The usual quiet period in the NBA calendar has been punctuated by an intriguing situation: a quartet of prominent restricted free agents remain unsigned, casting shadows over their potential fantasy basketball impact for the upcoming season. While summer leagues have wrapped up and the initial free agency frenzy has subsided, the unresolved statuses of Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes, Jonathan Kuminga, and Cam Thomas present unique dilemmas for both their teams and fantasy managers alike.
Josh Giddey, a key component for the Chicago Bulls, finds his fantasy value in a precarious balance. Despite a solid 2024-25 campaign that saw him ranked within the top 50 in eight-category formats, the Bulls have not committed to an extension mirroring deals given to comparable players. Should Giddey remain with Chicago, his fantasy stock is likely to maintain its current trajectory, or even see a slight uptick, especially considering the team’s first full season post-Zach LaVine’s departure. His Yahoo! ADP of 69 last season offers a realistic floor for future drafts.
Quentin Grimes presents an interesting case following his acquisition by the Philadelphia 76ers at the February trade deadline. His subsequent performance, averaging an impressive 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.9 three-pointers per game over 28 appearances, certainly caught attention. However, this surge occurred while the 76ers were significantly shorthanded, playing without key stars like Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, which undoubtedly inflated Grimes’s offensive opportunities.
Few expect Grimes to consistently replicate the top-50 production he showcased during that specific stretch, but he is certainly poised to be a fantasy-relevant player in Philadelphia. His fantasy draft stock will be heavily influenced by the availability of Embiid and George at the start of next season, as their presence could impact his potential starting role and overall usage. Managers considering Grimes for their rosters will need to closely monitor these veteran players’ health updates.
Jonathan Kuminga’s unresolved status has effectively stalled the Golden State Warriors’ free agency plans. The team has been unable to make further roster moves, including potential additions like Al Horford or De’Anthony Melton, until Kuminga’s contract situation is resolved. The central question revolves around whether he will secure a new deal aligned with his perceived value, accept a more team-friendly offer he reportedly rejected, or opt for the qualifying offer, setting him up for unrestricted free agency next summer.
Kuminga’s fantasy value took a hit last season due to injuries limiting him to just 47 games, and it dipped further after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. His post-February 7 statistics, averaging 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.6 steals in limited minutes over 15 appearances, placed him outside the top-350 in nine-category formats. Given his career trajectory, Kuminga’s Yahoo! ADP is expected to be significantly lower than his previous mark of 91 if he remains with the Warriors, making him, at best, a late-round flier for those willing to gamble.
Finally, Cam Thomas’s recent season was a tale of tantalizing potential marred by injuries. Despite playing only 25 games, he averaged a remarkable 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 three-pointers per contest, coupled with strong shooting percentages. This scoring prowess made him a top-100 player in eight-category leagues, though his consistent unavailability meant fantasy managers couldn’t fully capitalize on his offensive bursts, especially during extended absences from late November to late February.
With the Brooklyn Nets clearly in a rebuilding phase, characterized by extensive draft pick usage and strategic trades, Thomas could certainly find ample scoring opportunities alongside Michael Porter Jr. The critical question for fantasy basketball managers is whether he will be given free rein to operate as a primary offensive option, or if Porter Jr. and newly drafted young guards will command significant usage. His Yahoo! ADP is unlikely to reach last fall’s 69, but a return to Brooklyn still positions him as a worthy top-100 pick candidate at worst, given his undeniable scoring upside.
As the NBA approaches a new season, the lingering situations of these restricted free agents remain a critical point of focus for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Their eventual landing spots and roles will significantly reshape their individual fantasy values, demanding vigilant attention from managers as draft season rapidly approaches.
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