NBA Free Agency 2018: The top players

Still only 29 years old, Durant is just now entering his career peak. Will dominate for seasons to come.

The best player in the game, James is showing little sign of slowing down even in his age-33 season.

The most dominant big man in the league who has improved his maturity. DeMarcus Cousins’ newfound consistency is helping take his game to the next level.

One of the league’s top two-way wings, Paul George does a bit of everything on the floor, including score at a very healthy rate.

When healthy, Chris Paul is still arguably the top pure floor general in the game, with unmatched court vision and underrated scoring chops.

The diminutive point guard put up one of the most efficient high-scoring seasons ever in 2016-17. How he adapts to playing alongside LeBron James will help decide the size of his next contract.

One of the NBA’s best rebounders, DeAndre Jordan can make any defense elite merely with his presence down low. 

Aaron Gordon is finally realizing his full potential now that he’s playing power forward, as well as knocking down the three ball more accurately. 

Clint Capela has become one of the most efficient players in the NBA. He understands his limitations and plays to his strengths extremely well.

He can get buckets with the best of them, but will his knees ever be fully healthy?

Still one of the league’s top basket-getters, Carmelo Anthony’s scoring prowess will allow him to age gracefully and be effective for years to come.

One of the top available shooting guards on the open market, Avery Bradley is a prototypical 3-and-D role player – with a bit of extra scoring ability to boot.

Floor-spacing power forward with quick feet defensively who has found new confidence this season, which has allowed him to begin reaching his full potential.

An athletic specimen who found his niche playing off the ball, Zach LaVine’s recovery from a torn ACL will determine the size of his next contract. 

Excellent rebounder and finisher near the rim. His defensive shortcomings prevent him from making a bigger impact.

An experienced power forward with a respectable face-up game. 

An aging-but-still-productive two-guard, Dwyane Wade has re-invented himself as an exceptional bench player.

An athletic combo guard enjoying a career season, Tyreke Evans’ newfound three-point shooting will make him awfully enticing on the open market this summer. 

A seven-footer with serious range, Brook Lopez can space the floor quite well for a player of his size.

A talented big man with still-untapped potential, Julius Randle is finally starting to find his place in the league. 

An athletic wing who has improved his consistency as a sixth man. Averaging career marks in multiple categories.

Likely the best defensive guard in the NBA, Marcus Smart can aptly guard positions one through four. His outstanding defense makes up for his struggles as a scorer.

An uber-confident point-scorer, Lou Williams has been one of the league’s most efficient players for years. Still going strong at age 31.

A beast in the low post with strong rebounding chops. Can still get buckets off the bench.

A solid 3-and-D role player, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would be a great complementary piece on any team. 

Recovered nicely from his Achilles injury. Can still be a serviceable scorer off the bench. 

A threat from beyond the arc and a defensive ace, Trevor Ariza remains an excellent role player.

A bruising center with some passing chops, Jusuf Nurkic greatly improved his play as a member of the Blazers.

An athletic lead guard without a three-point shot. Has elite defensive potential.

A quick power forward who can score effectively even if not much of a three-point shooter.

A wing with great size who can play some small-ball power forward, as well as distribute at an above-average rate. 

One of the most consistent bench scorers in the league. Would provide a boost to anyone’s reserve unit.

An aging point guard with dwindling athleticism and injury concerns, Tony Parker could still be productive as a reserve.

A streaky scorer but underrated defender, Austin Rivers is having a career season in 2017-18.

One of the league’s top three-point shooters with loads of playoff experience.

A more-than-serviceable role player, Wesley Matthews knocks down threes and defends at a high level.

A future Hall of Famer who can still score at a somewhat efficient level, despite his advanced age. 

An above-average three-point shooter with the ability to defend multiple positions, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has proven time and time again to be an exceptional role player.

A decent scorer, Wilson Chandler can still help teams in a more limited role.

Would fit nicely on any team. Excellent 3-and-D shooting guard with championship experience.

A productive point guard with major injury concerns, how he heals from his latest setback will ultimately determine his worth as a player.

Even on the wrong side of 30, Jeff Green can still run the floor with the best of them, as well as clean up on the offensive glass.

A young, athletic guard who can fill multiple positions as well as defend at a high level. Understandably hasn’t gotten much playing time on a stacked Warriors team.

A true floor general with championship experience, Rajon Rondo can still dish out assists with the best of them. 

An athletic big man who can block shots, finish near the rim and who has recently extended his range to the three-point line.

Mobile center with upside and serious defensive ability. Though he hasn’t been a good fit with the Dallas Mavericks, his potential could still make him attractive to teams on the open market. 

An effective scorer and underrated defender who can aptly play either backcourt position. 

A scorcher from beyond the arc, Wayne Ellington has taken his game to new heights over the past two seasons, proving that you can even run your second-unit offense around him.

A veteran floor-spacing power forward who would fit nicely in any offensive scheme.

Would have been the perfect 1990s back-to-the-basket big man. Now, his lack of shooting and foot speed defensively greatly hamper his effectiveness.