NBA free agency opened for negotiations on June 30, and we’re now deep into the late-August phase of the signing window.
The early fireworks are mostly done: Kevin Durant landed in Houston in a record seven-team trade, Milwaukee prised Myles Turner on a four-year deal, James Harden re-upped with the Clippers, and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaren Jackson Jr. secured massive extensions with OKC and Memphis.
After that first wave, contenders and climbers filled needs across the board. Brook Lopez to the Clippers, Clint Capela to the Rockets, D’Angelo Russell to Dallas, Bruce Brown back to Denver, Kevon Looney to New Orleans, Luke Kornet to San Antonio, with a notable Nets–Nuggets swap sending Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cameron Johnson.
What’s left is the quiet but pivotal endgame: restricted free agents like Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga and Cam Thomas, plus veterans such as Al Horford and Russell Westbrook, still weighing fits and numbers.
Their outcomes will shape the NBA camp battles and cap planning over the next few weeks.
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Josh Giddey’s Chicago Bulls negotiations remain the top storyline
Josh Giddey tops the list with his talks in Chicago, entering a tense phase. The Bulls’ restricted free agent may have to settle for the $11.1 million qualifying offer if negotiations don’t improve.
Giddey is reportedly seeking around $30 million annually, while Chicago has offered about $80 million over four years.
Golden State and other teams have expressed interest, though no sign-and-trade discussions are currently active.
Jonathan Kuminga and Cam Thomas face uncertainty
Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga remains unsigned as the Warriors continue reshaping their roster.
His value and role expectations are still unclear, making his negotiations a key watch in the final stretch of free agency.
Brooklyn is facing a similar situation with Cam Thomas.
The high-scoring guard has shown offensive upside, but defensive concerns have slowed progress on a long-term deal.
Both players could ultimately land short-term contracts or qualifying offers, giving their teams more flexibility.
Veterans like Horford and Westbrook still in play
Teams are also waiting on veterans to make decisions before camp.
Al Horford is expected to draw interest from contenders looking for experienced frontcourt depth, while Russell Westbrook could secure a role as a scoring backup on a short-term deal.
Their situations reflect how franchises are weighing veteran leadership against salary cap restrictions and roster space.
Final stretch before opening night
As the wave of marquee signings finishes, the last group of unsigned players will help define how NBA rosters take shape for 2025–26.
The outcomes for Giddey, Kuminga, Thomas, Horford and Westbrook will highlight where teams place their priorities heading into training camp.