All of the NBA Draft picks have been made, so it's time for front offices to work through one of the most chaotic periods of the league calendar. Yes, free agency has arrived.
There are some big names that could hit the open market this year, including Bradley Beal, James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Zach LaVine. There are also interesting restricted free agency situations involving potential future All-Stars in Deandre Ayton and Miles Bridges.
However, it's worth noting that this won't be the summer of 2016. There isn't a ton of cap space available around the league, which could force some free agents to adjust their expectations.
Let's run through the basics of free agency and the teams with the most projected cap space.
MORE: Ranking the top 25 free agents from Zach LaVine to Deandre Ayton
When does NBA free agency start in 2022?
- Expected start date: Thursday, June 30
- Expected start time: 6 p.m. ET
The NBA has not yet announced the official start date of free agency, but the free agency period is expected to begin on Thursday, June 30.
What is the salary cap for the 2022-23 NBA season?
- Expected salary cap: $122 million
The NBA also hasn't revealed the official salary cap numbers for next season, but The Athletic's Shams Charania reported in March that the salary cap will be set at $122 million. The luxury tax will be set at $149 million, per Charania.
According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the cap will be around $123.6 million. Here's how that impacts potential contract figures via Smith:
Projected exceptions with 22-23 NBA cap of $123,655,000:
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 29, 2022
Non-Taxpayer MLE: $10,490,000
Taxpayer MLE: $6,479,000
Room Exception: $5,401,000
Bi-Annual Exception: $4,105,00
0 YOS Minimum: $1,017,784
1 YOS Minimum: $1,637,972
2+ YOS Minimum & Vet Minimum Cap Hit: $1,836,096
Which NBA teams have the most cap space in 2022 free agency?
As of June 29, the Knicks, Spurs and Magic are projected to enter free agency with the most cap space, as each team should have more than $27 million available. The Pacers and Pistons, before re-signing Marvin Bagley, aren't far behind that trio.
(Cap figures courtesy of Spotrac's Keith Smith)
| Team | Projected cap space |
| Knicks | $33.5M |
| Spurs | $32.6M |
| Magic | $27.9M |
| Pacers | $25.1M |
| Pistons | $21.3M* |
*before re-signing Marvin Bagley
Which NBA teams could create more cap space?
The Knicks have prepared and created more cap space in order to present a huge offer to Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson when free agency begins. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that they have established themselves "as a very credible threat to bring Brunson" to New York. The Knicks are expected to offer Brunson a four-year deal in the $100 million range, per Stein.
In addition to the Knicks, the Grizzlies could have significant cap space if they choose not to re-sign some of their free agents. Kyle Anderson and Tyus Jones are set to become unrestricted free agents, and Memphis has already declined Jarrett Culver's $8.1 million team option for next season.
