The most exciting time of the offseason is upon us. Within the first 24 hours, NBA teams have already shaken up the league. Paul George, a certified All-Star joined MVP Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. The Golden State Warriors decided to waive Chris Paul. The savvy playmaker now resides in San Antonio with the future of the league, Victor Wembanyama. The gripping part of it all is this is just the very beginning. A long and mental free agency period is yet to unfold.

While some of the names were crossed off, some sought-after and high-profile free agents still remain. Each of these guys has the attributes and allure to garner interest from contending teams. The war for these difference-makers could be intense. Let’s look at an outline of some of these riveting stars who are still available for the taking.

DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan is a vintage-style basketball player who contributed heavily to the Chicago Bulls this season. In his third season with the franchise, Deebo averaged 24 points and 5.3 assists. The technical guard was also the guy the Bulls relied on in nervous situations down in the clutch. But he is also 34, a major concern for the Bulls who indicated they are shifting into a younger era.

It’s not that DeRozan is declining. He was arguably the best player for the Chicago Bulls. But their big three experiment with him, Vucevic and Zach Lavine has yet to produce a single playoff series win. The franchise has reached its boiling point and prefers to blow up its roster. They need young, ambitious players who can develop solidly in a matter of years. DeRozan doesn’t fit that mold.

The most recent report claims no conversations or movement hinting at DeRozan signing with the Bulls. As he continues to age, the veteran guard could find a competitive suitor in his chase for a maiden title.

Klay Thompson

Probably the biggest talking point of the offseason has revolved around Klay Thompson. For eleven years, he set camp in the Bay, building a dynasty and winning titles. But now the legacy player might be looking for a different pastor. After failing to bag a deal with the Warriors, he remains up for grabs.

Thompson was able to slash away any health concerns after he played 77 games this last season. At the same time, his output experienced a stark decline. The splash brother wasn’t as lethal a shooter anymore, shooting 38.7% from three. It is the second time in his career he hasn’t shot better than 40%. Additionally, his defensive awareness has waned which contributed to the Warriors’ decision to part ways with a franchise icon.

Unlike DeRozan, several teams have lined up at Thompson’s door. Among the popular picks, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks have shown increasing interest although they might only entertain the prospect if they could secure the 34-year-old through the MLE or a significantly lower salary than the $43 million he earned last year.

Tobias Harris

The 76ers made their title expectations clear within the opening day of free agency. The signing of Paul George likely meant he would replace Tobias Harris in the starting lineup. As a player, Harris is a valuable member to have. The 6’8″ stalwart has a mix of scoring talents that could prove effective for a team who have struggled to score.

Harris can hit mid-range shots, extend beyond the arc, and is fluent near the rim. Moreover, his strong frame helps him be an amazing help defender while also wearing down smaller players. Last season, he averaged 17.2 points for the Sixers and has consistently hit that benchmark in the last decade.

At just 31, Harris remains a desirable component for many teams around the NBA. The Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, and the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly monitoring his situation according to Bleacher Report.

Miles Bridges

Barring off-court issues, Miles Bridges was the most potent offensive player for the Charlotte Hornets. He has held that place over the past few seasons, even with LaMelo Ball a part of the roster. In 69 games, he averaged a team-best 21 points per game and is now open to talks from around the league.

With that said though, the Hornets have made their intentions regarding the 26-year-old high flyer crisp. “I’ve made it very clear to Miles that we want him to remain as a Hornet”, Hornets’ VP of Basketball Operations Justin Patterson told the media. Despite his off-court complexities, Charlotte had Bridges return on a single-year deal this past season.

He proved to be a significant piece in the puzzle as the explosive athlete led the march from the front. The Hornets could re-sign him with a large contract or they could choose to let him go with their young core shaping incredibly since the entry of Brandon Miller and center Mark Williams. If that is the case, many teams around the NBA would crave a 26-year-old hybrid forward who plays with energy and a high motor on both ends of the floor. Additionally, his youth provides any team security for the future as Bridges grooms into a fine scorer.

Isaiah Hartenstein

The New York Knicks nearly galloped their way to the Conference Finals before Jalen Brunson suffered a broken hand in Game 7. But their misfortunes also provided a bright hope for the future. To ensure they return with better firepower, the franchise signed Mikel Bridges in a trade with the Nets. It had its ramifications which have complicated their hold on big man Hartenstein.

Isaiah Hartenstein was the ideal system center for Thibs. He enjoys physicality, has elite rebounding skills, and sets hard screens for guards to slip through. However, their salary rigidity makes it tough to re-sign him for the next, even though both parties might want it. According to Shams Charania, the Thunder realizing the Knicks’ losing grip set up a meeting with Hartenstein in Eugene to aggressively recruit him. They are seen as the frontrunners to secure the rebounding center.

The 26-year-old Hartenstein had a sensational season with the Knicks averaging 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. His grit and resilience proved vital during their wondrous postseason run.

From the given top free agents, who do you think could be the biggest draw for the coming season? Let us know your pick in the comments below.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.