With the NBA Play-In Tournament coming to a conclusion on Friday, there are now 16 of 30 teams left standing. For the other 14 teams, they can focus on the offseason. Here is the most important free agent on each of the four eliminated teams from the Play-In Tournament.
(The most important free agent on each of the five Eastern Conference teams eliminated before the play-in can be seen here. The most important free agent on each of the five Western Conference teams eliminated before the play-in can be seen here.)
Most Vital Free Agent On Teams Eliminated In Play-In Tournament
Atlanta Hawks – Caris LeVert
Now 30 years old, Caris LeVert was acquired by the Hawks in early February in a trade that sent De’Andre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Long one of the better scorers off the bench, he continued that role with Atlanta. In 26 games for his new squad, LeVert averaged 14.9 points on 48,2% shooting. He has now averaged at least 12 points per contest in each of the last eight seasons.
Other notable free agents: Clint Capela, Garrison Mathews, Larry Nance Jr.
Chicago Bulls – Josh Giddey (Restricted)
Still just 22 years old, Josh Giddey likely earned himself millions with his play late in the season. Over his last 19 outings, the fourth-year guard posted stellar averages of 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.5 steals. In that timeframe, Giddey also shot 45.7% from beyond the arc. It was just last postseason while with the Oklahoma City Thunder that he became nearly unplayable in their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. In OKC’s series loss, they showed no respect to his outside shot and played off him. He was unable to capitalize. If he keeps shooting like this for a full year, we may see Giddey as an All-Star in the near future.
Other notable free agents: Tre Jones
Dallas Mavericks – Kyrie Irving (Player Option)
A nine-time All-Star, Kyrie Irving has a player option for next season worth just shy of $44 million. ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Dallas wants to bring him back on a three-year deal. He also stated that the Mavericks are optimistic that he can return in January from his torn ACL. The 33-year-old averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 50 outings prior to the major injury. He made 40.1% of his three-point attempts, the seventh time in the last nine seasons that Irving was at least 40% from long distance.
Reporting for NBA Countdown on the target return for Dallas Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving after his March ACL tear: pic.twitter.com/nIXqxiKNzR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 17, 2025
Other notable free agents: Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum
Sacramento Kings – Jake LaRavia
It can be assumed that the Kings will pick up Keon Ellis’ team option (or extend him) as it is worth only $2.3 million. So the choice was between Jake LaRavia and Trey Lyles. Let’s go with the younger player as LaRavia will turn 24 on November 3. Acquired by Sacramento from the Memphis Grizzlies in February, the 6-foot-8 forward connected on 38.5% of his three-point tries in his 19 contests with the Kings. Unfortunately, a left thumb fracture sidelined for him each of the last 11 games (including their play-in loss).
Other notable free agents: Trey Lyles
Photo credit: © David Banks-Imagn Images
