NBA Restricted Free Agent Market Frozen, And No One’s In A Rush To Break The Ice

While several NBA restricted free agents remain unsigned, four names continue to headline the market: Josh Giddey (Bulls), Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors), Quentin Grimes (Sixers), and Cam Thomas (Nets). All four were ranked among Hoops Wire’s top 25 free agents at the start of the signing period on June 30.

The RFA market has moved at a glacial pace this summer, with very few teams holding the cap space necessary to make a significant offer sheet. Brooklyn may be the lone exception, but even the Nets are being cautious.

Josh Giddey (Bulls)
There is little doubt Giddey will stay in Chicago. The sticking point is money. His camp is believed to be targeting a deal in the range of five years and $150 million, similar to what Jalen Suggs received from Orlando. The Bulls have not publicly signaled whether they’re willing to meet that mark, but internal confidence remains high that a deal will get done.

Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors)
Of the four, Kuminga’s situation is the most fluid. Sacramento, Washington, Miami, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Brooklyn were all linked to the 22-year-old forward in recent weeks, though some of those teams have since taken themselves out of the mix. The Kings have been the most aggressive, reportedly offering a package built around 2024 first-rounder Devin Carter and draft compensation.

Kuminga is expected to meet with interested teams — including the Warriors — during Summer League in Las Vegas. A return to Golden State is still on the table, though it may depend on what kind of offers materialize and how the Warriors navigate their apron concerns.

Quentin Grimes (Sixers)
Philadelphia has made it clear it intends to retain Grimes, and there is little indication of movement elsewhere. The Sixers have reportedly pushed back against any sign-and-trade talk, with sources telling The Athletic they remain confident a deal will be reached. As with Giddey, the question is dollars and years, not destination.

Cam Thomas (Nets)
There has been almost no buzz surrounding Thomas. According to Jake Fischer of the Stein Line, the high-scoring guard “does not really have a market,” and the Nets are the only team operating below the minimum salary floor. Unless Brooklyn opts to let him walk, Thomas appears headed for a new deal in-house, likely at a team-friendly number.

Veteran Free Agents Still in Limbo
After those four RFAs, the next group of unsigned players includes several longtime veterans with uncertain futures.

Chris Paul
Paul has drawn interest from the Clippers, Suns, and Bucks. Milwaukee could offer a starting role, something Paul still values. But family ties to Los Angeles may pull him back west. No deal appears imminent, though Paul’s market is active.

Russell Westbrook
Westbrook was reportedly on the Kings’ radar, but Sacramento’s stance may have changed following the trade for Dennis Schroder. The veteran guard wants to play closer to home (Los Angeles) and still believes he can contribute. The question is whether there’s a fit — and enough minutes — left out there.

Al Horford
Golden State remains the most likely landing spot for Horford, should he choose to continue playing. The Warriors are seen as waiting for clarity on Kuminga before using their taxpayer mid-level exception, which would hard-cap the team and impact its flexibility.

Malcolm Brogdon
Brogdon is reportedly on the radar of eight teams, including the Clippers, Suns, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Bucks, Pelicans, and Kings. Still, his next move may depend on what happens with higher-profile guards. Brogdon could be a fallback option for teams that miss on others.

With Summer League now underway, the trade chatter will only grow louder, and the free agent dominoes still standing are bound to start falling. At least, we assume it will.