As expected, the start of NBA free agency brought a flurry of activity with many deals quickly finalized. Within 24 hours of negotiations officially opening, 18 players from the initial top 25 potential free agents list had already secured new teams.
However, a significant number of impactful players who could contribute next season and beyond remain unsigned. The updated list of the top 10 available free agents primarily consists of two categories: restricted free agents facing challenges in receiving offer sheets due to limited team cap space, and centers who are still evaluating their options.
Additionally, a few high-profile players, including future Hall of Famers Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, are also available. Let`s examine what these players offer, potential team fits, and highlight some underrated contributors still on the market.
Top 10 Unsigned Free Agents
1. Josh Giddey – Chicago Bulls | PG (Restricted Free Agent)
Following the All-Star break (which occurred two weeks after the Bulls traded Zach LaVine), Giddey showcased exceptional statistics, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists on impressive shooting splits (50% overall, 46% from three). While the three-point percentage is likely unsustainable, he did achieve a career-best 38% for the full season, altering how defenses approach him.
At 23 in October, Giddey has significant potential to refine his game and increase his playoff effectiveness, something not fully realized with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 playoffs.
Possible fits: A standoff might occur unless the Brooklyn Nets extend an offer sheet. Giddey`s best leverage is potentially playing out the season on his $11.1 million qualifying offer, though this means foregoing substantial guaranteed money. Unlike Patrick Williams` situation last year, Chicago appears hesitant to bid against themselves this time.
2. Quentin Grimes – Philadelphia 76ers | G/F (Restricted Free Agent)
Similar to Giddey, Grimes` performance saw a boost post-All-Star break, specifically after being traded to a Sixers team missing stars Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey due to injuries. In 28 games for Philadelphia, Grimes averaged 21.9 points with strong efficiency (.592 true shooting) alongside 4.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds.
Possible fits: While the non-taxpayer midlevel exception is a plausible offer sheet for Grimes, it`s unclear which team might utilize it. Most teams with this exception available don`t seem to have a significant need for Grimes. Chicago could make sense, but they are occupied with Giddey`s restricted free agency. A team like the Washington Wizards might consider an offer, perhaps with a future trade in mind.
3. Jonathan Kuminga – Golden State Warriors | F (Restricted Free Agent)
Initially out of Coach Steve Kerr`s rotation to start the playoffs, Kuminga became a vital contributor when Stephen Curry was sidelined against the Timberwolves in the second round. Over the final four games of that series, Kuminga averaged 24.3 points, shooting 55% from the field.
At 22, Kuminga is expected to develop into a more consistent player over time. However, this might be more likely away from the Warriors given the overlap in his skill set with players like Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green.
Possible fits: Among the top restricted free agents, Kuminga appears most likely to move via a sign-and-trade if Golden State can acquire a player who better helps them contend for a championship. Chicago presents a logical destination, and the Miami Heat have also been mentioned in connection with Kuminga.
4. Chris Paul – San Antonio Spurs | PG (Unrestricted Free Agent)
Paul, who turned 40 in May, was one of only six NBA players to start all 82 games last season. While his 8.8 points per game average was a career low, GeniusIQ tracking indicates he still ranked highly (82nd percentile) in points per direct chance among players receiving at least 1,000 on-ball screens. A return to San Antonio seems unlikely given the Spurs` acquisition of No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and their already numerous ball handlers.
Possible fits: Proximity to Paul`s offseason residence in Los Angeles could be as crucial as the basketball fit. Reports suggest Paul is considering a return to the Clippers, who have part of their non-taxpayer midlevel exception available after signing Brook Lopez, as well as the Suns. Restricted by the second apron, Phoenix could only sign Paul for the veteran`s minimum.
5. Al Horford – Boston Celtics | F/C (Unrestricted Free Agent)
Horford, who turned 39 on June 3, remained a key versatile player for the Celtics on both ends of the court. His playing time increased last season to 27.7 minutes (and 31.6 in the playoffs), though Boston managed his load with frequent rest games. As the Celtics adjust following Jayson Tatum`s Achilles injury, Horford might seek a team with stronger immediate championship aspirations.
Possible fits: Horford has been linked to two West Coast teams needing his skills: the Lakers and Warriors. He could provide the Lakers with the desired five-out spacing seen last season without sacrificing size or rim protection. For Golden State, his shooting would be an ideal fit in the frontcourt alongside Butler and Green.
6. Chris Boucher – Toronto Raptors | F (Unrestricted Free Agent)
Boucher quietly had an improved season after a down year in 2023-24, averaging double figures in scoring for the second time while playing around 17.2 minutes per game. He demonstrated elite efficiency, shooting 36% from three and 63% from two, and proved capable of defending on the wing in larger second-unit lineups.
As the only remaining player from the 2019 championship team, Boucher might no longer have a roster spot on a team that appears full following the addition of 26-year-old power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Possible fits: Boucher`s shooting makes him another logical target for the Warriors, where he began his career as an undrafted player before joining Toronto. He also seems like a good fit for the Philadelphia 76ers, who need a shooter with size after Guerschon Yabusele signed with the New York Knicks.
7. Cam Thomas – Brooklyn Nets | G (Restricted Free Agent)
Despite missing significant time with hamstring strains, Thomas averaged a career-high 24 points in 25 games for the Nets last season. However, high-volume scoring like this carries less weight than it once did, especially when accompanied by fairly average efficiency. Thomas is also a below-average defender who contributes little beyond scoring on the stat sheet. Conversely, he is just 23 and potentially a more dangerous shooter than his 34.5% career three-point percentage suggests.
Possible fits: Compared to other restricted free agents, Thomas is in a more challenging spot as he plays for the team best positioned to make a large offer sheet. Furthermore, his $5.9 million qualifying offer makes the prospect of becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer less appealing as leverage.
8. De`Anthony Melton – Brooklyn Nets | G (Unrestricted Free Agent)
After signing a one-year, $12.8 million contract with Golden State a year ago, Melton`s season ended after just six games due to a partial ACL tear. Traded to Brooklyn in the deal for Dennis Schroder, Melton is now an unrestricted free agent again and is expected to be ready early in the 2025-26 season. When healthy, Melton is an excellent defender and a reliable 37% career three-point shooter.
Possible fits: Given his versatile skill set, Melton could fit well on almost any team. He has been linked to the Lakers, who could certainly benefit from added depth.
9. Russell Westbrook – Denver Nuggets | G (Unrestricted Free Agent)
During his time in Denver, Westbrook performed effectively as a starter alongside Nikola Jokic. In 36 starts, he averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, utilizing his cutting and transition game to shoot 50% from the field. As a reserve, his shooting dropped significantly to 39%, and further to 35% (including just 7-of-32 from three) during the Nuggets` tough seven-game playoff loss to the eventual champion Thunder.
Possible fits: Westbrook is a particularly difficult player to fit at this stage of his career, as any team signing him must be willing to adapt their system to accommodate him. A return to Denver appears unlikely after the Nuggets added veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. this week.
10. Malcolm Brogdon – Washington Wizards | G (Unrestricted Free Agent)
Since winning the Sixth Man Award with the Boston Celtics two years ago, Brogdon has played only 63 total games across stints with the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards. His 2022-23 season was a standout, featuring 44% three-point shooting and a .615 true shooting percentage, his only season since 2019-20 exceeding .561 TS%. If healthy, Brogdon remains a capable backup point guard, and his next contract will likely be significantly lower than the $22.5 million he earned last season.
Possible fits: The Clippers were close to trading for Brogdon two years ago, and he could be a viable alternative if they are unable to sign Chris Paul.
Other Notable Unsigned Players:
- Alec Burks, Miami Heat
- Amir Coffey, LA Clippers
- Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors
- Moritz Wagner, Orlando Magic