Harden has a player option for 2025-26 at $36.3 million for the season. He can play out the final year of the contract or become a free agent in the summer. He still logged significant minutes (35.3 per game) and continued to produce. A strong run during the postseason reaffirmed his status as a capable scorer.

From accomplished guards to versatile big men, there are options for teams looking to take a big step via 2025 free agency.

9:17 p.m. ET: The Charlotte Hornets are trading center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the No. 29 pick in the 2025 draft ( Liam McNeeley ), guard Vasilije Micic and a 2029 first-round pick, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.