Still on the Market: The Biggest Names Left in 2025 NBA Free Agency and Their Potential Landing Spots

I. Introduction: The Lingering Stars of 2025 Free Agency

The 2025 NBA free agency period, as of July 25, has seen many top-tier talents like LeBron James, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving re-sign with their teams early on.1 This has left a unique pool of restricted and unrestricted free agents, whose situations are often complex due to factors like contract stalemates, injury concerns, or even ongoing federal investigations.1 Their continued availability is largely due to ambitious salary demands clashing with limited team cap space, as well as health and off-court issues.5 This report will detail these prominent players and their potential landing spots, highlighting a market defined by caution and a "waiting game."

II. Restricted Free Agents: The Standoffs Continue

Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) are players whose original teams can match any offer. This often leads to prolonged negotiations as players seek lucrative deals and teams aim to retain talent at a reasonable price.

Jonathan Kuminga (Power Forward)

Jonathan Kuminga, 22, is a restricted free agent in a stalemate with the Golden State Warriors. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 47 games in 2024-25, with a notable increase to 19.6 points when Stephen Curry was out. His representatives seek around $30 million annually, having declined a $25 million offer, while the Warriors extended an $8 million qualifying offer.

The Warriors are interested in re-signing him, but negotiations are stalled.7 Other teams linked include the Wizards, Heat, Bulls, Bucks, Nets, Kings, and Pelicans, though no concrete offer sheets have emerged. Kuminga's desire for a ball-dominant role conflicts with Golden State's established core, and his improved stats without Curry strengthen his case for a larger role. The Warriors' delay in resolving his contract impacts other offseason moves, reflecting organizational indecision or financial constraints.

Josh Giddey (Point Guard)

Josh Giddey, 22, is a restricted free agent after the Chicago Bulls extended an $11.14 million qualifying offer.13 He averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 70 games for Chicago. His late-season surge (18.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists in final 30 games after Zach LaVine's trade) 13 is countered by his representatives seeking $30 million annually, while the Bulls offer $20-25 million.

There's "no genuine market" for Giddey at his desired price due to other teams' cap limitations, giving the Bulls a strong negotiating position. His late-season performance is viewed with skepticism as it largely came against "tanking teams". Giddey could accept the qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, a high-stakes gamble on himself.

Quentin Grimes (Shooting Guard)

Quentin Grimes, 25, is a restricted free agent, with the Philadelphia 76ers extending a qualifying offer.1 He averaged a career-best 14.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 75 games in 2024-25.20 He had a significant surge late in the season, averaging 24.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds over his last 12 games due to injuries to key 76ers players. His representatives are reportedly seeking around $25 million annually.

The 76ers are still a likely landing spot, with the Utah Jazz and Chicago also expressing interest. His "All-Star-caliber stretch" inflated his value, but it was a "strong but limited performance" due to increased opportunity. The 76ers' "plan to go younger" and prioritize Grimes indicates a strategic shift, and their willingness to potentially meet his demands despite being over the cap shows strong belief in his fit.

Cam Thomas (Shooting Guard)

Cam Thomas, 23, is a restricted free agent for the Brooklyn Nets, who extended a qualifying offer. Despite injuries, he averaged 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 25 games in 2024-25.Thomas seeks a four-year, $100 million deal (around $30 million annually), while the Nets offered a two-year, $28 million contract with a team option.

Reports indicate "no other real suitors" at his asking price. The Milwaukee Bucks are a potential suitor if he leaves Brooklyn, needing an offensive boost after waiving Damian Lillard. Concerns about his efficiency (43.8% FG, 34.9% 3P) and overall impact on winning beyond scoring persist. The significant gap in demands suggests he might accept the $6 million qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.25 The Nets' low offer and focus on developing rookies suggest they are not prioritizing Thomas long-term.

III. Unrestricted Free Agents: Veteran Talent Seeking New Homes

• Al Horford

• Russell Westbrook

• Ben Simmons

• Malik Beasley

• Gary Payton II

• Malcolm Brogdon

• De'Anthony Melton

Al Horford (Center)

Al Horford, 39, is an unrestricted free agent after leaving the Boston Celtics. He averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 60 games in 2024-25, showing "age-defying production" with versatile defense and three-point shooting. Retirement is also a consideration.

Contenders like the Warriors, Lakers, Bucks, and Hawks are interested. Other potential suitors with mid-level exceptions include the Spurs, Thunder, Bulls, and Jazz. The Celtics' reluctance to re-sign him is due to luxury tax concerns, highlighting the financial pressures of the new CBA. His age and potential retirement limit long-term offers, likely to shorter deals around the mid-level exception.

Russell Westbrook (Point Guard)

Russell Westbrook, 36, is an unrestricted free agent after declining his $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 75 games for Denver. He is recovering from a hand injury.

The New York Knicks are a top contender, seeking backcourt depth. The Pelicans, Timberwolves, and Kings are also interested in veteran guards. A return to Denver is uncertain. Westbrook's decision to decline his option shows confidence in his market value, seeking a more lucrative deal or defined role. His playmaking, rebounding, and intensity are valued, especially for bench leadership on contending teams.

Ben Simmons (Power Forward)

Ben Simmons, 29, is an unrestricted free agent after playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games, his most since 2020-21, but continues to battle a left knee injury.

Despite injuries and offensive limitations, Simmons has drawn interest from the Knicks, Kings, Celtics, and Suns, with the Knicks and Kings being most active. His persistent injury issues are the primary reason for his prolonged free agency, making him a high-risk, high-reward signing. Teams like the Celtics (preparing for a "gap year") and Suns ("true rebuild") view him as a low-cost, high-upside gamble, hoping he can regain form defensively.

Malik Beasley (Shooting Guard)

Malik Beasley, 28, is an unrestricted free agent after playing all 82 games for the Detroit Pistons in 2024-25, averaging 16.3 points and shooting 41.6% from three . His free agency is overshadowed by a federal investigation into alleged wire fraud, gambling, and illegal prop betting on NBA games from his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pistons reportedly withdrew a three-year, $42 million offer due to this.

His NBA future is in jeopardy, with potential suspension or a lifetime ban. While an elite three-point shooter, any team signing him would be "rolling the dice" on his availability and legal issues. No specific suitors have been publicly mentioned due to the ongoing investigation. This situation highlights the NBA's scrutiny on player conduct and the integrity of the game amidst the expanding sports betting market.

Gary Payton II (Shooting Guard)

Gary Payton II, 32, is an unrestricted free agent after his stint with the Golden State Warriors. In 2024-25, he averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 62 games, known for his exceptional defense .

Multiple contenders, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and a potential reunion with the Golden State Warriors, are interested. The Warriors value his defensive impact and system familiarity. His defensive value and fit with the Warriors are clear, but his injury history and the emergence of younger, cheaper options like Will Richard create a dilemma for Golden State. The Warriors face a "gut-wrenching decision" balancing loyalty with financial pressures.

Malcolm Brogdon (Point Guard)

Malcolm Brogdon, 32, is an unrestricted free agent after playing for the Washington Wizards. He averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 24 games in 2024-25, but was "sidelined for most of the year due to injuries" . His previous salary was $22.5 million.

Despite injury concerns, Brogdon has attracted interest from the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors are considering a one-year deal for bench depth. His consistent production when healthy is attractive, but his significant injury history and high previous salary are major deterrents. Teams are likely seeking a short-term, low-risk deal, hoping he can provide a valuable boost off the bench.

De'Anthony Melton (Shooting Guard)

De'Anthony Melton, 27, is an unrestricted free agent. He played for the Brooklyn Nets in 2024-25, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in just 6 games, severely hampered by recurring injuries including knee, back, thigh, and an ACL injury . He was medically cleared as of April 14, 2025 .

Despite his extensive injury history, Melton has generated "strong market interest from contending teams". The Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors have inquired about him . He is described as an "elite defensively" player with versatile offensive capabilities. He is a "top tier defender" and his versatile offensive skills make him a desirable "3-and-D" guard, but his recurring injuries make him a "medium risk" signing. Teams are likely seeking a value contract, hoping he can remain healthy and provide a significant two-way boost.

Salary Cap Realities and Team Flexibility

The 2025-26 NBA salary cap is $154.647 million. Many potential suitors are already deep into the luxury tax or near apron levels, limiting their ability to offer large contracts. They must rely on exceptions like the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception ($14.104 million) or the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception ($5.685 million), or explore sign-and-trade scenarios. Teams like the Cavaliers, Suns, and Celtics are deep in the tax, while teams like the Nets and Pistons have more cap space but may not be preferred destinations.6

Player Demands vs. Market Value

A significant disparity exists between player demands and team offers. Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas, and Quentin Grimes are all seeking high annual salaries ($25-30 million). This clashes with what teams are willing to pay, especially for Restricted Free Agents, where incumbent teams leverage their matching rights. The threat of players accepting qualifying offers to become unrestricted free agents the following year is a key leverage point, but it carries significant personal risk.

Impact of Injuries and Off-Court Issues

Player health and off-court conduct are critical factors. Extensive injury histories for Ben Simmons, Malcolm Brogdon, and De'Anthony Melton make teams wary of long-term commitments, leading to shorter, lower-value deals. Malik Beasley's federal investigation into alleged wire fraud and gambling is a severe impediment, effectively freezing his market despite his on-court talent . This situation highlights the increasing scrutiny on player conduct and its impact on career trajectories.

V. Conclusion: What's Next for the Unsigned Elite?

The remaining free agency period is a high-stakes waiting game. For Restricted Free Agents, it's a test of wills between player demands and team leverage. For Unrestricted Free Agents, it's about balancing contract desires with finding the right team fit, often complicated by health or off-court issues.

Expect more short-term, "prove-it" deals, or veteran minimum contracts, especially for players with injury concerns or uncertain market value. Sign-and-trade scenarios remain a possibility for Restricted Free Agents if extensions aren't reached. The resolution of these sagas will shape 2025-26 rosters and offer insights into evolving financial strategies and player valuation under the new collective bargaining agreement. The cautious market reflects new economic realities and increased scrutiny on player circumstances beyond the court.