Eight 2025 NBA Draftees Still Seeking Contracts Ahead of Season

As the 2025 NBA season approaches, an impressive majority of the league’s recent draft class has secured their initial professional contracts. However, a notable cohort of eight players remains in limbo without a deal, as reported by hoopswire.com.

Out of 59 athletes selected in this year’s draft, a remarkable 51 have put pen to paper, representing more than 85% of the class. This includes all 30 selections from the first round, along with 11 second-round players who have signed standard contracts and another 10 who have inked two-way deals. Interestingly, two second-round picks, Bogoljub Markovic of the Milwaukee Bucks and Saliou Niang of the Cleveland Cavaliers, will continue their careers overseas for the upcoming season.

This leaves a handful of players whose futures are uncertain as training camps draw near. The six individuals without contracts include:

– Amari Williams (Boston Celtics)
– Mohamed Diawara (New York Knicks)
– Alex Toohey (Golden State Warriors)
– Will Richard (Golden State Warriors)
– John Tonje (Utah Jazz)
– Jahmai Mashack (Memphis Grizzlies)

Among these names, Amari Williams stands out as the only player picked within the top 50 who has yet to finalize a contract. Selected 46th overall, Williams was rumored to be on the verge of signing a two-way deal, but the Celtics currently do not have any open slots for such contracts, creating a roadblock for the young forward.

The situation for Williams is particularly intriguing given the Celtics’ roster dynamics. With a strong frontcourt already in place, the team may be weighing its options carefully. The uncertainty surrounding his contract could lead to a delay in his professional debut, which is a significant consideration for a player eager to make an impact in the league.

Meanwhile, his peers are moving forward, with many already participating in team workouts and preparing for the season. This contrast highlights the competitive nature of the league, where opportunities can be fleeting, and timing is crucial.

The remaining players on the list face similar hurdles. Mohamed Diawara, drafted by the Knicks, is also in a position where he needs to secure a contract soon to ensure a place on the roster. The Warriors’ duo of Toohey and Richard is navigating a crowded roster, which might complicate their chances of landing a deal. Tonje and Mashack, meanwhile, will be hoping for favorable negotiations as they seek to join the league’s ranks.

Sources indicate that teams typically aim to finalize contracts with their draft picks before training camp begins, emphasizing the urgency for these eight players. As the clock ticks down to the start of the new season, the pressure mounts for these athletes to secure their futures in the NBA.

The journey ahead for these unsigned draftees is fraught with challenges, but it also presents an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and find a place in the league. For fans and observers alike, the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining where these promising talents will land.