The NBA playoffs always change how teams build their rosters. This year, one lesson was loud and clear: you can never have too many guards who can handle the ball. That means the 2026 point guard market could get wild. Some names are obvious. Some are underrated. A few might surprise you. Let’s run through the top 10 and where they’re likely to land.
10. Marcus Smart — Lakers hold the leverage
Marcus Smart looked washed after bouncing from Boston to Memphis to Washington. But he found his footing in Los Angeles. The former Defensive Player of the Year is still a nightmare on the perimeter. His shooting numbers won’t turn heads, but he hits big shots when they matter. The Lakers have bigger problems this summer, but with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both being defensive liabilities, keeping Smart around makes a ton of sense. Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
9. Russell Westbrook — steady hand in Sacramento
Westbrook has gotten used to waiting for a late free agency deal. He’s too ball-dominant for rebuilding teams but not quite a clean fit on contenders. Still, he played solid minutes for the Kings this year. If Sacramento hits the reset button, keeping a veteran around to run the show has real value. Prediction: Sacramento Kings
8. Jose Alvarado — energy boost for Indiana
The guy they call ‘Grand Theft Alvarado’ is more than just a pest. He plays like he’s 6-foot-9 and hits shots against bigger defenders. After being traded to New York at the deadline, he was part of a championship rotation. The Pacers could use that kind of grit, especially with questions about Tyrese Haliburton’s recovery. Prediction: Indiana Pacers
7. Collin Sexton — the Bulls should keep him
Sexton once averaged 24.3 points a game. He won’t do that again, but he brings scoring pop off the bench and plays hard on defense. Chicago has cap space and multiple guards to sort out. Sexton is one they should hold onto. Prediction: Chicago Bulls
6. Collin Gillespie — Phoenix found a gem
Gillespie went undrafted then became a starter for the Suns. The Villanova product runs an offense and shot the hell out of the ball this year, averaging 12.7 points. Phoenix had point guard problems all season until he stepped in. Letting him walk would be stupid. Prediction: Phoenix Suns
5. Anfernee Simons — insurance in Memphis
The Bulls had too many guards after the trade deadline, so Simons might leave. The Grizzlies need Ja Morant insurance, and Simons can play alongside Morant if they keep him. He’s been a primary scorer and has shown he can adjust his role. Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies
4. Fred VanVleet — Houston wants him back
VanVleet tore his ACL before the season and missed the whole year. The Rockets missed his playmaking and shooting badly. They’re all-in on winning now with Kevin Durant aging, so they hope VanVleet picks up his player option. Prediction: Houston Rockets
3. Coby White — a Trae Young replacement?
White’s numbers dipped after being traded to Charlotte, but he fit well in a lower usage role. His game-tying shot to force overtime in the play-in was pure legend. Still, the Hawks might go after him as a true point guard replacement for Trae Young. Prediction: Atlanta Hawks
2. James Harden — one more year in Cleveland
Harden is probably a Hall of Famer as a shooting guard, but he’s been a lead guard for years now. The stepback and floater still work, and he’s annually among the assist leaders. Cleveland traded Darius Garland for him, so losing Harden would hurt. Financial snags could complicate things, but he holds all the cards with a player option. Expect him to stay one more year before the Cavs move on. Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Trae Young — Washington’s building block
Young only played five games for the Wizards after the trade, but he’s still one of the best offensive players in the league. He just declined his player option, which sounds scary except Washington plans to keep him long-term. He’s led the league in assists and total points. His defense is still a question, but his offense alone could make the Wizards a playoff team. Prediction: Washington Wizards
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