The 2021-22 season and NBA Draft are both in the books, and now all eyes are on the start of free agency. The speculation and rumors that surround free agency are what make this time of the year truly entertaining, as fans try to envision players on their favorite teams, and the top players around the league get courted by any team with cap space. This summer may not have some of the biggest names available as we’ve seen in the past, but that doesn’t mean things won’t get truly chaotic.
NBA free agency will start Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, when teams can start negotiating deals with players. However, contracts won’t actually be official until the moratorium period is lifted on July 6. The NBA has reportedly told teams that the salary cap for next season is projected to be set at $123.6 million, up $11.6 million from last year’s $112 million cap figure. Zach LaVine, Jalen Brunson and Deandre Ayton are among the top unrestricted free agents available this offseason. For a complete list, check out James Herbert’s breakdown of the 45 top available players.
Not many gaudy deals should be expected this summer because as it stands right now, only five teams are projected to have significant cap space to work with. The Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks are all projected to have the most cap space available, with the Magic and Pistons set to have the most at over $27 million apiece.
Follow below for all the updates, rumors and key information as we inch closer to the start of NBA free agency.