点击查看原文：NBA free agency 2024: Latest signings, news, buzz and reports
NBA free agency 2024: Latest signings, news, buzz and reports
ESPN
Jun 28, 2024, 05:31 PM ET
With the NBA Finals and draft complete, the league’s top decision-makers now have their eyes set on the free agency and trade landscape.
The free agency window will open June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, but teams and players are already hinting at what could be an impactful summer of moves and contract extensions.
The free agency pool this summer could be loaded with big names such as LeBron James and Paul George, who both could decline the final year of their respective deals and test the waters. Other stars such as Klay Thompson and James Harden will enter the summer as unrestricted free agents.
Our NBA insiders will be tracking all of the latest signings, buzz, news and reports throughout the summer and into free agency, so stay tuned as we report on the biggest moves that will shape the league.
MORE: Free agent grades | Trade grades
June 28
5:25 p.m. ET: The Charlotte Hornets have declined the team option on forward JT Thor, making him an unrestricted free agent, sources told ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
5:15 p.m. ET: LA Clippers forward P.J. Tucker has exercised his player option of $11.5 million, a source told ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
5:06 p.m. ET: The Washington Wizards and guard Landry Shamet are moving his $11 million guarantee date to July 13, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. That gives them a chance to explore deal scenarios, including possibility that Shamet returns next season.
4:50 p.m. ET: Bronny James will wear No. 9 for the Los Angeles Lakers and will sport “James Jr.” on the back of his jersey.
Number Nine: Bronny James. https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1806789175452320106/photo/1
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 28, 2024
4:43 p.m. ET: The Charlotte Hornets are waiving guard Seth Curry, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, but interest exists on both sides to keep talking on a new deal in July free agency. The team had a deadline today on guaranteeing Curry’s contract for the 2024-2025 season.
4:06 p.m. ET: Why are the LA Clippers seemingly not worried about Paul George’s free agency? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, appearing on “NBA Today,” pondered exactly that. “There are serious contenders out there, multiple teams that are ready to pay Paul George,” Windhorst said, “And yet, at least as far as I’m aware right here on Friday afternoon … the Clippers have not changed their stance.”
3:58 p.m. ET: The Toronto Raptors are picking up the $23 million option on guard Bruce Brown, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Brown, a champion with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, will be a valuable trade asset on an expiring contract for the Raptors.
3:31 p.m. ET: ESPN NBA insider Bobby Marks explained on “SportsCenter” how the Golden State Warriors’ decision to push back Chris Paul’s contract deadline extension could affect Klay Thompson.
The Warriors will have until Sunday (the start of free agency) to decide whether they’ll guarantee Paul’s $30 million option, which could also be used as an asset in a potential trade. The team won’t be able to keep Paul and sign Thompson because of the second-apron rules on the team’s salary.
“Right now, they’ve had a whole year to negotiate with Klay Thompson, they are at an impasse,” Marks said.
Marks further detailed the situation with Paul George, who has been linked with a move to the Warriors. The LA Clippers star could extend with the team, opt out of his current deal and become a free agent or opt into his final year and work on a trade.
2:53 p.m. ET: Will D’Angelo Russell be on the Los Angeles Lakers next season? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, appearing on “First Take,” detailed the next steps for the 28-year-old guard: “I thought maybe a month or so ago, D’Angelo would opt out. Now, I think there’s a stronger chance he will opt in.” Russell has an $18.7 million player option for 2024-25.
1:10 p.m. ET: The Golden State Warriors and Chris Paul intend to move back the date to guarantee the $30 million on his 2024-25 contract to the start of free agency on Sunday, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The decision gives the Warriors time to explore trades for the 39-year-old point guard.
10:06 a.m. ET: The Dallas Mavericks are trading guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round picks to the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The move positions the Mavs to offer a significant portion of their $12.9M non-taxpayer midlevel exception to free agent Derrick Jones Jr., according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. GM Nico Harrison has called re-signing Jones “priority 1A and 1B” this offseason.
9:39 a.m. ET: Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley intends to sign a five-year, $175M deal to remain in Toronto, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Quickley, 25, who was acquired by the Raptors last season in the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds last season in Toronto, and shot 40% from 3.
June 27
8:30 p.m. ET: The Dallas Mavericks have acquired the rights to the No. 51 pick in Thursday’s draft, Melvin Ajinca, from the New York Knicks in exchange for the draft rights to the No. 58 pick Ariel Hukporti, the rights to Petteri Koponen and cash.
7:37 p.m. ET: Utah Utes center Branden Carlson has agreed on a two-way deal with the Toronto Raptors, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Carlson averaged 17 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season for the Utes.
6:58 p.m. ET: St. John’s guard Daniss Jenkins has agreed on a two-way deal with the Detroit Pistons, a source told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Jenkins averaged 14.9 points and 5.4 assists for the Red Storm last season.
6:51 p.m. ET: Washington State’s Isaac Jones has agreed on a two-way deal with the Sacramento Kings, a source told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Jones averaged 15.3 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Cougars last season.
6:30 p.m. ET: Undrafted Oregon center N’Faly Dante has agreed on a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Dante averaged 17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds for the Ducks last season.
6:13 p.m. ET: The Los Angeles Lakers made it official, selecting Bronny James 55th overall in the 2024 NBA draft. James joins his father, LeBron James, in Los Angeles, making them the first father-son duo in NBA history.
5:40 p.m. ET: The Denver Nuggets are trading Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets along with three second-round picks, a source told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Jackson averaged 10.2 points per game for Denver in 2023-24.
5:00 p.m. ET: Is Bronny James to the Los Angeles Lakers a done deal? Bob Myers said on the ESPN NBA draft broadcast, “Rich Paul is calling teams, ‘don’t take Bronny James … if you take him, he’s going to Australia.’” The Lakers have the No. 55 pick in the second round.
4:50 p.m. ET: The run of trades continues. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded the No. 37 pick (Bobi Klintman) to the Detroit Pistons, while the New York Knicks – who just picked up more picks from Portland – traded the No. 38 pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
4:43 p.m. ET: The trades are flying fast and furious in the second round. The Portland Trail Blazers traded the No. 34 pick (Tyler Kolek) to the New York Knicks for future second-round picks, quickly followed by the San Antonio Spurs trading the No. 35 pick (Johnny Furphy) to the Indiana Pacers for the No. 36 pick (Juan Nunez) and cash.
4:24 p.m. ET: ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on ESPN’s NBA draft broadcast that there is a lot of interest leaguewide in Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen. However, the Jazz, who drafted Duke big man Kyle Filipowski at No. 32 overall, have no intention to move Markkanen at the moment, and the seven-year veteran wants to remain in Utah, according to Wojnarowski.
3:23 p.m. ET: The Sacramento Kings are trading guard Davion Mitchell, forward Sasha Vezenkov and the No. 45 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for forward Jalen McDaniels sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
2:20 p.m. ET: The Atlanta Hawks are trading forward AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets for the No. 44 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Griffin, drafted by the Hawks in 2022, averaged 7.5 points and 1.9 assists in two seasons.
2:13 p.m. ET: The Minnesota Timberwolves are sending guard Wendell Moore Jr. and the No. 37 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft to the Detroit Pistons for the No. 53 pick, sources confirmed to ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo.
Woo also confirmed that the Golden State Warriors are sending the No. 52 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for forward Lindy Waters III.
June 26
10:55 p.m. ET: Shortly after getting the No. 26 pick from the Washington Wizards, the New York Knicks are flipping it to the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Thunder used the pick to select Dillon Jones.
10:37 p.m. ET: The New York Knicks, who just sent multiple first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in the Mikal Bridges trade, are trading the No. 24 pick in the 2024 NBA draft to the Washington Wizards, who are targeting Kyshawn George, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This is the second pick the Wizards have acquired tonight, after getting the No. 14 pick from Portland earlier. The Knicks get the No. 26 and No. 51 picks in the deal.
10:26 p.m. ET: The Denver Nuggets have acquired the No. 22 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, sending the No. 28 pick, the No. 56 pick and two future second-round picks to the Phoenix Suns. The Nuggets are using the pick to select DaRon Holmes II.
9:00 p.m. ET: The Rob Dillingham era in San Antonio was short lived. The Minnesota Timberwolves have traded for Dillingham, who the Spurs selected with the No. 8 overall pick, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Spurs will receive Minnesota’s 2031 first-round pick, and also get swap rights with the Timberwolves in 2030 (top-1 protected).
8:50 p.m. ET: Could the Blazers’ pick of Donovan Clingan mean a change in the middle in Portland? “I would keep an eye on Deandre Ayton being on the trade block,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective’s live draft show. “Maybe not tonight, maybe not even before the season but this is obviously a move to get a new franchise center.”
8:45 p.m. ET: The Charlotte Hornets have decided to keep the No. 6 overall pick and are focused on Tidjane Salaun, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Donovan Clingan will be available for the Portland Trail Blazers to select at No. 7.
8:39 p.m. ET: The Portland Trail Blazers, who have the No. 7 overall pick, are working to move up to potentially select UConn center Donovan Clingan, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski
7:37 p.m. ET: Nic Claxton intends to a sign a four-year, $100 million contract to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
6:54 p.m. ET: The Washington Wizards are trading Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers for Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th pick tonight and 2029 pick, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Blazers are sending the second most favorable of their 2029 first-round picks and two second-round picks in the deal for Avdija.
6:15 p.m. ET: OG Anunoby intends to sign a five-year, $212.5 million contract to return to the New York Knicks, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal will include a player option and a trade kicker.
The Knicks were 26-6 in the 32 games with Anunoby in the lineup after acquiring him from Toronto Raptors ahead of the trade deadline. However, Anunoby missed 31 games with various injuries, that saw the Knicks go just 14-17 in those contests.
5:04 p.m. ET: If a team selects Bronny James, will that be enough to lure LeBron James during free agency? Don’t expect it, according to ESPN Insider Bobby Marks.
“I don’t think teams are going to draft Bronny just to get [LeBron] there,” Marks said on “NBA Today.”
Bronny is projected in ESPN’s latest mock draft to go No. 55 in the second round to the Los Angeles Lakers.
As for LeBron, he has until Saturday to opt in to the final year of his contract with the Lakers or become an unrestricted free agent. The team is committed to re-signing James and would offer the maximum three-year deal for which James is eligible to take him through his 24th season in the league, sources told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
4:42 p.m. ET: As the NBA draft approaches, sources told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison continues to search for a deal to unload shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr., who fell out of the rotation during the playoffs and is due $16.2 million as he enters the final season of his four-year contract.
The intent is to shed enough salary to allow the Mavs to use at least a significant part of the $12.9 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception to re-sign starting small forward Derrick Jones Jr., which Harrison referred to last week as “priority 1A and 1B” for the Mavs’ offseason. With Hardaway on the books, the Mavs are limited to offering Jones the $5.2 million taxpayer midlevel exception, and sources anticipate that Jones would be able to get more than that in the free agency market.
4:01 p.m. ET: Amid swirling trade rumors about superstar Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia responded on X to shut them down. “Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix,” Ishbia wrote, “and we are competing for a championship this year because we have the team to do it.”
2:37 p.m. ET: Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has signed a three-year, $166M extension with the Heat, according to multiple reports. The 26-year-old franchise cornerstone is now signed through 2028-2029 season.
2:00 p.m. ET: On ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show senior NBA Insider Brian Windhorst reported that Jimmy Butler plans to stay with the Miami Heat even without an extension. “I think Jimmy Butler is going to be with the Heat this year,” Windhorst said.
8:45 a.m. ET: On ESPN’s “Get Up,” senior NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported the Los Angeles Clippers, to this point, have only been willing to offer Paul George about the same contract that they offered Kawhi Leonard, a three-year deal for a little less than the max, and the Golden State Warriors are a team to monitor.
“And Paul George, frankly, he wants four years,” Windhorst said. “He wants the full-out max. And there are a number of teams out there, I’m told, that are prepared to give it to him, who are prepared to trade for him. One of those team is up the coast in Golden State. Golden State is big-fish hunting. Remember, last trade deadline, they put a call in about LeBron James … But any of these places that Paul would go via trade would need to get worked on with the Clippers. The Clippers, I think, are in a position now where they kind of want to call Paul’s bluff that he would leave his hometown of L.A. So that’s one of the most interesting things to watch in terms of staredowns between now and this weekend.”
8:40 a.m. ET: After Tuesday night’s blockbuster between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, the Nets and Rockets made a secondary deal – one senior NBA insider Brian Windhorst said could be just as impactful. The draft-pick swaps between the Nets and the Houston Rockets returned to Brooklyn control of its next two first-round draft picks, in exchange for as many as four possible Phoenix Suns picks. That’s because, Windhorst reports, the Rockets are interested in tempting the Suns to trade them Kevin Durant.
“They want to put this on the table to see if the Suns will be tempted by it,” Windhorst said on “Get Up.” While Suns owner Mat Ishbia has been public about his desire to run it back with Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, this move is “bait,” Windhorst said, adding that a key signal will emerge with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
“If the Rockets take Donovan Clingan out of UConn, another center, which is an option for them … that would potentially enable them to make Alperen Sengun, their very talented, young Turkish center, available in that type of trade to dangle in front of the Suns. The Rockets are full-go to improve their roster – now.”
June 25
10:38 p.m. ET: Sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the New York Knicks are determined to keep OG Anunoby, but re-signing center Isaiah Hartenstein has become more difficult. The Knicks are looking to stack their roster with wings to be able to compete with the Boston Celtics.
10:10 p.m. ET: The Brooklyn Nets have made a deal with the Houston Rockets to return the Nets’ 2026 first-round pick for the Phoenix Suns’ 2027 first-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Rockets will also get 2025 rights to swap Houston/Oklahoma City’s first-round pick for the Suns’ 2025 first-rounder, along with the rights to swap for Brooklyn’s 2025 first-round pick.
Houston also acquires a 2029 first-round pick, more favorable between Dallas’ and Phoenix’s, and the rights to swap its own first-round pick for the less favorable first-rounder between Dallas and Phoenix.
The Suns have made it clear they want to keep Kevin Durant, and as intrigued as the Rockets have been by the superstar, they are determined to use the Suns’ picks to be aggressive on other deals as they are seeking a major upgrade.
9:58 p.m. ET: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in principle to send forward Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Bridges was second on the Nets in points per game (19.6) and led the team in assists (3.6) last season.
6:20 p.m. ET: ESPN’s Bobby Marks said on “SportsCenter” that Klay Thompson can expect to get a contract in the range of $20 million to $25 million while testing free agency after making $43 million last season. The Warriors would like to remain competitive while also attempting to balance the books after spending $380 million last season.
Marks added that in the case of Paul George, it isn’t the best time to be the marquee free agent as only five teams have the space to add a player at his level. Keep an eye on the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic or a return to the Oklahoma City Thunder if George doesn’t stay with the LA Clippers.
12:29 p.m. ET: Knicks guard OG Anunoby has opted out of his contract and will become a free agent, according to multiple reports.
Anunoby signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Toronto Raptors in 2020 with a player option for the 2024-25 season. When he was acquired by the Knicks from Toronto last season, New York inherited the terms of the deal but risked losing Anunoby as an unrestricted free agent.
The option was worth $19.9 million next season, and his next contract could easily top $35 million per season.
11:15 a.m. ET: ESPN’s NBA Insider Zach Lowe said on “Get Up” the Golden State Warriors’ decision on whether or not to guarantee Chris Paul’s $30 million contract will be a big factor in whether the team can also resign Klay Thompson.
Thompson is a free agent, but with no agreement between the two sides over a new deal, the four-time NBA champion is likely to test the market.
“There are some hurt feelings on both sides to be mended for this to take place,” Lowe said about the Thompson-Warriors relationship.
Where Thompson ultimately lands will depend on what he is looking for in his next deal.
“Everybody needs shooting, he can fit everywhere. It’s just who has the money and means to go get him and give a role he wants.”
June 24
7:43 p.m. ET: The Golden State Warriors will faced with an onslaught of decisions this offseason with the most important being the future of Klay Thompson. NBA Insider Kendra Andrews reported that sources told ESPN Thompson’s decision to stay with the franchise will ultimately be his, but he plans to test the free agency market before a decision is made. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. also spoke at his pre-draft news conference on Monday about the emotional factor that comes with a decision like this.
Another decision revolves around Chris Paul, who has a $30 million non-guaranteed deal. The Warriors have until Friday to pick it up or waive him.
4:30 p.m. ET: Paul George remains one of the biggest names in this offseason’s free agency alongside his teammate James Harden. ESPN’s NBA Insider Ohm Youngmisuk explained on NBA Today that Harden is going to wait to see what happens with George’s deal, if he remains and for how many years before he makes any moves. “He [Harden] wants to align himself along with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George”, explained Youngmisuk. Leonard signed a three-year, $153 million extension in January.
4:00 p.m. ET: The Golden State Warriors have guaranteed forward Kevon Looney’s $8 million contract for the 2024-24 season, reported by ESPN’s NBA Insider Kendra Andrews. Looney was drafted by the Warriors in 2015 and last season averaged 5.0 points, 1.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 74 games.
3:30 p.m. ET: Denver Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson is picking up his $5.25 million option to return for the 2024-25 season, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Jackson was fifth on the team during the regular season in points per game (10.2), third on the team in assists (3.8) and played in 82 games.
12:27 p.m. ET: Toronto Raptors wing Scottie Barnes intends to sign a five-year maximum rookie extension that could be worth up to $270 million, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, becoming the highest-paid player in franchise history. Barnes, 22, averaged 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists per game last season and made his first All-Star team.
June 21
5:12 p.m. ET: The Boston Celtics were celebrating an 18th NBA title on Friday on their duck boats, and are favored to repeat as champs. But which of their Eastern Conference rivals will be able to challenge them next season?
Speaking on “First Take”, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said three East teams – the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks – are worth paying attention to this offseason.
Windhorst detailed how the Knicks’ bevy of draft picks and tradeable assets (including Bogdan Bogdanovic and his $20 million team option) to help improve their roster. The Sixers – with their duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, plus their large amount of salary cap space – should be able to remain as a contender in the East if they bring in another star or a group of high-level contributors.
Regarding the Bucks, Windhorst said the team could make a move to improve around its All-Star tandem of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“There are starting to be rumblings that [Bucks head coach] Doc Rivers is looking at a change or two to some of their core pieces, not Dame or Giannis, but potentially looking at another manuever to alter their team,” Windhorst said. “They could be active in the trade market, I think it’s less likely than Philly or New York that they could make this big move, but don’t forget about Milwaukee.”
3:20 p.m. ET: Phoenix Suns’ center Drew Eubanks declined his $2.6 million player option and is entering free agency sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Eubanks averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 75 games with the Suns after signing a one-plus-one deal with the franchise. The power forward previously played with the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers.
12:15 p.m. ET: A factor that could be complicating a potential new deal for Klay Thompson is what can the Golden State Warriors do about Chris Paul’s $30 million team option.
Paul’s deal is non-guaranteed through June 28 and if Thompson (who is a free agent) signs somewhere else, the Warriors may want to keep Paul to either play him next season or use him in a trade.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps explained on the “Hoop Collective” podcast that one path the Warriors could take is agreeing with Paul on pushing back the June 28 deadline, giving the team more time to decide what to do.
Golden State must decide whether to keep four-time NBA champion Thompson and their veteran core intact. Draymond Green has three years remaining on his deal, and Stephen Curry is eligible to add one more season to the two he has left.
11:02 a.m. ET: If Paul George and the LA Clippers don’t agree to an extension before the free agency period opens up on June 30, one path he could explore is opting into his final year of his current deal and getting traded somewhere else.
That strategy would allow the Clippers to get value in return for the nine-time All-Star instead of seeing him walk away for nothing.
Speaking on the “Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN insiders Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon explained that two Eastern Conference teams that fit that equation would be the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks.
The Sixers have been repeatedly linked to signing George if he were to hit the market as a free agent, with the team having up to $65 million in salary cap space and five first-round picks available to use in a trade.
As for the Knicks? As Windhorst said: “The Knicks could make a deal with any team because they have some expiring contract plus draft picks. If you’re thinking about how you’re going to beat the Celtics, you got to keep OG Anunoby, and if you acquire a player like Paul George. I’m not saying Paul George, if but you got a player like him.”
June 20
11:20 p.m. ET: Malik Monk intends to sign a four-year, $78 million deal, including a player option, to return to the Sacramento Kings, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Monk, 26, has had back-to-back strong seasons in Sacramento under coach Mike Brown.After averaging 13.5 points and 3.9 assists two years ago, he had career-highs in points (15.1) and assists (5.1) this past season for the Kings.
Monk finished fifth in Sixth Man of the Year award voting two years ago and second this past season.
5:08 p.m. ET: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Bulls have been determined to land a playmaking guard to replace Lonzo Ball, who has missed the past two-plus seasons with knee injuries.
1:02 p.m. ET: Speaking on “The Lowe Post” podcast, ESPN insider Zach Lowe said to expect the free agency dominoes to fall once Paul George decides his future.
There has been no significant movement in extension talks between George and the LA Clippers. If George enters free agency, expect the Philadelphia 76ers to be in mix – especially after Joel Embiid’s appearance on the ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Dallas, where George was a guest analyst.
“Joel Embiid was not subtle at all, winking and smirking at the camera with Paul George sitting literally shoulder-to-shoulder with him, on the crowded “NBA Countdown” desk,” Lowe said.
The Sixers could have up to $65 million in salary cap space, which could see the team either sign another big-name free agent or spread it across three or four signings.
Lowe feels “pretty optimistic” that OG Anunoby will stay with the New York Knicks, but added that the Sixers could be there looming if no new deal is reached. Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who could decline his player option for next season in search for a long-term deal, could also be on the Sixers’ radar, Lowe said.
June 19
1:47 p.m. ET: LeBron James can become a free agent by declining his $51.4 million player option, but agent Rich Paul says one destination is already off the table for the 21-year veteran. “LeBron is also not going to Phoenix for a minimum deal. We can squash that now,” Paul told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. Paul also said LeBron’s eventual home, whether it be with the Los Angeles Lakers or another team, will not be determined by which team selects Bronny James in the upcoming 2024 NBA draft.
12:32 p.m. ET: Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II has opted into his $9.1 million player option for the 2024-25 season, sources told ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. Payton averaged 5.5 points per game on 56.3% shooting in 44 games for the Warriors last season.
9:25 a.m. ET: All-Star forward Pascal Siakam intends to sign a four-year, $189.5 million maximum contract to stay with the Indiana Pacers, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday. Siakam, 30, plans to sign the deal once the league’s free agency moratorium ends on July 6, sources said.
June 18
8:32 p.m. ET: The NBA Draft is coming up quickly (June 26-27) and the player who is drawing a lot of intrigue is Bronny James.
The son of LeBron James isn’t expected to go in the first round or even in the early second round. However, teams have expressed interest in the 6-foot-2 guard with ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony slotting Bronny in his latest mock draft at No. 55 – to the Los Angeles Lakers.
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“[NBA teams] cannot get Bronny James into their building, teams drafting in the 20s or early 30s,” Givony explained on NBA Today.
Givony added the Phoenix Suns have a second workout planned for the 19-year-old, but added that Bronny’s agent Rich Paul (who also represents LeBron) doesn’t want him on a two-way contract. That would deter teams from selecting Bronny, especially if he is being targeted by the Lakers with that second-round pick.
12:15 p.m. ET: Now that Jayson Tatum has guided the Boston Celtics to an 18th NBA championship, expect him to get offered a big payout.
Speaking on the NBA Countdown ahead of Monday’s Game 5 win over the Dallas Mavericks, ESPN senior insider Adrian Wojnarowski explained the 26-year-old wing is eligible to receive a super max extension of five years, $315 million.
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A new league rule allows all teams to negotiate with their own free agents with the conclusion of the NBA Finals.
Tatum’s deal would be the largest deal in NBA history, and comes a season after Tatum’s teammate – Finals MVP Jaylen Brown – secured an 5-year, $303.7 million extension.
That would make the Celtics the only team in the league to have two super max deals, but secures its star duo for the foreseeable future.
June 17
10:31 a.m. ET: ESPN insider Brian Windhorst reports discussions between the Golden State Warriors and free agent Klay Thompson are ongoing.
“The key here is, it’s not just the amount the money. It’s the amount of years,” Windhorst said. "It’s the same thing with Paul George … Klay, he’s going to have to take a pay cut, he’s coming down, but how many years can he get?
“Andrew Wiggins took a pay cut, but he got four years. Draymond Green took a pay cut, but he got four years. That’s the thing … If I was a Warriors fan, I wouldn’t overreact to this, but I do think the negotiation season has absolutely started.”
Speaking on “Unsportsmanlike with Evan, Canty and Michelle” on ESPN Radio, Windhorst added that teams will be able to start negotiation with free agents on their roster once the NBA Finals concludes – which could be on Monday if the Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5.
“This is a new rule this year … so as soon as the Finals ends [on Monday], you’ll start seeing contracts, I believe as soon as [Tuesday].”
June 12
5:15 p.m. ET: Speaking on the “Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said Paul George’s looming decision will affect the rest of the NBA’s free agency market.
Windhorst detailed that the LA Clippers star swingman could opt out of the final year of his current deal to become an unrestricted free agent. The two teams that have an interest in George are the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic. Both were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, have the salary cap space and the need for an additional playmaker like George.
Windhorst said George could also opt into his contract and get traded to a team of his choice so that the Clippers don’t lose him without getting something in return.
Lastly, George could also simply sign an extension with the Clippers, but Windhorst said the two sides are currently “not on the same page.”
9:45 a.m. ET: Speaking to ESPN Cleveland on Tuesday, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst explained that Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman’s recent remarks that he isn’t interested in trading Darius Garland has made an impact around the league.
Garland has been linked with a move from Cleveland this summer but Windhorst said that could hinge on two factors: who the team hires as its next head coach and whether Donovan Mitchell commits his future with the franchise beyond next season.
The team fired J.B. Bickerstaff last month after four seasons despite a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals this postseason.
Mitchell, meanwhile, is eligible to sign an extension this summer but the five-time All-Star guard has not openly stated whether he’ll do so.
Garland and Mitchell are among the league’s most effective backcourt duos, but questions remain on if their similar player profiles could work in the long term.
June 7
5:45 p.m. ET: The Phoenix Suns are in the middle of a franchise renovation from the front office to the roster. What does it mean for former MVP Kevin Durant?
NBA Insider Brian Windhorst said on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption that the rest of the league is “keeping a side-eye” on Durant’s situation in Phoenix after the Suns were swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Still, Durant is expected to be a Sun at the start of next season, according to Windhorst.
Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5 rebounds per game this season but the Suns finished sixth in the Western Conference.
June 4
3:20 p.m. ET: With two top 10 picks in the draft, what can the San Antonio Spurs do ahead of Year 2 of the Victor Wembanyama era?
Speaking with ESPN insider Zach Lowe on the Lowe Post, ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony said the Spurs are looking to accerelate their timeline in hopes of making a playoff run next year.
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With the fourth and eighth selection in the draft, the Spurs have several options as they bolster their point guard depth. Depending on where they go in the draft, among the top-10 prospects the Spurs would consider include Reed Shepphard, Nikola Topic, or Stephon Castle.
The Spurs could package one or both picks to bring in a proven backcourt playmaker such as Cleveland Cavaliers star Darius Garland. The 24-year-old point guard has been linked with a move, especially if Donovan Mitchell decides to sign an extension with Cleveland.
June 3
10:00 a.m. ET: The Phoenix Suns will re-sign forward Royce O’Neale according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, as he discussed the future of the Suns and their new head coach Mike Budenholzer on the Hoop Collective.
The Suns acquired O’Neale from the Brooklyn Nets and David Roddy from the Memphis Grizzlies for a trio of second-round picks at the February trade deadline.
In 30 regular season games with the Suns O’Neale averaged 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
May 15
10:43 a.m. ET: NBA insider Brian Windhorst broke down why the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets could be the top teams in pursuit of the Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell in the offseason if the All-Star guard doesn’t sign an extension in Cleveland.
On “Get Up,” Windhorst said, “The Lakers know they need to improve their roster. They’re going to be hunting for a star.”
Another team on the hunt for a star? The Heat. “They’ve been star-hunting for a year now,” Windhorst said.
Windhorst added that the Nets could be an attractive option too, given that Mitchell is from the New York area, Brooklyn controls the Phoenix Suns’ draft assets after the Kevin Durant trade, and the Nets have the promising, young players to make a trade work.
May 14
9:07 a.m. ET: On ESPN’s “Get Up,” NBA insider Brian Windhorst outlined possible reasons why LeBron James attended Game 4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ second-round series against the Boston Celtics.
“I have been told the reason LeBron was in Cleveland was because he and [his wife] Savannah were there for Mother’s Day,” Windhorst said. "And Rich Paul, who was also at the game and represents several Cavaliers, called the Lakers and said, ‘Just so you know, LeBron’s going to be coming to the game tonight,’ so they weren’t surprised.
“Having said that, obviously since the end of the season, LeBron has sent several interesting messages – the non-comment on the Lakers going forward, the comments on podcasts and social media about how he doesn’t know what to do, and now he comes to this game, which he knows is going to be on this show. No matter what he says, he knows it’s going to be on ‘First Take.’ He knows.”
James wasn’t happy with the Lakers’ quiet trade deadline, Windhorst noted, adding that the Lakers could trade three first-round picks on draft night.
“So this little maneuver, to just put a little bit of doubt, I think, is mostly a bit of a thing for the Lakers, to remind the Lakers, ‘By the way, I’m still out here.’”
May 6
4 p.m. ET: Miami Heat president Pat Riley stated Monday that All-Star forward Jimmy Butler’s contract will depend on his availability. This came in a news conference in which Riley was also critical of Butler’s comments after the Heat were defeated by the Boston Celtics.
“If you’re not on the court playing against Boston or on the court playing against the New York Knicks, you should keep your mouth shut on the criticism of those teams,” Riley said.
Butler had previously said, “If I was playing, Boston would be at home, New York damn sure would … be at home.”
The six-time All-Star is up for a possible two-year extension this summer.
3:30 p.m. ET: The LA Clippers hope to re-sign Paul George and James Harden as the team moves into its new $2 billion arena.
Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, said the Clippers hope to retain both stars to continue playing alongside Kawhi Leonard at the Intuit Dome.
George has a player option on the $48.8 million due next season and can become a free agent if he and the Clippers are unable to come to an agreement on an extension before June 30. Harden will be an unrestricted free agent.
April 29
11:45 p.m. ET: LeBron James said he is undecided on his NBA future after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Denver Nuggets.
James, 39, said his immediate focus will be on his family and that his sights then will shift to training camp for USA Basketball ahead of the Paris Olympics this summer.
Asked how he would approach his decision about Year 22, James replied, “I don’t have an answer … to be honest. I haven’t given it much thought.”
James has until June 29 to either opt into the final year of his contract with the Lakers for $51.4 million or become an unrestricted free agent.
