NBA Free Agency is one of the most thrilling periods in the basketball calendar, promising seismic shifts as players find new homes and teams reshape their rosters. As the negotiating window approaches its June 29, 2025 opening, teams across the league are strategizing their approach. This year’s small forward market holds particular interest, largely due to the status of one iconic player.
LeBron James Remains with the Lakers
The biggest news impacting the 2025 NBA free <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/30/lebron-james-exercises-option-and-will-remain-with-lakers-for-his-23rd-nba-season/” title=”Breaking: LeBron James Stays With Lakers, Exercises Option”>agent small forward class arrived early. Contrary to initial speculation, four-time MVP LeBron James has officially opted into his substantial $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season. This decision firmly keeps the future Hall of Famer with the Los Angeles Lakers for at least another year.
At 40 years old and entering his 22nd NBA season, James continues to perform at an All-Star level. His choice to exercise the option, as reported by sources including his agent Rich Paul, allows him to maintain control over his career trajectory. It also ensures he remains teammates with Slovenian superstar Luka Dončić and potentially allows him to play alongside his eldest son, Bronny James, for another season. James’ focus remains on helping the Lakers contend for a championship, a goal he feels is realistic with the current roster configuration. His presence on the roster, secured by the player option, significantly alters the landscape for teams seeking top-tier wing talent this summer.
The Available Small Forward Market
With LeBron James off the board, the pool of unrestricted and restricted free agent small forwards for 2025 becomes notably thinner at the very top. While the overall 2025 free agency class features high-value players at other positions, like Myles Turner at center or Josh Giddey in the backcourt, the small forward market focuses more on valuable role players, specialists, and developmental prospects.
Here are some of the top wings expected to be available or whose status is relevant as free agency opens:
Key Small Forwards Seeking New Deals
Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors): Restricted Free Agent
Ranked as high as third overall in the 2025 free agent class rankings, Kuminga represents one of the most intriguing young wings potentially available. Despite showing flashes of athleticism, off-the-dribble scoring, and improved shooting with Golden State, he’s sometimes been out of the regular rotation. At just 22, Kuminga’s potential is significant. He projects as a player who could thrive with a larger role and offers a blend of scoring and athleticism. As a restricted free agent, the Warriors hold the right to match any offer he receives, adding a layer of complexity to his situation.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (Philadelphia 76ers): Player Option Exercised
The 29-year-old wing has exercised his $8.38 million player option to return to the Philadelphia 76ers. While not an All-Star, Oubre Jr. is known for his ability to score in bunches, averaging 16.6 points over the past three seasons. He provides decent rebounding and competitive defense, though efficiency can be a challenge as he requires a high volume of shots. His decision to opt in provides scoring punch and continuity for the Sixers roster.
Caris LeVert (Atlanta Hawks): Unrestricted Free Agent
Now 30, Caris LeVert is an unrestricted free agent hitting the market. Known throughout his career as a crafty scorer, LeVert showed improved efficiency last season by becoming more deliberate with his shot selection, even if it meant slightly lower scoring volume (12.1 points, 3.4 assists per game last season, 10th overall free agent ranking). He appears to have found a comfortable and effective role as a backup wing playmaker and scorer. Remaining with the Atlanta Hawks, where minutes are available, could be a logical choice, as he is unlikely to command a starting role or corresponding salary elsewhere. Prioritizing a situation that optimizes his proven backup capabilities seems prudent.
Taurean Prince (Milwaukee Bucks): Unrestricted Free Agent
Taurean Prince enters free agency as a reliable and consistent veteran. He excels in a defined role, primarily as a high-percentage catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc. Prince also offers positional defensive versatility and is valued as a solid locker-room presence. Affordable and capable of fitting alongside more dynamic stars, he provides valuable depth. While perhaps not an everyday starter on a deep playoff team, his 41.6% shooting from three last season (11.1 points per game, 15th overall ranking) makes him appealing to contenders seeking a 3-and-D wing. Prince joined the Milwaukee Bucks seeking a championship push, and other contenders like the Denver Nuggets could show interest.
Developing Wings and Other Notables
Amir Coffey (Los Angeles Clippers): Unrestricted Free Agent
Amir Coffey has steadily improved his game, particularly showcasing enhanced floor spacing. The 6-foot-7 wing shot nearly 41% from three-point range last season on career-high volume (3.4 attempts per game). This shooting prowess makes him an attractive target for teams prioritizing outside threats. Approaching age 28, Coffey is entering his prime years. His next contract will likely be the most significant of his career, making it reasonable for him to prioritize financial gain. Identifying teams most in need of three-point shooting could maximize his payday this summer.
Justin Edwards (Philadelphia 76ers): Team Option
A young prospect at 21, Justin Edwards completed his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite playing for a team undergoing significant changes, he showed promise. Edwards displayed a decent scoring touch (10.1 points per game), rebounded well for his position, and hit outside shots consistently. His youth and demonstrated skills suggest a clear path to potentially earning a larger role in the future. Philadelphia holds a team option valued at just under $2 million, giving them control over his immediate future and potential long-term development within their system. If the Sixers decline the option, any team focused on building with young talent would likely pursue him.
Context Within the Broader Market
While the small forward class lacks a true superstar with LeBron opting in, the 2025 free agency period features high-level talent at other positions. The center market, for instance, is considered deep with starting-caliber players available at various price points, potentially making it the most active position for player movement. The power forward market is seen as thin at the top after players like Julius Randle (who has a player option) and Santi Aldama (a restricted free agent with a high overall ranking).
This dynamic means teams needing wing help will likely focus on matching specific needs – whether it’s scoring depth (Oubre Jr., LeVert), shooting specialists (Prince, Coffey), or potential upside (Kuminga, Edwards) – with the available players, navigating complexities like player options, team options, restricted free agency, Bird rights, and the new collective bargaining agreement’s apron rules which heavily influence team spending and roster construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is LeBron James not an NBA free agent in 2025?
LeBron James is not a free agent because he decided to exercise his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. This contractual decision binds him to the Los Angeles Lakers for another year, removing him from the pool of available players when the free agency negotiating window opens on June 29, 2025.
Which teams might target the available small forwards mentioned?
Teams needing specific skills at the wing position will target these players. Contenders requiring three-point shooting and veteran presence might look at Taurean Prince or Amir Coffey. Teams seeking backup scoring or playmaking could pursue Caris LeVert. Developing teams or those willing to invest in potential might target restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga or pursue Justin Edwards if his team option is declined.
What types of contracts can these small forward free agents expect?
Contract types will vary based on player status and demand. Unrestricted free agents like Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, and Amir Coffey can sign with any team, potentially securing multi-year deals depending on the market, including potentially using the Mid-Level Exception (MLE). Restricted free agents like Jonathan Kuminga can sign offer sheets with any team, but their current team (Golden State) has the right to match. Players like Kelly Oubre Jr. exercised player options for one more year with their current teams.
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA free agent small forward market presents a distinct picture with LeBron James choosing to stay with the Lakers via his player option. This shifts the focus from a potential superstar sweepstakes to teams vying for valuable role players and prospects. Wings like Jonathan Kuminga, Kelly Oubre Jr., Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, and Amir Coffey, among others, offer diverse skill sets that will appeal to teams looking to round out their rosters, add shooting, improve depth, or invest in future potential as the crucial free agency period gets underway.
