6 NBA Free Agents Remain Unsigned as DeRozan, Harden Await 2026-27 Deals

3 articles · Updated · ClutchPoints · Aug 18

Six notable NBA free agents are still unsigned in mid-August, with James Harden expected to stay in Cleveland and DeMar DeRozan still weighing offers for his 18th season.
Cleveland's pursuit of Peyton Watson or Jonathan Kuminga is shaping the market: Harden has delayed his own talks, and any Watson sign-and-trade would tighten the Cavs' cap while Denver faces a tax bill that could top $110 million.
DeRozan, 37, has drawn interest from Denver, Miami and Washington after averaging 18.4 points; Washington can offer the richest path with its full $15 million mid-level exception.
Other restricted cases appear closer to resolution: Jalen Duren is widely expected to re-sign with Detroit on a nine-figure deal, while Bennedict Mathurin's future may hinge on the Clippers' Kawhi Leonard-related financial uncertainty.
With training camp still about six weeks away, the remaining standoffs center less on whether these players will sign than on which teams can still create the money and roles they want.