Welcome to NBA free agency! Teams will be allowed to negotiate with free agents of other teams starting Sunday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. News normally comes fast once teams are able to negotiate in what is an exciting time for NBA fans.
There are some well-known players that are available in free agency. Here are three of those players that could realistically change teams. All are likely future members of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Someone such as LeBron James is not included. While he turned down his player option, it would be a complete shocker if he left the Los Angeles Lakers.
Most Notable Players That May Change Teams In Free Agency
DeMar DeRozan
Turning 35 on August 7, DeMar DeRozan continues to score in bunches. He averaged 24.0 points in 2023-24 with the Chicago Bulls, the 11th straight season he has scored more than 20 per contest. He led the league in minutes last season averaging 37.8.
One has to wonder though if Chicago’s best route is to let DeRozan walk and begin the process of resetting. The Bulls have been in basketball purgatory the past two seasons with a middling record of 79-85. Whispers of DeRozan leaving seemed to grow after news that Patrick Williams is coming back to Chicago on a five-year, $90 million deal.
DeMar DeRozan is trending towards walking in free agency or sign-and-trade, per @KCJHoop.
DeRozan’s career with the #Bulls is likely over.
(Via @gimmehotsauce21) pic.twitter.com/xwLwefVjEq
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) June 29, 2024
Paul George
Paul George is coming off his healthiest season in years as he appeared in 74 games in 2023-24. Even as the 34-year-old gets a little longer in the tooth, he’s still seen as one of the best two-way wings. Last season was also his most efficient in the league as he posted career-bests across the board in field goal (47.1), three-point (41.3), and free-throw (90.7) percentage.
It has been reported numerous times that the Los Angeles Clippers want George to take a deal similar to what they gave Kawhi Leonard (three years, $152.4 million). It is likely he would receive a fourth year on his deal from another team if the Clippers don’t budge from their stance. The six-foot-eight forward is planning to meet with the Clippers, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers soon after free agency begins.
Klay Thompson
It is hard to imagine Klay Thompson in another jersey. Since being selected in the 2011 NBA Draft, the 34-year-old Thompson has donned a Golden State Warriors jersey for 11 seasons (doesn’t include the 2019-20 and 2020-21 that he missed in full due to injury). He’s won four championships with the Warriors and his 2,481 made three-pointers are the sixth-most in NBA history.
It’s looking more and more like that partnership could be coming to a close. The Athletic reported that Golden State has come to the realization that Thompson is likely moving on. It has been long reported that the Magic would be interested in the sharpshooter. The Dallas Mavericks, Lakers, and Clippers are listed as other potential destinations. While Thompson’s defensive effort has waned as he has aged, he still provides the outside shooting every team wants in abundance.
