NBA Swing: What to Know Before 2024 NBA Free Agency

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With the 2024 NBA draft passing this past Wednesday and Thursday, the league is just a few days away from the most important part of the offseason: free agency. Although teams have been able to negotiate with their own free agents since the day after the NBA Finals, the true free agency period begins on June 30th at 5 p.m. CT. In the last few days, multiple free agents have intended to return to their teams including:

Nic Claxton: Four years, $100 million
OG Anunoby: Five-years, $212.5 million
Bam Adebayo: Three-year, $166 million extension
Malik Monk: Four-years, $78 million
Jamal Murray, Nuggets expected to agree on four-year, $209 million contract
Pascal Siakam: Four-year, $189.5 million deal

With the multiple potential free agents off the board, there are still multiple big names who are expected to become free agents as well as multiple roles players who could be the key piece for a championship team. Here are some of the biggest stories ahead of the 2024 NBA free agency period.

Paul George to the Warriors or the Sixers?

One of the biggest expected free agents this offseason is Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George. While his teammate Kawhi Leonard signed an extension previously, reports all season have stated George and the Clippers have not been able to agree on an extension. Having a $48.8 million player option, many have expected George to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent. Recent reports have also noted PG could opt into his player option and request a trade.

Multiple teams have been rumored to be interested in PG. Orlando was linked to George for a long time, but other names have been linked to Orlando as well. The two most notable teams interested in PG include the Philadelphia 76ers and more recently, the Golden State Warriors. PG has been linked to the Sixers for several months, with the Sixers having over $50 million in salary space. The rumors grew stronger as PG and Joel Embiid appeared together during the NBA Finals. For the Warriors, PG has become a rumored target as many rumors see Klay Thompson leaving the Warriors this summer.

Is Klay Thompson Focused on leaving Warriors?

One of the most interesting free agents this offseason is the Warriors’ sharpshooter Klay Thompson. After a season that saw Thompson look far from the player he is, the two sides have not been able to come to turns on a new contract. Reports have noted Thompson wanting a long-term deal while the Warriors have been looking to sign Klay to a two-year deal. Many noticed Klay recently deleted almost all of his Warriors-related posts on Instagram.

Klay has been linked to numerous teams ahead of free agency including the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, OKC Thunder, and more. Not being the player he once was, Thompson can still provide to teams, but he is not the number one or 1b option he was seen as before his major injuries. The Magic could offer him a big contract (yet they prefer to offer a contract similar to the Warriors) and a smaller role with Orlando having notable stars in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. While OKC does not have a lot in terms of cap room, they are a stacked championship contender that could use a veteran presence like Thompson. The Sixers also have more than enough cap space to sign Thompson while giving him a smaller role as the third star behind Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Although the Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and head coach Steve Kerr have both said they want Klay to return to the team this summer, many signs point to Thompson leaving the Warriors after 11 seasons with the team.

Can Chicago Take Advantage of Teams Missing Out?

One of the most disappointing teams both on the court and making deals over the last few years, the Chicago Bulls have a chance to make massive changes this offseason. DeMar DeRozan is set to become a free agent, Patrick Williams is rumored to have been extended the qualifying offer on his rookie deal, and the Bulls are still looking to trade Zach Lavine. With the team trading All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso for OKC Thunder guard Josh GIddey and drafting G-League Ignite forward Matas Buzelis, the Bulls are looking to take a step back.

In a shocking move from Bulls VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas having post-draft media availability, he would say during the event that he could not tell what the team would look like for a couple of weeks, notably following the start of free agency. AK would also note that he does not know if DeRozan will be with the team in two weeks. DeRozan has been recently linked to several teams, but the Clippers have become one of the more likely destinations for him, especially if Paul George leaves. With Caruso being traded, several reports have come out noting DeMar being more likely to leave now that the Bulls could be leaning more toward a rebuild. Lavine has also been linked to several teams including the Sixers, Lakers, and Pistons, among other teams, if they miss out on other key free agents.

Other Notable NBA Free Agents Include: