As the NBA playoffs approach the Finals, the free agency period is fast approaching. This marks an opportune moment to analyze which undervalued players may secure raises in their upcoming contracts. The free-agent market this offseason is expected to be challenging due to the limited number of high-end buyers; however, there remains a selection of overlooked players that every team should consider. The focus here is primarily on those players who are seeking contracts beyond their initial rookie deals.

With the Minnesota Timberwolves' season concluded, the team faces the pressing challenge of retaining key players. A primary focus will be on Naz Reid, who, despite having a $15 million player option for the upcoming season, is anticipated to opt out of his contract. Reid, a 25-year-old forward, has exceeded the value of his current deal, being awarded the Sixth Man of the Year for the 2024 season. He averaged a career-high 14.2 points per game and possesses a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.3%. Given his performance, a player of Reid's caliber, who has been a bargain at $13.9 million, is likely to attract significant interest in free agency. If he opts out, he could command a salary starting in the vicinity of $20 million, particularly as numerous teams aim to enhance their offensive depth off the bench. While the Timberwolves will undoubtedly pursue Reid's return, they must navigate the implications of the salary cap's first apron carefully.

Another Timberwolves player poised for a pay raise is Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who will enter unrestricted free agency this offseason following a two-year, $9 million deal. His performance over the last two seasons should position him for a financially favorable contract. Despite a dip in shooting accuracy during the playoffs, Alexander-Walker was effective in the regular season, boasting a 38.1% three-point shooting rate on 4.5 attempts per game. Demonstrating the capability to attack defenses and create plays, he has attracted attention as teams seek perimeter defenders who can also shoot effectively. His phone is expected to be busy as the offseason commences.

Ty Jerome's late-season resurgence positioned him as a candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award. After being drafted by the Phoenix Suns and subsequently signing as a two-way player with the Golden State Warriors, Jerome's journey led him to the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year, $5 million contract. Following a career-best season, he is likely to transition from being a bargain player to a highly sought-after free agent. Over the past season, Jerome averaged 12.5 points per game while achieving a three-point percentage of 43.9% on 3.6 attempts, alongside 3.4 assists in 19.9 minutes of play. Although his playoff performance saw a decline, Jerome should still garner significant interest during free agency, with expectations for his new contract to start higher than his previous one, potentially comparable to Payton Pritchard's four-year, $30 million deal with the Boston Celtics.

Guerschon Yabusele's career has been marked by fluctuations between the NBA and international leagues. A former first-round pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 draft, Yabusele spent two seasons with the Celtics before playing abroad in China, France, and Spain for Real Madrid. His return to the NBA spotlight came during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he competed for the French national team, which subsequently led to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite a challenging season for the Sixers, Yabusele emerged as a bright spot, averaging 11 points with a shooting percentage of 50.1% and securing 5.6 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game. This improvement indicates a significant leap from his previous encounter with the NBA, where he struggled to find consistent playing time. Having earned slightly over $2 million last season, Yabusele is in line for a notable pay increase as teams, including the Sixers, seek to bolster their roster with size.

One of the more unexpected trades leading up to the deadline was the Dallas Mavericks' acquisition of Quentin Grimes, who was subsequently sent to the Philadelphia 76ers. A significant factor in this move was Grimes' impending restricted free agency as he concludes his rookie contract. Upon joining the Sixers, Grimes' performance flourished; in 28 games, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Given his increased playing time and impactful performance, Grimes is expected to become a pivotal piece for any team. His timing could not be better as he enters restricted free agency, having signed a rookie deal worth $11 million over four years. Although he is restricted, he is projected to receive a lucrative offer based on his exemplary play in Philadelphia. According to insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Sixers are keen to re-sign Grimes, although negotiations will hinge on the price point. Philadelphia does retain an advantage in this situation, as they can match any offer Grimes may receive from competing teams.