These NBA Free Agents Are STIll On The Market...

Joel Piton
Sep 26
5 min read

The NBA offseason has a way of sorting players into neat categories—big-ticket stars, role players filling out rotations, and veterans taking minimum deals. Yet this year, a surprising number of talent is still wafting in free agency, waiting for the right call. Some are former All-Stars still capable of contributing meaningful minutes, others are veterans staring down the final chapter of their careers. With training camp around the corner, time is running out. Who goes where, and what happens if these names never slip onto a roster? The answers could shape not just depth charts, but the competitive balance of the league itself. Here are some of the biggest names:

Russell Westbrook — PG

Height: 6'4" Years Pro: 17 Age: 36

2024-25 Stats : 13.3 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 6.1 APG | 44.9 FG%

Entering his 18th season, Westbrook’s love for the game is as evident as ever. The former MVP still put up 14 points per game off the bench last season, showing improved efficiency compared to his Clippers stint. Once the face of Oklahoma City, he’s since worn multiple jerseys as his role has evolved. What Russ offers now is clear—relentless energy, veteran leadership, and aggression at the point guard spot. With October looming, he remains unsigned, though Houston has emerged as the consensus landing spot.

Prediction: Houston Rockets

Al Horford — PF/C

Height: 6'9" Years Pro: 18 Age: 39

2024-25 Stats : 9.0 PPG | 6.2 RPG | 2.1 APG | 42.3 FG%

At 39, Horford doesn’t have much left to prove. The five-time All-Star and NBA champion is reportedly on the verge of joining Golden State, a move sure to sting Celtics fans who’ve embraced him for years. Still, Horford’s professionalism, leadership, and versatility have defined a prolific career, and his return for another season feels less like necessity and more like a parting gift to the game.

Prediction: Boston Celtics

Quentin Grimes — SG

Height: 6'4" Years Pro: 4 Age: 25

2024-25 Stats : 14.6 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 3.0 APG | 46.7 FG%

When injuries sidelined Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, Grimes seized the spotlight in Philadelphia, dropping 22 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The question is whether that performance was a glimpse of untapped potential or just a one-off. Either way, his scoring punch and two-way ability make him too intriguing to ignore—especially if he’s ready to grow into a consistent 15–20 point per game option.

Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers

Johnathan Kuminga — PF

Height: 6'7" Years Pro: 4 Age: 22

2024-25 Stats : 15.3 PPG | 4.6 RPG | 2.2 APG | 45.4 FG%

A former lottery pick with explosive athleticism, Kuminga made it clear he wanted a bigger role than what he had in Golden State. After plenty of back-and-forth, a reunion with the Warriors now looks unlikely. Though injuries have slowed him at times, the 22-year-old forward is a fearless interior scorer with no glaring weaknesses inside. Kuminga’s talent and aggression demand attention—and with time running short, the question is which team will take the leap.

Prediction: Sacramento Kings

Ben Simmons — G/F

Photo by Rick Austin/NBAE via GettyImages

Height: 6'10" Years Pro: 9 Age: 29

2024-25 Stats : 5.0 PPG | 4.7 RPG | 5.6 APG | 52.0 FG%

Once an All-Star and one of the league’s most unique talents, Simmons has taken heavy criticism for his decline in recent years. Still, at 6’10” he remains an elite passer and a versatile defender who can guard all five positions. At just 28, his youth and skillset make it hard to imagine the NBA moving on from him entirely—it’s simply a matter of finding the right fit.

Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers

Malik Beasley — SG

Height: 6'4" Years Pro: 9 Age: 28

2024-25 Stats : 16.3 PPG | 2.6 RPG | 1.7 APG | 43.0 FG%

Last year’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, Beasley proved himself as one of the league’s most durable and reliable shooters, playing all 82 games while hitting 41% from deep. A sports betting scandal led to a swift release from Detroit, but with all charges now cleared, his free agency market has reopened. The Knicks are reportedly the frontrunners, giving the sharpshooter a strong chance to land on a contender.

Prediction: New York Knicks

DeAndre Jordan — C

Height: 6'11" Years Pro: 17 Age: 37

2024-25 Stats : 3.7 PPG | 5.1 RPG | .9 APG | 65.0 FG%

Once an All-Star known for his thunderous lobs and rim protection, Jordan is clearly nearing the end of his NBA road. Even so, he remained an efficient rebounder last season, pulling down 5.1 boards in just 12 minutes per game, and still showed flashes finishing above the rim. The issue is fit—teams today want more offensive versatility from their bigs, and that’s left Jordan without much traction in free agency.

Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers

De'Anthony Melton — SG

Height: 6'3" Years Pro: 7 Age: 27

2024-25 Stats : 10.3 PPG | 3.3 RPG | 2.8 APG | 40.7 FG%

After appearing in just six games with Golden State before suffering a season-ending ACL injury, Melton was shipped to Brooklyn and promptly waived without logging a single minute. Still, reports suggest the Warriors may be interested in bringing the versatile combo guard back for another shot, banking on his defensive edge and two-way upside if healthy.

Prediction: Golden State Warriors

Reggie Jackson — PG

Height: 6'2" Years Pro: 14 Age: 35

2024-25 Stats : 4.4 PPG | 1.4 RPG | 1.5 APG | 39.1 FG%

Fourteen years into his career, Jackson has worn many hats—from secondary scorer to reliable bench piece—across several franchises. An NBA champion, his latest stop in Philadelphia saw him average just four points in 31 games off the bench. Still, with his experience and steady playmaking, the veteran guard could provide solid minutes in the right system.

Prediction: N/A

Seth Curry — SG/PG

Height: 6'1" Years Pro: 12 Age: 35

2024-25 Stats : 6.5 PPG | 1.7 RPG | .9 APG | 47.8 FG%

Fresh off leading the league in three-point percentage with Charlotte, Curry continues to prove himself as one of the NBA’s most reliable sharpshooters. While his scoring volume has been modest, his floor-spacing ability is something every roster can use. The Warriors have reportedly shown interest, opening the door for a potential reunion with his brother on the game’s biggest stage.

Prediction: Warriors

With opening night creeping closer, the window for unsigned free agents to find a home is narrowing by the day. Some are too talented and will inevitably latch on to a squad somewhere, filling a gap for a contender or a rebuilding roster. Others, however, may have already logged their final NBA minutes without even knowing it. For a few veterans, it may finally be time to hang it up. Yet for players with too much talent and potential to be sidelined forever, this lull feels more like stalling rather than a conclusion. The question is simple: when the season tips off, who’s still standing on the sidelines—and who gets one more shot to prove they belong?

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