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Recent discussions around restricted free agency have focused on the four 2021 first-round picks who remain unsigned: Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, Quentin Grimes, and Cam Thomas.

While a few other RFAs exist, they’re mostly two-way players whose free agency tends to be low-profile, often resulting in accepting qualifying offers or another two-way deal.

RFAs have until October 1 to accept their qualifying offers unless their teams extend the deadline. This year’s offers include:

  • Josh Giddey (Bulls): $11.14M
  • Quentin Grimes (Sixers): $8.74M
  • Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors): $7.98M
  • Cam Thomas (Nets): $5.99M
  • Dru Smith (Heat): $2.38M*
  • Taran Armstrong, N’Faly Dante, Kevin McCullar Jr., Oscar Tshiebwe: Two-way^

(*partially guaranteed; ^partially guaranteed smaller amount)

For first-rounders, qualifying offers are tied to draft position and starter criteria, which is why Grimes’ offer exceeds Kuminga’s despite a lower draft slot.

All four top players have fully guaranteed QOs and would reach unrestricted free agency in 2026 if they accept them. Two-way player Dru Smith, however, can no longer sign another two-way deal, so his QO reflects a minimum salary.

Historically, few first-rounders accept their QOs – only five since 2017 – including Alex Len, Nerlens Noel, Rodney Hood, Denzel Valentine, and Miles Bridges.

Most of them did not secure major deals a year later, though Bridges’ case was unique due to legal issues.

Given their talent, Giddey, Kuminga, Grimes, and Thomas are expected to negotiate new contracts rather than accept QOs.

But if one does, it would be a rare and compelling storyline, as history suggests such moves rarely lead to lucrative follow-up deals.

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