Before 2019, NBA fans and media members were always prepared to brew a pot of coffee or buy a few energy drinks in order to follow along with free agency. The initial negotiation period previously began at 12:01 a.m. ET on July 1.
Thankfully, the league adjusted its offseason schedule four years ago. Teams and players are now permitted to officially hold conversations much earlier in the day, so you no longer have to worry about falling asleep and missing a "Woj Bomb."
With one of the wildest stretches of the NBA calendar on the horizon, The Sporting News has everything you need to know about free agency right here.
FREE AGENCY RANKINGS: Overall | PG | SG | SF
What time does NBA free agency start in 2023?
- Free agency start date: Friday, June 30
- Free agency start time: 6 p.m. ET
NBA free agency will kick off on Friday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents at that time.
Most contracts can't officially be signed until Thursday, July 6, at 12:01 p.m. ET. However, many players will agree to the terms of a contract verbally before putting pen to paper.
NBA free agency rankings 2023
The Sporting News' Stephen Noh has ranked the top 50 free agents in the Class of 2023. We'll just give you a small sampling of his list, but you can check out his analysis of each player here.
1. James Harden | Status: Player option
2. Kyrie Irving | Status: Unrestricted free agent
3. Khris Middleton | Status: Unrestricted free agent
4. Draymond Green | Status: Unrestricted free agent
5. Fred VanVleet | Status: Unrestricted free agent
6. Jerami Grant | Status: Unrestricted free agent
7. Brook Lopez | Status: Unrestricted free agent
8. Cameron Johnson | Status: Restricted free agent
9. Austin Reaves | Status: Restricted free agent
10. Jakob Poeltl | Status: Unrestricted free agent
NBA free agency 2023: Latest news, rumors, updates
Here are the latest free agency rumors and updates from The Sporting News' NBA staff:
— NBA free agency rumors 2023: Tracking the latest leaks, news and trades
— James Harden free agency rumors: Tracking latest news on 76ers star, interest from Rockets
— Austin Reaves free agency rumors: Tracking latest news on Lakers guard, interest from Rockets
— NBA free agency 2023 tracker: Full list and status of players with player or team option in contract
