Top 10 2024 NBA Free Agents

The NBA Draft is right around the corner, and that also means that NBA free agency will be coming up right behind. There is a unique blend of free agents set to be available on June 30th. Sacramento’s Malik Monk and Indiana’s Pascal Siakam have already signed extensions with their former teams and are no longer on the market. The Philadelphia 76ers are in salary cap heaven and will have a lot to say about who signs where in 2024. Draft Nation takes a look at the top 10 free agents and what their decisions could be.

1- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (Player option)

It has already been announced that LeBron James is going to decline his $51.4MM player option with the Lakers. It should also be noted that James cannot sign for more than three seasons due to the NBA’s over-38 rule. The Philadelphia 76ers have a lot of cap space and could reach out to James. It also wouldn’t be a shock to see other teams make similar offers. The fact that his son, Bronny, is in this year’s draft adds to the drama. Does a team draft Bronny in hopes of luring LeBron? Or does he get drafted by the hometown Lakers, allowing LeBron to play his last contract at home with his son? Draft Nation thinks the latter happens. James will sign a three-year $160MM contract with the Lakers who find a way to select Bronny in the draft.

2- Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers (Player option)

George will likely decline his player option of $48.8 million from the Clippers. From there, he will look to see if Los Angeles will match the max deal of four-years and $221.1MM that the Philadelphia 76ers are rumored to be willing to offer. The Clippers are moving into a new arena, already have Kawhi Leonard extended and will lack salary cap space even if George leaves. Draft Nation believes it is 50/50 between Philadelphia and Los Angeles, but George will eventually re-sign with the Clippers.

3- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (Restricted)

This is the closest thing to a guarantee. The only reason the 76ers didn’t re-sign him last season was to maintain cap space coming into this summer. Maxey should re-sign in Philly for the max deal of five-years and $205MM. He and Joel Embiid will continue growing as one of the league’s best one-two punches.

4- DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls (Unrestricted)

The Bulls have already started a rebuilding process by bringing in Josh Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder and the next step may be letting the soon to be 35-year-old DeRozan walk. DeRozan averaged 24 points a game last season, so he can still fill up the basket. Look for a team to make a two-year offer for him to leave Chicago. Once again the 76ers have a lot of money to spend and he could be a match in the City of Brotherly Love.

5- OG Anunoby, New York Knicks (Player option)

The New York Knicks obtained Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets this past week, so at first glance you may think that Anunoby will be gone. Anunoby will decline his $19.MM player option and more than likely double it. The Knicks went 20-3 after acquiring him from Toronto and will do what they have to, to bring him back. Look for a four-year deal for around $200MM from the Knicks. 

6- Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors (Unrestricted)

Although Thompson is four-time NBA champion with the Warriors, his last several seasons have not been pleasant. Sometimes a change of scenery can work for both sides, and Draft Nation believes this is one of those situations. Look for a team like the Los Angeles Lakers or Dallas Mavericks to make an offer, and for Thompson to change ships. 

7- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Denver Nuggets (Player option)

Caldwell-Pope will more than likely decline his option of $15.4MM and will enter free agency. Look for the 76ers once again to be involved (especially if they don’t land George or Anunoby), but Draft Nation thinks Caldwell-Pope lands in Orlando on a three-year deal.

8- Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers (Unrestricted)

Harris had a disappointing season in 2023-2024, averaging only 9.0 points in the 76ers first round loss to the Knicks. Although the 76ers have a ton of money to spend, they are not likely to bring Harris back. He still offers a lot as a role player, and teams like New Orleans, Detroit or Charlotte should make offers. Draft Nation predicts New Orleans on a one-year contract.

9- Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks (Unrestricted)

The New York Knicks would love nothing more than to bring Hartenstein back next season. The problem is his original contract was only $9MM a year and the max they can offer is four-years at $72.5MM. There are several teams that can top that offer, and there have been rumors of Oklahoma City and Detroit licking their chops to do so. If Hartenstein loves New York maybe he can be had for the lower contract. Draft Nation thinks the Thunder make a deal that he cannot pass up.

10- James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers (Unrestricted)

James Harden is a player who seems like he is always in the transaction/free agent spotlight. He proved last season to be a good fit for the Clippers and he loves Los Angeles. Look for Harden to get a three-year deal with the Clippers.