As the NBA playoffs approach the Finals, the league's attention is gradually shifting to the upcoming free agency period. This offseason presents a unique opportunity to evaluate players who have previously been overlooked but are now poised for significant increases in their contractual earnings. The free-agent market this summer may prove challenging, particularly with a limited number of teams actively seeking to invest in high-profile talent. However, there exists a notable cohort of bargain players whom clubs should consider during their roster evaluations.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have concluded their season following back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals, which raises a fundamental question: how can they retain their essential contributors? Of particular interest is Naz Reid, a 25-year-old forward who possesses a $15 million player option for the upcoming season but is widely predicted to opt out of his current agreement. Reid's performance has exceeded the expectations tied to his contract, highlighted by his receipt of the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024. He achieved a career average of 14.2 points per game and boasts a career shooting percentage of 37.3 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to provide such value as a bench player for $13.9 million will likely be a thing of the past, as he can anticipate a salary starting at around $20 million if he chooses to opt out. With numerous teams in search of offensive firepower off the bench, Reid will undoubtedly emerge as a coveted target.

Another Timberwolves player expected to see a pay increase is Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is set to enter unrestricted free agency after completing a two-year, $9 million contract. While his playoff performance experienced a downturn, his regular-season shooting statistics, including a 38.1 percent success rate from the three-point line on an average of 4.5 attempts per game, demonstrate his potential. Alexander-Walker has shown the capabilities to attack closeouts and facilitate plays, all of which add to his appeal for teams actively searching for perimeter defenders equipped with shooting skills. As the offseason unfolds, he is likely to receive considerable interest from several franchises.

Ty Jerome's journey throughout the season culminated in a late push for consideration for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Originally drafted by the Phoenix Suns and having transitioned to the Golden State Warriors as a two-way player, Jerome ultimately established himself with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year, $5 million deal. Following his recent performance, Jerome is expected to ascend from relative obscurity to a sought-after free agent. In the latest season, he posted career-high averages of 12.5 points and an impressive 43.9 percent shooting from three-point range on 3.6 attempts, while also contributing 3.4 assists in nearly 20 minutes of play per game. Despite experiencing a dip in production during the playoffs, interest in Jerome during free agency is sure to be strong, and his future contracts are likely to start significantly higher than his previous two-year deal.

Additionally, Guerschon Yabusele's basketball journey has been notably eventful, characterized by his fluctuating presence in the league. A former first-round pick of the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele spent two seasons with Boston before continuing his career overseas in China, France, and Spain with Real Madrid. His recent performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics for the French national team reignited his NBA prospects, leading to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite a challenging season for the Sixers, Yabusele emerged as a reliable player, averaging 11 points with a 50.1 percent field-goal shooting percentage, along with 5.6 rebounds over 27.1 minutes of action per game. Yabusele's substantial improvement from his earlier tenure in the NBA positions him as a target for teams looking to bolster their size and depth in the offseason.

In a noteworthy midseason transaction, the Dallas Mavericks traded Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers, largely due to his impending restricted free agency status. Grimes, at the end of his rookie contract, is anticipated to command a considerable salary. After joining the Sixers, Grimes elevated his play, displaying an average of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 28 games. Given his increased role and production, Grimes is preparing to enter restricted free agency at the right time for a substantial payday. His original four-year contract was valued at $11 million, and while the Sixers aim to retain him, the dynamics of restricted free agency allow for potential offers from other teams, albeit with Philadelphia holding the right to match any external agreements.

Overall, the upcoming offseason is poised to be a significant period for several players across the league. Their evolving profiles and contributions to their respective teams will shape the landscape of free agency, providing opportunities for both players and franchises to make impactful decisions.