With the 2024-25 NBA season about to begin, several big-name players are shockingly unemployed.

It's not particularly surprising to see big-name veterans eventually disappear from the market and not settle for a home before the start of the new season. There are a few examples of this in the league right now (e.g. Robert Covington, Jae Crowder, JaVale McGee, Bismack Biyombo and Justin Holiday), like every other year.

There are now also typical high draft picks that have not fully reached their potential (e.g. Killian Hayes, James Bouknight, Kevin Knox and James Bouknight).

But when slightly younger players who have shown promise have nowhere to play, that's worth a slightly bigger eyebrow raise. Here are some of those names.

Markelle Fultz

Once the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft who never quite made it, it's been exciting to see Fultz reinvent himself in Orlando over the past few seasons. During the 2022-23 season, he started all 60 games he played for the Magic, averaging 14.0 points and 5.7 assists per game, the highest of his career. But after some setbacks last season, Fultz has yet to receive a new NBA contract.

Dennis Smith Jr.

Perhaps the most enigmatic player currently unsigned to an NBA contract is Dennis Smith Jr., who likely won't have to wait long for a team to acquire his services. Last season, Smith ranked in the 98th percentile of all defensive players (estimated plus-minus), according to DunksandThrees. With his remarkable athleticism, he should soon secure a place in the league again.

Oshae Brissett

Celtics manager Brad Stevens said that Oshae Brissett was “great” for Boston during the championship season, but the wing did not return to the roster or find a new home. Brissett appears ready to get back into the league as soon as possible given the right situation.

Lonnie Walker IV

While he got a gig in Boston this offseason and scored up to 20 points in a preseason appearance, Lonnie Walker IV was not on the roster this year. He's reportedly receiving attention from teams overseas, but if he stays patient, an opportunity in the NBA could soon arise again.

Nassir Little

Another interesting free agent currently available is Nassir Little. After starting his career with the Portland Trail Blazers and spending last season with the Phoenix Suns, the 24-year-old forward played preseason for the Heat. He didn't make the roster, but could become an underrated free agency player who signs for another franchise.