As the NBA playoffs near their conclusion, attention is turning to the upcoming free agency period. It is essential to evaluate which underappreciated players may secure a significant pay increase in their next contracts. This offseason's free-agent market is expected to be tricky, as there may be a scarcity of high-end buyers. However, several overlooked players are worth consideration by teams looking to enhance their rosters. This analysis mainly focuses on individuals seeking contracts beyond their rookie deals.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have concluded their season, and following back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals, the team faces the challenge of retaining key contributors, starting with Naz Reid. The 25-year-old center has a $15 million player option for the upcoming season but is anticipated to opt out of his current contract. Reid has surpassed expectations, being named the Sixth Man of the Year in 2024. He recorded a career-high average of 14.2 points per game and boasts a career shooting percentage of 37.3 from three-point range. Having a player of Reid's caliber coming off the bench for $13.9 million has proven to be a considerable bargain, but that scenario is likely to alter after this season. Interest in Reid is expected to be substantial, and if he does opt out, he could command a starting salary in the vicinity of $20 million, particularly from teams seeking offensive depth off the bench. The Timberwolves will strive to re-sign him, but they must navigate the salary cap implications of the first apron.

Another Timberwolves player projected to receive a raise is Nickeil Alexander-Walker. As an unrestricted free agent this offseason, he is coming off a two-year, $9 million contract. Alexander-Walker's performance throughout the past two seasons might earn him a notable increase. While his shooting declined during the playoffs, he managed to shoot 38.1 percent from three-point range on 4.5 attempts per game during the regular season. He has demonstrated his ability to attack closeouts and contribute as a playmaker, which will make him appealing to teams seeking perimeter defenders who can shoot. Alexander-Walker's phone is likely to be busy once free agency begins.

Ty Jerome made a late-season push for the Sixth Man of the Year award, transitioning from being a draft pick for the Phoenix Suns to a two-way player with the Golden State Warriors before landing with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year, $5 million contract. Following a breakout season, Jerome is set to transition from a bargain option to a sought-after free agent. Last season, Jerome posted career-best averages of 12.5 points and a three-point shooting percentage of 43.9 on 3.6 attempts per game. He also averaged 3.4 assists in 19.9 minutes per game. Although his postseason performance saw a decline, Jerome is expected to garner interest during the offseason, with a baseline salary in the realm of Payton Pritchard's four-year, $30 million deal with the Boston Celtics appearing reasonable. Teams desperate for offensive firepower, such as the Orlando Magic, may find Jerome particularly attractive.

Guerschon Yabusele's career has been marked by fluctuations, with periods of being both in and out of the league. Selected in the first round of the 2016 draft by the Boston Celtics, Yabusele spent two seasons there before venturing overseas in China and France, followed by a three-year stint in Spain with Real Madrid. His re-emergence in the NBA occurred during the 2024 Paris Olympics while representing the French national team, leading to a one-year agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers. Although the 76ers experienced a challenging season, Yabusele stood out, averaging 11 points with a 50.1 field-goal percentage and 5.6 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game. This season marked a significant improvement from his previous NBA tenure, during which he struggled to secure consistent playing time. After making just over $2 million last season, Yabusele is likely to receive a salary increase and should attract significant interest from teams looking to bolster their frontcourt.

One of the more unexpected trades during the deadline was the Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers. This move was partly motivated by Grimes’ impending restricted free agency as he comes to the end of his rookie contract, putting him in a position for a substantial payday. After joining the 76ers, Grimes significantly elevated his performance, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 28 games. With increased playing time, he demonstrated his potential to be a reliable rotation player. Coinciding with his improved performance, Grimes will enter the restricted free agency period. His rookie contract was valued at $11 million over four years. Although he remains a restricted free agent, Grimes is expected to receive offers that reflect his contributions in Philadelphia. The Sixers are keen on re-signing him, as reported by Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, but the final decision will hinge on the contract's financial details, with Philadelphia holding the advantage to match any external offers.