The Boston Celtics are NBA champions, the 2024 draft class has come and gone, and now it’s time for the free agent frenzy. The league has already seen some wild trades in the early days of the 2024 offseason, and it’s only going to get more chaotic when NBA free agency opens on Sunday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
While signings can’t be officially announced until July 6, teams are allowed negotiate with free agents at the start of the moratorium. While this isn’t the strongest free agency class, it feels like there are enough desperate teams right now to facilitate some big moves.
Paul George feels like the biggest star who could change teams. That scenario received a boost on Saturday afternoon when George opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, per Adrian Wojnarowski. George is expected to test the open market, and per Wojnarowski will meet with “cap space teams plus the Clippers” starting on Sunday evening. The Philadelphia 76ers are rumored to make a strong push for George in the open market, and plenty of other teams will be interested.
Isaiah Hartenstein is another major name to watch in free agency. The 26-year-old center is coming off a breakout season with the New York Knicks where he provided elite interior defense, efficient scoring, and a pinch of playmaking. The Knicks would love to retain him, but their payroll is getting high after extending OG Anunoby on a $212 million deal and swinging a trade for Mikal Bridges. Hartenstein could have a wide market, with the Oklahoma City Thunder frequently mentioned as a potential suitor.
There are several future Hall of Fame inductees near the twilight of their careers who are also unrestricted free agents. DeMar DeRozan, who turns 35 years old next month, could leave the Chicago Bulls after three fantastic seasons with the franchise. James Harden is also up for a new deal with the Los Angeles Clippers or anyone else just ahead of his 35th birthday. Klay Thompson is expected to leave the Golden State Warriors for the first time in his career at 34 years old.
Other names to monitor in free agency include Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tobias Harris, Jonas Valanciunas, Buddy Hield, Kelly Oubre, Tyus Jones, and Isaiah Joe.
We’re keeping track of every free agent signing and trade in 2024 NBA free agency here.
Day 1 NBA free agent agreements
- Pat Williams agrees to a five-year, $90 million deal to return to the Bulls, per Shams Charania
- Obi Toppin intends to sign a four-year, $60 million deal to stay with the Indiana Pacers, per Adrian Wojnarowski
- Alex Len intends to sign a one-year, $3.3 million deal to return to the Sacramento Kings, per Shams
- Chris Paul waived by Golden State Warriors, per Chris Haynes and Woj
- James Harden will sign two-year, $70 million deal to stay with Clippers, per Shams
- Max Christie will sign four-year, $32 million deal to stay with Lakers, per Woj
- Luke Kornet will re-sign with the Boston Celtics on a one-year deal, per Woj
- Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors working on a sign-and-trade, per Shams. Woj says he will meet with the Lakers, Mavs, Clippers and Sixers.
- F/C Kevin Love is finalizing a two-year, $8 million-plus deal to return to the Miami Heat, per Shams
- Omer Yurtseven waived by the Utah Jazz, per Woj
