Predicting where James Harden, 10 best point guards will land in 2026 NBA free agency

The point guard position has long been of the utmost importance in the NBA. Lead guards command the offense and get their teammates involved. The playoffs create new roster-building trends every year, too, and this year, during free agency, the demand for point guards will only increase. The postseason proved that having multiple ball handlers on the floor is never a bad thing. So, who are the best PGs headed for the open market, and where will these free agents sign come June 30?

10. Marcus Smart, Los Angeles Lakers, player option

It looked as though Marcus Smart’s career could be coming to a close when he bounced from the Boston Celtics to the Memphis Grizzlies to the Washington Wizards, but he had somewhat of a resurgence with the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Defensive Player of the Year is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. While his shooting numbers never pop off the page, he does tend to hit the important ones, too. The Lakers have a lot of moving parts to worry about this offseason, but assuming they will be led by defensively deficient guards like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves going forward, it would make sense to bring back an elite defensive guard.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

9. Russell Westbrook, Sacramento Kings, UFA

Russell Westbrook has regularly had to wait until deep into free agency to find a home in the twilight of his career. The former MVP and triple-double king finds himself in a weird place when he hits free agency these days because many think that he is too good and too ball-dominate to work on a rebuilding team that is trying to give touches to youngsters, but some think his style of play doesn’t work well for teams trying to contend. He had a solid year with the Sacramento Kings, though, and considering they might undergo a fire sale this offseason, maintaining a steady veteran makes sense.

Prediction: Sacramento Kings

8. Jose Alvarado, New York Knicks, player option

Jose Alvarado has long been known for his come-from-behind “Grand Theft Alvarado” steal, but he provides much more than peskiness. He plays with the heart of a lion and can hit shots even against the biggest defenders, too. Alvarado was a trade deadline acquisition for the New York Knicks, and he was a part of their championship rotation, so many teams could covet the energy and effort that he provides. After a down season, the Indiana Pacers could use a player like Alvarado to help reinstill their winning culture, especially because it is unclear how point guard Tyrese Haliburton will look upon his return.

Prediction: Indiana Pacers

7. Collin Sexton, Chicago Bulls, UFA

If a team wants constant energy, they should pursue Collin Sexton in free agency. The point guard once scored 24.3 points per game in his third season, and while he won’t do that again, he does provide plenty of scoring pop as a sixth man. He gives it his all on the defensive end, too. The Bulls have a few guards hitting free agency. They also have the money to retain some or all of them. Sexton is one they should make sure comes back.

Prediction: Chicago Bulls

6. Collin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns, UFA

A former undrafted player, Collin Gillespie really broke onto the scene as a starter with the Phoenix Suns this season. The Villanova product has always been able to command the offense, but his 3-point shooting expertise was on display during a season in which he averaged 12.7 points per game. The Suns had some serious point guard issues until they happened upon Gillespie, so it wouldn’t make any sense to let him walk in free agency now.

Prediction: Phoenix Suns

5. Anfernee Simons, Chicago Bulls, UFA

After the trade deadline, the Bulls had a logjam in the backcourt. That could lead to Anfernee Simons signing elsewhere in free agency. The Memphis Grizzlies could use Ja Morant insurance, and Simons could play alongside Morant if Memphis ends up keeping their star guard. Simons has served as a top scoring option before, and he has also scaled down for the betterment of his team when need be.

Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies

4. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets, player option

Fred VanVleet was supposed to be an important piece of a Houston Rockets team looking to contend this past season, but he missed the entire year after tearing his ACL in the weeks leading up to the regular season. The team desperately missed his playmaking and 3-point shooting. With Kevin Durant nearing retirement age, the Rockets are all in on winning now, so they’d love for the point guard to pick up his player option.

Prediction: Houston Rockets

3. Coby White, Charlotte Hornets, UFA

Two Chicago guards have already been discussed. Now, for a former Bulls backcourt player. Coby White’s numbers dropped when he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, but he also fit well with the team in a lower usage role. His game-tying shot to force overtime in the play-in tournament, for example, was the stuff of legend. That doesn’t mean White will for sure be back in Charlotte, though. The Hawks could still use a true Trae Young replacement, and they should pursue White in free agency to fill that void.

Prediction: Atlanta Hawks

2. James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers, player option

While James Harden will go down as one of the greatest shooting guards ever, he has spent recent years as a lead guard, thanks to his improved playmaking over time. The stepback jumper and reliable floater are still there, but Harden is annually one of the leaders in assists per game these days. The Cavaliers surely wouldn’t want to lose Harden after trading Darius Garland for him. He played 26 regular season games in Cleveland and looked like a key member of the core while the Cavaliers made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Financial issues are the one thing that could prevent a Harden return, but he holds the power over where he will play because of the player option on his contract. Expect one more year in Cleveland before the Cavaliers opt to move on and get their finances in check.

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers

1. Trae Young, Washington Wizards, declined player option (UFA)

Trae Young only played five games for the Washington Wizards after the team traded for him. The point guard is still one of the best offensive weapons in the NBA, and Washington will plan to have him as a part of their core for years to come, despite the fact that he just declined his player option. Young has led the NBA in both total assists and total points before. While his defense has always been questioned, his offensive prowess could help Washington become a playoff team.

Prediction: Washington Wizards

The post Predicting where James Harden, 10 best point guards will land in 2026 NBA free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints.