The NBA offseason is largely settled, with the Draft completed and major free agency moves finalized. Summer League has also concluded, leading many teams into a temporary lull before training camps begin. Congratulations to Kon Knueppel, K.J. Simpson, and the rest of the Summer Hornets on their impressive rings!
However, the offseason isn`t entirely concluded. Several restricted free agents (RFAs) are still awaiting deals, numerous veteran players remain available, and many extension-eligible players have yet to secure new contracts. Furthermore, significant trades could still materialize before the season starts, as evidenced by a major deal that took place last October.
While much has transpired, this review focuses on the unresolved aspects of the NBA offseason.
The RFA Stalemate
The limited salary cap space across the league made this summer particularly challenging for restricted free agents. Of the seven 2021 first-round picks who became RFAs, only three—Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (three years, $52.5 million), Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (two years, $24 million), and Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson (three years, $21 million)—have signed extensions. The remaining four—Quentin Grimes, Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, and Cam Thomas—are reportedly seeking significantly larger contracts.
There`s little indication that Quentin Grimes will depart the Philadelphia 76ers. Elevated to a more prominent role last season due to injuries, he showcased improved confidence and ball-handling skills. While Daryl Morey`s front office intends to retain him, the absence of competing offers means Philadelphia dictates the contract terms, raising questions about how much they`re willing to pay for a player who, despite strong late-season performances, might see a reduced usage role with a healthier roster.
Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors appear headed for a separation. However, if a viable sign-and-trade isn`t found, a short-term deal, similar to Jalen Green`s brief extension with the Houston Rockets (who later traded him in the Kevin Durant deal), might be a temporary solution. Kuminga has been connected to the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, but any sign-and-trade faces complexity due to base-year compensation rules. The challenge isn`t just finding a team willing to pay him like a potential star, but one eager enough to send significant assets to the Warriors. The uncertainty surrounding Kuminga has reportedly delayed other Warriors transactions, such as the additions of Al Horford and De`Anthony Melton, due to potential hard-cap implications linked to signing Horford with the taxpayer midlevel exception or exceeding Kuminga`s outgoing salary in a sign-and-trade.
It`s typical for teams to acquire players intending to retain them, but Josh Giddey`s reduced role with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 playoffs made his situation with the Chicago Bulls unique. An extension wasn`t reached before the 2024-25 season. Following a strong latter half of the season, Giddey is betting on himself, reportedly seeking around $30 million per season, while the Bulls are holding firm closer to $20 million. This firm stance might reflect Chicago`s caution after the seemingly unfavorable five-year, $90 million deal for Patrick Williams, suggesting a decision to play hardball.
Despite Cam Thomas`s social media reaction, the podcast discussion regarding his game was balanced. While the Nets have the financial means, they are unlikely to meet his reported demand of approximately $30 million per season. There appears to be a significant difference between how Thomas views his value and how he is perceived across the league.
The Best Available Unrestricted Free Agents
A solid roster of unsigned role players remains available, even excluding recently linked names like Al Horford, De`Anthony Melton, and Malik Beasley (whose short- and long-term NBA future is uncertain due to a federal investigation for alleged gambling on NBA games).
Here`s a potential starting five of unsigned players:
- Malcolm Brogdon: After stints in Portland and Washington, the veteran guard is due for a return to a contender. If healthy, he could be a significant value, having won Sixth Man of the Year just two years ago in Boston.
- Gary Payton II: His availability is somewhat surprising given the current league-wide emphasis on pressuring opposing ballhandlers. A return to Golden State, where he fits well, is not out of the question.
- Amir Coffey: The 28-year-old wing logged the sixth-most minutes for the Clippers last season. With a now-crowded rotation, he will likely seek a more consistent role elsewhere. He shot an impressive 42.1% on catch-and-shoot threes last season.
- Trey Lyles: A quietly effective rotation big (power forward/center) who can stretch the floor a bit, Lyles has consistently filled this role for Sacramento in recent years.
- Chris Boucher: Similar to Lyles, Boucher has long provided stretch-four/five capabilities for Toronto, notably increasing his three-point attempts last season.
Key players potentially available off the bench include Russell Westbrook, Ben Simmons, Monté Morris, Dalano Banton, Cody Martin, Seth Curry, Thomas Bryant, Precious Achiuwa, Landry Shamet, and Cory Joseph.
Additionally, players like Delon Wright, Cameron Payne, Garrison Mathews, Markelle Fultz, Alec Burks, Torrey Craig, and Talen Horton-Tucker could compete for two-way or deep roster spots on a hypothetical UFA team.
Extensions That Haven`t Happened (Yet)
- Luka Dončić: As of August 2nd, Luka Dončić is eligible for a significant long-term extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. While he is widely expected to commit this summer, the duration of the deal remains uncertain. He could opt for a four-year maximum contract (estimated $222 million through the 2029-30 season) or a three-year deal with a player option on the final season, allowing him to re-enter free agency in 2028 with ten years of experience and qualify for an even larger contract (starting at 35% of the salary cap).
- De`Aaron Fox: On August 3rd, De`Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs becomes eligible for similar extensions. When the Spurs acquired him in February, a deal was surely anticipated, even before landing the No. 2 draft pick. It would be surprising if an agreement isn`t reached, though unlike Dončić, a full max contract might not be a given for Fox. (Note: Nikola Jokić will not extend his contract with the Denver Nuggets this summer.)
Beyond these prominent names, several other players are eligible for extensions:
- Trae Young: Eligible for the same four-year, approximately $222 million max deal as Dončić and Fox. While he`s reportedly enthusiastic about the Atlanta Hawks` direction, an immediate extension this offseason isn`t guaranteed.
- Mikal Bridges: The New York Knicks` Mikal Bridges could sign an extension worth up to $156 million over four years. Reports suggest the Knicks are deferring this decision, potentially awaiting clarity on Giannis Antetokounmpo`s trade availability, as an extension would render Bridges untradable for six months. Karl-Anthony Towns is also extension-eligible, but with three years remaining on his current deal, an extension seems less probable.
- Ja Morant & Darius Garland: The Grizzlies` Ja Morant and the Cleveland Cavaliers` Darius Garland are in a similar situation to Towns, eligible to add two years and $125 million, extending their contracts through 2030. If they don`t extend this year, they`ll be eligible for three-year extensions next summer.
- Norman Powell: The Los Angeles Clippers` trade of Norman Powell to the Miami Heat was partly to maintain cap flexibility. However, his extension prospects this summer are limited, as Miami cannot offer more than three years and about $80 million until he`s been on the roster for six months. A more favorable offer (longer term, higher starting salary) could come in January.
- Other Notable Players: Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu (Bulls), Max Strus, Dean Wade (Cavs), Bobby Portis, AJ Green (Bucks), and Donte DiVincenzo (Timberwolves) are also eligible for veteran extensions.
- Upcoming Eligibility: P.J. Washington (Mavericks) becomes eligible on August 29th. On October 1st, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins (Heat), Aaron Nesmith (Pacers), RJ Barrett (Raptors), and De`Andre Hunter (Cavaliers) will become extension-eligible.
- Rookie Extensions: A long list of 2022 draft class players are eligible for rookie extensions until October 21st, including Keegan Murray (Kings), Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren (Pistons), Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers), Shaedon Sharpe (Blazers), Dyson Daniels (Hawks), Jeremy Sochan (Spurs), Ochai Agbaji (Raptors), Mark Williams (Suns), Tari Eason (Rockets), Christian Braun, Peyton Watson (Nuggets), Walker Kessler (Jazz), and Nikola Jović (Heat).
Trades That Haven`t Happened (Yet)
A trade involving LeBron James would be complex, not least because his son is on the same team. However, it`s not entirely unfeasible, and Rich Paul`s recent remarks to ESPN have fueled speculation about James`s future with the Lakers, as James has not publicly clarified his stance. The ongoing question is what James truly desires and whether a trade is genuinely possible and where. While remaining in Los Angeles seems the most likely outcome, especially with the team now building around Luka Dončić, the Lakers have been involved in more improbable scenarios recently.
The Milwaukee Bucks are operating under the assumption that Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay, and there have been no indications that he intends to request a trade. His most definitive public statement about remaining in Milwaukee next season was a rather non-committal “Probably, probably, we`ll see.”
Despite numerous offseason rumors, several key players remain with their current teams: Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz); Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings); Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans); RJ Barrett (Toronto Raptors); Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls); and Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III (Portland Trail Blazers). While betting on any single one of these players being traded before the season starts would be a long shot, it would be moderately surprising if none of them are moved.
