As NBA free agency rolls into July, several intriguing guard options still remain unsigned. From rising restricted stars to seasoned veterans with Hall of Fame resumes, teams hunting for backcourt help have talent to choose from, if they’re willing to spend. Let’s rank the five best guards still available on the free agent market:
1. Josh Giddey
Josh Giddey’s transformation in Chicago has been nothing short of remarkable. After being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 21-year-old Australian found his rhythm alongside Coby White in the Bulls’ backcourt, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 46.5% from the field and a career-best 37.8% from beyond the arc.
His all-around game, size (6-foot-8), and improved perimeter shooting make him a uniquely valuable playmaker, and he’s just scratching the surface. Because he’s a restricted free agent, the Bulls have the right to match any offer, and they’ve made it clear that Giddey is part of their future.
He’s expected to command a deal in the $20–25 million range, and there are multiple teams monitoring the situation. Unless a desperate suitor swoops in with a maxed-out offer sheet, Giddey is likely to remain in Chicago, but not without drama.
2. Quentin Grimes
Quentin Grimes was a revelation after being traded from Dallas to the Philadelphia 76ers midseason. In just a few short months, Grimes blossomed into a legitimate scoring option, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 46.9% from the floor and 37.3% from deep.
He showed flashes of two-way brilliance, and at just 24 years old, his ceiling is still rising. The problem? Grimes reportedly wants a deal in the $25 million range, a price tag that has put the Sixers in a bind given their cap situation.
They’re expected to try and retain him with a deal that starts around $17 million, which could be enough unless another team swoops in with a bold offer sheet, like the Lakers.
If the Sixers are serious about building a contender, Grimes could be a core piece, but only if they’re willing to pay.
3. Cam Thomas
Cam Thomas remains one of the most fascinating scoring talents in the league. The Brooklyn Nets guard put up 23.2 points per game this past season, often carrying the scoring load in isolation-heavy stretches.
While he’s not a natural playmaker (only 2.1 assists per game) and his defense is shaky, his pure bucket-getting ability cannot be ignored.
Thomas’ prior contract demands were reportedly north of $30 million annually, but that number seems unrealistic in the current market. No team has the cap space or incentive to offer him that much.
Brooklyn holds all the leverage as he’s restricted, and unless an unexpected suitor emerges, Thomas is likely headed back to the Nets, perhaps on a shorter-term, incentive-laden deal. If he can expand his game beyond scoring, he could become a key asset for a retooling Brooklyn squad.
4. Chris Paul
Chris Paul may be nearing the end, but he still has value. The 12-time All-Star has publicly said the 2025–26 season will be his final one, and he’s looking to spend it close to his family in Los Angeles.
The Clippers are currently viewed as the favorites to land him, though the Lakers remain in the mix. Milwaukee showed interest earlier as a potential Damian Lillard replacement, but CP3 reportedly has no desire to leave the West Coast again.
Last season, Paul averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field and 37.7% from three for the Spurs. His leadership, floor vision, and veteran poise still make him a valuable piece, especially for a contender. For teams needing a backup point guard with big-game experience, Paul remains the best available.
5. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook opted out of his player option with the Denver Nuggets after a productive season in a bench role, where he posted 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game on 44.9% shooting. The Kings were rumored to be frontrunners to sign him, but that momentum has cooled in recent days.
Now 36, Westbrook is no longer the triple-double machine he once was, but he brings intensity, speed, and energy that can change the pace of a game. His willingness to come off the bench and accept a lesser role has prolonged his career, and he remains one of the more impactful second-unit guards available.
He won’t get a massive payday, but for the right price, Westbrook could be a valuable asset for any playoff team in need of experience and grit.
With several big-name guards still available, this free-agent class remains unpredictable. Whether it’s a blockbuster offer sheet or a sentimental final run, these five players will shape the next phase of the NBA offseason.
