Al Horford and seven other NBA free agents still available on the market
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Kuminga:
The restricted free agent either wants a lucrative contract with the Warriors or a chance to display his talents with another team that will give him more regard than he received last season. Kuminga spent a portion of last season in Steve Kerr's doghouse and was released only when Stephen Curry pulled a hamstring in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against Minnesota.
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The Warriors have offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million deal, but it includes a team option for the second season — a nonstarter for Kuminga.
Cam Thomas:
The Nets' high scorer thought those big numbers he put up for a losing team would allow him to cash in on a potential nine-figure contract, but the question is whether those numbers are empty. Can he be a reliable shooting guard on a winning team? Thomas can score, but the Nets and other clubs need to see him do other things.
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It's likely he returns to Brooklyn on a qualifying offer and takes his chances next summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Josh Giddey:
He had a good season with the Bulls after he lost his role in Oklahoma City, but the Bulls aren't exactly big spenders, and Giddey is looking for potentially $30 million per season.
There are always sign-and-trade possibilities but Giddey is likely to return to Chicago on a one-year, bet-on-yourself deal.
Quentin Grimes:
After bouncing around the league the past few years, Grimes found a home with injury-riddled Philadelphia and averaged 21.9 points on nearly 47 percent shooting. The issue is the 76ers are healthy with Paul George, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain all back, meaning Grimes's role would be greatly reduced and therefore a lucrative contract offer is likely off the table.
Again, a sign-and-trade is a possibility but what are other teams willing to give up for that impressive 28-game sample size? He is likely to return to Philadelphia and explore free agency next season.
Russell Westbrook:
Not sure why Westbrook opted out of the final year of his contract at $3.4 million because the Nuggets simply replaced him with the younger Bruce Brown and moved on. Westbrook turns 37 in November and is only a good fit for a handful of teams. The Kings have been interested, but they already have a glut of guards.
It's likely Westbrook will have to accept the league minimum from a team looking for energy and veteran leadership, but he wants a more prominent role. That may no longer be available for the potential Hall of Famer.
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Malcolm Brogdon:
The former Celtic spent the past two seasons playing veteran leader and role model in Portland and Washington. He played a total of 63 games because of injuries and tanking. What does Brogdon have left?
The Celtics do have an available spot at point guard and if the club is interested in Ben Simmons, it certainly would entertain a Brogdon reunion. Like Westbrook, Brogdon is likely going to have to accept a vet minimum because of his injuries and lack of production. He is still only 32.
Thomas Bryant:
It was interesting to see the journeyman playing quality minutes in the NBA Finals. Bryant had his moments in the Pacers' playoff run; he's a backup center at best, but he brings energy, rebounding, and the occasional 3-pointer. Bryant could help a playoff contender with spot minutes.
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at
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