The NBA hasn't even finished its regular season yet and already talk has turned to free agency. Regardless of what happens the rest of the way, several high profile players are scheduled to hit the open market this offseason. So which players top the free agent rankings?
1. LeBron James
It's almost a guarantee that James will return to the Cavaliers next season, especially after the team won 17 of its past 19 games. He may be 30-years-old and he may not have the same type of explosion he once had, but James is still the best player in the league.
"With all due respect to Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, James is still the apex predator of the NBA, the only difference is the competition is closing in on him, especially as he starts to slip athletically," ESPN NBA Insider Amin Elhassan wrote. "He's also one of the few players secure enough to take a two-year deal at maximum money last summer, and if he does plan to opt out this summer, I see him taking the same route: two-year deal worth $45 million, with an opt out after the first year to jump back into the 2016 frenzy."
2. Marc Gasol
Gasol is leading Memphis' surge to challenge the Golden State Warriors for the No. 1 seed out West. How is he doing it? With crafty passing, stifling defense and consistently deft offensive touch. Gasol, 30, has the type of game that will age gracefully as he does not rely on above-the-rim athleticism. Alas, Gasol is also expected to re-up with his current squad.
"He passes, he scores, he defends, he rebounds: as such, he can turn a team around in short order as the focal point on both offense and defense," Elhassan wrote.
3. LaMarcus Aldridge
Aldridge is another star who isn't expected to leave. With the Portland Trail Blazers in the top half of the Western Conference, it just wouldn't make sense. Then again, crazier things have happened. Aldridge is one of the most offensively versatile big men in the NBA. Portland should cough up a pretty penny to keep him in town.
"The Blazers' offense is geared around his ability to knock down the midrange jumper..." Elhassan wrote. "...Aldridge has expanded his game to include corner 3-point range, making him a more dangerous offensive option."
