Five Key NBA Free Agents Still Without Contracts and Where They Could Land

Only one starter-level player remains on the NBA free-agent market, while the rest of the list consists of role players, prospects seeking one last chance, and opportunities for emotional reunions. Below are some possible destinations for names like Jalen Duren, Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown, Gabe Vincent, and Cam Whitmore ahead of the 2026–27 season.

As Bleacher Report reports, the most complicated situation is Jalen Duren’s: as a restricted player, Duren and the Detroit Pistons are discussing the terms of a new contract, with a Pistons offer at around $190 million and Duren’s demand for at least $200 million. He has the option to take the $9 million qualifying offer for negotiating leverage, but signs indicate the disagreements are expected to be resolved without a major trade, while the sign-and-trade option looks less likely due to clubs’ financial situations ahead of training camp.

Ochai Agbaji, 26, appears as an affordable three-and-D solution for teams seeking athletic, versatile wings. After a 2024–25 season averaging 10.4 points and 39.9% from three, he could join a team like the Los Angeles Lakers as an affordable option for the second or final rotation role, without necessarily demanding a fully guaranteed contract to be invited to camp.

Bruce Brown is considered a suitable name for contending teams wanting two-way experience and consistency. The New York Knicks, after addressing their needs at center, could look at Brown as a solution for their rotating wings; the 30-year-old came off a positive bounce-back season, playing in 82 games and showing good long-range shooting ability and presence on the boards.

Gabe Vincent could return to the Miami Heat as a familiar and affordable option at the guard positions. Although he has not been a constant playmaker, he offers reliable point defense and experience familiar to Miami’s staff; with the team financially limited under the cap, a veteran minimum deal could be the most logical way to close out the team’s roster.

Cam Whitmore is a typical case of a player with high potential but no experience and a history of health problems; after a rookie season with 12.3 points in 18.7 minutes with Houston, he missed the second half of the season due to a venous condition and was later released. Teams like the Sacramento Kings, seeking to bring back or find talent at minimal cost, could give him a tryout to see whether his high pre-2023-draft valuation can be realized.

Overall, most of these moves are expected to be unlocked with small contracts, minimum deals, or tryouts at training camps; according to Bleacher Report, most decisions will be made before the start of training and will reflect each team’s specific needs.