While the initial frenzy of the NBA offseason has slowed, several key situations remain unresolved. Four notable restricted free agents have yet to sign: Jonathan Kuminga, who is reportedly seeking a sign-and-trade deal worth around $30 million annually, Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas, and Quentin Grimes. Additionally, several stars are eligible for contract extensions, including Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks, Kevin Durant, Trae Young, and De’Aaron Fox.
Beyond these contract negotiations, a number of proven veterans are still available on the open market. Most are expected to sign for a veteran minimum contract or a small remaining salary cap exception. Notably absent from this list is Malik Beasley, whose free agency is complicated by an ongoing gambling investigation.
Here are the ten best unrestricted free agents still available.
1) Al Horford
Horford is widely expected to sign with the Golden State Warriors, with his availability likely tied to the team’s ongoing negotiations involving Jonathan Kuminga. A high-IQ, two-way player, Horford’s skill set should thrive in Steve Kerr’s system. He can score in the paint, connect on corner three-pointers, and remains a quality defender at age 37. While his regular-season minutes require management, he provides reliable, high-level contributions and trusted postseason experience.
2) Russell Westbrook
After opting out of his contract with the LA Clippers, Westbrook remains unsigned. He averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists last season, and his infectious energy led to dynamic, game-changing plays. However, this high-octane style is often paired with inconsistent decision-making. With the Clippers opting to move in another direction, contending teams appear hesitant. Westbrook has been most strongly linked to the Sacramento Kings.
3) Chris Boucher
Boucher is a solid, rotation-level stretch-four whose availability is somewhat surprising given league-wide demand for his archetype. Last season with Toronto, he averaged 10 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 36.3% on nearly four three-point attempts per game. He can plug into various lineups and provide an immediate, well-rounded impact.
4) Amir Coffey
A key rotation player on a 50-win Clippers team last season, the 27-year-old wing averaged 9.7 points per game and shot an impressive 40.9% from beyond the arc. He is particularly effective on catch-and-shoot threes. Although he fell out of the playoff rotation, Coffey offers valuable wing depth and proven efficiency for a team in need.
5) Gary Payton II
An elite on-ball defender, Payton’s availability is notable as teams continue to seek players who can apply pressure at the point of attack. While not known as a primary shooter, he is a career 34% three-point shooter and averaged 6.5 points for the Warriors last season. A return to the Bay Area is possible, while the Lakers, Heat, Bucks, and Suns have also been linked to him.
6) Malcolm Brogdon
The 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year has seen his market value impacted by injuries, having played just 63 combined games over the past two seasons with Boston and Portland. When healthy, Brogdon is a highly effective combo guard who averaged 12.7 points and 4.1 assists last season. He represents a high-upside, low-risk signing for a team seeking backcourt help.
7) Seth Curry
Teams in need of elite shooting will be targeting Seth Curry, who connected on 45.6% of his three-point attempts for Charlotte last season. In a reserve role, he can provide a significant offensive boost and valuable floor spacing. A potential reunion with his brother’s team in Golden State has been reported, but like other Warriors-related moves, it likely awaits a resolution to the Kuminga situation.
8) Trey Lyles
Lyles is a versatile stretch-four and small-ball five who can be an effective bench contributor. Last season in Sacramento, he averaged 6.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. His experience in a successful system under coach Mike Brown makes him an attractive and reliable frontcourt option for many teams.
9) Ben Simmons
While his name may draw skepticism, Simmons proved last season with the Brooklyn Nets that he can still fill a regular-season rotation role. Serving as a point forward for the second unit, he utilized his playmaking skills and plus-defense effectively. Though his offensive limitations remain, particularly his lack of a jump shot, Simmons can contribute to a team’s depth over the 82-game schedule.
10) Monte Morris
A veteran rotation guard, Morris is a career 38.9% three-point shooter who connected on 36% of his attempts last season. While his tenure in Phoenix was inconsistent, he remains a capable ball-handler and floor-spacer. Approaching age 30, he can provide steady, experienced depth to a team’s backcourt.
