From Ben Simmons to Malik Beasley: NBA’s top free agents still without a team

The new NBA season is here, but not every player chasing a spot has found a team. As rosters shrink and franchises finalize their lineups for the regular season, some players are left without a home. The list includes promising prospects headed to the G League, role players looking for a chance, and even established stars who have already spent most of their careers in the NBA.

Here’s a look at some of the notable players still unsigned for the 2025-26 season, including a few household names who have decided to wait for the right opportunity in the U.S. rather than heading overseas.

NBA stars unsigned for 2025-26

Ben Simmons

At just 29, expectations for the No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft have long faded. Once considered a potentially generational talent, Simmons’ career has been hampered by injuries and a chronic weakness in his outside shooting - he’s made just five three-pointers in nine NBA seasons. His stint with the Clippers brought no major breakthroughs, and now even a short-term or minimal role deal seems unlikely. Reports over the summer suggested he was considering stepping away from the league, and for now, the NBA isn’t counting on him.

Markelle Fultz

A year after Simmons, the 2017 No. 1 pick also went to the Sixers but has faced his own career hurdles. Shoulder injuries derailed Fultz’s early years, and although he had promising stretches with the Orlando Magic, he hasn’t yet found a lasting role. Last season he appeared in 21 games for the Sacramento Kings and is now once again a free agent. A player who could have been a star, Fultz dazzled in college with his scoring ability but has yet to translate that consistently to the NBA.

DeAndre Jordan

At 37, Jordan appears to be nearing the end of his NBA journey. Known for his physical presence, the former All-Star and 2023 champion with the Denver Nuggets spent three seasons backing up Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets recently chose Jonas Valanciunas as their new backup center, leaving Jordan to search for a team in need of veteran interior depth. While his on-court contributions are limited, his experience and locker room presence could still offer value for the right team.

Malik Beasley

Beasley’s case is more complicated. The 28-year-old sharpshooter had a major impact for the Pistons last season, averaging over 16 points per game and hitting 41% of his three-pointers. This summer, his free-agent prospects were clouded by an FBI investigation related to gambling, which ultimately concluded without any charges. Now the league is reviewing the case closely. If no further penalties are imposed, Beasley should quickly find a team in need of his scoring.

Bol Bol

It’s been six years since Manute Bol’s son entered the NBA. His unique body - 7-foot-3 and just 220 pounds - has made it difficult to fully leverage his potential as a rim protector and stretch big. Last season with the Suns, he averaged only 12 minutes, 6.8 points, and 2.9 rebounds per game. Stints with the Nuggets and Magic followed similar patterns. Bol will have to wait for another opportunity to prove himself.

Alec Burks

A 34-year-old wing with scoring ability, Burks is unsigned after playing for the Miami Heat last season. He’s been a journeyman, previously suiting up for the Jazz, Kings, Warriors, Sixers, Knicks, and Pistons. While his best years are behind him, Burks could still contribute off the bench for a team in need of a veteran scorer.

Jae Crowder

Crowder’s case is another example of age catching up to a player. Once a valued 3-and-D specialist, he’s gradually lost playing time as his physical skills declined. A 2021 NBA Finals runner-up with the Suns, Crowder has since had stints with the Bucks and Kings, but his role continues to shrink.

KJ Martin

At just 24, Martin has shown flashes with the Rockets and Sixers but has yet to establish himself. A physically explosive wing, he still lacks the consistent skill and shooting to secure a long-term NBA role. His youth leaves the door open, but he will need to prove he can contribute at a high level to find a new team.

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