Smoother extensions and fewer blockbuster moves have dominated this summer’s NBA free agency. Still, a few major decisions have already shifted the landscape: James Harden punching in with the Clippers, Myles Turner pivoting to the Bucks, and Devin Booker committing to Phoenix through a maximum extension.
Despite that, there remain around ten notable players, veteran and budding talent alike, who are unsigned or awaiting sign-and-trades. With cap space tight across most rosters and strict CBA constraints in place, these guys need the right blend of financial flexibility and roster fit.
In the sections to follow, we’ll name a realistic destination for each of these remaining free agents, forecasting where they genuinely make the most sense and have a high probability of landing. Let's take a look at where Damian Lillard could suit up next, why CP3 could rev up for a title-contender, and how someone like Al Horford might book a flight to San Francisco.
Updates:
Note that we have not included Malik Beasley due to an ongoing gambling investigation.
* = RFA (Restricted Free Agents)
1. Damian Lillard
Jan 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) gestures in the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) gestures in the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destination: Boston Celtics
Damian Lillard was unexpectedly waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks after suffering a torn Achilles, making him an unrestricted free agent and giving him full autonomy over his next destination. With his career pivoted by adversity, Boston has emerged as the frontrunner, engaging in “advanced stages” of recruitment and showcasing serious interest.
Led by Jayson Tatum, who has reportedly been in “constant contact” and actively recruiting Lillard, the Celtics see a perfect rehab match, bonding over their shared Achilles recoveries and championship aspirations. Boston’s pitch is clear: a multi-year, low-risk deal allowing Lillard to return at full strength alongside Tatum and Brown, with real hopes of contending once both are healthy.
2. Jonathan Kuminga*
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks to make a pass up court during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter at Chase Center.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks to make a pass up court during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter at Chase Center.
Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings
Jonathan Kuminga’s future in Golden State now appears uncertain, with insiders revealing that Steve Kerr doesn’t view him as a long-term fit in their offense, his role diminishing as the roster shifts in other directions. We have floated an intriguing sign-and-trade involving the Lakers, where L.A. would swap major assets to bring in Kuminga’s athletic upside and youth alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
At the same time, the Bucks are desperate to pair him with Giannis, making Milwaukee an attractive suitor, though Golden State reportedly isn’t sold on the return package the Bucks are willing to offer. Sacramento also remains in the running, positioning Kuminga as their crown franchise player after De’Aaron Fox’s departure, though it also depends on the quality of the trade package.
In short, Golden State seems ready to move on, and while L.A. holds a compelling sign-and-trade pitch, both Milwaukee and Sacramento loom as serious contenders for Kuminga's next chapter. What happens with the budding star will be a major importance throughout the 2025 offseason.
3. Bradley Beal
Dec 21, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destination: Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have positioned themselves as the leading suitor following Beal’s anticipated buyout from Phoenix, which is currently stalling, since we identified LA as “reportedly next destination” material. Their aggressive offseason strategy includes targeting Beal to boost perimeter scoring and veteran grit, a push fueled by clear organizational intent.
Though his buyout is still in limbo, L.A.’s interest is substantive rather than speculative. Landing in Los Angeles would provide Beal with a ready-made contender and maximal platform to thrive, far beyond the Suns’ current trajectory.
The Clippers’ front office sees him as a missing puzzle piece on a roster stocked for contention. All rings, no rebuild, if Phoenix finally buys him out (which we anticipate), Beal landing in LA feels inevitable.
4. Josh Giddey*
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) brings the ball upcourt against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) brings the ball upcourt against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destinations: Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors
The Bulls remain the baseline fallback if nothing materializes, keeping Giddey in familiar territory, albeit with less upside than a shift west. Sticking in Chicago offers stability and opportunity but lacks championship proximity. The real drama will unfold if Golden State and Giddey’s camp reach alignment on value, cap space, and roster fit.
Giddey could be entangled in a sign-and-trade scenario with the Western contender on his radar after Chicago placed the full qualifying offer, positioning him as an RFA with real leverage. We also identified three realistic landing spots, likely the Warriors, using sign-and-trade mechanisms to both boost their playmaking depth and escape their current guard logjam.
5. Quentin Grimes*
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers
The Lakers have emerged as the frontrunner in a fading but still realistic sign-and-trade push for Quentin Grimes, following a quiet silence on his negotiations with Philly. That silence sparked Lakers intel to re-engage, suggesting a scenario where Philly could send Grimes west in exchange for future assets, while the Lakers gain a reliable 3-and-D guard to bolster their wing depth.
It’s a logical fit for both. Grimes would land in a high-profile, competitive market with role clarity, and LA would fill a glaring roster need. If the deal goes through, expect Grimes to bolster Coach Redick's rotation with spot-starts alongside LeBron and Luka while stretching the court.
However, if Los Angeles can get a deal done, we see Grimes returning to Philly. It is where he truly blossomed so far, and he could get plenty of opportunities to shine offensively if Paul George's knee simply gives out again. Grimes would want L.A., for obvious reasons, but Philly might be the way to go if it doesn't work out.
6. Cam Thomas
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) looks on during a break against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at Spectrum Center.
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) looks on during a break against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at Spectrum Center.
Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destination: Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings
Brooklyn has to be the most logical new home for Cam Thomas, a player with a $5,993,172 qualifying offer on the table. They can't afford to lose him because, other than the recently acquired Michael Porter Jr., there isn't much of an offensive spark on the roster. The Nets lack star power and talent, and Thomas is a surefire bucket-getter no matter what is said about his defensive impact or leadership skills.
The Nets will almost certainly bring Cam Thomas back by submitting an offer, and whether that is accepted or rejected remains to be seen. Otherwise, a team like the Sacramento Kings could be looking at Thomas as their way forward since losing De'Aaron Fox last year. Any player who dropped 24.0 PPG will be a hot commodity, and Thomas will be one throughout the 2025 offseason.
7. Chris Paul
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destinations: Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks
We might have listed the Lakers as a premier destination for Chris Paul’s final act, citing mutual interest and alignment in their goals of a storybook West Coast finale. LA offers Paul a multi-faceted fit: close to home, capable of mentoring the team’s younger stars, and positioned for a deep playoff push.
However, the Clippers might be the team to spoil the Lakers' target. His veteran playmaking would slot seamlessly alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden without diminishing roles.
We also can't ignore the presence of the Milwaukee Bucks, who have moved on from Damian Lillard. It's a tailored fit, big-market impact, deep contention, and a fitting end to a Hall-of-Fame career.
8. Russell Westbrook
Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destination: Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings
Only three teams are visibly interested in Russell Westbrook this offseason, and among them, the Miami Heat have reportedly risen to the top of expected destinations. We have already noted that even with his declining usage and narrative baggage, the Heat’s veteran-driven culture and playoff-ready bridging role make them a surprisingly fitting home for Westbrook’s next act.
It may not be flashy, but Miami’s combination of grit and structure aligns with his desire to chase one last deep playoff run, and maybe mend a frayed reputation. In Miami, Russ would slide into a defined bench role alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, with the Heat offering a chance to shine without straining the rotation.
No matter what you think about Russ at this stage of his career, he is one of the best floor generals who is still available right now. We also have to look at the Sacramento Kings, a team that lost their floor general last year and could be in the market for a new one.
9. Malcolm Brogdon
Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) handles the ball during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Capital One Arena.
Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) handles the ball during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Capital One Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destinations: Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers
Malcolm Brogdon flies under the radar, but his polished 3-and-D play, smart leadership, and UConn roots have teams like the Clippers and Knicks circling with the MLE. He’s not flashy, but his reliable mid-range, decent all-around defense, and playmaking make him an ideal secondary ball-handler.
He fills rotational needs for contenders, often the unsung glue guys who push a team from good to great. We can't ignore that Brogdon could be on the Lakers' radar this offseason as well. Expect him to land a 2-year deal with a contender, because he can play on a contender and get himself back in the spotlight as an impact player.
10. Al Horford
Apr 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) shoots a three point basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) shoots a three point basket against the Orlando Magic.
Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Most Likely Destination: Golden State Warriors
Al Horford has a handshake agreement in place to join the Warriors, as the Lakers might have to submit, once they clear the uncertainty around Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted status. It is clear that Golden State’s front office views Horford as a low-cost veteran anchor who can space the court, steady the locker room, and complement its young core while they wait on Kuminga.
Steph Curry even publicly hinted at the move, calling Horford “a champion, great player,” signaling that this is more than just talk, it’s imminent. Once the deal finalizes, expect Al to slot into a pivotal vet-min role, stretch five, mentor, and preseason opener.
His signing restores Golden State’s depth post-Looney and helps bridge the gap while Kuminga’s future gets resolved. It represents a savvy roster fill: championship talent on a smart contract.
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