The 31 best NBA free agents of 2016

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NBA free agency kicks off July 1 in what promises to be a wild summer.

Though some feel that this year's free agent class is lacking in star power, what will make this offseason interesting is the exploding salary cap, which will raise salaries and give nearly every team money to spend.

This will lead to some giant contracts for in-demand players, and when teams strike out on the few big names, it could lead to some knee-jerk signings or trades.

Here is our list of the 31 best NBA free agents this summer.

Note: * denotes a restricted free agent, meaning the player's team can match any outside offers.

LeBron James, F

2015-16 team: Cleveland Cavaliers

Possible landing spots: Cavaliers

One thing to know: Surprise! LeBron is opting out again as part of his brilliant ploy to keep getting more money. Don't worry, though — he's not going anywhere.

Kevin Durant, F

2015-16 team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Possible landing spots: Thunder, Warriors, Spurs, Heat, Celtics, Clippers

One thing to know: Durant is taking meetings with six teams, but the prevailing logic is that he'll return to Oklahoma City for at least one more year. Can he really walk away from Russell Westbrook and the Thunder after coming within one win of the NBA Finals?

Al Horford, F/C

2015-16 team: Atlanta Hawks

Possible landing spots: Hawks, Celtics, Wizards, Nets

One thing to know: Horford's blend of scoring, defense, and unselfishness would make him a good fit on any team, whether it's as a traditional power forward or a small center.