NBA free agency kicks off July 1 in what promises to be a wild summer.
Though some feel that this year's free agent class is lacking in star power, what will make this offseason interesting is the exploding salary cap, which will raise salaries and give nearly every team money to spend.
This will lead to some giant contracts for in-demand players, and when teams strike out on the few big names, it could lead to some knee-jerk signings or trades.
Here is our list of the 31 best NBA free agents this summer.
Note: * denotes a restricted free agent, meaning the player's team can match any outside offers.
LeBron James, F
2015-16 team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Possible landing spots: Cavaliers
One thing to know: Surprise! LeBron is opting out again as part of his brilliant ploy to keep getting more money. Don't worry, though — he's not going anywhere.
Kevin Durant, F
2015-16 team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Possible landing spots: Thunder, Warriors, Spurs, Heat, Celtics, Clippers
One thing to know: Durant is taking meetings with six teams, but the prevailing logic is that he'll return to Oklahoma City for at least one more year. Can he really walk away from Russell Westbrook and the Thunder after coming within one win of the NBA championship?
Al Horford, F/C
2015-16 team: Atlanta Hawks
Possible landing spots: Hawks, Celtics, Wizards, Nets
One thing to know: Horford's blend of scoring, defense, and unselfishness would make him a good fit on any team, whether as a traditional power forward or a small center.
Mike Conley, PG
2015-16 team: Memphis Grizzlies
Possible landing spots: Grizzlies, Mavericks, Spurs
One thing to know: The frequently overlooked Conley is far and away the best point guard on the free agency market, but few teams have openings at point guard.
Hassan Whiteside, C
2015-16 team: Miami Heat
Possible landing spots: Heat, Lakers, Mavericks, Trail Blazers
One thing to know: Whiteside has become one of the NBA's best shot-blockers and rebounders, and he still has areas to improve upon.
Dwight Howard, C
2015-16 team: Houston Rockets
Possible landing spots: Celtics, Hawks, Knicks
One thing to know: Two unsuccessful stops in Houston and Los Angeles, combined with declining athleticism, have soured Howard's market. However, if healthy and happy, Howard is still an elite rim defender and pick-and-roll big man.
Andre Drummond, C*
2015-16 team: Detroit Pistons
Possible landing spots: Pistons
One thing to know: Drummond is one of the most promising young big men in the NBA, and the Pistons aren't going to let him go anywhere.
Nicolas Batum, G/F
2015-16 team: Charlotte Hornets
Possible landing spots: Hornets, Warriors, Wizards
One thing to know: Batum is set for a max payday this offseason as a versatile wing who can handle the ball and spread the floor.
DeMar DeRozan, G/F
2015-16 team: Toronto Raptors
Possible landing spots: Raptors, Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Heat, Knicks
One thing to know: DeRozan has steadily improved each year as a scorer, and despite another poor postseason showing, he should still be in line for a max contract.
Dwyane Wade, G
2015-16 team: Miami Heat
Possible landing spots: Heat
One thing to know: Wade's representatives reportedly let other teams know he's on the market this offseason, but it's tough to envision the longtime Miami star actually leaving the team.
Bradley Beal, G*
2015-16 team: Washington Wizards
Possible landing spots: Wizards
One thing to know: Beal has struggled with injuries his whole career, but the 23-year-old has promise, and the Wizards won't let him go.
Chandler Parsons, F
2015-16 team: Dallas Mavericks
Possible landing spots: Mavericks, Grizzlies, Magic, 76ers
One thing to know: Parsons is one of the better two-way wings in the NBA, but he has struggled to stay healthy in recent years.
Joakim Noah, C
2015-16 team: Chicago Bulls
Possible landing spots: Knicks, Warriors, Wizards, Wolves
One thing to know: Noah was once one of the premier centers in the NBA, but his age and injuries may make teams hesitant to commit too much money to him. He played just 29 games last season.
Pau Gasol, F/C
2015-16 team: Chicago Bulls
Possible landing spots: Spurs, Warriors, Knicks
One thing to know: Gasol revived his career with the Bulls the last two years, averaging a double-double and making the All-Star team twice. He'd be an excellent complementary piece on a contender.
Dirk Nowitzki, F
2015-16 team: Dallas Mavericks
Possible landing spots: Mavericks
One thing to know: There are rumors circulating that Nowitzki may consider looking at other teams, but ESPN's Marc Stein said on Zach Lowe's podcast that there's "no chance" he leaves Dallas.
Kent Bazemore, G/F
2015-16 team: Atlanta Hawks
Possible landing spots: Hawks, Knicks, 76ers
One thing to know: Bazemore had a career year in 2015-16, with averages of 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and 35% shooting from three, making him one of the most coveted wings of the summer.
Harrison Barnes, F*
2015-16 team: Golden State Warriors
Possible landing spots: Warriors, 76ers, Trail Blazers
One thing to know: Barnes is one of the most puzzling free agents this summer — a young, athletic forward who can stretch the floor, play defense, and rebound that many people also feel was carried by the immensely talented Warriors.
Ryan Anderson, F
2015-16 team: New Orleans Pelicans
Possible landing spots: Wizards, Kings, Lakers, Grizzlies
One thing to know: Anderson's one elite skill — three-point shooting — will make him a lot of money at a time when sweet-shooting big men are in demand.
Evan Fournier, G*
2015-16 team: Orlando Magic
Possible landing spots: Magic
One thing to know: Fournier had a breakout season in 2015-16 with the Magic, and they're expected to match offers to keep the skilled 23-year-old combo guard.
Marvin Williams, F
2015-16 team: Charlotte Hornets
Possible landing spots: Hornets, Pacers, Mavericks, Rockets
One thing to know: Eleven years into his career, Williams finally found his fit in the NBA as a stretch four. A solid year in Charlotte could earn him a lot of money at the NBA's most-valued position.
Dion Waiters, G*
2015-16 team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Possible landing spots: Thunder, 76ers, Kings
One thing to know: Waiters' game has slowly matured into a "three-and-D" role, and the Thunder can match any offer he receives, but it seems they will only go so high to keep him.
Bismack Biyombo, C
2015-16 team: Toronto Raptors
Possible landing spots: Raptors
One thing to know: Biyombo had a breakout postseason with the Raptors, and reports say the athletic, shot-blocking big man is willing to be patient so he can re-sign in Toronto.
Courtney Lee, G
2015-16 team: Charlotte Hornets
Possible landing spots: Hornets, Kings, Knicks
One thing to know: Lee's numbers won't blow anyone away, but every team could use a solid defender and career 38% shooter from three.
Luol Deng, F
2015-16 team: Miami Heat
Possible landing spots: Heat, Jazz, Clippers
One thing to know: Deng had a small revival in Miami as a stretch four and should get some attention this summer to fill that role for a playoff team.
Jeremy Lin, PG
2015-16 team: Charlotte Hornets
Possible landing spots: Hornets, Knicks, Nets, Pacers
One thing to know: Lin had a nice year off the bench for the Hornets and has said he'd like to sign a long-term deal somewhere this summer.
Allen Crabbe, G*
2015-16 team: Portland Trail Blazers
Possible landing spots: Blazers, 76ers, Nets, Kings
One thing to know: The 24-year-old quietly had a nice year off the bench, and with the Blazers having three restricted free agents, he might be available for the right price.
Eric Gordon, G
2015-16 team: New Orleans Pelicans
Possible landing spots: Pelicans, Knicks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Pacers
One thing to know: Gordon is still a solid offensive shooting guard, but he hasn't played over 70 games since his rookie year, in 2009.
JR Smith, G/F
2015-16 team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Possible landing spots: Cavaliers
One thing to know: After maturing on the court, locking in on defense, and helping the Cavs win a title, it seems unlikely that the Cavs (LeBron) will let another team steal JR.
Ian Mahinmi, C
2015-16 team: Indiana Pacers
Possible landing spots: Pacers, Mavericks, Bulls, Celtics
One thing to know: The 29-year-old center had a nice 2015-16 season, earned some votes for most improved player, and could be a nice signing for a team looking for a defense-first center.
Festus Ezeli, C*
2015-16 team: Golden State Warriors
Possible landing spots: Warriors
One thing to know: Ezeli's solid season was tarnished by a poor postseason. The Warriors can match any offer he gets, but he could be the odd man out if they pursue bigger free agents.
Rajon Rondo, PG
2015-16 team: Sacramento Kings
Possible landing spots: Kings, Nets
One thing to know: Rondo showed flashes of his old self in his one-year deal with the Kings, but in general, the market for his style of play seems to have diminished.
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