NBA free agency opens… sort of. Here are seven players to watch this week.

NBA: Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets

It’s one of the most consequential changes in the new CBA, right up there with the 65-game rule for awards and the luxury tax second apron:

As soon as the NBA Finals end, teams can officially start negotiating with their own free agents and extension-eligible players. To use a big-name example, the Los Angeles Lakers can officially start talking to LeBron James about a contract extension. However, the Philadelphia 76ers cannot officially talk to LeBron about leaving L.A. to come to Philly.

Unofficially, nothing changes — tampering was already happening and will continue. In the above example, the Lakers and LeBron’s agents would have already been talking anyway, now it’s just legal and a deal can be announced. You can be sure the 76ers front office at least lobbed a call to LeBron’s people to gauge interest.

Here are seven names to watch in the next week where deals could be announced.

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Nobody around the league thinks LeBron James will leave Los Angeles and the Lakers. He and his family appear settled, with two of his children (Bryce and Zhuri) in school in the area. However, he might be the player on this list least likely to strike a deal this week because history suggests that LeBron will use his potential free agency to pressure the Lakers for roster upgrades. And maybe selecting a certain guard out of USC with the No. 55 pick in the NBA draft next week.

The Lakers reportedly want LeBron back on whatever kind of contract he wishes. LeBron has until June 29 to decide whether to opt into the $51.4 million he is owed next season or to become a free agent. If he opts in, he can sign a two-year max extension with the Lakers worth $164 million over the three years. (No team can offer LeBron more than three years because of the over-38 rule.) If LeBron opts out and re-signs with the Lakers, he gives up two million — a max of $162 million over three years — but he could get a no-trade clause. Not that he’s leaving, but for the record if LeBron became a free agent another team can offer up to $157 million over three years.

A…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-free-agency-opens-sort-141959517.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-19 14:19:59

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.