The NBA releases the remaining ten free agents! Rockets Clippers Lakers Warriors Pacers’ military preparations begin

As expected, new contracts arrive at a fast and intense pace during the opening hours of NBA free agents. Just 24 hours after players can (officially) start negotiating contracts with new teams, 18 of the top 25 potential free agents in NBA expert Pelton have found the landing point. Still, there are some players who can make a difference next season and beyond. The top 10 free agent rosters updated today are mainly divided into two categories: restricted free agents, who will have a hard time getting a quote, a small ceiling available, and a center who is still deciding on the next stop. Aside from that, there are some big-name players to choose from, including future Hall of Famers Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. Let’s look at what these players can bring to their new team, which destinations they might be suitable for, and some underrated but still unsigned contributors.

1. Josh Gidey Chicago Bulls |PG Restricted Free agent

After the All-Star Game (two weeks after the Bulls traded Zach Laven), Gidey’s numbers are incredible, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game, shooting 50% from the field and 46% from three-pointers. And he also had a double kill. The Lakers defeated James in the first half, and fans wanted to set up a statue for him!

Gidey will turn 23 this October and has time to continue to develop his game so he can have a bigger playoff impact than we did for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2024 playoffs.

Possible fit: Unless the Brooklyn Nets decide to provide a quote to Gidey, there may be a deadlock. Gidey’s strongest leverage is a bid for his $11.1 million qualification this season, but that means a lot of guaranteed funds will be left behind. Unlike Patrick Williams’ restricted free agent last year, Chicago doesn’t seem to be inclined to take the initiative to negotiate this time.

2. Quentin Grimes Philadelphia 76ers Restricted free agent

Like Gidey, Grimes also made a jump in the All-Star game, in which case he was traded to the Sixers because of injuries without stars Paul George, Joel Embiid and Terrys Maxi. Grimes averaged 21.9 points per game with excellent efficiency (59.2% real field goal percentage) in 28 games in Philadelphia, with 4.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds.

Possible fit: While the intermediate exception is a viable offer for the Grimes, it is unclear which team might be willing to offer it, and the Rockets who lack a shooting guard can consider it! Most teams with intermediate availability do not need Grimes. Chicago actually has some considerations, but the Bulls are busy dealing with Gidey’s restricted free agent contract!

3. DeAndre Ayton Portland Trail Blazers |C Unrestricted Free agent

After reaching a buyout agreement with the Trail Blazers on the eve of free agents, Ayton is an interesting option for teams that need a starting center. They can convince themselves that Ayton will have financial incentives to play, as we saw in the 2020-21 season, when he helped the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals.

Since then, Ayton's box score statistics have remained relatively stable. He averaged double-point scores per game every season of his NBA career. However, his efficiency has gone in the wrong direction and now two teams have happily left him, which is a worrying sign.

Possible fit: The Lakers continue to pick up bargains, the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Lakers are the two teams in the market for starting centers. Indiana signed Ayton as a restricted free agent in the summer of 2022 and now allows him to replace Miles Turner with a non-taxpayer intermediate exception, and the Lakers can offer a starting position in the charming market that plays alongside Luca Doncic and LeBron James.

4. Jonathan Cumingga Golden State Warriors Restricted Free agent

After starting the playoffs with coach Steve Cole's rotation, Cumingga became a key player for Stephen Curry to miss the second round against the Timberwolves. Kumingga averaged 24.3 points per game in the last four games of the series and shot 55% from the field.

22-year-old Kuminga should become a more stable contributor over time. But given that Kuminga's skill set overlaps with those of Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green, this is more likely to happen on teams outside the Warriors.

Possible fit: Of the three restricted free agents at the top of the roster, if the Golden State Warriors can find someone who can do more to help it compete for the championship, Kumingga seems most likely to trade through a signing deal. The Bulls are logical, and the Miami Heat are also associated with Cuminga.

5. Chris Paul San Antonio Spurs Unrestricted free agent

Paul turned 40 in May and is one of six NBA players who started in all 82 games last season. Although Paul’s average 8.8 points was the lowest point in his career, his score per direct chance still ranks in the 82nd percentile for players who have at least 1,000 ball screens, according to GeniusIQ’s track. Returning to San Antonio doesn't seem to be thinking about it after the Spurs add No. 2 draft pick Dylan Harper to a large number of ball handlers on their roster.

Possible fit: For him, getting close to Paul's offseason home in Los Angeles might be as important as basketball health. Paul is reportedly considering returning to the Clippers, with a portion of non-taxpayer intermediate exceptions available for the Clippers after signing center Brooke Lopez and the Suns. Due to the second luxury tax, Phoenix could only sign Paul at the minimum limit of the veteran.

6. Al Horford Boston Celtics | F/C Unrestricted Free agent

Horford turned 39 on June 3, and with his versatility on both ends of the offense and defense, he remains the key to the Celtics. Horford's playing time increased to 27.7 minutes last season -- 31.6 minutes in the playoffs -- although Boston has protected him through a lot of games. As the Celtics consolidate into next season after Jason Tatum's Achilles tendon injury, Horford may seek to play for a team that is more likely to compete.

Possible fit: Horford has been associated with two West Coast teams that can use his skills: the Lakers and the Warriors. Horford will allow the Lakers to keep the outside spacing they used in the playoffs last season without sacrificing size and basket protection, and his shot will be the ideal candidate for Golden State's frontcourt to be with Butler and Green.

7. Chris Boucher Toronto Raptors |F Unrestricted Free agent

Boucher quietly rebounded from the 2023-24 season downturn, hitting double-digit averages for the second time in his career while averaging 17.2 minutes. His 36% shooting from three and 63% from two, was extremely efficient, while also proving his ability to defend the wings in a large No. 2 lineup.

As the only remaining Raptors player on the 2019 championship team, Boucher may no longer be on the roster that looks full, as 26-year-old power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili joins.

Possible fit: Boucher's shot made him another logical fit for the Warriors, starting his career as an undrafted free agent before landing in Toronto.

8. Cam Thomas Brooklyn Nets |G Restricted Free agent

Thomas played 25 games for the Nets last season, averaging a career-high 24 points per game, and was out for a long time due to multiple hamstring strains. This quantitative score no longer has the same significance as before, especially when the efficiency is quite average. Thomas is also a below-average defender who does little to fill the penalty area with a goal. Meanwhile, he is 23 years old, more dangerous than his career 34.5% 3-point shooting percentage shows.

Possible fit: Thomas is in a more difficult situation than other restricted free agents, as he plays for the team most likely to make a large number of quotes. Additionally, Thomas’ $5.9 million qualified offer makes the threat of becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer less feasible.

9. D'Anthony Melton Brooklyn Nets |G Unrestricted Free agent

Melton suffered a partial ACL tear at the end of the season in six games since the start of the season after receiving a one-year, $12.8 million contract from the Golden State Warriors a year ago. Melton was traded to Brooklyn when the Warriors traded Dennis Schroeder, and Melton was once again an unrestricted free agent and should return to the court early in the 2025-26 season. When healthy, Melton was an excellent defender with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37%.

Possible fit: Given his skill, Melton fits almost anywhere. He has already made connections with the Lakers, who can take advantage of all the depth they can get.

10. Russell Westbrook Denver Nuggets |G Unrestricted Free Player

Westbrook performed well as a starter along with Nikola Jokic during his season in Denver. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 assists and 6 per game. Grab 1 rebound from 36 starts, using his cutting and conversion game to hit 50% from the field. As a reserve, Westbrook shot only 39% from the field. That fell to 35%, including 7-for-32 (22%) three-pointers, losing to the final champion Thunder in the Nuggets’ tough seven-game playoff series.

Possible fit: Westbrook is a very tricky fit at this stage of his career, as any team that signs him must adapt to Westbrook and vice versa. Returning to Denver seems unlikely after the Nuggets added veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. this week.