The 2023-24 NBA season is coming to an end, and all eyes are on the upcoming postseason and play-in tournaments. But there's no doubt that teams are already focused on the upcoming offseason and 2024 free agency.
This year's offseason will be interesting thanks to the trade restrictions introduced by the new collective bargaining agreement. Teams competing for the second luxury tax apron have few options when it comes to trades, meaning much of the activity could center around unrestricted free agents.
Fans will have plenty of offseason excitement as several quality players are set to become free agents or face player options, including Paul George, Pascal Siakam, James Harden, and LeBron James. Should.
Here's the latest free agent buzz and some predictions.
Even at age 33, Paul George is still one of the top players in the NBA. The Los Angeles Clippers forward added 14 points in 21 minutes against the Utah Jazz on Friday and is averaging 22.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season.
If George wants to make money this offseason, he can. He has a $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season, and declining it would instantly make him one of the top targets on the market.
by philadelphia inquirers Keith Pompey, if George becomes available, could quickly find a suitor with the Philadelphia 76ers.
“The 76ers' desire to acquire Paul George in free agency is the NBA's best-kept secret,” Pompey wrote.
Philadelphia has the cap space to pursue Gorge, and he would be an interesting third option behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. But the Clippers have legitimate championship aspirations and won't let George walk without a fight.
Los Angeles should do everything it can to keep George and unrestricted free agent James Harden. George knows what he has in Los Angeles, and even if the Clippers really let Harden stay, and maybe even if they don't, it's hard to imagine George wanting to leave. difficult.
Philadelphia's public interest may give Mr. George some leverage in the negotiations, but it is highly unlikely that he will simply exercise his right to choose. But in the end, George will likely remain in Los Angeles.
Prediction: George signs an extension with the Clippers.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is still one of the faces of the NBA, even at age 39. He continues to beat Father Time, and the eternal All-Star will be a key contributor to virtually any roster.
However, James' career won't last forever, and his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny James, is no secret. The younger James recently announced his decision to transfer from USC, making himself draft eligible.
according to Shams Charania Bronny James of The Athletic and Stadium plans to “work out and visit NBA teams and make draft decisions based on evaluations.”
Could his son's immediate future influence LeBron's decision regarding his 2024-25 player option? absolutely. However, James stated in February that he wanted to retire as a Laker.
According to reports, his retirement won't happen this offseason.Charania Said pat mcafee show On April 2, it was announced that James was expected to play one or two more seasons.
Instead of optioning out or signing an extension with LA, James could simply opt in for $51.4 million and try to team up with Bronny James for the final game in 2025. But assuming young James doesn't get drafted and doesn't join the Lakers.
The Lakers would likely want more clarity on James' future, but fulfilling his contract may give him the most flexibility.
Prediction: James opts in for 2024-25 season
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (elbow) returned to action on Friday, but his presence wasn't enough to secure a win against the Chicago Bulls. But New York was still happy to see the defense stand out on the court.
”[Anunoby] It was good,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. New York Post. “First game back. That's a good sign.”
Anunoby is an important piece of the puzzle for New York, but injuries are starting to become a concern. This is important because the 26-year-old has a $19.9 million player option for next season.
The Knicks seem likely to extend Anunoby's contract, but doing so may not be an immediate decision.
“He's just starting to look like an injury-prone player. It makes you nervous when you're paying him that much,” one anonymous general manager told Heavy's Sean Deveney in March. .
Economically, opting out and leveraging a long-term contract makes the most sense for Anunoby, and he has the leverage. The Knicks acquired Anunoby in December by trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, but losing him a few months later would be devastating.
According to Mr. Denebay, he is going to try to file for bankruptcy there,'' the general manager said. They can't afford to lose him. ”
The Knicks might want to see Anunoby one more season before signing him to a long-term deal, but that may not be an option. For better or worse, Anunoby's next payday will likely come from New York.
Prediction: Anunoby signs contract extension with Knicks
*Contract information is via Spotrac.
