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Could LeBron be on the move again this summer?
yahoo sports staff
The NBA Draft is in the books and while the 30 NBA franchises prep their new young additions for Summer League in Las Vegas, a slew of big-name NBA veterans could be on the move in free agency.
The 2024 class is headlined by the NBA's all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, who recently opted out of his player option with the expectation of signing a new deal with the Lakers. Last season, James posted the best numbers in league history for a player in his age-39 season, with averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game on 54% shooting in 71 games played. On the second day of the NBA Draft, James got more incentive to stay with the Lakers when the club drafted his son, Bronny, with the No. 55 overall pick in the second round. The four-time NBA MVP has said for years that he'd like the opportunity to play with his eldest son before retiring.
Clippers two-way All-Star wing Paul George has opted out of his player option with the Clippers, and has become a free agent. He will now field offers from multiple suitors, including Philadelphia, which is likely to re-sign restricted free agent guard Tyrese Maxey (this season's Most Improved Player).
Yahoo Sports has you covered for NBA free agency from the top 40 available players to the top players at each position who are available this summer.
Point guards
Shooting guards
Small forwards
Power forwards
Centers
Keep up with all of the signings and deals with Yahoo Sports' NBA free agency tracker.
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Morten Stig Jensen
NBA free agent big board: The top 40 players on the market
The free agency negotiating window opens 6 p.m. ET Sunday, when each NBA team can negotiate with players on the market and perhaps even reach a deal. Those deals can't be signed until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET, but there will be plenty of transactional action until then and beyond.
Here is our big board of the top free agents on the market.
Top free agents by position: point guards | shooting guards | small forwards | power forwards | centers
See the full big board here.
Patrick Williams to sign 5-year, $90 million deal to remain with Bulls
Patrick Williams intends to sign a five-year, $90 million deal to return to the Chicago Bulls, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/L4ImJS29xf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024
DeAndre Jordan returning to Nuggets on $3.6 million deal
Free agent center DeAndre Jordan intends to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.6M deal, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/8TnsgM7hsK
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2024
Jalen Smith declines $5.4 million player option with Indiana Pacers
Fourth-year forward/center Jalen Smith is declining his $5.4 million player option with the Indiana Pacers, reports Scott Agness. He will be an unrestricted free agent.
NEW: Pacers center Jalen Smith declines $5.4M player option, per league source. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after 2.5 seasons in Indy.https://t.co/hekHLPX8Hw pic.twitter.com/dS44MwNVvc
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 30, 2024
Smith, 24, averaged 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 61 games with Indiana. In 2 1/2 seasons with the Pacers, he scored 10.2 points with six rebounds per game.
The 6-foot-10 Smith was the Phoenix Suns' first-round pick (No. 10 overall) in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Maryland. Phoenix traded him to Indiana in 2022 for Torrey Craig and a second-round pick. After the season, he signed a two-year deal for $9.6 million with that player option.
See AlsoDejounte Murray trade grades: Pelicans land All-Star guard in major deal with Atlanta Hawks, per reportsNBA Teams' Updated Salary Cap Entering 2024 Free Agency After NBA DraftSimone Biles dominates first day of U.S. Olympic gymnastics trialsUndrafted NBA Free Agents 2024: Latest Details on Top Rookie SigningsWizards decline Tristan Vukcevic's $2.4 million team option
The Washington Wizards are declining the $2.4 million option on center Tristan Vukcevic for salary cap flexibility, reports HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The 21-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent.
The Wizards will decline the $2.42 million team option on center Tristan Vukcevic, league sources told @hoopshype. Washington is prioritizing flexibility ahead of free agency and possible trades. Vukcevic, drafted 42nd in 2023, averaged 8.5 points in 15.3 minutes last season. pic.twitter.com/uBq1mDcSLk
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 29, 2024
In his rookie season, the 7-footer Vukcevic averaged 8.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in 10 games. He joined the Wizards in March after playing most of the season with KK Partizan in Serbia.
Paul George to reportedly speak with Clippers, Sixers and Magic after opting out
Paul George plans to speak with the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic starting late Sunday night pacific time after free agency opens, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/HhlFLqtyoT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
Phoenix Suns to re-sign Bol Bol to a one-year deal
Bol Bol, a 7-foot-2 forward/center, is set to stay with the Suns on a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. His salary for 2024-25 is estimated at $2.4 million by Spotrac.
Free agent F/C Bol Bol intends to return to the Phoenix Suns on a one-year deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
In 43 games with Phoenix, Bol averaged 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game. He also shot 42% on 3s with 52 attempts.
Wizards big man Richaun Holmes signing 2-year, $25.9 million deal after declining player option
Wizards center Richaun Holmes has declined his $12.8 million player option in order to sign a new two-year, $25.9 million deal with the team through 2025-26 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Only $250,000 out of $13.3M is guaranteed for 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/b03sax7OwJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
Warriors reportedly preparing for Klay Thompson exit
Warriors fans have had plenty of reason to expect Klay Thompson's exit for the past several months, but the possibility became very real on Saturday, when the Athletic reported the team is bracing for Thompson's exit.
The Warriors have reportedly had close to zero communication over the past two weeks, when they could have negotiated a return. With Thompson set to become a free agent, the Lakers, Clippers and Mavericks are reportedly suitors for his talents.
Grizzlies sharpshooter Luke Kennard to hit free agency after $14.8 million option declined
ESPN Sources: The Memphis Grizzlies are declining guard Luke Kennard’s $14.8M option, but both sides are eager to pursue a restructured deal. Kennard’s a career 44 percent 3-point shooter and key floor spacer for Western contender. pic.twitter.com/CYIA7JYFBj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Magic declining $8 million option for Moritz Wagner, who could still return
The Orlando Magic are declining Moe Wagner's $8M team option, but both sides have interest in discussing a new deal in free agency, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Kari Anderson
Cam Reddish will reportedly exercise $2.5 million option and return to the Lakers
Sources: Lakers G/F Cam Reddish has exercised his $2.5 million player option to return next season. pic.twitter.com/KoypTKdrQ2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
Kari Anderson
Paul George opts out of option and will enter free agency
Nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George declined his $48.8 million option to play for the Los Angeles Clippers next season, making himself one of the league's most coveted free agents, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
George will now meet with the Clippers as well as other high-cap teams, with the Philadelphia 76ers as a top contender to land the 34-year-old forward.
The 76ers are a legitimate threat to sign George in free agency, per @ChrisBHaynes. https://t.co/GD9Xx6ZHJD
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 29, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
The Oklahoma City Thunder are declining 2024-25 team options on Isaiah Joe ($2.1 million) and Aaron Wiggins ($2 million), clearing the way for the team to work with both players on long-term deals in July, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
Kari Anderson
Detroit Pistons decline Evan Fournier's $19 million team option and clear $50 million in cap space
The Detroit Pistons are declining Evan Fournier's $19 million team option, sources tell ESPN. This opens up $50 million in cap room for the franchise. New President Trajan Langdon is eager to use the team's space to take on contracts with future draft assets.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Kari Anderson
Royce O'Neale to sign 4-year, $44 million deal to stay with the Phoenix Suns
Free agent forward Royce O'Neale is reportedly planning to sign a new four-year, $44 million deal to stay with the Phoenix Suns, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. O'Neal was traded to Phoenix in February from the Brooklyn Nets, and averaged 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game through the rest of the season.
Free agent F Royce O’Neale intends to sign a new four-year, $44 million deal to return to the Phoenix Suns, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NaBcMJyiuV
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Kari Anderson
Saddiq Bey will become an unrestricted free agent after Atlanta Hawks choose to not deliver a qualifying offer
Bey averaged 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds before suffering a torn left ACL in late March. He’s expected to make a full recovery. He’s averaged 14 points with Pistons and Hawks since arriving as 19th pick in 2020 Draft. https://t.co/vewhusPaQ6
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
LeBron James reportedly intends to opt out of Lakers contract but expected to sign new deal with L.A.
LeBron James is reportedly planning to opt out of his player option for next season and become a free agent but he isn't planning to go anywhere.
In advance of the Saturday deadline on his decision, the 39-year-old superstar declined his $51.4 million option with the Los Angeles Lakers next season, but is expected to return to the with a new deal in free agency, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Full story here.
Kari Anderson
Two more options for the Rockets and Celtics
Two more teams are picking up player options on Saturday, with the Houston Rockets picking up forward Jae'sean Tate's $7.6 million option for next season, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, and the Boston Celtics picking up a $2.1 million option for forward Sam Hauser, per Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe.
The Houston Rockets are picking up Jae'sean Tate's $7.6 million option for the 2024-2025 season, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Per sources, the Celtics are picking up Sam Hauser’s $2.1 million option, and the two sides are expected to have extension negotiations after the window opens July 9.https://t.co/ZAsBH5rmCf
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 29, 2024
Kari Anderson
Kevin Love declines player option but leaves both sides open for negotiating a new deal
Kevin Love has declined his $4 million player option, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, but the two sides are "enthusiastic" to reach a deal during free agency.
Love signed with the Heat in February 2023 after becoming a free agent mid-season, and re-signed with the team last July. The 35-year-old forward, who is a five-time All-Star, averaged 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 55 games with Miami.
ESPN Sources: Miami Heat F/C Kevin Love is declining his $4M player option, but both sides are enthusiastic about negotiating a new deal in the opening days of free agency. The five-time All-Star has played the past two seasons with the Heat. pic.twitter.com/uXU3bR8xPP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Kari Anderson
Russell Westbrook picks up $4 million option to stay with Clippers
Veteran guard Russell Westbrook is picking up his $4 million option to stay with the Clippers, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star, and signed a two-year, $7.8 million with the team last summer. The 35-year-old guard averaged 11.1 points, 5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 68 games with the Clippers last season, largely coming off the bench as a backup point guard behind James Harden.
ESPN Sources: Nine-time All-Star G Russell Westbrook is picking up his $4 million option and returning to the Los Angeles Clippers. Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists a season ago. pic.twitter.com/p1sIeJy2tk
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
