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. This summer may not have some of the biggest names available on the free-agent market, but it’s still going to be a hectic offseason. Hours before free agency officially kicked off, Kevin Durant requested a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets. One of the NBA’s biggest superstars is now set to change teams this summer, and KD’s trade request will undoubtedly impact how teams handle their offseason business.
NBA free agency started Thursday at 6 pm ET, when teams could 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 and Deandre Ayton are among the top unrestricted free agents available this offseason. One name off the board is Jalen Brunson, who reportedly agreed to a four-year, $110M deal with the New York Knicks.
For a complete list, check out James Herbert’s breakdown of the 50 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. Follow below for all the updates, rumors and key information as we inch closer to the start of NBA free agency.