As the NBA playoffs move closer to the Finals, the offseason is set to bring the anticipation of free agency. This moment presents an opportunity to evaluate which undervalued players may see a significant increase in their contracts. This year’s free-agent market could be particularly competitive due to a limited number of high-end buyers, making it essential for teams to explore a selection of overlooked players. The focus here will be primarily on individuals aiming to secure contracts beyond their rookie deals.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have concluded their season, following back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals. A critical concern for the franchise will be how to retain key contributors such as Naz Reid. At 25 years old, Reid possesses a $15 million player option for the upcoming season but is widely expected to opt out of that agreement. His performance has surpassed the expectations of his current contract, culminating in him winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024. Reid achieved a career-high average of 14.2 points per game and has maintained a career shooting percentage of 37.3 from three-point range. Given his production as a backup player at a cost of $13.9 million, he has demonstrated considerable value—a situation poised to change as he enters free agency. Reid could command a salary starting around $20 million if he opts out, with several teams seeking to bolster their offensive depth expected to pursue him.

Another Timberwolves player on the verge of free agency is Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who will enter unrestricted free agency this offseason after completing a two-year, $9 million deal. His performance during the last two seasons suggests he is in line for a pay increase. Though his shooting numbers dipped in the playoffs, Alexander-Walker had demonstrated his shooting capability with a regular-season three-point percentage of 38.1, taking an average of 4.5 attempts per game. He has shown potential as a perimeter defender and has made strides in playmaking abilities, which should attract significant interest as teams continue to search for sharpshooters who can also defend effectively.

There was a notable late-season surge for Ty Jerome, who demonstrated strong potential for a Sixth Man of the Year award candidacy. After being drafted by the Phoenix Suns and later signing with the Golden State Warriors as a two-way player, Jerome ultimately found a more permanent spot with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year, $5 million contract. His recent season included career averages of 12.5 points and a three-point shooting percentage of 43.9 on 3.6 attempts per game, along with 3.4 assists over nearly 20 minutes of play per game. Despite a decline in his performance during the playoffs, Jerome’s impressive regular-season output is expected to transform him from a budget-friendly option into a sought-after free agent. It would not be surprising for him to secure a contract similar to Payton Pritchard's recent four-year, $30 million deal with Boston, especially as teams searching for offensive contributions consider his capabilities.

Guerschon Yabusele's career has been characterized by its ups and downs, having moved in and out of the league. Originally a first-round pick by the Boston Celtics in 2016, Yabusele played two seasons with the club before heading overseas to play in China and France, and then enjoying a three-year stint in Spain with Real Madrid. His return to the NBA spotlight occurred during the 2024 Paris Olympics where he played for the French national team, leading to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the overall challenges faced by the Sixers throughout the season, Yabusele emerged as a bright spot, averaging 11 points on a commendable 50.1 field-goal percentage, alongside 5.6 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game. This marked a significant improvement from his previous stint in the league, where he struggled to earn consistent playing time. Having earned just over $2 million this past season, Yabusele is likely to draw interest from teams seeking to add size and is expected to receive a pay raise.

In an intriguing move at the trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks dealt Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers. A key factor contributing to the trade was Grimes' impending restricted free agency, as he approaches the end of his rookie contract and figures to attract a noteworthy payday. Upon joining the Sixers, Grimes experienced a breakout performance. In 28 appearances with Philadelphia, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Given his expanded role and consistent playing time, Grimes has illustrated the potential to be a reliable rotation player. Entering restricted free agency at such an opportune time positions him for a lucrative contract. According to reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Sixers are keen to re-sign Grimes, yet it will ultimately hinge on the competitiveness of his market value. While the nature of restricted free agency may suppress initial offers, the Sixers retain the right to match any contract proposal he may receive from other teams.