The rules surrounding free agency changed this season as teams began negotiating with free agents on their rosters immediately following the NBA Finals. As such, Pascal Siakam has already agreed in principle to a new deal with the Pacers (more on that later) and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has indicated that we will likely see more deals reported before the official start of free agency on June 30, with teams being able to pursue free agents leaving other teams.
All deals will be final on July 6, but let’s look at players who could be testing the market in the latest fantasy free agent primer.
fantasy stars
LeBron James
Status: Unrestricted free agent (player’s option)
James’ podcast brother, JJ Redick, was named head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, and when you add in personal ties to Los Angeles and non-basketball business, I would be shocked if James didn’t return to the Lakers.
But who knows – the decision was one thing. Still, James continues to defy Father Time and remains one of the top 30 players in fantasy.
Paulo Jorge
Status: Unrestricted free agent (player’s option)
The Clippers and George have yet to agree on an extension, meaning the 13-year pro could join the free agent pool. And why not? The Clippers’ championship window is closing quickly and with limited perimeter depth thanks to the James Harden trade, PG should opt for the upcoming payday. While I liked his fantasy outlook on Philadelphia, recent reports cause the Sixers to consider other options. The Magic remain a dark horse to land George, with no shortage of potential suitors willing to pay top dollar.
Tyrese Maxey
Status: restricted free agent
Let’s be clear: he will sign a max deal with the Sixers. The deal would have already been done, but Philly wanted to save cap space in hopes of landing an additional free agent this summer. Maxey, the 2023-24 Most Improved Player, is just 23 years old and had a breakout campaign, taking his production to an efficient 26/4/6 last season. He’s an All-Star and a second-round fantasy talent, easy.
James Harden
Status: unrestricted free agent
The former MVP is not the system he once was. And he doesn’t have to be. Harden was a top-30 player in category leagues and top-40 in points leagues, even though his scoring fell to its lowest mark since 2011-12.
Given what we saw in his first stint there, there’s no reason the Clippers shouldn’t re-sign Harden. They have no credible backup plans (sorry, Bones Hyland), and with Paul George possibly on the move, Harden looks like he could be worthy of a third-round pick again.
Intermediate level players
Pascal Siakam
Status: unrestricted free agent
Siakam plans to sign a four-year, $189 million maximum contract with the Pacers. The deal could be officially approved on July 6, but this was a significant domino to fall in free agency. Playing Tyrese Haliburton will be good for his fantasy value, and Spicy P could provide an efficient 21/6/4 line for a fourth/fifth round pick.
DeMar DeRozan
Status: unrestricted free agent
DeRozan has carried the Bulls since arriving and has been a consistent top-40 player in fantasy. He’s been the focal point of Billy Donovan’s system, so a reunion with Chicago would be good to preserve his fantasy perspective. Although I would love to see you in Los Angeles See him on stage with Kendrick Lamar for Pop Out it was a vibe and I can only imagine how he would behave in his city.
Emanuel Quickley
Status: restricted free agent
The Raptors are in no rush to sign Quickley, but there are rumors that the Magic and Spurs want IQ. He is a rising player who will be in the running for Most Improved Player after averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 boards and 6.8 dimes in 38 games as a Raptor. From January 1st to April, Quickley provided sixth-round value in fantasy, so I have a lot of optimism regarding his IQ as a top-70 player if he stays in Toronto.
Nick Claxton
Status: unrestricted free agent
If it’s worth it, he’ll stay with the Nets. However, the Nets’ indecision in bringing in the young defender could be costly because he is one of the best centers available. He’s a nighttime threat for a double-double and some blocks, and no matter where he ends up, he’s a consistent asset for advice, stock, and FG percentage in the middle rounds of drafts.
OG Anunoby
Status: Unrestricted free agent (player’s option)
The CAA force is strong in Mecca, so I’m betting Anunoby will re-sign with the Knicks despite being an unrestricted free agent. He has been a difference-maker since joining the Knicks midseason, playing a major role in leading the Knicks to a 20-3 record when Anunoby was active. They should bring him back, and he should put up comparable numbers (14/4/2) if he stays in NY, with his actions boosting his fantasy value.
Mile Bridges
Status: unrestricted free agent
Bridges’ off-court history should diminish the market he still has. He had a career offensive year and can undoubtedly help teams looking for an athletic, versatile wing. He surpassed his ADP in 2023-24, but the landing spot will affect his fantasy outlook next year.
Tobias Harris
Status: unrestricted free agent
While I was very critical of Harris’ disappearance in the playoffs, he deserves some flowers by beating his ADP three years in a row. He’s boring, but has a decently high floor at 17/6/3 with strong splits. He won’t do much defensively, and I imagine he’s looking for a home where he can be at least the second option on offense – which is a bold move given what we’ve seen from him when any kind of adversity arises. path. A reunion with the Pistons makes sense.
D’Angelo Russell
Status: Unrestricted free agent (player’s option)
D’Lo turned a preseason ADP of 99.8 into sixth-round value, far exceeding fantasy managers’ expectations. The weird thing is that people are actively rooting for him to fail, when he’s been a consistent 18/3/6 guy for years. D’Lo has moments of offensive and defensive lapses, but overall he has been solid in fantasy as a Laker.
Will Russell opt out of the final year of his deal or will he decline and test the open market? The Magic are reportedly interested in D’Lo, but interest is far from a guarantee. The fact is, there are more coveted options on the market, so depending on how it moves, it could determine whether D’Lo decides to return to operating in Los Angeles or go elsewhere. I like his fantasy value if he stays with the Lakers.
Last round players
Tyus Jones
Status: unrestricted free agent
Jones’ first season as a full-time starter was a success, posting career highs in points, assists, field goals and 3-point percentage. Not to mention its elite Assist/turnover ratio of 7.3 to 1.
Some teams need a point guard, but seeing him take over for his brother on the Spurs would be ideal. Hopefully he gets a starting job to preserve his fantasy appeal.
Isaiah Hartenstein
Status: unrestricted free agent
Please go to Oklahoma City. Whether as a starter or as a reserve, there is a path to playing at least 25-28 minutes a night for a team that desperately needs physicality and rebounding in the front court. His 13.5% assist rate with low usage shows he can be a great facilitator, and playing alongside several young stars is a perfect fit. After a successful regular season and postseason, I’m sure the Knicks will have a chance to bring him back, but if the money isn’t right, he’ll thrive elsewhere.
Jonas Valančiūnas
Status: unrestricted free agent
The Pelicans are likely moving on from Valančiūnas after his scoring and rebounding declined for the third consecutive season. As a statuesque big man, he shoots at least 3s and can rebound at a high rate as he enters his 13th NBA season. Fantasy-wise, he could level up in the right situation, but I don’t see that happening considering he is often benched in small-ball lineups due to his defensive limitations. Just like Harris, Valančiūnas is who he is and will continue to be a background selection.
Monk Malik
Status: unrestricted free agent
If not for a season-ending MCL injury, Monk would have had a chance to win Sixth Man of the Year. His playmaking ability (5.1 assists per game) was a surprise addition to his fantasy value, and knowing that He’s one of the best scorers off the bench, he’s getting paid. The Kings have his bird rights, but another team could steal him if they want to pay for the 26-year-old’s bucket.
Klay Thompson
Status: unrestricted free agent
Given what he will command on the open market, I doubt we will see Thompson return to Golden State. He’ll get paid as a starter, and when he gets 30 minutes on a team like OKC, Dallas or Orlando, that could preserve his fantasy value as a late pick.
Other notable free agents:
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Russell Westbrook
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
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Gary Trent Jr.
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Kelly Oubre, Jr.
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De’Anthony Melton
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Malik Beasley
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bruce brown
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Friend Hield
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Saddiq Bey
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Isaac Okoro
