The 2026 NBA free agency period includes a notable group of point guards seeking new teams for the upcoming season. This market offers various player profiles, from established stars to experienced veterans and those looking to advance their careers, catering to different franchise needs, including title contenders and rebuilding teams.
Among the prominent names in the free agency pool is James Harden, who leads a list that also features Russell Westbrook, Brandon Williams, Gabe Vincent, and Cole Anthony. Each player approaches this summer with distinct circumstances, aiming to find an ideal situation to either revitalise or solidify their professional careers.
Veteran presence in the market
James Harden is once again a highly sought-after player after his performance with the Cleveland Cavaliers. During the season, the veteran point guard was traded to the Cavaliers and contributed to the Ohio franchise reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. His averages for the 2025-26 season included 23.6 points, 8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Russell Westbrook is also entering free agency following his 2025-26 season with the Sacramento Kings. Despite the Californian team’s campaign, Westbrook demonstrated his ability to contribute from the point guard position. His season concluded with averages of 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds. His future could involve joining a title contender as a bench player or a rebuilding franchise where his leadership and experience could benefit younger players.
Gabe Vincent is another player entering free agency after a season with the Atlanta Hawks. He is working to return to the form he displayed during his time in Miami, where he was a key contributor to a Heat team that reached the NBA Finals. Vincent is known for his outside shooting and his ability to create his own shots or catch and shoot from beyond the arc. He finished the season with averages of 4.4 points and 1.4 assists.
Emerging talents and potential impact players
Brandon Williams is entering the market after what has been described as the best season of his career with the Dallas Mavericks. He maximised his opportunities and increased his value before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Williams is noted for his explosiveness, ability to drive to the rim, and developing maturity in reading the game. His averages of 13 points and 3.9 assists per game suggest a progression that could make him an attractive option for teams seeking a young point guard with potential for further development.
Cole Anthony is also looking for a new contract after playing last season without a fixed team, becoming available on the market during the season. He is recognised for his ability to generate points independently, his one-on-one skills, quickness, and scoring off the dribble. Although his numbers were 6.7 points and 3.5 assists per game, he is considered a player with the potential to regain a significant role in the right environment.
The free agency period has seen some teams undergo significant changes. The Los Angeles Lakers, for instance, have made substantial roster adjustments, with only 42% of their 2025-26 regular-season minutes under contract for the upcoming season. This is a lower rate of continuity than any team had in the previous year. Key players such as LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura are no longer with the team, while new additions include Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, and Walker Kessler.
In contrast, the New Orleans Pelicans show a high rate of continuity, with 93% of their 2025-26 minutes accounted for by players under contract for the next season. This is the highest rate in the league. The Pelicans traded Jose Alvarado to New York in February, and other players like Kevon Looney and Trey Alexander have also moved on.
The New York Knicks have also seen changes, losing Mitchell Robinson due to salary cap constraints but replacing him with veteran Andre Drummond. Drummond is expected to replicate Robinson’s rebounding ability, having ranked among the top rebounders throughout his career. While Robinson had a higher offensive rebounding percentage in the past season, Drummond has shown greater durability, playing 83 more games than Robinson over the last five years.
Regarding shooting, the Knicks have nine players who shot 36% or better on at least 100 3-point attempts last season, which is two more than any other team. The Pelicans and the Kings, however, each have only two such shooters. Among the 14 outstanding free agents who met this shooting criterion, James Harden made the most 3-pointers and is expected to return to Cleveland.
The Denver Nuggets, who led the league with ten players meeting the 36% or better 3-point shooting mark at the end of last season, currently have only five of those players under contract for 2026-27. Four of the remaining five, including Bruce Brown and Peyton Watson, are outstanding free agents, accounting for 30% of the Nuggets’ 2025-26 minutes, the highest rate in the league by a significant margin.
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Source: blogdebasket.com
