NBA Free Agent Rankings: Top 10 Unsigned Players Include CP3, Kuminga, Ayton

Following the All-Star break (which occurred two weeks after the Bulls traded Zach LaVine), Giddey showcased remarkable statistical improvement. He averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, shooting 50% from the field and 46% from three-point range. Although his elite three-point percentage might not be sustainable, Giddey did achieve a career-high 38% for the regular season, altering opponent defensive strategies against him.

Turning 23 in October, Giddey has room to further develop his game to become a more significant factor in the playoffs, unlike what was seen with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 postseason.

Possible fits: Unless the Brooklyn Nets extend an offer sheet, a standstill might occur. Giddey`s best leverage could be playing the upcoming season under his $11.1 million qualifying offer, though this means foregoing substantial guaranteed money. Unlike the restricted free agency of Patrick Williams last year, Chicago appears unwilling to bid against itself this time.

Similar to Giddey, Grimes` performance surged after the All-Star break, particularly following his trade to a Sixers team depleted by injuries to stars Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. In 28 games with Philadelphia, Grimes averaged 21.9 points with strong efficiency (.592 true shooting percentage), along with 4.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds.

Possible fits: While the non-taxpayer midlevel exception is a potential offer sheet for Grimes, it`s uncertain which team might offer it. Most teams with the midlevel available don`t have a clear need for a player like him. Chicago could make sense, but they are currently focused on Giddey`s restricted free agency. It`s also plausible the Washington Wizards could make an offer with the intention of potentially trading him later.

After agreeing to a buyout with the Blazers just before free agency opened, Ayton presents an intriguing option for teams needing a starting center. Teams might hope that a change provides the financial motivation for him to play with the intensity seen in 2020-21, when he was key to the Phoenix Suns reaching the NBA Finals.

Since then, Ayton`s basic box score statistics have been consistent; he`s averaged a double-double every season. However, his efficiency has declined, and the fact that two teams have willingly moved on from him raises concerns.

Possible fits: The Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in the market for a starting center. Indiana previously signed Ayton to a max offer sheet as a restricted free agent in 2022 and could now potentially acquire him using the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, possibly to replace Myles Turner. The Lakers could offer a starting role in a high-profile market, playing alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

After initially being out of coach Steve Kerr`s rotation to start the playoffs, Kuminga became a crucial player when Stephen Curry was sidelined against the Timberwolves in the second round. Kuminga averaged 24.3 points over the final four games of that series, shooting an efficient 55% from the field.

At 22, Kuminga is expected to become a more consistent contributor over time. However, this development might be more likely with a team other than the Warriors, given the overlap between Kuminga`s skill set and those of Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green.

Possible fits: Among the restricted free agents at the top of the list, Kuminga appears most likely to move via a sign-and-trade if Golden State can find a partner that offers assets to help them contend for a championship. The Bulls represent a logical fit, and the Miami Heat have also been mentioned in connection with Kuminga.

Chris Paul, who turned 40 in May, was one of only six NBA players to start all 82 games last season. Although his 8.8 points per game average was a career low, he still demonstrated effectiveness in scoring off screens, ranking in the 82nd percentile among players receiving at least 1,000 on-ball screens, according to GeniusIQ tracking. A return to San Antonio seems improbable now that the Spurs have added No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and already have numerous ball handlers.

Possible fits: Proximity to Paul`s offseason residence in Los Angeles may be as important 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 center Brook Lopez, as well as the Suns. Restricted by the second salary apron, Phoenix could only sign Paul to a veteran`s minimum contract.

Al Horford, who turned 39 on June 3, remained a crucial versatile piece for the Celtics on both ends of the court. His playing time increased last season to 27.7 minutes per game, and 31.6 in the playoffs, though Boston managed his load with ample rest days. As the Celtics adjust their roster heading into next season following Jayson Tatum`s Achilles injury, Horford might seek to join a team with stronger immediate championship contention prospects.

Possible fits: Horford has been linked to two West Coast teams that could benefit from his skill set: the Lakers and the Warriors. Horford could allow the Lakers to maintain the five-out spacing they used in last season`s playoffs without sacrificing size and rim protection. His shooting and defensive versatility would also be an excellent fit in the Golden State frontcourt alongside Butler and Green.

Chris Boucher quietly rebounded from a less productive 2023-24 season, averaging double-figure scoring for the second time in his career while playing only 17.2 minutes per game. He shot 36% from three and 63% on two-pointers, demonstrating elite efficiency while also showing capability defending on the wing in larger second-unit lineups.

As the sole remaining player from the Raptors` 2019 championship team, Boucher may no longer have a guaranteed spot on a roster that appears full, especially with the addition of 26-year-old power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.

Possible fits: Boucher`s shooting makes him another logical fit for the Warriors, where he began his career as an undrafted free agent before joining Toronto. His skills also align well with the Philadelphia 76ers, who could use a shooter with size after Guerschon Yabusele departed for the New York Knicks.

Cam Thomas averaged a career-high 24 points in 25 games last season for the Nets, missing significant time due to multiple hamstring injuries. While volume scoring is his strength, it holds less value when accompanied by average efficiency. Thomas is also considered a below-average defender and contributes little to the box score beyond scoring. Nevertheless, he is only 23 and a more dangerous shooter than his career 34.5% three-point percentage suggests.

Possible fits: Compared to other restricted free agents, Thomas is in a particularly challenging situation because he plays for the team (Nets) that is best positioned to match a substantial offer sheet. Additionally, his $5.9 million qualifying offer makes the option of becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer less appealing financially.

After signing a one-year, $12.8 million deal with Golden State a year ago, De`Anthony Melton suffered a season-ending partial ACL tear just six games into the season. Traded to Brooklyn in the deal for Dennis Schroder, Melton is once again an unrestricted free agent and is expected to be ready to play early in the 2025-26 season. When healthy, Melton is known as an excellent defender and a reliable 37% career three-point shooter.

Possible fits: Given his versatile skill set, Melton could fit well with almost any team. He has been linked with the Lakers, who could certainly benefit from adding depth to their roster.

During his time in Denver, Russell Westbrook played 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. However, as a reserve, Westbrook`s shooting dropped significantly to just 39%. This percentage fell further to 35% (including 7-of-32 or 22% from three) during the Nuggets` hard-fought seven-game playoff series loss to the eventual champions, the Thunder.

Possible fits: At this stage of his career, Westbrook is an unusually complex fit because any team signing him needs to adapt to his style of play considerably. A return to Denver seems unlikely after the Nuggets added veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. recently.