5 big fishes in the free market this summer: Harden renews his contract and stays behind, James may wait for his youngest son

This year's draft year is a draft year, which means that this year's offseason may bring earth-shaking changes to the NBA's pattern, but it is difficult to see large-scale player transfers in the free market this year. Although there are still some players in the market that can change the situation, there are not many teams that meet the conditions, but the free market will not be completely boring. Let's take a look at the whereabouts of the five players.

James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers (player option)

Harden performed in the last miserable first game of the season, but in the first season of the Clippers, Harden's performance was still impressive enough, so people still think that Harden and the Clippers will continue their cooperative relationship. After all, the Clippers are still an influential team in the West.

However, the Clippers may not want to invest too long in the two 30+ stars, especially since there is no young and potential player training in their lineup. The Clippers hope that Leonard and Harden will maintain the same cooperation period until the 26-27 season, so Harden is expected to stay with a two-year, $75 million contract extension.

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (Player Option)

James has broken anyone's conventional understanding of age in basketball history. The 40-year-old James is expected to continue in this league. Although he is no longer the best player in this league, he is still in the top ten players in the league.

James has a $52.6 million player option next season. If he says next season will be the last season, he may simply implement this option, but considering that his youngest son Bryce is qualified for the draft in 2026, James is expected to leave some room for himself and then sign a two-year, 105 million contract with the Lakers.

Jonathan Kumingga, Golden State Warriors (restricted free agent)

The Warriors selected Kumingga with the seventh pick in the first round of 2021, and once trusted him very much. Although it is a bit exaggerated to say that he has completely given up, after Butler's arrival, Kumingga was indeed excluded from the rotation lineup until Curry's injury brought him back to the field.

Kumingga is a restricted free agent and his next decision is not under his control. However, he can sign the contract as he pleases, and the Warriors have the right to match any quotation contract. If Kuminga chooses to switch to other teams, the Nets seem to be his most likely destination.

Naz Reed, Minnesota Timberwolves (player option)

Reed's performance in the Timberwolves has completely exceeded the value of his $15 million player option next season, so can the Timberwolves still bear Reed's value? Reed is an easy player, with breakthrough ability and shooting ability, and can also use his height advantage to play hard at low posts.

Reed's current ability can assume more important positioning in the team and can do more, but it is difficult for the Timberwolves to provide such a role to him, and the latter will do his best to keep Reed. However, both the Pistons and the Nets can use a radical offer to stimulate the Timberwolves, and the Timberwolves may eventually provide a four-year contract worth more than 100 million.

Miles Turner, Indiana Pacers (full free agent)

Pacers have reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season, so it is reasonable to retain their current roster, but financial situation will affect their decisions. If Turner is offered a new contract, it is inevitable to surpass the luxury line, but they may not necessarily lose this center with excellent blocking ability and opening up space.

The cost of keeping Turner is still very high. He has just become the fourth player in NBA history to average at least two three-pointers and complete two blocks. 39.6% of three-pointers is also a career high. The Pacers may seek a deal to clear up their salary space and use it to provide a four-year, 120 million contract to sign back to Turner.