The market has changed drastically! Next summer, who can seize the opportunity?

This summer, the NBA restricted free agent market has been surging many times. The stay and retention of many players has become the focus of hot discussion among fans, and among these people, Nets guard Cam Thomas and Warriors forward Kumingga are undoubtedly the two most popular. In September, Kam Thomas made a choice, accepted the 6 million qualifying offer from the Nets and continued to stay in the team for one year.

As seemingly conservative decisions, there is actually a hidden mystery:

It is obvious that Thomas is betting on pursuing a larger and longer-term contract in an unrestricted free market next year.

Kuminga, who is also facing a deadlock in renewal, is also thinking about similar choices. According to current speculations by all parties, he is likely to accept 7.9 million to stay in the team for a year.

, and similar situations to the two are Josh Gidey and Grimes. But in comparison, Thomas and Kumingga's situation is more subtle. Judging from the current situation, it is difficult for them to obtain long-term contract protection in the short term. This also means that with the arrival of 2026, the names of the two have almost been locked in the free agent list next season.

In short, the free agent market in 2026 will inevitably be much more lively than this year.

And it is lively, not just because of a few young players. In the summer of 2026, almost half of NBA teams may have potential huge cap space, including not only rebuilding teams such as the Nets, Jazz, Hornets, but even playoff-level teams such as the Lakers, Clippers, and Pistons, can also seize opportunities.

This also means that after next season, the tradable value and potential players in the free market are likely to reach a whole new level.

If you look at it for the long term, there are likely to be many heavyweight stars entering the market in July next year. The stay and departure of veteran James is still a puzzle. At present, he may choose to retire or continue to compete outside Los Angeles; then Durant, who has not reached a contract renewal agreement with the team after the trade to the Rockets, and if the final result fails to meet his wish, he is likely to choose to transfer again.

In addition, on the star back line, Trae Young and Harden also hold the player options, and whether the two choose to execute is still worth paying attention to. Lakers Rivers also has player options, and it is also unlikely that he will choose to refuse in the future. Kobe White and Porzingis are also attractive, and Powell, who is playing the best season of his career, Green, Wiggins, Ayton and others also have player options; even players like Collins, Simmons Jr., Hachimura, and Harten are similar.

All this shows that the free market next season is destined to be crazy. For the teams in the league, this is also the best window for strengthening.

At the same time, players on the restricted free agent roster will face the same choice a year later, just like Thomas, Kumingga, Gidey, Grimes and others this year.

As of September this year, some players in the 2022 NBA draft have successfully completed contract renewals, mainly including Paul Banchero, Chet Homgren, Jaylen Williams and others, but many people still need to complete negotiations with their parent team before the end of October.

The players on the potential lineup are quite worth looking forward to: Walker Kessler, Dyson Daniels, Braun, Keegan Murray, Jaylen Durham, Sheden Sharp, Mark Williams and others with starting strength are qualified to fight; Tari Ethan and Jaden Ivey have unlimited young talents, and they may become the focus of attention in the future free market.

As time goes by, there will definitely be many changes in the subsequent free agent market. For Thomas and Kumingga, even if they face difficulties in renewing their contract with their parent team, their potential should not be underestimated.

Especially for those teams with salary space but are not ready to hit their results, it is obviously much more important to clarify the direction of strengthening in advance than at any moment now.

In short, the free agent market in 2026 is both an opportunity and a challenge for the league teams. Whether it is a player or a team, every choice will determine the changes in the league pattern next season.