As the NBA playoffs approach the Finals, the free agency period is imminent. This time of year presents an opportunity to explore players who are poised to secure raises in their upcoming contracts. Navigating the free-agent market this offseason may prove challenging due to a limited number of high-profile buyers. However, there remains a group of overlooked players that franchises should take into consideration. This analysis focuses on individuals seeking contracts beyond their initial rookie deals.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have concluded their season, following successive trips to the Western Conference Finals. A pressing concern for the franchise is how to retain essential players, particularly Naz Reid. The 25-year-old center possesses a $15 million player option for the upcoming season, but it is anticipated that he will opt out of his current contract. Having exceeded the expectations of his existing deal, Reid was awarded the Sixth Man of the Year honor in 2024. He finished the season with an average of 14.2 points per game and a career shooting percentage of 37.3 from beyond the arc. Maintaining a player of his caliber as a bench option for $13.9 million proved advantageous; however, this arrangement is unlikely to persist. Interest in Reid is expected to be substantial, soaring into a salary range that may begin at $20 million should he choose to opt out. Various teams are seeking to enhance their bench scoring, and Reid is likely to be a primary target for those organizations. The Timberwolves will make every effort to re-sign him while keeping in mind the implications of the first apron on their salary cap.

Another Timberwolves player anticipated to receive a pay increase is Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He enters unrestricted free agency this offseason after recently completing a two-year, $9 million contract. His performance over the past two seasons warrants an elevation in pay. Although his shooting percentage dipped during the playoffs, he recorded an impressive 38.1 percent from three-point range during the regular season, averaging 4.5 attempts per game. Alexander-Walker has showcased the ability to attack closeouts and create plays to a certain extent. As teams search for perimeter defenders who can contribute offensively, his value is expected to rise, with numerous teams likely reaching out once the offseason commences.

Ty Jerome's late-season surge brought considerable attention as he made a case for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Initially drafted by the Phoenix Suns and later signing with the Golden State Warriors as a two-way player, Jerome found a stable position with the Cleveland Cavaliers under a two-year, $5 million contract. Following an impressive season in which he achieved career highs with an average of 12.5 points and a three-point shooting percentage of 43.9 on 3.6 attempts, Jerome will likely transition from a bargain player to a highly sought-after free agent. Despite a decline in productivity during the playoffs, interest in Jerome is projected to be high, with offers likely starting in the vicinity of Payton Pritchard's four-year, $30 million contract with the Boston Celtics. Teams in need of offensive output, notably the Orlando Magic, should be eager to consider signing Jerome at this projected value.

Guerschon Yabusele's journey in professional basketball has been quite unique, experiencing fluctuations in his career. A first-round pick by the Boston Celtics in 2016, he played two seasons with the team before moving overseas to compete in China and France, and subsequently spending three years in Spain with Real Madrid. His re-emergence on the NBA radar occurred during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he represented the French national team, leading to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite a tumultuous season for the Sixers, Yabusele emerged as a prominent contributor, averaging 11 points with a commendable 50.1 field-goal percentage and 5.6 rebounds across 27.1 minutes per game. This represents a significant improvement compared to his previous NBA stint, where he struggled to secure consistent playing time. After earning just over $2 million last season, Yabusele is likely to attract interest this offseason, particularly as teams, including the Sixers, look to bolster their roster with size.

A notable transaction during the trade deadline involved the Dallas Mavericks sending Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers, prompted in part by his upcoming restricted free agency status. Now concluding his rookie contract, Grimes is poised to receive a significant financial reward for his efforts. After joining the 76ers, Grimes exhibited marked improvement, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 28 games. His ability to solidify a role in the team's rotation upon receiving sufficient playing time couldn't have come at a more opportune moment, as he is set to enter restricted free agency. Grimes' rookie deal totaled $11 million over four years, and while he remains a restricted free agent, expectations are that he will be compensated well for his performance in Philadelphia. According to reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Sixers are interested in re-signing Grimes, although the final decision will depend on the financial terms. Nevertheless, Philadelphia benefits from the restrictive nature of this free agency, enabling them to match any external offers made to Grimes.