The NBA free agency period is the most exciting part of the offseason. This article takes a look at some of the best fits for each Western Conference team. The projected cap space for each team is based on results from Spotrac. One note: each player can only be projected to one team between this Western Conference set and the Eastern Conference best fits edition.
Projected cap space: Non-taxpayer MLE ($15.1 million)
Tobias Harris is a great veteran presence to bring in, especially for a young team like the Dallas Mavericks. They will likely look to be back in playoff contention with the return of Kyrie Irving, so Harris wouldn’t be wasting his remaining years on a rebuilding team.
Projected cap space: Taxpayer MLE ($6.1 million)
The Denver Nuggets have no money to spend in NBA free agency, so re-signing pending RFA Peyton Watson needs to be their priority. He can be a key piece as they look to get back to the championship-level of play.
Projected cap space: Taxpayer MLE ($6.1 million)
Nikola Vucevic was heavily rumored to be traded to the Golden State Warriors during the trade deadline. Although nothing emerged, the Warriors can now get him at his lowest value. He was removed from the Boston Celtics playoff rotation towards the end of their season.
Projected cap space: Taxpayer MLE ($6.1 million)
Anfernee Simons would give the Houston Rockets a scoring punch off the bench. Their guard depth was severely lacking late in the season. Simons would change that instantly.
Projected cap space: Non-taxpayer MLE ($15.1 million)
The Los Angeles Clippers will be in the market for a center after trading away Ivica Zubac at the trade deadline. Jusuf Nurkic makes a ton of sense in NBA free agency. He had a great season before being shut down due to an injury (tanking).
Projected cap space: $48.4 million
LeBron James’ career is dwindling, but in the event he doesn’t retire, the Los Angeles Lakers need to retain the greatest player of all time. Losing him would set the team back in a major way. The only way to overcome losing James in NBA free agency would be making a splash trade, potentially for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Projected cap space: Non-taxpayer MLE ($15.1 million)
Coby White is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies would be adding guard insurance with the uncertain future of Ja Morant. Memphis’ NBA free agency will completely depend on what happens with Morant.
Projected cap space: Taxpayer MLE ($6.1 million)
The Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t in a good spot when it comes to NBA free agency. They will need to prioritize cheap one-year deals to add around the edges. Luke Kennard makes a ton of sense, especially considering Donte DiVincenzo will miss a majority of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Projected cap space: Non-taxpayer MLE ($15.1 million)
Isaiah Hartenstein will be one of the most sought-after centers in the NBA free agency market. The New Orleans Pelicans might not be ready to commit to Derik Queen at Center, so Hartenstein could be a stopgap big for a few years until he’s ready.
Projected cap space: Taxpayer MLE ($6.1 million)
The Oklahoma City Thunder will likely be losing Hartenstein, so adding another center will be necessary. Andre Drummond has extended his NBA lifespan by adding a corner jumper. The Thunder could take a shot at the veteran in NBA Free Agency.
Projected cap space: Non-taxpayer MLE ($15.1 million)
Rui Hachimura would give the Phoenix Suns a Royce O’neale replacement. A great scorer who would change the dynamic of their offense. His spacing would allow Ryan Dunn and one of their non-shooting bigs to be on the floor at the same time.
Projected cap space: Non-taxpayer MLE ($15.1 million)
The Portland Trailblazers are right on the verge of making that push into the playoffs on a yearly basis. Adding a skilled defensive big man who can knock down the three-ball in NBA free agency would complete their youthful roster.
Projected cap space: Taxpayer MLE ($6.1 million)
The Sacramento Kings are in a really bad spot. They have almost no direction until their veterans’ Zach LaVine and Demar Derozan, are off the books. Adding around the margins and making sure not to give out multi-year contracts should be the focus in this year’s NBA free agency period. Matisse Thybulle would have a great chance to boost his stock with a one-year prove-it deal with the Kings.
Projected cap space: Non-taxpayer MLE ($15.1 million)
Adding CJ McCollum to the great young core of the San Antonio Spurs in NBA free agency would do wonders as they look to remain in Championship contention. McCollum would instantly give the Spurs the best bench in the NBA.
Projected cap space: Non-taxpayer MLE ($15.1 million)
Walker Kessler and the Utah Jazz need to work something out for the benefit of each other. Coming off an injury, Kessler’s NBA free agency value is not considered as high as it once was. The Jazz need Kessler next to Jaren Jackson Jr. to make that trade worthwhile.
The NBA Free Agency period will become more predictable as the offseason progresses. With that being said, it’s never too early to look at cap space and potential fits for NBA Free Agency.
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