LeBron James domino effect: What's next for Draymond Green, James Harden, more in NBA after star's 76ers decision

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LeBron James' final decision -- or so he says -- is in. The NBA offseason isn't over, however.

While most of the work is done, two key unrestricted free agents from teams James was considering remain on the market, as do some restricted free agents who might now have some clarity in their market.

The 76ers are set for next season after landing James and his former teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. What's next in the NBA?

Here's a look at the storylines still to be answered this offseason.

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What's next in NBA after LeBron James decision?

Draymond Green IMAGN 02112026

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Draymond Green

Longtime Warriors forward Draymond Green remains an unrestricted free agent. With James passing on Golden State, one would have to imagine Green is likely to return to the Warriors on a lucrative deal, but according to Green himself, no offer had come as of Saturday, July 25.

"I am still unsigned; I have no contract offer. The Warriors have not offered me a contract yet," Green said. "We will figure it out. No one's patience has worn thin; my patience hasn't worn thin; Rich Paul's patience hasn't worn thin; neither have the Warriors' patience worn thin, nor anyone else for that matter."

The Warriors will have to decide how much money they're willing to commit to a player who turns 37 in March and is a bit of a loose cannon behaviorally. Both sides are likely thin on options if they part ways, so a reunion still seems like the most likely outcome.

James Harden

James Harden is quietly in a similar situation as Green, as an unrestricted free agent on a team that was waiting for James' decision. Reporting throughout the spring and into the summer indicated the Cavaliers had every intention of re-signing Harden.

Unless Cleveland can get creative, the organization doesn't have much of a choice at this point but to bring back the former MVP and make another run at a title in a much more daunting East. What kind of money Harden is set to receive is unclear, as he remains a highly productive offensive player but will be 37 on opening night.

MORE: Inside LeBron James' decision to join 76ers

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren

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Jalen Duren

Jalen Duren isn't heavily impacted by the James sweepstakes, but he is one of the biggest names with some uncertainty for next season as a restricted free agent.

The Pistons reportedly intend to match any offer sheet Duren signs, but to this point, he hasn't found one. The talented center spoke to the Kings and Lakers at the start of free agency, but L.A. solved its center need with Walker Kessler and Sacramento has largely remained quiet. 

After a difficult playoff run, Duren has the option to play the season on the qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but that would only be a $9.6 million salary for a player who landed on the All-NBA Third Team.

Peyton Watson

The Nuggets tried to pursue James but didn't end up in his final mix of teams. Now, they have to consider what to do with restricted free agent Peyton Watson.

Watson was a major success for Denver's front office, which took a chance on him with a first-round pick after a quiet season at UCLA and turned him into a valuable NBA starter, but the Nuggets have to be careful in relation to the salary cap as they try to keep their championship window open.

With a gap in contract talks, Watson is considering accepting a $6.5 million qualifying offer and becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer, according to Marc Stein. That would be a major boost for the Nuggets this season but likely guarantee Watson heads elsewhere in 2027.

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Jonathan Kuminga

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Jonathan Kuminga

Former Warriors and Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga remains an unrestricted free agent, and James' decision could open up Cleveland as a destination. The Cavaliers have been in contact with Kuminga, according to The Athletic, with Dean Wade's departure opening up a spot.

The Cavaliers did sign Mario Hezonja, who is returning to the NBA from Europe. It's unclear whether that deal impacts Kuminga's chances of landing in Cleveland, but he has been connected to the Kings as well this offseason.

Miami Heat

The Heat don't have too many options remaining, but they could look to upgrade their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo after missing out on James.

Miami has been connected to veteran DeMar DeRozan, who was waived by the Kings, along with Mavericks guard Klay Thompson if he wants a trade or is bought out. Thompson would be a natural fit given the Heat's need for shooters, while DeRozan is notoriously much more of a mid-range shooter but would give Miami a proven scorer deep into the offseason.

The Heat could also consider Bradley Beal, who missed nearly all of this past season with the Clippers and is now a free agent.

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