NBA free agency started on June 30 at 6:00 PM EST. NBA free agents on expiring contracts had the chance to negotiate with all 30 teams starting at that point.
This year’s free agency class was already expected to be weak, and to add onto that several players signed extensions before free agency began. However, plenty of notable names have made deals in free agency through the first couple days.
NBA free agent one- Tyrese Maxey
Part of the reason the Sixers had a massive amount of cap space was due to the fact they didn’t commit to a long term deal with Maxey before the season. Maxey took the ride to stardom in the 2023-2024 season. The fact he was a NBA free agent ended up being to the benefit of him as he signed a five year, $204 million dollar contract. Maxey has consistently improved each season of his NBA career. In the 2023-2024 season he was named the most improved player.
NBA free agent two – Paul George
The Sixers went into the offseason with a large amount of cap space for NBA free agents. They were expected to make an aggressive pursuit of all the star players in free agency. Just a few hours after it was announced George would be leaving the Clippers, the Sixers signed him to a four year, $212 million dollar contract. This was despite the fact reports came out before free agency that the Sixers interest in George had lowered. Despite the fact the Clippers didn’t live up to expectations George still helped get the team to their first ECF appearance in 2021.
Photo via R/Sixers reddit
NBA free agent three- LeBron James
After the Lakers hired James’ friend JJ Redick as head coach and drafted James’ son Bronny James in the draft, it seemed inevitable that James would stay with the Lakers. Originally, James was holding off on signing an extension to create cap room for possible free agents. However, the Lakers struck out on every big target, so James agreed to a two year, 104 million dollar contract. This contract gives him an opt out after the 2024-2025 season. So if he doesn’t like the way things are going with the Lakers he can opt out and go elsewhere. This contract extension also gives James a no trade clause, the second time he’s had a no trade clause in his career.
NBA free agent four- Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson was a part of four championship teams with the Warriors. Despite this Thompson’s massive decline over the past two seasons lead the Warriors to want to move on from him. The Mavericks gave him a three year, $50 million dollar contract. The Warriors will be getting two second round picks from a sign and trade.
The Mavericks are hoping he is able to turn back the clock. He is playing with two offensive stars for the first time since Kevin Durant left the team in 2019. Thompson could provide the spacing needed to make a difference. Thompson was rumored to possibly sign with the Lakers, but he chose to go to Dallas instead. Thompson’s father Mychal Thompson finished his own career with the Lakers, so it would’ve been cool to see his son do that as well.
Photo via Dallas Basketball
NBA free agent five- Kentavious Caldwell Pope
Pope is a two time champion. He won the NBA championship in 2020 with the Lakers and 2023 with the Nuggets. However, the Nuggets are in a poor salary situation due to the league’s new salary cap rules. This opened the door for Pope to go elsewhere. The Magic took the opportunity to get the experienced veteran on their roster. This helps fill two needs for the Magic, an experience gap due to a young roster and shooting.
NBA free agent player six- Isaiah Hartenstein
The Knicks made several moves before the start of free agency. They made a trade for Mikal Bridges and got O.G Anunoby to an extension. This has left the Knicks short on cash. Hartenstein was originally considering taking a pay cut to stay with the Knicks. However, the Thunder gave him a three year, 87 million dollar contract, along with a legitimate chance to win in the future. This proved too good to resist for Hartenstein.
