2024 NBA Free Agency Primer
Fri Jun 28 4:08pm ET
Field Level Media
When the green flag drops on NBA free agency on Sunday, the queue of general managers ready to spend will depend on which players actually reach the open market.
Changes in the Collective Bargaining Agreement permitted players to re-sign with their current teams and a number of coveted potential free agents are already off the board. Pascal Siakam ($189.5 million) returned to the Indiana Pacers, OG Anunoby ($212.5 million) is back with the Knicks, Immanuel Quickley ($175 million) agreed to stick with the Raptors, Nic Claxton (four years, $100 million) grabbed a bag in Brooklyn and Malik Monk ($78 million) re-upped with the Kings after his runner-up Sixth Man of the Year award finish.
Several other would-be free agents in line for significant paydays also signed new contracts during last season, including Grayson Allen (Suns), Mike Conley (Timberwolves) and Jrue Holliday (Celtics).
The good news for pending free agents: there's plenty of money left. Whether teams find much talent to offer their pot of gold isn't as certain.
Teams are permitted to negotiate with all free agents as of 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. We won't include restricted free agents such as 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey with the full expectation he's ticketed for a max deal in Philadelphia.
Here's a look at the players potentially available by expected salary tier.
Baseline of $30 million per season:
SF DeMar DeRozan, Bulls
Season 16 for DeRozan might be a new start given the emphasis he placed on being with a winning team after Chicago's season-ending loss to the Miami Heat in the play-in round. A pairing with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia could be enticing unless the Lakers or Clippers find themselves looking to replace an All-Star of their own this summer and welcome DeRozan home.
SF Paul George, Clippers
If the Warriors are holding the door with a max contract, George might be compelled to hit the exits. He was a beneficiary of an All-Star supporting cast in L.A., but no doubt could thrive in a lineup led by Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
PG James Harden, Clippers
Pass-first Harden brought tremendous value and, dare we say, chemistry to the Clippers last season. At age 35, he can be a playmaker and floor-spacer. If there's cause for concern, it's durability and, in turn, longevity. He made 44 percent of his 3-pointers before the All-Star break but finished at 38.1 percent for the season.
SF LeBron James, Lakers
A perimeter shooter and elite passer at age 39, James can't possibly be leaving the Lakers after GM Rob Pelinka selected Bronny James in the second round of the draft this week. If he does take his talents elsewhere, the list of teams LeBron James would consider at this stage is miniscule.
From the $15 million-20 million rack:
C Isaiah Hartenstein, Knicks
At 26, Hartenstein earned his reward by proving he's an award-worthy role player for a title contender. Re-signing Anunoby and acquiring Malik Bridges from the Nets puts the Knicks in a precarious position where the options are trading Julius Randle or letting Hartenstein walk.
SG Klay Thompson, Warriors
On a short-term deal, would some team be willing to pay more? Maybe. But Thompson might not see a two-year, $48 million offer like the one he received from the Warriors last year. He's not the same defender but can still shoot, and there's a demand for his ultra-competitive, championship brand.
SF Buddy Hield, 76ers
If it's 3s you need, we have just the Buddy. Hield doesn't attack the basket or get to the foul line which causes efficiency scoring police to sound the alarm. He's the fundamental definition of a shooter, with more 3s than anyone in the NBA the past five seasons.
F Tobias Harris, 76ers
He turns 32 in July and legions of Philly fans would be glad to drive him to the airport, but their disdain for Harris is over the top for a player who ranked in the top 56 in field goal percentage (48.7), points per game (17.2) and rebounds per game (6.5).
Best of the rest:
G D'Angelo Russell, Lakers
SF Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Nuggets
SG Gary Trent, Raptors
PG Markelle Fultz, Magic
C Jonas Valanciunas, Pelicans
- Paul George signing 4-year, $212M deal with 76ers
- F Derrick Jones Jr. signing with Clippers
- C Jonas Valanciunas to sign with Wizards
- Paul George leaving Clippers after talks fall through
- Magic agree to 3-year, $66M deal with G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- NBA moves roundup: Kings reportedly in talks to acquire Brandon Ingram
- 76ers reach two-year, $10M deal with C Andre Drummond
- Kevin Love returning to Heat on two-year deal
- James Harden returning to Clippers on 2-year, $70M deal
- Warriors waive Chris Paul
- NBA sets salary cap at $140.588 million for 2024-25 season
- Alex Len to remain with Kings on one-year deal
- Obi Toppin to stay with Pacers on $60M deal
- Pistons to hire J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach
- Bulls, Patrick Williams agree on 5-year, $90M deal
- Grizzlies decline SG Luke Kennard's $14.8 million option
- Clippers' Paul George declines option to become free agent
- Suns to re-sign F Royce O'Neale on 4-year deal
- LeBron James opting out to seek new deal with Lakers
- Russell Westbrook picking up $4M option with Clippers
Free-agent forward Naji Marshall agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. The 26-year-old had spent the last four seasons with the Pelicans, where he averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Marshall will likely see routine minutes for Dallas moving ahead. However, he hasn't been a reliable fantasy contributor since entering the league, and that's not expected to change.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham agreed to a five-year, $226 million extension with the team. The Pistons are rebuilding. However, the franchise wants to keep Cunningham at the forefront. The 22-year-old averaged a career-high 22.7 points and 7.5 assists last season. But he logged 3.4 turnovers during the 2023-24 campaign, so that's an area that needs to improve. Cunningham also hasn't played more than 64 games in any of his three seasons, which will cause his fantasy value to drop until he proves he can stay healthy.
Free-agent center Andre Drummond agreed to a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Sixers. This will be Drummond's second stint with the Sixers, with the veteran suiting up for the franchise back in the 2021-22 campaign. He finished last season with the Bulls by averaging 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds. The 30-year-old is arguably the best rebounder in the league, and there's a good chance he will get meaningful minutes in Philly, considering the team will focus on trying to keep Joel Embiid healthy moving ahead.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Los Angeles Clippers are working with guard Russell Westbrook on a trade. The 35-year-old picked up his $4 million player option on Saturday. However, it appears he's already played his final game for the franchise. Westbrook averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals during the 2023-24 campaign. Although his best days are behind him, it's reasonable to believe his production will improve if given a chance to return to the starting lineup for whatever team he lands on next.
Free-agent guard/forward Eric Gordon agreed to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. The veteran has bounced around since entering the league in 2008 as the No. 7 overall pick. While his production has dropped significantly, he still finished last season with the Phoenix Suns by averaging 11.0 points and 37.8% shooting from deep. Gordon won't be a consistent fantasy producer in Philly. However, he may have more than a few impactful performances, especially since he may start some games during the 2024-25 campaign.
Free-agent guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract with the Orlando Magic. The veteran has spent the last two seasons with the Denver Nuggets and was instrumental in helping the team capture an NBA title in 2022-23. He finished last season by averaging 10.1 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 40.6% from behind the arc. Orlando needed a reliable shooting guard, and Caldwell-Pope's championship experience could help the team advance deep into the postseason in 2024-25. His durability and efficiency from deep should continue to make him an attractive commodity for fantasy managers, especially those participating in category formats.
Free agent guard Chris Paul will sign a one-year, $11 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs. After being in the league for nearly two decades, Paul's production has dipped significantly. He appeared in 58 games for the Warriors last season, finishing with averages of 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. While the 39-year-old likely won't be a consistent producer for the up-and-coming Spurs, his presence will be invaluable for the development of reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the young players on a team hoping at least to earn a Play-In bid in 2024-25.
Free agent center Jonas Valanciunas agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards. The 2011 No. 5 overall pick has been a double-double-caliber producer since entering the league. However, as expected with any aging player, his statistical contributions have declined over the years. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. While Valanciunas should have some productive showings in 2024-25, it will be difficult for him to be a routine fantasy contributor, considering Washington has guys like Alex Sarr, Richaun Holmes, and Marvin Bagley III on the roster.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, there is "growing optimism" that the Philadelphia 76ers will sign forward Paul George in free agency. The 34-year-old declined his $48.7 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, putting him in line to hit the open market. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 41.3% from behind the arc. While George isn't getting any younger, the 76ers will enhance their championship chances by adding him to the roster. Fantasy managers should continue to see top-25 production in 2024-25, regardless of where he signs, assuming he stays healthy.
New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa won't be extended a qualifying offer by the organization. He'll become a free agent after averaging 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 24.2 minutes per game last season. Achiuwa was a reliable contributor but the Knicks appear to have other options. They've traded for Mikal Bridges and re-signed OG Anunoby, so we'll see if they attempt to bring back Achiuwa. He should be able to offer serviceable value to just about any team he joins this offseason.
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is reportedly headed to free agency this offseason. It sounds like the two sides weren't able to come to an agreement, which likely means the end of Thompson's tenure with the Warriors. Thompson has been with the Warriors since the beginning of the 2011-2012 season. His shooting percentage saw a decline last season, but Thompson is still a deadly option from beyond the arc. The Lakers, Clippers, and Mavericks are already reportedly interested in Thompson. He should have no shortage of suitors this offseason.
Detroit Pistons forward Chimezie Metu reportedly had his $2.65 player option declined on Saturday. This seems a little odd considering how well Metu played during his brief stint in Detroit. He averaged career highs with 10.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in 14 contests. Perhaps, the Pistons are already overcrowded with big men so they simply just didn't have room for Metu on their roster. His fantasy value is going to be dependent on where he lands in free agency.
Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan is reportedly sticking around with the organization for at least one more season. The veteran big man has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal for the 2024-2025 season. Jordan should serve as the primary backup center to Nikola Jokic. However, that role usually doesn't come with a ton of playing time as long as Jokic is healthy. Jordan is a solid rebounder but he doesn't offer much fantasy value outside of that.
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams reportedly intends to sign a massive extension with the organization. The Bulls extended a qualifying offer to Williams, but it sounds like the two sides have agreed on a new deal. Williams intends to sign a five-year, $90 million contract to remain in Chicago long term. The Bulls have high hopes for Williams despite him only playing 43 games last season due to injury. At the moment, it seems unlikely that the Bulls are going to bring back DeMar DeRozan which should mean an increased role for Williams next season.
The Memphis Grizzlies declined the $14.8 million option for guard Luke Kennard on Saturday. The 28-year-old appeared in only 39 games for Memphis last season, averaging 11.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. He also shot 45.0% from behind the arc. Memphis hopes to work out a new agreement. But Kennard should draw plenty of interest on the open market for a team looking for a reliable depth piece.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Phoenix Suns forward/center Bol Bol plans to sign a one-year deal to return to the team. Bol finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from behind the arc. The 24-year-old will provide much-needed bench depth for a team hoping to enter the championship conversation. However, Bol, who averaged 10.9 minutes per contest last season, isn't expected to be a reliable contributor for fantasy managers in 2024-25.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith declined his $5.4 million player option on Saturday. Smith, the 2020 No. 10 overall pick, appeared in 61 games for the Pacers last season, averaging 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds. The 24-year-old will now test the open market, where he should see interest from clubs around the National Basketball Association. With that in mind, Smith is a talented player, but he will need minutes before earning a spot on more fantasy rosters for the 2024-25 campaign.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Cam Reddish exercised his $2.5 million player option on Saturday. The former Duke Blue Devil had the worst year of his career in 2023-24, averaging 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. He was also limited to just 48 games due to injury. Whether Reddish remains in Los Angeles or finds himself on another team for the 2024-25 campaign, he must see the floor more before earning a spot on fantasy rosters.
Washington Wizards center Richaun Holmes declined his $12.8 million player option. However, he has agreed to a new two-year, $25.9 million contract to remain with the Wizards. The 30-year-old averaged double-digit scoring in three of his four seasons with the Sacramento Kings. Since then, he struggled to find a meaningful role in Dallas and Washington. Although Holmes adds depth to a rebuilding team, he will likely have issues getting on the floor moving ahead, which won't improve his fantasy value for the 2024-25 campaign.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, impending free agent forward LeBron James will "work" with the Los Angeles Lakers on his next contract "if it means adding an impact player." The 39-year-old declined his $51.4 million player option Saturday, although he's expected to remain with the Lakers. James finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He also appeared in 71 games despite making routine appearances on the league's official injury report. However, if the Lakers enhance the roster, it could help James play fewer minutes and stay healthy during the year.