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It’s late July in the NBA, a time when the focus turns to the draft, free agency signings, and the summer league. Right now, restricted free agency is dominating the league’s attention.
To clarify terms: unrestricted free agents can sign with any team they want. Restricted free agents (RFAs) have certain limits — this category includes players on two-way contracts who spent at least 15 days on an NBA roster last season, certain first-round picks who didn’t extend their rookie deals after their third year, and some veterans with three or fewer NBA seasons. RFAs can sign offer sheets from other teams, but their current team has a “right of first refusal,” allowing them to match the offer and keep the player. This system can slow negotiations as teams and players try to find the best deal without pushing bids unnecessarily.
Sometimes, sides agree quickly when everyone is motivated to keep the player, as seen with Santi Aldama (Memphis), Davion Mitchell (Miami), and Isaiah Jackson (Indiana). Other times, complications arise, especially when salary cap space is tight, causing negotiations to drag out and some players to linger on the market longer than expected.
Let’s examine a few players caught in tricky free agency situations this summer.
Josh Giddey
The 6th overall pick in 2021 spent his first three seasons with Oklahoma City but struggled with inconsistency, especially his shooting. After a tough playoff series against Dallas, he was traded to Chicago midway through last season. Initially, he struggled to find his rhythm, but after a major trade involving Zach LaVine, Giddey stepped into a larger role and posted near All-Star-level stats, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists with efficient shooting after the All-Star break. Despite his success helping Chicago reach the play-in tournament, contract talks have stalled. Reports suggest Giddey’s camp is asking for around $30 million annually, while the Bulls’ offer is closer to $20 million. With few teams having cap space and a crowded market, it looks like Chicago feels it can hold out, leaving Giddey in limbo.
Jonathan Kuminga
Picked just after Giddey in 2021 and a product of the G League Ignite program, Kuminga was expected to be a key piece for the Warriors’ dynasty rebuilding. However, a combination of roster changes, injuries, and questions about his role and fit has slowed his progress. While he’s shown flashes of scoring and athleticism — averaging nearly 16 points in limited minutes — his playmaking hasn’t matured like some peers, and his fit in Golden State’s system, demanding quick ball movement and stifling defense, is uncertain. Late in the season, coach Steve Kerr sidelined Kuminga in critical moments, though injuries forced more minutes during the playoffs where Kuminga showed star potential with 24.3 points per game in the final series. The Warriors sought draft picks and young talent in trade talks but haven’t found a willing partner at Kuminga’s value, partly because of contract salary cap rules. A short-term deal looks most probable, but Kuminga might hold out for unrestricted free agency in 2026 to maximize his market.
Quentin Grimes
Despite the 76ers struggling with injuries last season, Grimes emerged as a bright spot. After bouncing between teams like the Knicks, Pistons, and Mavericks, he landed in Philadelphia through a trade involving Luka Doncic’s contract. Grimes impressed with his shooting, playmaking, and defense, averaging nearly 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, showing growth in attacking the basket and running the offense. However, teams interested in wings like Grimes either lack cap space or have found other priorities this offseason. The Sixers’ president expressed hopes to re-sign him, and reports indicate an agreement could be reached for a multi-year deal, though the financial terms remain unclear. Given Philadelphia’s salary commitments to stars Embiid, George, and Maxey, Grimes might lean toward taking his qualifying offer and testing the free agency market next summer.
Cam Thomas
Thomas, the 27th pick in 2021, has been vocal about wanting to re-sign with Brooklyn. Despite Brooklyn’s busy offseason moves, Thomas remains the only team with the cap space to negotiate with him seriously. He led the Nets in scoring the past two seasons, posting impressive efficiency numbers comparable to many eventual All-Stars. Thomas considers himself among the league’s top shooting guards and believes he deserves a contract around $30 million annually, but the market is tight as other teams lack the cap room to offer significant deals. Brooklyn’s performance dipped when Thomas was sidelined by injury last season, and opposing teams key in on him defensively. For now, talks haven’t progressed much, and it seems unlikely anyone else will offer a big contract, meaning Thomas could end up signing a mid-level deal or waiting for better opportunities later.
Fan Take:
This offseason drama surrounding talented young players like Giddey, Kuminga, Grimes, and Thomas highlights the complex interplay of talent valuation, salary caps, and team-building strategies in the NBA. How these situations unfold will shape the careers of promising stars and could influence the balance of power across the league in the coming years, making it a crucial period for fan engagement and intrigue.
