Golden free agents: these forgotten NBA stars could revive a franchise tomorrow

Three weeks after the start of NBA free agency, several prestigious names are still looking for a team in the market. Between veterans seeking one last dance and young talents coming off rookie contracts, the situation remains fluid for many players.

Veterans seeking one last challenge

Chris Paul, 40 years old and 12-time All-Star, represents one of the most interesting opportunities for teams lacking offensive creation. After playing all 82 regular season games with San Antonio (7.4 assists against 1.6 turnovers per game), the Point God wants to spend his final season close to his family in Los Angeles. The Clippers, his former team, would be ready to offer him a sixth man role on a competitive team.

PLAYER PROFILE

Chris PAUL

Position(s):Point Guard

Height:183 cm

Age:40 years (05/06/1985)

Nationality:

Stats 2024-2025 / NBA

PPG

8.8

#231

RPG

3.6

#228

APG

7.4

#10

Russell Westbrook, who will turn 37 later this year, declined his player option after an interesting season in Denver as a sixth man (13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds). Only the Knicks and recently the Kings have shown genuine interest in the former MVP, despite his still solid performances.

PLAYER PROFILE

Russell WESTBROOK

Position(s):Point Guard

Height:193 cm

Age:36 years (11/12/1988)

Nationality:

Stats 2024-2025 / NBA

PPG

13.0

#124

RPG

4.7

#139

APG

5.6

#31

Al Horford, 2024 NBA champion with Boston at 39, is attracting many teams. The Warriors, Lakers, Bucks and Hawks are mentioned as potential destinations, with Atlanta possibly having the edge as the player would prefer to stay close to his family.

Young talents waiting

Jonathan Kuminga remains uncertain after his difficulties with Steve Kerr at the Warriors. In the 39 games where he played more than 30 minutes, the forward posted impressive averages of 20.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists with 53.9% shooting and 40.2% from three-point range. An extension with Golden State before a mid-season trade is among the options being discussed.

Josh Giddey, traded to the Bulls for Alex Caruso, has shown real progress in Chicago. The Australian initially aimed for a contract around 30 million per season, but Chicago doesn’t seem willing to exceed 20 million annually. With few franchises able to make a big offer, Giddey isn’t in a strong negotiating position.

READ ALSO

Damian Lillard signs his return to Portland!

Jul 18, 2025

Sylvain Sultat

Cam Thomas, the Nets’ revelation averaging 24 points and 3.8 assists last season at age 23, is still waiting for Brooklyn to start negotiations. The Nets know they’re in a strong position, being the team with the most money available this summer.

The general scarcity in the market could force several of these players to lower their salary expectations or opt for one-year contracts while waiting for more favorable conditions.