With the 2026 NBA offseason approaching, numerous athletes face uncertain prospects, either due to their upcoming free agent status or outstanding team or player options.
Consequently, it’s time to examine the premier point guards accessible in the current free agent market.
(Player roles are assigned according to Basketball-Reference’s positional analysis, meaning each athlete will be categorized by the position where they logged the majority of their playing time.)
Status: Secured a 4-year contract worth approximately $212 million to stay with the Wizards
Having been acquired by the Wizards prior to the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Young’s appearances were limited as he recovered from various ailments. The offense-centric point guard is a four-time All-Star, boasting career averages exceeding 25.1 points and 9.8 assists.
At 27 years old, Young is entering his peak performance years, and the Wizards are presumably investing in his peak contributions for the foreseeable future.
Status: Player option
Value of option: $42.3 million
Harden primarily operated as a shooting guard for much of the season; however, his inclusion in the point guard discussion is justified by the fact that 68% of his playing time was spent in a lead guard role following his move to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Harden assisted the Cavaliers in their advancement to the Eastern Conference finals but grappled with turnovers and inefficient shot selection. He retains the capability to deliver strong statistical performances on any given night, but he will turn 37 before the new season begins, which presents potential difficulties for any long-term financial commitments.
Considerations: It appears unlikely that Harden will secure a significant long-term contract, meaning any brief extension would need to be financially appealing if he chooses to decline his current option. Would a two-year agreement for $60 million be adequate? This seems improbable, ultimately pointing to him likely exercising his option — unless Cleveland is prepared to offer an exceptionally large sum.
Status: Finalized a 1-year, $21 million extension to remain with the Hawks
McCollum, obtained by the Atlanta Hawks as part of the Trae Young trade, proved to be one of the most ideal acquisitions the organization could have imagined, particularly alongside the emerging talent, Jalen Johnson.
The seasoned player’s versatility to contribute both with and without the ball furnishes the Hawks with numerous offensive strategies they can leverage, enabling McCollum’s role to be adjusted up or down as required.
Status: Completed a three-year, $74 million agreement to stay with the Hornets
After being traded to Charlotte at the deadline, White logged 75% of his minutes at the point guard position, earning him a spot on this list, despite his playing style often resembling that of an off-guard. Yet, with the reported trade of LaMelo Ball to Minnesota, the path seems clear for White to continue directing the offense.
White is an exceptional scorer, registering an average of 29.1 points per 36 minutes after transitioning to the Hornets. He can effectively serve as a starter who also provides playmaking, some rebounding, and a level of defense that has progressively improved.
It certainly appears Charlotte is content with his contributions.
Status: Agreed to a 4-year, $48 million deal to rejoin the Suns
Gillespie is a prolific (7.2 attempts) and efficient (40.1%) perimeter shooter who excels as a complementary guard to a primary facilitator, allowing him to thrive alongside a true star, a dynamic observed this season with Devin Booker.
He will reach 27 years of age before the season commences, signifying that he is also a player for whom you would invest during his peak performance years. This represents excellent value for Phoenix.
Remaining noteworthy players
6. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets
Status: Player option
Value of option: $25 million
VanVleet missed the entire season due to an ACL tear, making it highly probable that he will exercise his option. If he returns to full health, he could contribute to a contender, though whether he will ever resume a full-time starting role remains uncertain.
7. Anfernee Simons, Chicago Bulls
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Simons could arguably be placed higher than VanVleet, but realistically: he functions less as a pure point guard and more as a scoring combo guard. Nevertheless, he should attract interest in the market, given his strong shooting ability and how well he can fit alongside a high-usage ball-handler. At 27, his most productive years are likely still ahead.
