Latest news with #restrictedfreeagent
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why these 4 very good NBA players remain unsigned
NBA free agency is, for the most part, complete. Players have signed, the dust has settled and teams are headed toward a few quiet weeks of summer vacation. Yet, there are four very solid players — forward Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors) and guards Josh Giddey (Bulls), Cam Thomas (Nets) and Quentin Grimes (76ers) — who are each still without contracts. Kuminga, Giddey, Thomas and Grimes were ranked seventh, ninth, 11th and 15th, respectively, in USA TODAY Sports' original ranking of Top 25 players available this cycle. So, why are they still available? Well, for one, each is a restricted free agent, meaning that their most recent team can match any offer sheet the player would sign with any other franchise. But there are several other market factors impacting their status. Here's an explainer on why these talented restricted free agents remain unsigned: What's the difficulty with restricted free agency? Restricted free agency is a lever that limits a player's self-determination in free agency. In an ideal scenario on the player side, the player can seek his so-called market value in negotiations with other teams — often using potential suitors as leverage plays to get the most recent team to pay up. If a team declines to match the offer sheet, then the player will join the other franchise courting him. But this was always going to be a tough offseason for players looking to get paid. In simplest terms, there was not a lot of available cap space, as teams increasingly look to avoid luxury taxes and dipping into the punitive apron triggers. And because teams who were active in the opening days of free agency seemingly wanted to avoid the uncertainty of extending an offer sheet to a player who might not ultimately be available, the market shifted toward unrestricted free agents. The issue of available salary cap space is magnified even further, now that teams mostly have their rosters set, leaving very little budget for these talented players. That depressed market, therefore, gives the most recent teams a massive advantage in negotiations. In essence, the teams with the rights to these restricted free agents are negotiating only against themselves, meaning they have increased leverage, and no real urgency to offer massive contracts — at least in the short term. The player, however, also has the option to accept his team's qualifying offer, thus playing out the final season of his rookie contract. Then, at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, the player would become an unrestricted free agent. This would give the player the option to take a short-term loss — playing under a contract that is well below market value — to later enter the market unencumbered, just one year later. Jonathan Kuminga Still only 22 years old, Kuminga has had an uneven career with the Warriors, since the team selected him seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Kuminga flashed potential in the 2023-24 season as a versatile wing scorer who could slash and get to the rim, but he ultimately lost his spot in the rotation last season, particularly when Golden State traded for Jimmy Butler. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points per game last season — which was down from 16.1 the year previous — but the decline in his efficiency and shooting percentage (45.4%, down from his career-high 52.9% in 2023-24) is most concerning. The case for Golden State to re-sign Kuminga: He's an athletic player with tons of potential, and the Warriors will need his youth to maximize what the team has left with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green each in their mid-30s. The case against: Although their working relationship appears to be on solid footing, Steve Kerr has, at times, seemingly lacked trust in Kuminga, particularly to close out games. Although Kuminga has flashed potential, he remains somewhat unproven, so justifying a lucrative deal may be challenging. Josh Giddey Giddey is approaching triple-double territory for a season. In 2024-25 — his fourth season in the NBA and first with the Bulls — the 6-8 guard averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and shot 46.5% from the field and 37.8% on 3-pointers. In the final 15 games of the season, Giddey averaged 20.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 9.7 assists. The case for Chicago to re-sign Giddey: It's difficult to find that kind of production, and that's why Giddey is seeking a lucrative long-term contract. He's just 22 years old and is the kind of player who can help win games with his scoring, passing and rebounding. The Bulls also gave up Alex Caruso to acquire Giddey. The case against: Patrick Williams' five-year, $90 million deal stings, and Chicago's hesitancy to give Giddey a big contract stems from the front office's decision on Williams' deal. There are optics involved, and the Bulls' front office needs the appearance of 'winning' a negotiation — or at least not looking like they screwed up. Cam Thomas Thomas can score. He averaged 24 points on 43.8% shooting from the field and 34.9% on 3s in 2024-25 — though he played in just 25 games due to a hamstring injury. The season before, he played in 66 games and averaged 22.5 points with similar shooting percentages (44.2%, 36.4%). The case for Brooklyn to re-sign Thomas: On a rebuilding and mostly young team with a payroll that is manageable, Thomas is a proven scorer, and he could be valuable as a player in a trade at a later date. The case against: NBA analyst Zach Lowe on his podcast said the consensus on Thomas was that he is an 'empty calories ball hog.' Thomas objected, saying 'This is most likely the same consensus (from) teams who can't guard me and send double teams from jump ball.' Is Thomas a starter who can do more than get buckets on a quality team or a scoring spark off the bench? The answer isn't clear. Quentin Grimes Grimes just turned 25 and proved he can be a reliable scorer in the 28 games he played with Philadelphia, after the Sixers acquired him ahead of the February trading deadline. Grimes scored 21.9 points per game with Philly, adding 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Granted, the 76ers were plagued with injuries and Grimes had an elevated role, but Grimes more than answered the call and is looking to cash in on that performance. The case for Philadelphia to re-sign Grimes: The 76ers battled injury issues last season, and there's no guarantee that this roster, with Paul George and Joel Embiid potentially still facing lingering issues, won't face similar issues in 2025-26. The case against: The Sixers have two of the worst contracts in the NBA in Paul George and Joel Embiid, so paying Grimes presents its own challenges. Plus, with Tyrese Maxey, second-year Jared McCain and rookie No. 3 overall selection VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers are already loaded at guard. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA restricted free agency: Why are these 4 players still unsigned?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Byram Bridge Deal Might Just Be Delaying The Inevitable
The Buffalo Sabres decision to go to salary arbitration with defenseman Bowen Byram last week eliminated the possibility of another NHL club going the offer sheet route, but also opened up the possibility that the restricted free agent would walk his way to unrestricted free agency. Well in advance of the hearing, the Sabres announced on Monday night that they had signed the 24-year-old blueliner to a two-year, $12.5 million extension ($6.25 million AAV).
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Nets' Cam Thomas could be looking for a big raise this summer
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas is experiencing his first taste of free-agency this offseason at a time where it may be hard for him to get paid what he wants. It appears that Brooklyn wants to bring Thomas back and Thomas has made it clear that he wants to be back with the Nets, but the former LSU Tiger isn't selling himself short just to get back to something familiar. "Thomas has openly said he views himself as one of the best shooting guards in the league," Brian Lewis of the New York Post wrote as he was explaining the situation between Thomas and Brooklyn. Thomas is a restricted free-agent this offseason after having the best season of his career in the 2024-25 season, but it seems that all of the notable restricted free-agents are having to slow-play their negotiations. "A source familiar with Thomas' thinking said he does not consider himself inferior to Immanuel Quickley ($32.5 million this upcoming season), Tyler Herro ($31 million) or RJ Barrett ($27.7 million)," Lewis continued when talking about what Thomas could be looking for. Over the past couple of years, there has been plenty of discussion over how valuable is within the context of the NBA. As The Ringer's Zach Lowe relayed on an episode of his podcast, Thomas seems to be one of the more polarizing players in the NBA because of the chasm that exists between his supporters and detractors. For some fans, Thomas is a star on the rise that has been misunderstood while others believe that Thomas is not as valuable as his numbers suggest because that production has come on a non-competitive team. Thomas is coming off a season in which he averaged 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 34.9% from three-point land, but that was during a campaign in which Brooklyn finished with a 26-56 record. Be that as it may, Thomas has made it clear how much he believes in himself and according to Lewis, the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is operating that way this summer. This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Report: Nets' Cam Thomas could be looking for a big raise this summer
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Fans Worry On Jaylen Warren Awkward Status
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is one of only two restricted free agents across the NFL who has not signed their tender as of yet. The only other RFA not to sign his tender is Atlanta Falcons center Ryan Neuzil. Advertisement Warren is still under team control for one more season, but has no contract. The undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State signed a three-year contract with the team in 2022. His contract expired, but he does not have the four-year minimum to be an unrestricted free agent. Therefore, he remains under the Steelers' exclusive control. Pittsburgh will have to pay Warren $5.346 million this season as he was tagged with a second-round tender. With Najee Harris departing via free agency, it was presumed Warren would be the leader to take over the starting role, but he cannot do that without a contract. Advertisement So Steelers fans have a reason for now to worry about this awkward situation. It is almost certain the Steelers will address the position at some point this weekend in the NFL Draft. Warren could be fishing for a longer-term deal with Pittsburgh and might be refusing to sign his tender as leverage. Without a contract, he cannot attend any team events, like mini-camp or other organized team activities. Warren, who signed a minimum deal out of college, will receive a substantial raise this season, either way. Even if he signs his tender, the can still negotiate with the Steelers for a longer term contract. Advertisement It should be noted the Steelers have not offered a multi-year second contract to a running back since Willie Parker in 2006. Warren rushed 346 times in three seasons for 1,674 yards and six touchdowns. Related: 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Browns, Steelers Start Over at QB, Shedeur Sanders Falls Out of 1st Round Related: Steelers Add Defensive Secondary Help in NFL Mock Draft
New York Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
McTavish an offer sheet candidate, Canes should let Ehlers cook: NHL offseason notebook
The threat of an offer sheet didn't carry much weight in recent years, until last summer. Aside from some sparks between the Canadiens and Hurricanes, first over Sebastian Aho (whose offer sheet was matched by Carolina) and then Jesperi Kotkanemi (who left Montreal for Carolina), there hasn't been much traction on that front in the last 10 years. Advertisement And then the Blues disrupted the norm last summer, with not one but two offer sheets targeting the Oilers. Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg emerged as key players in St. Louis and helped fuel their turnaround. Their success was a reminder of the power of an offer sheet. It's a mechanism that can give a team with draft capital and cap space a competitive advantage if general managers are willing to rattle their opponents. Many wondered if the Blues would inspire a new trend and willingness to shake up the restricted free agent class. Whether it was the threat of an offer sheet or general managers wanting a better salary cap picture ahead of free agency, teams got to work earlier on RFA extensions this summer. The Maple Leafs locked up Matthew Knies early. Edmonton extended Evan Bouchard, and the Rangers re-signed Will Cuylle. JJ Peterka, Noah Dobson, and K'Andre Miller have all been traded and extended by their respective new teams. And then more names, including Lukas Dostal, Bowen Byram, and Gabriel Vilardi, came off the board when players (and teams) elected for arbitration. Before general managers start daydreaming early about a stacked 2026 class of RFAs, there are still a few offer sheet-eligible players worth keeping an eye on this summer. That list starts with Mason McTavish. Unlike Edmonton last summer, the Ducks have a ton of cap space at their disposal to easily match any offer thrown McTavish's way. So a mid-tier deal won't fly. An offer has to have some oomph behind it — at least to a tune of a $7.02 million cap hit — to stump Anaheim. Via Puckpedia The Ducks don't need the draft pick compensation associated with the higher tiers. Their pipeline is stocked, and eventually Anaheim needs to turn those picks and young up-and-comers into actual NHLers to turn the corner. That's why keeping McTavish makes the most sense, especially after moving on from Trevor Zegras. But on the flip side, the Ducks may not want to make a commitment of that magnitude just yet. McTavish hasn't established himself as a true top-six center yet, and some of his comps, like Max Comtois, Max Domi, and Casey Mittelstadt, add some question marks on just how much substance there is in his game. As much as the Ducks have short- and long-term financial flexibility, management still may not want to clog up the books too early with a hefty McTavish extension. Anyone willing to roll the dice on McTavish has to see a little Dylan Strome in him — a late-bloomer who needs the right opportunity. For some eligible teams, like the Canadiens, Bruins, Flames, and Red Wings, it's worth throwing a dart this summer. At worst, it rattles Pat Verbeek in Anaheim, who easily matches an offer. At best, it lands a team a 22-year-old center who could thrive in a new environment. Advertisement Speaking of unsigned RFAs, there's Luke Hughes in New Jersey. Unlike McTavish, he isn't offer sheet eligible, so there isn't that same pressure on the Devils to get a deal done sooner rather than later. But his extension could have a domino effect on the Devils' roster, depending on what he signs for. Evolving-Hockey projects a six-year deal worth $7.52 million a year. It's a contract that projects to age well, if he follows the path of comps Seth Jones and Noah Hanifin (and not Tyson Barrie or Dmitry Kulikov). A contract of that value could lead to some subtractions to balance the books. The easy answer is flipping the last two years of Ondrej Palat's contract. But management could consider a bolder change on the blue line, too. If Seamus Casey or Simon Nemec look ready for a full-time NHL role, their entry-level contracts would help offset Hughes' extension. But someone would have to step out of the starting six. That's why Dougie Hamilton's name has surfaced this summer; as of July 1, he officially has a modified no-trade clause (instead of a full NMC), which could help facilitate a change. Hughes proved in Hamilton's absence that he could quarterback the top power play unit and be a two-way difference in key minutes. It just depends on whether there is a market for the last three years of Hamilton's contract. A potential Hamilton trade is easier said than done because the defense market has been in a bit of a standstill, hinging on Bowen Byram. The Sabres were prepared to match any offer sheets for Byram, but took away that option after filing for arbitration. Then on Monday night, Buffalo extended the RFA for two years, at $6.25 million a year.. Evolving-Hockey projected a longer-term extension — an eight-year deal worth almost $8 million a year on average. While a contract of that length could have opened the door to long-term savings, it was a risky play. As is, a $6.25 million cap hit is pricey relative to two-year projections and his market value. Byram showed in Colorado that he can crush third pair minutes. In Buffalo, he looks like somewhat of a passenger in a top-four capacity. While he isn't expected to be the driver of a pair with Rasmus Dahlin, his struggles away from the Sabres' number one sparked some concern. Maybe he just looked that exposed due to who he paired up with, otherwise. Until there is clarity on his true ability, the team can't afford to potentially overpay Byram, not with lefties Dahlin and Owen Power already locked up long-term. A short-term contract lets Byram show exactly what he is capable of — and whether he can follow the path of comps like Brandon Montour, Ryan Pulock, and Travis Sanheim, or if he is destined to be the next Jamie McBain or Zach Bogosian. But it's far from a perfect solution for either side because Byram's value could tank over the next two years. The Sabres could also lose him for nothing, since this contract walks him to unrestricted free agency. So while this contract can quiet some trade buzz, it won't outright silence it. Because if the Sabres decide he isn't a long-term fit, management is officially on the clock to find a trade partner to ensure he doesn't leave for nothing. The team could take a more aggressive approach and use this contract as cost certainty for interested teams. A potential match like the Blues, who have an opening after waiving Nick Leddy, no longer has to worry about acquiring Byram and signing him for maximum value this summer. Advertisement After trading Cody Ceci last year at the deadline, trading Henry Thrun, and buying out Marc-Edouard Vlasic, the Sharks needed two things: bodies on the backend and more salary to reach the cap floor. Two free agent signings (Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg) and a waiver claim (Leddy) brought in three NHL-caliber defensemen and $12.5 million in cap space. With those additions and Shakir Mukhamadullin pushing for a mainstay role at the NHL level, the Sharks can consider a Mario Ferraro trade. Ferraro has a year left on his contract and could also be packaged as a deadline rental in March. But teams would likely jump at the chance to add a 26-year-old with a $3.25 million cap hit, especially after defensive prices spiked this summer. That cap hit comes in clutch for an acquiring team and San Jose; the Sharks should be able to save their last retention slot for the deadline to get maximum value on one of those newly-added veteran defensemen. The Rangers could still use help on the left behind free agent signing Vladislav Gavrikov. If Byram is off the trade block, the Blues should be in the market for a lefty, too. The Jets may want a third-pair upgrade. The Red Wings' depth is far from perfect. The demand should be there, as long as teams are willing to gamble on a Ferraro glow-up outside of a challenging environment in San Jose, similar to Hampus Lindholm when he left Anaheim for Boston. As much demand as there could be for a lefty like Ferraro, the right side is a coveted position. That could benefit the Devils if Hamilton officially goes on the trade block and the Penguins, who could flip the last two years of Erik Karlsson's contract. But Rasmus Andersson doesn't come with that same baggage, since he only takes up $4.55 million on the cap for another year. As the offseason market has evolved, the number of landing spots for Andersson has dwindled. But there are still teams seeking right-handed reinforcements. If the Stars or Lightning can clear space, Andersson could be a solid fit for either team. The Red Wings need a lot more help on the right than on the left. The Bruins' depth is still suspect. But the Golden Knights still look like the strongest fit, considering the Alex Pietrangelo situation and Andersson's chemistry with Noah Hanifin. Add in Andersson's willingness to extend there, which can help juice the Flames return, and it could all click — if Vegas can clear space for this year, and beyond. After Andersson's current contract expires, he is in for a raise. Evolving-Hockey projects something in the $8 million range. Even if the Golden Knights can get him to something more team-friendly, it will still take some maneuvering for Vegas, as it coincides with Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev also needing new deals. Advertisement The Penguins recently absorbed Matt Dumba's cap hit from Dallas and can afford to take on more. So can the Blackhawks, Flames, Blue Jackets, and Kraken. The Ducks and Sharks outright need to add more salary. There should be a handful of buyers with space, because teams outside of the playoff picture were a bit less active in free agency this year. So the Golden Knights, and other contenders looking to shed contracts, should be able to move salary out if necessary. The goalie market seriously underwhelmed this summer, which added some intrigue to a potential trade candidate in Arturs Silovs. Between his waiver-exemption ending and the Canucks extending Thatcher Demko a year early, it seemed like his time in the organization was coming to an end. Over the last couple of seasons, he put in the work to raise his stock, between his experience at the NHL level and in the 2024 playoffs and his recent MVP honors after winning the Calder Cup with Abbotsford. The Penguins, before acquiring Silovs on Sunday, didn't need a third goalie. Joel Blomqvist looks poised to play more, plus Tristan Jarry has another three years on his contract. With Silovs, Pittsburgh has a less-than-desirable three-goalie situation to navigate — unless another skate is about to drop. Pittsburgh has all three salary retention slots open, so management can afford to commit one to Jarry for the next three years in the right trade. The problem is that he is incredibly streaky, so that multi-year commitment could still be dicey. Just take his swing from saving 12.4 goals above expected in 51 games in 2023-24, to last year's lows that saw him spending time in the AHL. And he doesn't have much pedigree, either. So while the Oilers seem like an obvious target considering their unstable crease, Jarry might only add to that volatility. The Hurricanes' system is both a blessing and a curse, in some ways. Few teams have managed to turn a playing style into an outright identity and maintain it despite roster turnover. But sometimes, that system can also bite the Canes when there isn't a willingness to depart from it. As much as the Canes have a knack for maximizing players within their system, not everyone fits perfectly. Mikko Rantanen didn't. Neither did Marty Necas. So when those situations arise, the question is whether the player should change their game to blend in more or if the coaches should let those players color outside the lines. The answer can be somewhere in the middle, as long as it doesn't suppress what someone like Nikolaj Ehlers can bring to the lineup. Do your thing, Ehlers 👀 📺: Jets vs. Panthers on SNW📲: Stream on Sportsnet+ — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2024 Ehlers is a dynamic and creative forward who can electrify a team's offense. It's exactly what a team like the Hurricanes needs, around staples like Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Logan Stankoven, who are perfect stylistic fits. But Ehlers' game does carry some risk, which could be why he was rarely deployed like a true top-line talent in Winnipeg. So will Rod Brind'Amour and the Canes' staff embrace all that Ehlers brings, and allow him to go against the grain from the standard that's been set? It could be the key to adding some dimension to Carolina's quintessential style. Data via Evolving-Hockey, HockeyViz, HockeyStatCards, All Three Zones, TheStanleyCap, and Natural Stat Trick. This story relies on shot-based metrics; here is a primer on these numbers. (Top photo of Mason McTavish: Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)
