As the NBA playoffs approach the Finals, the anticipation of the free agency period looms large. Evaluations are underway to identify which undervalued players may see substantial salary increases in their next contracts. This offseason presents complexities in the free-agent market, as premier buyers are few and far between. Among the overlooked players, several stand out as potential targets for franchises seeking to enhance their rosters, particularly those entering contracts beyond their rookie deals.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have concluded their season following back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals. A primary concern for the franchise is how to retain essential players, notably Naz Reid. The 25-year-old center holds a $15 million player option for the upcoming season but is widely expected to opt out of his contract. After an impressive performance that earned him the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024, Reid surpassed the value of his existing deal by averaging a career-high 14.2 points per game and maintaining a career shooting percentage of 37.3 from three-point range. Retaining a player of his caliber at $13.9 million has proven advantageous, but following this season, competition for his services is anticipated to intensify. If Reid opts out, he may command a starting salary in the vicinity of $20 million, making him a highly attractive option for teams in need of scoring depth off the bench. The Timberwolves will likely attempt to re-sign him, but they must also navigate the implications of the first apron in the salary cap structure.

Another Timberwolves player poised for a potential salary increase is Nickeil Alexander-Walker. An unrestricted free agent this offseason, Alexander-Walker is concluding a two-year, $9 million contract. His performance throughout the past two seasons suggests that he should receive a raise, despite a decline in shooting during the playoffs. He finished the regular season with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.1, attempting an average of 4.5 shots per game. His ability to drive against defenses and create scoring opportunities highlights his value, and teams are eager to acquire perimeter defenders with shooting capabilities. As the offseason approaches, interest in Alexander-Walker is expected to grow significantly.

Ty Jerome made a notable impression late in the season, garnering discussion around his candidacy for the Sixth Man of the Year award. After a winding journey that began with being drafted by the Phoenix Suns, stints with the Golden State Warriors, and ultimately landing with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year, $5 million deal, Jerome is now poised to become a highly sought-after free agent. In the past season, he achieved career-best numbers, averaging 12.5 points per game and posting a three-point shooting percentage of 43.9 on 3.6 attempts. His contributions also included 3.4 assists per game over 19.9 minutes. While his playoff performance was less impressive, his regular season success places him in a strong position for a lucrative contract this offseason, with expectations that he could secure a deal starting around the terms of Payton Pritchard's four-year, $30 million pact with the Boston Celtics. Teams in need of offensive firepower, particularly the Orlando Magic, should consider pursuing Jerome aggressively.

Guerschon Yabusele's career has been characterized by fluctuations, as he has moved in and out of the league. Initially a first-round pick for the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele had two seasons with the team before pursuing opportunities overseas in China, France, and Spain with Real Madrid. His recent performance with the French national team in the 2024 Paris Olympics reestablished his visibility within the NBA, culminating in a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the challenges faced by the Sixers during the season, Yabusele emerged as a notable contributor, averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 50.1% from the field in 27.1 minutes per game. This marks a significant improvement from his previous NBA tenure when he struggled to find consistent playing time. With his past season earnings slightly above $2 million, Yabusele is now poised for a pay raise and is expected to attract interest from teams seeking additional size in the frontcourt, including the 76ers.

One of the more surprising moves at the trade deadline was the acquisition of Quentin Grimes by the Philadelphia 76ers from the Dallas Mavericks. With Grimes entering the final year of his rookie contract, the trade was strategic in light of his approaching restricted free agency. After joining the 76ers, Grimes showcased his potential, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 28 games. His performance underscored his position as a valuable asset within the rotation. The timing of his development could not be better as he approaches restricted free agency, following a four-year rookie contract that totaled $11 million. Reports indicate that the 76ers are keen to re-sign Grimes; however, the ultimate outcome will hinge on the financial terms involved. Being a restricted free agent typically reduces the number of offers he may receive, and the 76ers will retain the ability to match any external offers he might accept.