When does NBA free agency start in 2022? Key dates, latest news & rumors for top available players

Ananth Pandian

When does NBA free agency start in 2022? Key dates, latest news & rumors for top available players image

It's the most magical time of the year — NBA free agency.

Like with most offseasons, this summer's free agency is expected to see a flurry of movement as players sign new deals with new teams and franchises make deals with the hopes that it brings them one step closer to a championship.

With so much happening seemingly every minute, here's everything you need to know about NBA free agency in 2022, including key dates, latest news and rumors. 

When does NBA free agency start in 2022?

Believe it or not but it is actually unclear when NBA free agency officially starts in 2022. As the time of this writing, the NBA has yet to release the official start date.

But in the past, and as most recently as 2019, NBA free agency opened up at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PST on June 30.

  • Expected start date of NBA free agency 2022: Thursday, June 30
  • Expected start time of NBA free agency 2022: 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PST

2019 was the last time the league had an offseason on its normal calendar as the pandemic forced the NBA to have shortened seasons in 2020 and 2021. This past season, the NBA went back to their normal calendar with the season starting in October and ending in June. 

NBA free agency rumors tracker

Hawks acquire Dejounte Murray

Date: June 29

SourceAdrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

The Hawks have pulled off of one the most surprising moves in recent years, acquiring All-Star Dejounte Murray to pair him in the backcourt with Trae Young. The Hawks were rumored to have to include John Collins in the deal, but they were able to keep Collins in the ATL instead sending Danilo Gallinari, three first-round picks, and a pick swap to get the deal done. 

The Hawks were two wins away from an NBA Finals appearance in 2021, and believe they can get back to that level with this type of deal.

Harden declines player option

Date: June 29

SourceShams Charania, The Athletic

After trending towards public enemy No. 1 in Philadelphia, it appears James Harden will be one of Philly's fan favorites this summer. Harden has declined his $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. The plan however is to resign with the 76ers on a deal that will afford the team more cap flexibility. 

What is the salary cap for the 2022-23 NBA season?

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the salary cap for the 2022-2023 season will be set at $122 million and the luxury-tax line will be $149 million.

  • Reported salary cap for 2022-2023: $122 million
  • Reported luxury-tax line for 2022-2023: $149 million

The new salary cap and luxury-tax line is about $10 million and $12 million more respectively than last season.

For the 2021-2022 season, the salary cap was set at $112.4 million and the the luxury-tax line was $136.6 million.

Which NBA teams have the most cap space in 2022 free agency?

The Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers could end up being big spenders this free agency as they have the most cap space. The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers are just a shade below those teams and are also potentially heading into a big offseason with a lot of cap space. 

Via Spotrac, in order, here are the top 10 teams with the most projected practical cap space.

Team Projected Practical Cap Space
Orlando Magic $27.52 million
Detroit Pistons

$25.84 million

Indiana Pacers

$25.75 million

San Antonio Spurs $22.86 million
Portland Trail Blazers $21.68 million
New York Knicks -$2.49 million
Oklahoma City Thunder -$2.53 million
Washington Wizards -$8.99 million
Miami Heat -$11.44 million
Houston Rockets -$12.90 million

2022 NBA free agents: Tracking top players by position

Kyrie Irving Brooklyn Nets
NBA Entertainment

Point guards

  1. James Harden
  2. Kyrie Irving
  3. Jalen Brunson
  4. Anfernee Simons
  5. Tyus Jones

Shooting guards

  1. Bradley Beal
  2. Zach LaVine
  3. Collin Sexton
  4. Malik Monk
  5. Donte DiVincenzo

Small forwards

  1. Bruce Brown
  2. Pat Connaughton
  3. Nicolas Batum
  4. Kelly Oubre Jr.
  5. Joe Ingles

Power forwards

  1. Miles Bridges
  2. Kyle Anderson
  3. P.J. Tucker
  4. Otto Porter Jr.
  5. Thaddeus Young

Center

  1. Deandre Ayton
  2. Jusuf Nurkic
  3. Bobby Portis
  4. Mitchell Robinson
  5. Chris Boucher

Ananth Pandian

Ananth Pandian Photo

Ananth Pandian is a seasoned marketer and copywriter with over a decade of experience working for premium brands and publishers like Nike, SLAM, and CBS Sports. Prior to plying his trade as a wordsmith, he grew up in a farmhouse, surrounded by the woods, fields, and a creek. Ananth has spent much of his life outdoors, and is excited to guide you through his never-ending list of the best products to keep you from falling to the perils of nature. Nowadays, there is rarely a weekend that goes by where Ananth isn't out camping, hiking, or just back on his parents' farm.