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
- Knicks agree to new deal with C Ariel Hukporti
- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (illness) out indefinitely
- NBA roundup: Luka Doncic powers Mavs past Magic
- Paul George (knee) to make 76ers debut vs. Suns
- NBA roundup: Cavs edge Bucks, improve to 7-0
- Sixers star Joel Embiid shoves reporter
- NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Nuggets
- 76ers All-Stars Joel Embiid, Paul George practice, still not game-ready
- Pelicans' CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones nursing injuries
- NBA roundup: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama tallies 5x5 vs. Jazz
- Magic’s Paolo Banchero out indefinitely with oblique injury
- NBA roundup: Pascal Siakam's 3 pushes Pacers past Celtics in OT
- Lakers' LeBron James (illness) probable in return to Cleveland
- Raptors' Scottie Barnes has orbital bone fracture, out 3 weeks
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball (wrist) sidelined at least 10 days
- NBA roundup: Nuggets outlast Nets for 2nd straight OT win
- Jazz F Lauri Markkanen (back) listed as day-to-day
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball (wrist) out at least four games
- Hawks G Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) out at least a month
- Warriors F Andrew Wiggins (back) out vs. Pelicans
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) will likely miss multiple games. He was unavailable for Monday's clash with the Mavericks, and Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said that Nesmith is in a walking boot. The 25-year-old sprained his left ankle last Friday in a game against New Orleans. Bennedict Mathurin started in Nesmith's absence on Monday, recording 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard figure to get more action as well until Nesmith returns. The former has already started to see more time on the floor due to Isaiah Jackson's (Achilles) injury.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is not dealing with a long-term injury. Gordon played only four minutes in Monday's matchup against Toronto, exiting the action with a calf strain. He already carried a questionable tag ahead of the game due to a calf problem, and he has also been battling a knee injury. According to Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, Gordon is dealing with "bumps and bruises," and he doesn't think the 29-year-old forward will be a long-term absentee. With Gordon out, Peyton Watson surpassed the 30-minute mark for the first time this season on Monday. He could play a bigger role again in Wednesday's matchup against Oklahoma City, assuming Gordon is not in the lineup.
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Devin Vassell (foot) is not expected to join the team for Wednesday's visit to Houston. Interim head coach Mitch Johnson has said he doesn't believe Vassell will be ready for Wednesday's game. However, according to Johnson, Vassell is "ramping up" and could be back "soon." Vassell is recovering from foot surgery and hasn't yet featured for the Spurs this season. Julian Champagnie is filling in for him in the starting lineup. He will lose a big chunk of fantasy value when Vassell returns.
Golden State Warriors shooting guard Brandin Podziemski played only 13 minutes against Washington on Monday due to an illness. Landing back on the bench following Stephen Curry's return, Podziemski had a quiet outing, recording two points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Podziemski will have one day to recover before the Warriors face off against the Celtics on Wednesday. If he's unavailable, we could see Moses Moody more on the floor. Moody has impressed with his shooting early in the campaign, nailing over 48 percent of his triples to average 10.6 points.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young (rib) was limited to 23 minutes in Monday's blowout loss to Boston. He left the game in the third quarter due to a right rib sprain. It was a miserable night for Young, as he notched only two points on 1-for-10 shooting, missing all six attempts from three-point land. Keaton Wallace has received plenty of usage in recent games and could now get even more action if Young has to take some time off. Atlanta is short of options at the point guard position, with Kobe Bufkin (shoulder) already on the shelf.
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis has been playing through a foot injury early in the season. He aggravated the injury in Monday's 115-103 loss to Detroit. "I'll talk to my trainer and just kind of figure out what exactly is going on," Davis told reporters after the game. "I've been managing it since this summer, honestly, and my goal for every game is to be on the floor. And I just kind of landed directly on the spot that's been killing me. So, we'll figure it out." Despite the injury, Davis has been crushing it with the Lakers, averaging a league-high 32.6 points with 11.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.6 steals. Davis is considered day-to-day ahead of Wednesday's matchup against Memphis. Jaxson Hayes could be in line for a big boost in playing time if Davis is unavailable.
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan exited Monday's contest against the Clippers with a thumb injury. He was limited to four points and three rebounds in 12 minutes. Stephon Castle replaced Sochan in the starting unit for the second half. The rookie guard recorded 11 points and four rebounds in 20 minutes of action. His fantasy value could get a boost if Sochan is out for Wednesday's meeting with Houston. Keldon Johnson could be another guy to benefit, although he has already seen a good amount of action off the bench.
Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 13 assists and 14 rebounds in a 121-119 win over the Raptors on Monday, Nov. 4.
Pistons' G Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in a 115-103 win over the Lakers on Monday, Nov. 4.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (hamstring) will play on Monday night against the Pelicans. The big man appeared in only six games for Portland in 2023-24 before suffering a season-ending knee injury in November. Unfortunately, he tweaked his hamstring during training camp and has been working his way back since. Without question, Williams is as talented as it gets, especially on the defensive end. However, he'll likely see limited minutes in his first game back, so fantasy managers should keep him on the bench.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (thigh) remains out on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. The former Duke Blue Devil wasn't available for Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks, so he'll miss a second consecutive game because of thigh soreness. His next chance to get on the floor will be on Wednesday against the visiting Cavs. But as far as Monday's contest is concerned, fantasy managers can expect more minutes for Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Daniel Theis, and Yves Missi.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) remains out for Monday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The former Knick hasn't played since the opener. While he's moving in the right direction, Monday's absence will mark his sixth missed game of the 2024-25 campaign. With Scottie Barnes (eye) also out, RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick are the favorites to lead the way offensively. Davion Mitchell will also continue to be a viable streaming option, with the 25-year-old averaging 8.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.0 steals in six starts this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (ankle) is set to play in Monday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Gobert has been managing a left ankle sprain but has not missed any games this season. He is currently averaging 10.8 points and 10.3 rebounds early in 2024. If Gobert's playing time is restricted, Naz Reid will take over. Reid has been performing well off the bench, averaging 13.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, making him a solid option in fantasy leagues.
Chicago Bulls forwardJalen Smith(knee) is available for Monday's game against the Utah Jazz. Smith was sidelined during Wednesday's win over Orlando due to a left knee effusion, though he was able to play in Friday's loss to Brooklyn. The 24-year-old has impacted in a limited run off the bench this season. He's averaged 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds across 13.6 minutes per game in five regular-season appearances.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (glute) will play on Monday night versus the Timberwolves. The 21-year-old last played in Saturday's matchup with the Boston Celtics, amassing 16 points, six assists, two steals, and one block. However, since that was his first contest back from a four-game absence, fantasy managers were hoping he wouldn't miss another one. Fortunately, that won't happen. As usual, Miller is a must-start, with his presence meaning fewer minutes for Cody Martin.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play on Monday night versus the Chicago Bulls. The 27-year-old was listed as questionable earlier in the day on Monday. However, his status changed to doubtful, so most already assumed he'd miss a third consecutive contest. Kyle Filipowski will likely remain with the first five, with the 20-year-old averaging a decent 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in two starts this season. John Collins should also continue to benefit from off the bench and remains in line to surpass his fantasy expectations.
Chicago Bulls guard/forwardJosh Giddey(illness) will suit up against the Utah Jazz after being listed on the team's injury list early Monday afternoon with a non-COVID illness. In the last three Bulls games, the 22-year-old play has been impressive, averaging 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.3 steals. If Giddey's minutes are limited, Coby Whitewill likely get more on-ball duties, whileAyo Dosunmu will also see more action.
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forwardJohn Konchar(quadriceps) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against Brooklyn. Konchar will miss his third consecutive contest, battling a contusion in the right quadriceps. The 28-year-old has averaged 5.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in 19.0 minutes this season. His absence is another blow for the team as injuries continue to pile up. Jaylen Wells and Scotty Pippen will likely continue to see increased roles as they have recently.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Los Angeles Lakers forwardAustin Reaves(ankle) has been cleared to play against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. The 26-year-old has yet to miss a game this season. He's a starter in any fantasy format, averaging 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.2 threes per game to start the year. Anthony Davis (hip) and D'Angelo Russell (foot)are also available after being listed as probable earlier on Monday.
Jovan Buha from The Athletic has reported that Davis (hip) will be available for Monday's matchup with the Pistons. As anticipated, he has been upgraded from probable to available status and will carry on playing despite experiencing right hip soreness. This issue hasn't affected his performance, as he's currently averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 1.8 steals over 36.0 minutes per game.
