As the NBA playoffs edge closer to the Finals, attention is increasingly shifting to the looming 2025 free agency period. Several players, including Ty Jerome and Naz Reid, are expected to see significant contract increases, highlighting the emerging trend of rising NBA talents breaking out of bargain-bin status. Teams will soon face challenging decisions, balancing valuable roster pieces against salary cap constraints in a season where top-tier free agents are relatively scarce.
Naz Reid’s Rising Value After a Breakout Season
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ campaign has ended, marking a critical moment for the franchise to evaluate how to retain core contributors like Naz Reid, who holds a $15 million player option for the upcoming season. At 25 years old, Reid has exceeded expectations and earned the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year award after averaging a career-high 14.2 points per game and shooting a respectable 37.3 percent from beyond the arc over his career.
His role as an impactful bench scorer at a current salary of roughly $13.9 million has been a bargain for Minnesota. However, Reid is anticipated to opt out of his contract, with potential suitors prepared to offer him a starting salary near $20 million annually. Multiple teams will seek the offensive boost Reid provides from the bench, triggering a high-demand bidding war. The Timberwolves must weigh the implications of matching such offers, mindful of salary cap thresholds like the luxury tax apron.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Set for Contract Boost
Another Timberwolves player likely to secure a raise is Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after completing a two-year, $9 million contract. Although his playoff shooting declined, Alexander-Walker posted a solid 38.1 percent three-point shooting during the regular season, averaging 4.5 attempts per game while demonstrating the ability to attack defenses and contribute as a secondary playmaker.
Given the ongoing league-wide demand for perimeter defenders who can reliably stretch the floor, Alexander-Walker’s skill set positions him as a sought-after free agent. He can expect increased interest from teams looking to strengthen their wing rotation and boost three-point efficiency.
Ty Jerome’s Transition from Undervalued Role Player to High-Value Free Agent
Ty Jerome’s trajectory has been remarkable. After a nomadic career beginning with the Phoenix Suns, a stint on a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors, and eventually signing a two-year, $5 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jerome is now ready to increase his market value substantially. His recent season saw career-best averages of 12.5 points per game, shooting an impressive 43.9 percent on 3.6 three-point attempts per contest, alongside 3.4 assists in under 20 minutes of play.
While his playoff performance dipped, Jerome’s overall production makes him a highly attractive target for teams in need of offensive firepower off the bench. It is expected that his next contract will far surpass the value of his current deal, with a floor likely matching the scale of Payton Pritchard’s four-year, $30 million agreement signed with Boston. Franchises, especially those desperate for bench scoring—such as Orlando—are anticipated to aggressively pursue Jerome.
Guerschon Yabusele’s Resurgence with the Philadelphia 76ers
Guerschon Yabusele represents a veteran with a unique path back to NBA relevance. After being selected in the first round of the 2016 draft by Boston and spending two seasons there, Yabusele’s career included overseas time in China, France, and a notable three-year tenure with Spain’s Real Madrid. His return to the NBA spotlight came during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he represented France before signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite a challenging season for the Sixers, Yabusele distinguished himself by averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds per game on a high 50.1 percent shooting rate over 27.1 minutes. This marked a significant improvement from his earlier NBA years, with his $2 million salary this past season likely to increase. As teams aim to bolster frontcourt depth, Yabusele will be a notable candidate in this year’s free agent market.
Quentin Grimes’ Impact and Upcoming Restricted Free Agency
Quentin Grimes experienced a notable midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Philadelphia 76ers amid his impending restricted free agency. Coming off a four-year rookie deal worth $11 million, Grimes has demonstrated substantial growth upon joining Philadelphia, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 28 games. This performance surge signals he is ready for a more prominent role moving forward.
The restricted free agency status offers the Sixers a strategic advantage, allowing them to match competing offers and potentially retain Grimes if they reach a financial agreement. Despite this leverage, pricing remains a critical factor as Philadelphia aims to keep their promising wing contributor as a core piece moving ahead.
Anticipated Shifts in NBA Team Rosters Following Free Agency
The upcoming free agency period will likely reshape numerous rosters, with players like Ty Jerome and Naz Reid poised to secure significantly better contracts than their current deals. Their respective improvements signal a broader trend in the league where mid-tier players transition into valuable rotation options and coveted free agents. Teams below the luxury tax apron will contest heavily for these rising contributors, while those over may face tough decisions about matching offers or facing cap penalties.
For franchises such as the Timberwolves and 76ers, the challenge will be managing salary cap space effectively while prioritizing re-signing essential pieces or aggressively pursuing market opportunities. This offseason stands as a pivotal moment for several teams looking to deepen their benches and elevate their championship prospects.