Will this be another summer of LeBron James?
NBA fans remember the sagas of 2010 and 2014 all too well, with both decisions by James shifting the landscape of the league. James did a third tour of free agency in 2018, but he made his choice to join the Lakers much quicker than his decisions to join the Heat and Cavaliers.
This time, not everyone expects James to seriously consider leaving the Lakers as he approaches 40. His agent Rich Paul, however, has made it clear: his client is a free agent, and returning to Los Angeles won't be the only option on the table.
Elsewhere, there will still be talent for the rest of the NBA to pursue as some key players hit the open market.
Here's a complete look at key dates for NBA free agency and which players will be available.
MORE: How Celtics' title run exemplified sacrifice
When does NBA free agency start in 2024?
- Free agency start date: Friday, June 30
- Free agency start time: 6 p.m. ET
NBA free agency unofficially begins at 6 p.m. ET on June 30, when free agents are able to start negotiating with all 30 teams.
While players can't officially sign deals with new teams until noon ET on July 6, it's extremely common for free agents to agree to deals as early as the opening hours of free agency on June 30.
There is a new wrinkle to the process this year: teams were able to negotiate with their own free agents after the NBA Finals ended rather than having to wait until June 30. That allowed Pascal Siakam and Malik Monk to reach new agreements with the Pacers and Kings, respectively, and means the start of free agency on June 30 might not be as cluttered with players re-signing.
NBA free agency rankings 2024
Here are some of the top projected unrestricted free agents this summer:
- LeBron James, F, Lakers
- Paul George, F, Clippers
- James Harden, G, Clippers
Pascal Siakam, F, Pacers- DeMar DeRozan, F, Bulls
- OG Anunoby, F, Knicks
Malik Monk, G, Kings- Nic Claxton, C, Nets
- Miles Bridges, F, Hornets
- Isaiah Hartenstein, C, Knicks
- Chris Paul, G, Warriors
- Buddy Hield, G, 76ers
- D'Angelo Russell, G, Lakers
- Tobias Harris, F, 76ers
- De'Anthony Melton, G, 76ers
Here are some of the top restricted free agents this summer:
- Tyrese Maxey, G, 76ers
- Immanuel Quickly, G, Raptors
- Isaac Okoro, F, Cavaliers
- Obi Toppin, F, Pacers
Restricted free agents can sign an offer sheet with a new team but must give their current team a chance to match.
NBA free agency 2024: Latest news, rumors, updates
Here are the latest free agency rumors and updates from Sporting News' NBA staff:
— OG Anunoby reportedly 'not thrilled' with Knicks' latest offer
— Ranking the best fits for Lakers in free agency
— Top offseason storylines for Celtics after title
— Could Lakers target Dejounte Murray in trade?
— Is Klay Thompson poised to leave the Warriors?
— Grading the Josh Giddey-Alex Caruso trade
