When it comes to restricted free agency this summer, all eyes will on on the Lakers.
Los Angeles has two key players set to become restricted free agents in Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. They both made significant contributions during the Lakers' run to the 2023 Western Conference Finals, and it would be difficult for the front office to find replacements if they land elsewhere.
But Reaves and Hachimura aren't the only guys who will have to navigate the complicated world of restricted free agency. Before the negotiations begin, here's a breakdown of how the process works.
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What is the difference between an unrestricted and restricted free agent?
Similar to an unrestricted free agent, a restricted free agent is able to sign an offer sheet with any team. However, the player's original team is able to retain him by matching the offer sheet.
For example, Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell is an unrestricted free agent. He can sign with any team of his choosing, and Los Angeles can't prevent him from leaving.
Reaves, on the other hand, is a restricted free agent, so the Lakers could match any offer sheet and keep him on the roster.
What is an offer sheet?
If a restricted free agent decides that he wants to join another team, then he signs an offer sheet with the team. The original team is then presented with the terms of the deal and has two days to match the offer sheet.
If the original team matches the offer sheet, then the player stays with the original team under the terms of the offer sheet. The team making the offer must maintain enough salary cap space to acquire the player until the offer sheet is signed or the original team matches.
How does a player become a restricted free agent?
A player can become a restricted free agent under these circumstances:
- Former first-round picks: Following the fourth year of a player's rookie contract, assuming the player hasn't already signed an extension
- Two-way players: If the player was on a team's active or inactive roster for at least 15 days of the previous season covered by the two-way contract
- Other players: If the player is completing a contract that ends after one of the player's first three seasons in the NBA
Top restricted free agents 2023
(Listed in alphabetical order)
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker
- Ayo Dosunmu
- Rui Hachimura
- Jaxson Hayes
- Cameron Johnson
- Tre Jones
- Austin Reaves
- Cam Reddish
- Matisse Thybulle
- P.J. Washington
- Coby White
- Grant Williams
