NBA free agency will get underway on June 30. Players can start negotiations with all 30 teams on the 30, but cannot sign contracts officially until July 6.
NBA free agency can be a hectic time as players look to find new homes, or new contracts to keep them in their current homes. Every offseason many notable names find themselves wearing new jerseys, and this offseason will be no exception.
NBA free agency player 1- Paul George
George signed a massive contract extension with the Thunder in the 2018 offseason. The next season he had an amazing season. But after a disappointing playoff exit the Thunder decided to rebuild and sent George to the Clippers to team up with Kawhi Leonard. Despite the duo’s great talent they have never made it to the finals. Injuries from both stars have hampered the team’s success. George may be looking to join a roster with a brighter future to finish his career. The Sixers were originally showing interest in George, but the news in recent days is that the Sixers will be looking elsewhere in free agency.
NBA free agency player 2- LeBron James
Although James’ Laker stint has felt very quick, he has played for the Lakers longer than he played for the Heat and the Cavs in his second stint. He has only played one less year in LA than he did in his first stint with the Cavs. The Lakers seem to be stuck, as the roster likely peaked in the 2020 season. James has an opportunity to retire on a much better roster and will likely take it.
Originally, there was a rumor that James wanted to play with his son Lebron James Jr., more commonly known as “Bronny”. However, Rich Paul, the agent to both father and son, has said they’re not a package deal. However, a team with a late second round pick may gamble and draft the younger James in hopes it can give them some advantage in negotiations.
Photo via Fox News
NBA free agency player 3- Demar Derozan
Derozan signed with the Bulls in the 2021 offseason as the team looked to become competitive. The Bulls made the playoffs in 2022, their first time since 2017. However, the team has gone downhill ever since. Derozan has shown decline but is still a star level player in the league. A team that is looking to contend right now will likely go for Derozan. The Bulls need to let Derozan go and start a rebuild.
NBA free agency player 4- Tobias Harris
Harris was traded from the Clippers to the Sixers at the 2019 trade deadline. In the 2019 offseason he signed a massive extension with the Sixers. Harris has failed to live up to that massive contract. In the playoffs he has regressed almost every season. Harris does not complement star players the way most role players do. His best course of action is to sign with a team that’s looking to tank so he can get his shots up.
Photo via Wikipedia
NBA free agency player 5- D’Angelo Russell
Russell’s career has been a whirlwind. He was drafted to the Lakers to eventually replace Kobe Bryant as the star of the franchise, but never lived up to expectations. In the 2017 offseason he was traded to the Nets, and made the all star team in the 2019 season. However the Nets decided to go for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, so he signed the Warriors in the 2019 offseason. He has been traded twice since then, once to the timberwolves and next back to the Lakers. Safe to say he is looking to find a long term home with stability for his career.
NBA free agency player 6- Kentavious Caldwell Pope
Pope has proven to be one of the best role players in the league. His three and D abilities have helped two teams win championships, the Lakers in 2020 and the Nuggets in 2023. Three and D players are always in high demand. Meanwhile the Nuggets will struggle to keep the core together due to the new salary rules. Despite their championship together Pope and the Nuggets moving on from each other may be the best path forward for both sides.
