With NBA training camps less than two weeks away, several prominent players remain on the open market, headlined by restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and unrestricted veteran Russell Westbrook.
Restricted Free Agents
Kuminga has yet to accept the $8 million qualifying offer extended by the Golden State Warriors. According to his representative, signing that one-year tender is still an option unless the club improves its recent three-year proposal. The impasse has stalled other Warriors transactions; Golden State has only 10 players under contract, the fewest in the league, and is also juggling unsigned 2025 draft picks Alex Toohey and Will Richard plus two-way restricted free agent Taran Armstrong.
Quentin Grimes, another notable RFA, remains in limbo with the Philadelphia 76ers. By contrast, fellow class members Josh Giddey (four years, $100 million with Oklahoma City) and Cam Thomas (one year, $6 million with Brooklyn) finalized new contracts earlier this month.
Warriors’ Pending Moves
The Warriors are expected to pursue veterans Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II once the Kuminga situation is resolved, and have also been linked to shooters Seth Curry and Cody Martin.
Top Unrestricted Options
Westbrook, the most accomplished unrestricted free agent still available, has primarily drawn interest from the Sacramento Kings. Sacramento is reportedly reluctant to complete other backcourt moves until Kuminga’s restricted free agency is settled, and would likely need to clear a roster spot to add the former MVP.
Precious Achiuwa is another surprise holdout. The 26-year-old forward attracted attention from EuroLeague club Panathinaikos in August before the Greek team signed Richaun Holmes. More recently, Achiuwa has been tied to the Miami Heat, though Miami currently lacks enough room below the luxury-tax line to offer even a veteran minimum contract.
Other Notable Free Agents
Several additional names are still without deals, including Ben Simmons (reportedly considering retirement), Monte Morris, Cameron Payne, Malik Beasley (potentially facing criminal charges related to a gambling investigation), Alec Burks, Mo Bamba and Thomas Bryant.
NBA camps are slated to open in early October, leaving teams—and the remaining free agents—little time to finalize rosters.
Source: Hoops Rumors
