NBA free agency exploded with rapid-fire signings from the jump, quickly placing many of the top talents with new teams. Yet, as the dust begins to settle slightly, a compelling group of difference-makers remains unsigned, offering potential boosts to contenders and rebuilding squads alike. This guide dives deep into the landscape of the top remaining NBA free agents, analyzing their game, potential landing spots, and the unique market dynamics shaping their future. While over a dozen players from the initial top 25 quickly found homes, the players still available present intriguing opportunities for teams navigating salary cap complexities and roster needs.
The current pool of top free agents largely falls into two distinct categories: restricted free agents (RFAs) facing a challenging market due to limited team cap space available for offer sheets, and a mix of veteran unrestricted free agents (UFAs) and centers seeking their next destination. Beyond this core group, several high-profile names, including future Hall of Fame guards, are also weighing their options. Understanding the specific situation of each player is key to predicting where they might land and the impact they could have.
Let’s break down the updated ranking of the top 10 players still available and explore the best potential fits for their unique skill sets.
Analysis of Top 10 Available NBA Free Agents
Navigating the remaining free agency market requires teams to balance talent acquisition with financial strategy. For players, it’s a calculation involving role, team fit, and contract value. Here are the most impactful players still searching for their next chapter.
1. Josh Giddey
Chicago Bulls | Restricted Free Agent
Following a significant mid-season trade involving Zach LaVine, Josh Giddey experienced a remarkable surge in production. After the All-Star break, the young point guard put up eye-popping numbers, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. He also showcased drastically improved shooting splits, hitting 50% from the field and an impressive 46% from three-point range during that stretch. While sustaining that elite three-point percentage is unlikely, his season-long career-high of 38% suggests a genuine improvement that impacts opponent defenses.
At just 23 years old later this year, Giddey possesses significant potential for further development. His playoff impact with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024 wasn’t substantial, but his regular-season flashes indicate he can grow into a more influential player.
Possible fits: Giddey’s restricted free agency creates a unique situation. Unless a team like the Brooklyn Nets extends a sizable offer sheet, a stalemate could occur. Giddey’s primary leverage might be accepting his $11.1 million qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but this means passing up long-term guaranteed money now. Unlike previous RFA negotiations, Chicago appears hesitant to bid against themselves.
2. Quentin Grimes
Philadelphia 76ers | Guard/Forward | Restricted Free Agent
Quentin Grimes also saw his performance elevate after a trade, joining a Philadelphia 76ers team significantly impacted by injuries to stars like Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. In 28 games with Philadelphia, Grimes averaged 21.9 points with strong efficiency (.592 true shooting percentage), adding 4.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds per contest. This showed he can be a high-volume contributor when given the opportunity.
Possible fits: A viable contract option for Grimes is the non-taxpayer midlevel exception (MLE). However, finding a team with both the MLE available and a clear need for Grimes’ profile is challenging. The Chicago Bulls could be a logical destination, but they are tied up with Giddey’s RFA situation. A speculative move by the Washington Wizards to acquire and potentially trade Grimes later is also a possibility.
3. Deandre Ayton
Portland Trail Blazers | Center | Unrestricted Free Agent
Securing a buyout from the Blazers before free agency opened, Deandre Ayton presents an interesting opportunity for teams needing a starting center. There’s a narrative that Ayton might be motivated financially to recapture the focus he displayed in 2020-21, a season where he played a key role in the Phoenix Suns reaching the NBA Finals.
Statistically, Ayton has consistently delivered double-doubles throughout his NBA career. However, his overall efficiency has seen a decline, and the fact that two different teams have now moved on from him raises potential concerns for interested suitors.
Possible fits: The Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers stand out as teams actively seeking a starting center. Indiana famously offered Ayton a max offer sheet as an RFA in 2022 and could potentially sign him now using their non-taxpayer MLE. The Lakers offer the appeal of a starting spot in a major market alongside stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
4. Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors | Forward | Restricted Free Agent
Jonathan Kuminga began the 2024 playoffs outside of the Golden State Warriors’ rotation but quickly emerged as a crucial contributor after Stephen Curry was sidelined. Against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, Kuminga was highly effective, averaging 24.3 points over the final four games of the series on 55% shooting from the field.
At 22 years old, Kuminga is expected to become a more consistent player. However, achieving this might be easier with a team whose roster doesn’t feature players with skills overlapping with his, particularly given the presence of veteran forwards like Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green in Golden State.
Possible fits: Kuminga appears to be the most likely among the top RFAs to move via a sign-and-trade agreement. The Warriors would likely seek a return that helps them compete for a championship immediately. The Chicago Bulls represent a logical fit, while the Miami Heat have also been frequently mentioned in connection with Kuminga.
5. Chris Paul
San Antonio Spurs | Point Guard | Unrestricted Free Agent
Despite turning 40 in May, Chris Paul demonstrated remarkable durability by starting all 82 games last season. While his 8.8 points per game was a career low, advanced tracking data highlights his continued effectiveness. According to GeniusIQ tracking, Paul ranked in the 82nd percentile in points per direct chance for players receiving over 1,000 on-ball screens, showcasing his enduring playmaking impact. A return to the San Antonio Spurs seems unlikely given their acquisition of high-draft pick Dylan Harper and an already crowded backcourt.
Possible fits: Proximity to Paul’s Los Angeles offseason home may heavily influence his decision. Reports link him to a potential return to the LA Clippers, who have a portion of their non-taxpayer MLE available after signing center Brook Lopez. The Phoenix Suns are also mentioned, though restricted by the second apron luxury tax penalty, they could only sign Paul to a veteran’s minimum contract.
6. Al Horford
Boston Celtics | Forward/Center | Unrestricted Free Agent
Celebrating his 39th birthday on June 3rd, Al Horford remained a vital piece for the Boston Celtics last season due to his exceptional two-way versatility. His playing time saw an increase to 27.7 minutes per game (31.6 in the playoffs), though Boston strategically managed his load with numerous rest days. As the Celtics potentially consolidate their roster following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, Horford might explore opportunities with a team offering a clearer path to immediate contention.
Possible fits: Horford’s skill set is highly valued, and he has been linked to two prominent West Coast teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. For the Lakers, he could maintain the five-out offensive spacing they utilized in last season’s playoffs while providing size and rim protection. His shooting and frontcourt versatility would also be an ideal match for the Warriors, potentially playing alongside Butler and Green.
7. Chris Boucher
Toronto Raptors | Forward | Unrestricted Free Agent
Chris Boucher quietly bounced back from a down 2023-24 season to average double-figure scoring for the second time in his career. He achieved this efficiently while playing just 17.2 minutes per game. Boucher shot 36% from three and 63% from two-point range, contributing elite scoring efficiency. He also proved capable of defending wing players effectively within larger second-unit lineups.
As the last remaining player from the 2019 Raptors championship roster, Boucher’s future with the team is uncertain, especially with the addition of 26-year-old power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili potentially filling a similar roster spot.
Possible fits: Boucher’s valuable combination of shooting and size makes him another logical target for the Golden State Warriors, where he began his NBA career as an undrafted free agent. The Philadelphia 76ers also present a strong fit, needing a shooter with size after Guerschon Yabusele signed with the New York Knicks.
8. Cam Thomas
Brooklyn Nets | Guard | Restricted Free Agent
Despite missing significant time due to hamstring injuries, Cam Thomas averaged a career-high 24 points in 25 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season. While high-volume scoring like this is less valued in modern analytics without corresponding efficiency or defensive contribution, Thomas remains an intriguing prospect. He is only 23 years old and is likely a more dangerous shooter than his career 34.5% three-point percentage suggests. However, his fairly average efficiency and below-average defense limit his overall impact outside of scoring.
Possible fits: Thomas faces an even more challenging RFA market than others because his current team, the Nets, are best positioned to make a significant offer sheet if they choose to. Furthermore, his $5.9 million qualifying offer makes the option of playing for that amount to become an unrestricted free agent next summer less financially appealing compared to securing a long-term deal now.
9. De’Anthony Melton
Brooklyn Nets | Guard | Unrestricted Free Agent
After signing a one-year, $12.8 million contract with the Golden State Warriors a year ago, De’Anthony Melton’s season was tragically cut short just six games in by a partial ACL tear. He was later traded to Brooklyn as part of the package for Dennis Schroder and now finds himself an unrestricted free agent again. Melton is expected to be healthy and ready to return to the court early in the 2025-26 season. When healthy, he is known as an outstanding perimeter defender and a reliable three-point shooter with a 37% career mark.
Possible fits: Melton’s valuable “3-and-D” skill set makes him a desirable player for nearly any team. He has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, a team consistently looking to add depth and defensive capability to their roster.
10. Russell Westbrook
Denver Nuggets | Guard | Unrestricted Free Agent
Russell Westbrook had a notable season with the Denver Nuggets, particularly excelling when he started alongside Nikola Jokic. In 36 starts, he averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, effectively utilizing his cutting ability and transition game to shoot 50% from the field. His efficiency dipped significantly when playing as a reserve (39% FG), dropping further to 35% (22% on threes) during the Nuggets’ tough seven-game playoff loss to the eventual champion Thunder.
Possible fits: Westbrook presents a unique challenge for teams at this stage of his career; potential suitors must be willing to adapt their style of play to accommodate him. A return to Denver appears improbable after the Nuggets bolstered their guard depth by adding veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. this week.
Other Notable Available Players
Beyond the top 10, several other experienced players remain on the market who could provide valuable contributions:
Malcolm Brogdon (Washington Wizards)
Alec Burks (Miami Heat)
Amir Coffey (LA Clippers)
Spencer Dinwiddie (Dallas Mavericks)
Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors)
Moritz Wagner (Orlando Magic)
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between RFA and UFA, and how does it impact these players?
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) like Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes, Cam Thomas, and Jonathan Kuminga can sign offer sheets with other teams, but their original team holds the right to match the offer and keep the player. Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs) like Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul, Al Horford, Chris Boucher, De’Anthony Melton, and Russell Westbrook can sign with any team without their previous team having a matching right. The current RFA market is slow because few teams have significant cap space to make large offer sheets that would deter the original team from matching. UFAs have more control but must find a team with both interest and the necessary salary cap exceptions (like the MLE or veteran minimum) or cap space to sign them.
Which teams are most likely to sign one of the top remaining free agents?
Based on current analysis and reported interest, several teams are frequently mentioned as potential landing spots. The Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers are key teams needing a starting center, linking them to Deandre Ayton. The Golden State Warriors have been connected to Al Horford and Chris Boucher, seeking frontcourt versatility and shooting. Teams with non-taxpayer Midlevel Exceptions like the Lakers and Clippers could be targets for players like De’Anthony Melton or Chris Paul. Teams involved in potential sign-and-trades, like the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, could be destinations for RFAs such as Jonathan Kuminga or potentially Giddey.
For teams with cap space, is it better to target an RFA or a UFA veteran right now?
The decision depends on the team’s needs and risk tolerance. Targeting an RFA requires making a potentially large offer sheet that ties up cap space until the original team decides to match or not, with no guarantee of landing the player. It’s a high-risk, potentially high-reward strategy for a young player. Targeting a UFA veteran often involves using specific exceptions (like the MLE) or offering shorter deals. UFAs provide more certainty of acquisition if an agreement is reached, but their age or recent injury history might be a factor. The market seems to favor UFAs via exceptions currently, given the scarcity of significant cap space available for RFA offer sheets.
Conclusion
While the initial frenzy of NBA free agency has subsided, the availability of these top players keeps the market active and intriguing. The remaining pool features a mix of young, high-upside restricted free agents navigating a tight market and experienced veterans seeking the right fit for their skills and career stage. Their eventual landing spots will significantly influence the competitive balance across the league heading into the next season. Teams with strategic cap space, specific roster needs, or the flexibility for sign-and-trade deals are now in a position to make moves that could pay significant dividends. Keep following the latest updates as these impactful players find their new homes.
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