers, but it’s feeling more and more like he’ll end up with the Houston Rockets. We’ve heard about it too much for it not to be a realistic possibility at this point, and with Ime Udoka in place and the Rockets looking to add veterans, it makes sense.
Potential landing spots: Houston Rockets
NBA Free Agency: Top 5 players who will be on new teams next season: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
Fred VanVleet recently declined his player option, and reports have indicated that he’ll be looking to move on from the Toronto Raptors. The All-Star guard will be looking for a big-time payday and is almost certainly going to be donning new threads next season.
Potential landing spots: San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz
NBA Free Agency: Top 5 players who will be on new teams next season: Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks
Reports have revealed that the Dallas Mavericks are looking to move on from Christian Wood, meaning the big man will be on a new team next year. His offense could be a solid fit on a team looking to make a splash on that end of the court.
Potential landing spots: Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA Free Agency: Top 5 players who will be on new teams next season: D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers
The deadline trade worked out well for the Los Angeles Lakers, but now, it seems as though they don’t wish to bring D’Angelo Russell back. Depending on the price, Russell could slot in as a solid starting point guard on the right team.
Potential landing spots: Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets
