NBA Free Agency is like Christmas morning for NBA fans, and Christmas will come early this year. The NBA announced Friday that they will move the start of the 2019 free agency period back six hours. It will now start on June 30th at 6 p.m. ET instead of midnight on July 1st.
Time Change for the Start of 2019 NBA Free Agency
Free agency has traditionally started at midnight on July 1st. This causes fans, journalists, and players alike to stay up into the hours of the night waiting for news to break. Now, they will get to find out all the breaking news much sooner.
The NBA has officially moved up the start of free agency to June 30 at 6 PM ET … up from 12:01 AM on July 1
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 24, 2019
This change seemingly came out of nowhere when the NBA sent out a press release announcing the changes Friday afternoon. Journalists, fans, and executives everywhere rejoiced, as did their coffee makers.
In the past, players have inked new deals as soon as the clock struck midnight leaving some in the dark until the next morning. The decision to change the time is likely due to a mutual agreement amongst both parties that a 6 p.m. start is universally beneficial. Players and executives can get deals done while journalists and fans get the news sooner.
It sounds like a win-win situation.
Teams will also be allowed to contact free agents 24 hours prior to the start of free agency. However, they cannot begin any negotiations until after the newly set date. Teams may only contact players to set up meetings to take place after the free agency period begins.
Some notable free agents for the upcoming offseason include Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson, Tobias Harris, among many others.
Turn off those midnight alarms for July 1st, and make sure to ignore family members at the dinner table on the evening of June 30th. Focus on the important things. Free agency is right around the corner.
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