Sports
Starting 5, July 1: NBA free agency is officially open – NBA.com
Everything you need to know as the free agency negotiation period opens. Contracts can be signed and made official starting on July 6.
Last week, a whole new generation of stars hit the NBA.
This week? Free agency is about to give the league a whole new look.
THE LINEUP 🏀
What’s inside today’s edition?
Free Agency 101: Answering frequently asked questions regarding free agency
10 Key Free Agents: The top 10 players available, according to Steve Aschburner
Free Agents By Skill Type: See which players can fill specific team needs
Coaching Carousel: Introducing the NBA’s newest head coaches
Free Agency In Photos: A look back at some of the most memorable free agent signings
BUT FIRST … ⏰
Two W rookies produced fireworks on July eve…
Sunday in the WNBA saw the New York Liberty win their fourth straight – 81-75 over Atlanta – to improve to a league-best 16-3 as the season nears its midpoint.
Key Dates: With the California Classic starting Saturday, tap for what’s coming this summer
1. FREE AGENCY 101
Welcome to the NBA’s annual offseason frenzy.
The league’s free agent negotiation window — allowing teams to negotiate with free agents — opened yesterday at 6 ET, commencing a week of deals and decisions that will reshape the NBA landscape.
Stars like LeBron James, Paul George, Klay Thompson and James Harden are all eligible to test the market, but before we examine who’s available, one must first understand the dynamics of free agency. So, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions below.
What is the timeline of free agency?
What’s the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?
What’s a player option and how does it differ from a team option?
2. STEVE ASCHBURNER’S TOP 10 FREE AGENTS
There’s no shortage of star power in this year’s free agent class, and while familiar names like LeBron, PG, Klay and Harden lead the charge, a pool of rising talent rounds out the group.
Here’s a look at the top 10 of Steve Aschburner’s 15 key free agents, along with each player’s current status.
Free Agent Tracker: See every 2024 free agent and the latest news & reports here
3. FREE AGENTS BY SKILL TYPE
With teams trying to fill specific needs in free agency, John Schuhmann broke down the field to give his top six free agents by skill type.
Top 6 Playmakers: These players present a combination of scoring and facilitating that will be highly sought after this summer.
The list includes two former Kia MVPs (Harden in 2018 and Westbrook in 2017 – the last two American-born players to win MVP) and two more All-Stars (Maxey in 2024, Russell in 2019)
Top 6 Defenders: These players excel at defending on the ball or protecting the basket, and in some cases, both of those impactful defensive abilities.
The list includes three players that appeared in the past two NBA Finals – Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope with the 2023 Nuggets and Derrick Jones Jr. with the 2024 Mavericks.
Top 6 Shooters: With NBA teams averaging 35.1 3-point attempts per game (second only to 2021-22 at 35.2), having reliable outside shooters has never been more important.
The list includes a Splash Brother (Thompson), the player with the most 3s made over the past five seasons (Hield), and the player with the highest 3-point percentage over the past four years (Kennard) and more.
4. CATCH UP ON COACHING CHANGES
Seven teams entered the 2024 offseason looking for a new head coach, and six jobs are already officially taken — with reports that the 7th will be filled soon.
Brooklyn Nets | Jordi Fernandez | Joins the Nets after spending the last two seasons as associate head coach of the Kings, in which he helped lead the team to consecutive Playoff appearances
Charlotte Hornets | Charles Lee | Helped the Celtics win the 2024 title as an assistant on Joe Mazzulla’s staff. Prior to last season, he served on Mike Budenholzer’s staff in Atlanta and Milwaukee
Cleveland Cavaliers | Kenny Atkinson | Joins the Cavs after spending the past three seasons as an assistant in Golden State. He was head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-20, going 118-190
Los Angeles Lakers | JJ Redick | A 15-year NBA veteran, Redick served as an ESPN analyst for three years after retiring as a player in 2021
Phoenix Suns | Mike Budenholzer | The two-time NBA Coach of the Year has a decade of head coaching experience in Atlanta and Milwaukee, amassing a 474-317 record and winning the 2021 title with the Bucks
Washington Wizards | Brian Keefe (removed interim tag) | After 14 years as an assistant coach around the league, Keefe was elevated to interim head coach of the Wizards on Jan. 25, replacing Wes Unseld Jr.
5. A FEW OF THE BIGGEST FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
Free agency’s changed the course of NBA history, from forming iconic duos to helping build championship dynasties.
With franchises from coast to coast about to get new looks, relive just a few of the most memorable free agent signings in league history.
2022: Jalen Brunson to Knicks
2018: LeBron James to the Lakers, after helping to bring titles to Miami and Cleveland after his previous two free agencies
2016: Kevin Durant to Golden State Warriors
2012: Ray Allen to Miami Heat
2010: Chris Bosh to Miami Heat
2004: Steve Nash to Phoenix Suns
1996: Shaquille O’Neal to Los Angeles Lakers
Keep track of every move from the 2024 NBA offseason.
Recap every reported move from the first 5 days of free agency.
The Salary Cap and Tax Level go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, July 1.
See the official contract decisions made by players and teams as free agency tips off.
Keep track of every move from the 2024 NBA offseason.
Recap every reported move from the first 5 days of free agency.
The Salary Cap and Tax Level go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, July 1.
See the official contract decisions made by players and teams as free agency tips off.
No. 15 pick Kel'el Ware leads Miami with a game-high 26 points while Jordan Ford leads Sacramento with 22 points.
After being waived by Golden State, the 11-time All-Star is teaming up with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.
Spain and Puerto Rico join Greece and Brazil in claiming the final spots for the 2024 Paris Games.
Mason Jones and Keon Ellis lead the way as Sacramento cruises past Team China, winning all 4 quarters by double-digit margins.
Golden State gets a tag-team effort against Miami while Adonis Arms lifts Sacramento over Bronny James and Los Angeles.
Mouhamadou Gueye leads Charlotte with 21 points while No. 4 overall pick Stephon Castle leads San Antonio with 12 points.
