Training camp in the NBA is set to open in less than a month, and yet for some reason, there are quite a few notable NBA free agents still looking for a home. Maybe teams are exercising a bit of financial prudence due to stringent salary cap restrictions, or maybe they’re worried about potentially signing the wrong player. Whatever the reason, some very good players remain unsigned even with the season fast approaching.
Here are, in our opinion, the best remaining NBA free agents as of 8:00 p.m. on September 9, 2025 (Philippine time):
Restricted NBA Free Agents
Restricted NBA free agents can sign with any team, but their current one can match the offer to retain the player.
Cam Thomas (24.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.8 APG)
Thomas is a big-time scorer and is quite possibly the best free agent still available.
Josh Giddey (14.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 7.2 APG)
Giddey was unleashed after getting traded to the Chicago Bulls last season. He’s a walking triple-double, though his defense remains suspect.
Quentin Grimes (14.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.0 APG)
Grimes is the quintessential 3-and-D player, and he averaged 21.9 points after getting traded to the Philadelphia 76ers last season.
Jonathan Kuminga (15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.2 APG)
The Warriors say they want Kuminga, but Steve Kerr seems reluctant to play him heavy minutes. But the raw physical gifts—size and athleticism—are undeniable.
Unrestricted NBA Free Agents
Unrestricted NBA free agents can sign with any team without worrying about their current team matching the offer.
Al Horford (9.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.1 APG)
Always reliable, Horford can still wall off the interior and contribute on offense with the three-ball.
Malik Beasley (16.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Beasley shot 41.6% from downtown for the surprising Detroit Pistons, and was among the most prolific snipers in the league last season.
Russell Westbrook (13.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 6.1 APG)
Say what you will about Westbrook, but his energy, intensity, and ferocity haven’t died down one bit. He’s also still productive across the board when he gets minutes.
Malcolm Brogdon (12.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.1 APG)
Brogdon continued to be heady and steady last season, even after coming off injury. He plays mostly mistake-free ball, is a decent defender, and is a good enough shooter, too.
De’Anthony Melton (10.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.8 APG)
An ACL injury last season is likely the reason Melton is still on this list. But when healthy, he’s definitely an excellent 3-and-D option.
Gary Payton II (6.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.3 APG)
Like his dad and namesake, Payton II is a defensive demon, and is arguably one of the NBA’s best defenders on the perimeter.
Ben Simmons (5.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.6 APG)
Simmons may suck at scoring, but he’s pretty good at pretty much everything else.
Precious Achiuwa (6.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.0 APG)
Hardworking and hard-nosed, Achiuwa is a terrific off-the-bench big who gives hustle, energy, and defense.
Bones Hyland (6.2 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 1.3 APG)
Hyland averaged double digits in scoring in his first four seasons. He’s since tapered off, but remains a potentially explosive spark plug off the bench.
DeAndre Jordan (3.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 0.9 APG)
Jordan, even with his advancing age, is still an interior presence on defense and a fantastic rebounder. With two-big lineups becoming more common, he could be a solid pickup.
