Still Not Paid!

This free agent has been dead after the Kevin Durant and Desmond Bane trade where moves have not happen. Some role players like Bradley Beal and Chris Paul have found new homes signing with new teams and having a small role on the team. Young players like Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams have signed long-term deals. Teams are setting their rosters as the season goes on, but young players are seeking better pay. Players such as Cam Thomas, Josh Giddey Quentin Grimes, and Jonathan Kuminga haven't been paid yet. Leaving their future questionable to say the least.

One of the surprises of free agency is Josh Giddey being on the market. Last year, the team traded the sixth pick to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso. At the season's end, the Australian guard made an amazing run. He hit a legendary buzzer beater against the Lakers. But that has made Chicago hesitant to give him a big contract, as he got hot when the season didn't matter for the Bulls.And with the second cap space, it seems that the front office is not willing to give him a max-level extension. Josh Giddey stands out in performance compared to Jonathan Kuminga and Cam Thomas.

Since the Golden State Warriors drafted Jonathan Kuminga in 2022, he's been in a strange spot. Due to injuries to Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors tanked. This situation allowed them to draft Jonathan Kuminga in the top 10. Yet, once the season began, it led to the Warriors competing for the finals and winning a championship. Steve Kerr, for the past few years, has not given him a consistent role in which he could thrive. One day he plays off the bench, and another he starts, so it becomes hard for the young player to develop. The Warriors' frustration with inconsistent roles has led to them lowballing him. This move has hurt the team's free agency efforts, resulting in not being able to make moves. Golden State hasn't been able to make moves due to this contract situation. and we could see a sign and trade soon. With teams like the Kings looking to sign the young forward. Jonathan Kuminga found himself in the same spot as Cam Thomas.

Another player in the same boat has been Cam Thomas. Cam, like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, is often undervalued. When a player excels in one area, it’s tough for them to earn what they deserve. Cam is not a defender or playmaker who could make max-level money. He is someone who can get buckets, which general managers don't value. The Nets are the most flexible team in the league, but don't look to make a long-term decision with Thomas. The young guard might sign for another year. He could then look to join a new team in the 2026-27 offseason. Sean Marks has made it clear to NBA fans and Brooklyn fans that they have no plans to keep him long-term. This is all about front office and player politics, as is clear in the Quentin Grimes situation.

Daryl Morey is up to his usual politics when it comes to extending players. After the Philadelphia 76ers traded for the young guard, they opened up a new role for him. With Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid being out for the season, it led to Grimes going crazy. Even having a crazy 50-point game making history. Because of the two main players injured, it has made a strange value for the young player. He wants more money than what Morey wants to pay. The hope is that both sides can agree to a deal, or else they would find themselves letting a good young player go. Grimes is a huge factor for the team next season as the big three look to make their return.

The NBA is in an interesting era with the current CBA. A lot of young players will not see the money they hope to have made throughout their careers. Young players will notice a shift in the perception of lowball offers. Teams won’t be willing to spend money anymore. Teams used to pay for potential, but now things have changed. They want results before spending big money.

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