NBA free agency is off to an interesting start in 2024. With the threat of more stringent punishment for early negotiations and tampering, there was no flurry of deals when free agency officially began, but rather a slow trickle of developments and substantiated rumors.
The biggest domino of the 2024 free agency class is former Clippers forward Paul George, who is primed to move on after five seasons in Los Angeles. George’s next destination remains to be seen, though the 76ers are the reported “frontrunner.”
Once the biggest domino falls into place, many deals will likely follow. As free agency heads into its second day, here are some of the biggest names that are still available.
NBA FREE AGENCY 2024:
Best players remaining in 2024 NBA free agency
1. LeBron James | Status: Unrestricted free agent
James has declined a $ 51.4 million player option for the upcoming season, but after LA hired JJ Redick as head coach and drafted James’ son, Bronny, it’s more of a matter of if — not when — James will re-sign.
Reports indicate James is willing to take a significant pay cut to allow the Lakers flexibility to improve their roster this offseason. That will be the next shoe to drop.
2. Paul George | Status: Unrestricted free agent
George and the Clippers were unable to see eye-to-eye during negotiations, prompting him to opt out of his contract and move on. The 76ers are the perceived frontrunner but the specifics need to be sorted out for a deal to be reached.
UPDATE: George has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $ 212 million deal with the 76ers.
3. Tyrese Maxey | Status: Restricted free agent
Last season’s Most Improved Player is set for a major payday after a breakout campaign in which he earned an All-Star selection at the age of 23. Maxey is a major part of Philadelphia’s future and his payment will be representative of that.
UPDATE: Maxey has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $ 204 million extension with the 76ers.
4. DeMar DeRozan | Status: Unrestricted free agent
As Steph Noh outlined, “DeRozan turned down a two-year, $ 80 million extension offer during last season, per NBC Sports Chicago’s KC Johnson, which gives a window into what type of deal he wants.” The Bulls have some major decisions to make.
5. Isaiah Hartenstein | Status: Unrestricted free agent
The Knicks have made big swings this offseason and may be unable to retain Hartenstein, who has lived up to the high asking price he’ll command. The Thunder are reportedly among the teams with a shot.
6. Klay Thompson | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Thompson’s time in Golden State appears to be over as he looks to move on to bring his shooting to another contender. Dallas and the Los Angeles teams are among the hottest suitors for Thompson, who averaged 17.9 points per game last year.
7. Miles Bridges | Status: Unrestricted free agent
More from Noh: “Bridges’ off-court domestic violence incidents turned teams off the possibility of signing him last summer. He was productive on the floor for the Hornets, averaging 21.0 points per game in 2023-24.”
8. De’Anthony Melton | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Melton battled injury during the 2023-24 season but averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists over 38 games with the Sixers.
9. Buddy Hield | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Hield could be in search of new scenery after spending last season with Indiana and Philadelphia. As time passed, Hield’s role with the Sixers dwindled and his best playoff showing was a 20-point performance when facing elimination in Game 6. He saw a total of 30 minutes in Games 1 through 3 and was benched for Games 4 and 5.
10. Gary Trent Jr. | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Toronto has positioned itself to move on from Trent, who is just 25 years old and a career 38.6 percent 3-point shooter.
11. Tobias Harris | Status: Unrestricted free agent
As Harris’ five-year, $ 180 million deal expires, he can provide value on a contract that will likely be much less criticized. He averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season.
12. Kelly Oubre Jr. | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Oubre signed a prove-it deal with Philadelphia in 2023 and certainly proved it. He averaged 15.4 points and 5.0 rebounds on a veteran’s minimum.
UPDATE: Oubre has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $ 16.3 million deal with the 76ers.
13. Tyus Jones | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Jones’ 7.3 assists per game ranked ninth in the NBA last season. He is a steady point guard who can boost a team’s backcourt rotation as a starter or a reserve.
14. Nicolas Batum | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Batum canned 39.9 percent of his 3s with the 76ers last season and remained poised in big situations. He’s entering his 17th season and will be 36 in December.
15. Caleb Martin | Status: Player option
Martin averaged 10.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists this past season. It wasn’t quite his output from the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, but it was a reminder of his effectiveness as a rotational wing.
