Sports
Top NBA free agents in 2024: LeBron James, Paul George lead potential class – NBC Los Angeles
LeBron James has changed teams in free agency three times throughout his legendary career. And that number could go up four this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar headlines the potential class of NBA free agents in 2024. James, who will be entering his age-40 season, has a $54.1 million player option he needs to make a decision on.
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James isn’t the only Los Angeles basketball star with an uncertain future, either. Clippers forward Paul George holds a $44.1 million player option for next season, while Clippers guard James Harden is in the final year of his deal.
Along with Harden, the other top unrestricted free agents include Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson and Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey leads the group of restricted free agents.
So, which other players could hit the open market? And when will the free-agent frenzy begin? Here’s what to know about 2024 free agency:
Here’s a full look at the best guards, forwards and centers who could hit the open market (players listed in alphabetical order by last name):
Guards
Forwards
Centers
Teams will be allowed to negotiate with their own pending free agents starting the day after the NBA Finals conclude. For reference, the Finals can end as early as June 14 and as late as June 23.
On June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, teams can start negotiating with all other free agents. Deals can’t be signed until 12:01 p.m. ET on July 6.
The reported salary cap for next season is an estimated $141 million, which would mark roughly a $5 million increase from 2023-24.
According to Spotrac’s practical cap space projections, there are seven teams set up to be under the cap, including three that reached the 2023 playoffs:
1. Detroit Pistons: $60.1 million
2. Philadelphia 76ers: $55.5 million
3. Utah Jazz: $37.5 million
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: $35.3 million
5. San Antonio Spurs: $27.3 million
6. Orlando Magic: $19.1 million
7. Charlotte Hornets: $2.6 million