A talented center can still change the direction of an NBA team, even in the modern era of pace-and-space basketball. The 2025 free agency class features a wide variety of options at the position, from proven All-Stars to underrated contributors who could thrive in the right system.
- 1. Myles Turner
- 2. Naz Reid
- 3. Brook Lopez
- 4. Mortiz Wagner
- 5. Clint Capela
- 6. Precious Achiuwa
- 7. Al Horford
- 8. Day’Ron Sharpe
- 9. Kevon Looney
- 10. Luke Kornet
- 11. Andre Drummond
- 12. Isaiah Jackson
- 13. Jaxson Hayes
- 14. Mason Plumlee
- 15. Thomas Bryant
- 16. Steven Adams
- 17. Sandro Mamukelashvili
- 18. Paul Reed
- 19. Marvin Bagley III
- 20. Dario Saric
We’ve already broken down the best point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards available this offseason. Now, it’s time to focus on the big men. Some of these centers could land massive paydays, and we dive into the top 20 centers hitting the open market this summer.
1. Myles Turner
Stats: 15.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Myles Turner is one of the premier shot-blockers in the NBA, and his free agency will be fascinating. A versatile big who can shoot the three (39.3%), Turner has been the anchor for Indiana’s defense for years, but with the Pacers trending younger and prioritizing flexibility, they may not be willing to offer him a long-term deal at his market value.
Given his skill set, Turner should have no shortage of suitors—contenders in need of a modern two-way center, like the Golden State Warriors, could be in the mix. Turner’s contract expectations will likely be around $25-30 million per year, and teams looking to make a deep playoff push will have to decide if they can afford to invest that much in a center.
2. Naz Reid
Stats: 14.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Contract: $15,022,464 Player Option
The Timberwolves made a statement when they moved Karl-Anthony Towns, signaling their belief in both Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. Reid’s emergence as a legitimate scoring option and floor-spacing big has made him invaluable to Minnesota, and after a career year, he’s due for a payday.
His $15 million player option is well below what he’ll command on the open market, and the Wolves will have to decide how much they’re willing to spend to keep him. Minnesota’s willingness to extend Reid long-term depends on their confidence in him as a full-time starter.
He has proven he can score, rebound, and defend multiple positions, but if a star-level player unexpectedly becomes available, he could also be an attractive piece in a sign-and-trade. We expect the Timberwolves to bring Reid back because he is only 25 years old and hitting 38.7% of his threes this year.
3. Brook Lopez
Stats: 12.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.9 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
At 36, Brook Lopez is one of the NBA’s most reliable big men, providing elite rim protection and outside shooting. While he’s no longer the dominant interior scorer he once was, his ability to stretch the floor (36.9%) and play high-level interior defense makes him a valuable piece for any contender.
The Bucks will surely attempt to retain him, but with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence making every season win or bust, Milwaukee may be hesitant to offer another multi-year deal to an aging center.
Lopez’s market will be interesting. He could be a prime candidate for a short-term, high-value contract with a title contender looking for an experienced center—teams like the Warriors, Celtics, or even a reunion with the Lakers could be options.
4. Mortiz Wagner
Stats: 12.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Contract: $11,000,000 Team Option
Wagner has carved out a key role in Orlando, offering energy, toughness, and efficient scoring as a very versatile big man. His $11 million team option gives the Magic flexibility, but given his production, it wouldn’t be surprising if he declines it in search of a bigger contract.
The Magic are building around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and while Moritz is a great fit, his future in Orlando could hinge on whether the team believes he’s worth a long-term commitment.
If Wagner hits the open market, he’ll be a coveted bench piece for playoff teams looking for a high-motor big who can space the floor and finish inside. Teams like the Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls could see him as a cost-effective addition to their frontcourt if the Magic want to let him walk.
5. Clint Capela
Stats: 8.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Once one of the best rebounding and rim-protecting centers in the league, Clint Capela’s impact has started to decline as the Hawks have prioritized developing Onyeka Okongwu. With Atlanta entering a retooling phase, Capela may not be in their long-term plans.
Capela’s value depends on fit. A team desperate for interior defense—like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, or Houston Rockets—could see him as a perfect veteran presence.
His offensive game remains limited, but his rebounding and rim-running make him a solid pickup for teams needing a lob threat and shot-blocker. His next contract likely won’t match his last deal, but a mid-level exception-type contract from a contender could be a logical outcome.
6. Precious Achiuwa
Stats: 6.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Achiuwa is one of those high-upside players who still hasn’t fully put everything together, but teams will be intrigued by his defensive versatility and energy. He’s an effective rebounder and switchable defender, but his offensive inconsistency has held him back from a larger role.
Toronto could choose to retain him as a depth piece, but with their current direction unclear, he might look elsewhere for a bigger opportunity. A team like the Memphis Grizzlies or Indiana Pacers (if they lose Turner) could take a chance on Achiuwa, betting that his athleticism and defensive upside can make him a valuable rotation player.
7. Al Horford
Stats: 8.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Al Horford’s days of being a full-time starter may be numbered, but he’s still an elite role player who might be a legend in Boston. His leadership and defensive IQ remain assets, and the Celtics will likely try to keep him on a short-term deal.
However, if Boston looks to get younger, he may explore other contending teams that need a veteran presence in the locker room. The Clippers or Nuggets could be strong landing spots if Horford decides to leave Boston, which we believe is highly unlikely.
8. Day’Ron Sharpe
Stats: 8.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Contract: $5,983,683 Qualifying Offer
Sharpe has shown flashes of being a dominant rebounder and defensive big, but consistency has been an issue. Brooklyn has given him opportunities in spurts, but with their roster in flux, it’s unclear whether they see him as a long-term fit.
His qualifying offer is low, meaning he’ll likely test the market to see if another team values him more. If a team like the San Antonio Spurs or Detroit Pistons takes a chance on Sharpe, he could develop into a legitimate rotation player.
He’s still just 23 years old, and with the right development system, his physical tools could translate into a reliable starting center down the line.
9. Kevon Looney
Stats: 4.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Looney has been a key piece of Golden State’s system, providing elite rebounding and hustle plays without demanding touches. However, the Warriors’ recent shift toward a more athletic frontcourt with Jimmy Butler and Trayce Jackson-Davis could make Looney expendable.
If the Warriors let him walk, expect multiple teams to show interest in his veteran leadership and playoff experience. He’s not a flashy player, but teams like the Lakers or Celtics could view him as a steady backup who brings championship pedigree.
10. Luke Kornet
Stats: 5.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Kornet’s role in Boston has steadily increased in recent seasons as he’s shown flashes of being a capable shot-blocker and pick-and-roll finisher. His free agency market will depend on how much teams value his ability to provide depth at center because he is a 7’2″ behemoth.
Boston may look to keep him on a minimum deal, but if a team desperate for size needs an extra body, Kornet could find a new home. The Celtics are hoping Kornet doesn’t get a bigger offer because they need depth behind an injury-prone Kristaps Porzingis and an aging Al Horford – if the latter returns.
11. Andre Drummond
Stats: 7.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Contract: $5,000,000 Player Option
Drummond may not be the dominant force he once was in Detroit, but he remains one of the league’s best rebounders in limited minutes. His ability to control the glass and provide efficient scoring around the rim makes him an appealing option for teams in need of veteran depth at center.
With a $5 million player option, he has a decision to make—stay with the drama-filled Sixers on a cheap deal or test the market for a potential pay raise. If he declines his option, expect teams like the Phoenix Suns or Miami Heat to show interest, as both could use a physical big man who can battle against larger frontcourts.
12. Isaiah Jackson
Stats: 7.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Contract: $6,422,431 Qualifying Offer
Jackson is one of the more intriguing free agents on the market—young, athletic, and full of potential. He’s shown flashes as a shot-blocker and rim-runner in Indiana but hasn’t quite earned a consistent role in their rotation.
His qualifying offer is just over $6 million, and while Indiana may try to keep him, other teams looking for an energetic big could see him as a high-upside investment. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Charlotte Hornets could take a chance on Jackson, hoping to unlock his defensive versatility.
13. Jaxson Hayes
Stats: 6.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Hayes is another young center who hasn’t quite lived up to his lottery-pick status but remains a serviceable big man for the Lakers who don’t have another reliable big man. Alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Hayes has done a decent job so far.
If Hayes hits the open market, he’ll likely find a home with a team needing rim protection and energy off the bench. The San Antonio Spurs could see him as a reclamation project worth a short-term investment but the Lakers would hope to bring the 24-year-old back on a reasonable deal to be their backup.
14. Mason Plumlee
Stats: 4.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Plumlee is a reliable backup center who can pass, rebound, and finish efficiently inside. He’s not a game-changer, but he’s the type of veteran big who keeps things steady when he’s on the floor.
The Suns could look to bring him back on a cheap deal, but with their roster aging and expensive, they may opt to go younger at the position. If Plumlee becomes available, teams like the Denver Nuggets or Boston Celtics could be interested in adding a veteran presence to their second unit.
15. Thomas Bryant
Stats: 6.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Bryant’s career has been a rollercoaster—at times looking like an efficient offensive big, and at others struggling to find consistent minutes. With the Pacers prioritizing talent above all, they may move on from him this summer.
A team in need of scoring off the bench, like the Chicago Bulls, could see Bryant as a solid low-cost addition. We don’t see Bryant returning for more than a veteran’s minimum deal, however.
16. Steven Adams
Stats: 3.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Injuries have derailed Adams’ past couple of seasons, but the Rockets have found a way to maximize his raw size and strength as a backup center in limited minutes. There might not be a more physically powerful player in the NBA right now.
Houston may consider bringing him back on a short-term deal, but if they move in a different direction, teams like the New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers could have interest. Adams won’t command a big contract, but he will have a job next year.
17. Sandro Mamukelashvili
Stats: 5.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Mamukelashvili has been a solid depth piece, showing flashes of versatility as a big man who can pass and shoot. He hasn’t played major minutes, but he’s an intriguing option for teams looking for a skilled big who can stretch the floor.
Given his limited production, he’s likely looking at a minimum contract, but a team like the Sacramento Kings or Toronto Raptors could take a chance on his skill set if the Spurs prioritize a better big man behind Victor Wembanyama.
18. Paul Reed
Stats: 4.1 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Reed has found a way to keep an NBA job due to his scrappy play and defensive energy. He’s an undersized center, but his hustle, shot-blocking and rebounding make him a valuable bench piece.
The Pistons will likely try to retain him, but if another team offers him a bigger role, he could explore other options. A team like the Miami Heat or Minnesota Timberwolves could see Reed as a perfect fit for their bench.
19. Marvin Bagley III
Stats: 4.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Contract: Free Agent
Once the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Bagley has struggled to find consistency due to injuries and defensive shortcomings. He’s still a talented scorer with a soft touch around the rim, but his lack of defensive impact has made it hard for him to stick as a starting-caliber big.
Bagley’s next contract will likely be a prove-it deal, with teams like the San Antonio Spurs or Washington Wizards possibly taking a flier on him on a minimum deal. It is also possible that Bagley won’t get a job next season, but we hope someone picks him
20. Dario Saric
Stats: 3.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Contract: $5,426,400 Player Option
Saric remains a skilled offensive big who can space the floor and facilitate, but he’s no longer the impact player he was earlier in his career. His $5.4 million player option makes it likely he will stay with the Nuggets unless he believes he can secure a better deal elsewhere.
If he does test free agency, teams in need of a stretch big—like the Phoenix Suns or Cleveland Cavaliers—could be interested in his skill set. He’s likely looking at a contract in the range of $4 million, and if he can find the right role, he could still be a valuable bench contributor.
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