2025 NBA Free Agency: Breaking Down the Top Power Forward Market
The 2025 NBA free agency period is set to kick off with the negotiation window opening at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, and the power forward market presents an intriguing mix of established veterans, rising stars, and high-upside projects.
Here’s a breakdown of the top power forwards available, their contract situations, and what moves make the most sense for both players and teams.
1. Julius Randle – Minnesota Timberwolves
Status: Player option ($30.9M)
2024-25 Stats: 23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.7 APG
After years of playoff struggles, Julius Randle finally silenced critics with a strong postseason performance, boosting his stock at the perfect time. Now, he faces a pivotal decision:
- Opt in for one more year at $30.9M
- Opt out and seek a longer-term deal (likely 3-4 years)
What Makes Sense?
The Timberwolves, already deep into the luxury tax, may try to negotiate a team-friendly extension rather than lose him for nothing in 2026. Expect Randle to leverage his playoff success into a new deal, either in Minnesota or via sign-and-trade.
2. Jonathan Kuminga – Golden State Warriors
Status: Restricted free agent
2024-25 Stats: 16.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.3 APG
The Warriors and Kuminga appear headed for a divorce, but his restricted free agency complicates things.
- If another team (like Brooklyn) offers a big contract, Golden State may match or facilitate a sign-and-trade.
- If no offer sheets emerge, a short-term “prove-it” deal could keep him in the Bay Area temporarily.
What Makes Sense?
Given the Warriors’ tight finances, a sign-and-trade seems most likely—unless Kuminga shocks the league by taking a discount to stay.
3. John Collins – Utah Jazz
Status: Exercised $26.6M player option
2024-25 Stats: 17.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG
Collins has revitalized his career in Utah, proving his Atlanta struggles were more about fit than decline. But with limited cap space league-wide, picking up his $26.6M option was a smart financial move.
What Makes Sense?
- Stay in Utah for another year, then hit free agency in 2026 when more teams have flexibility.
- A midseason trade could be in play if the Jazz pivot toward youth.
4. Al Horford – Boston Celtics
Status: Unrestricted free agent
2024-25 Stats: 7.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.4 APG
At 39 years old, Horford remains a defensive anchor and floor-spacer, but his role is diminishing.
What Makes Sense?
- A one-year, veteran-minimum deal to return to Boston.
- If he wants a larger role, a contender like Denver or Phoenix could be a fit.
5. Santi Aldama – Memphis Grizzlies
Status: Restricted free agent
2024-25 Stats: 12.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.9 APG
The Grizzlies’ stretch big man has shown promising growth, making him a valuable RFA.
What Makes Sense?
- Memphis likely matches reasonable offers to keep him as a key rotation piece.
- If a team overpays, the Grizzlies may let him walk to avoid luxury tax issues.
Other Notable Names
- Pascal Siakam (PHI) – Likely staying on a max deal.
- Kyle Kuzma (WAS) – Could be a trade candidate if Washington rebuilds.
- Jarred Vanderbilt (LAL) – A defensive specialist who may seek a bigger role.
Final Thoughts
This year’s power forward market lacks elite superstars, but it offers high-impact role players who could shift playoff races.
Key Questions:
- Will Randle cash in on his playoff breakout?
- Can Kuminga land a big offer sheet?
- Does Horford have one more run left in him?
With teams tight against the cap, expect creative sign-and-trades, short-term deals, and surprise moves as free agency unfolds.
