NBA free agents 2019: Top players available, start date for free agency, salary cap | Sporting News
The 2018-19 NBA season is complete, and that means one of the wildest free-agency periods in league history is coming soon.
With free agents like Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving hitting the open market, a few NBA general managers will be looking to reconstruct their rosters and turn their teams into instant contenders. The Warriors could lose Durant this summer, potentially breaking up a dynasty and creating a more realistic path to the NBA title for the other 29 teams.
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Big-market franchises like the Knicks and Lakers are preparing their pitches for stars, but they might not even be the most desirable landing spots in their own states. The Clippers and Nets are also in position to make a splash, as they have significant cap space and solid leaders in the front office. There is also the possibility a surprise signing sends the NBA universe into a frenzy. Nothing is off the table.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this year’s free-agency bonanza, including the top available players and teams with the most cap space.
When does NBA free agency start?
NBA free agency will kick off on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, six hours earlier than the previous start time of 12:01 a.m. ET on July 1. Teams will be permitted to contact free agents or their representatives beginning at 6 p.m. ET on June 29 but only to schedule a meeting to take place after the official start of free agency.
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No contracts can be signed during the moratorium period, which takes place between June 30 and July 6. There are only a few types of contracts that can be signed during the moratorium, including specific deals for rookies and restricted free agents. However, many players will agree to the terms of a contract verbally before putting pen to paper on July 6.
NBA free agency 2019: Player rankings
| Free agent | Current team | Contract status |
| 1. Kevin Durant* | Warriors | Player option |
| 2. Kawhi Leonard | Raptors | Player option |
| 3. Kyrie Irving | Celtics | Player option |
| 4. Kemba Walker | Hornets | Unrestricted free agent |
| 5. Klay Thompson* | Warriors | Unrestricted free agent |
| 6. Jimmy Butler | 76ers | Player option |
| 7. Khris Middleton | Bucks | Player option |
| 8. Tobias Harris | 76ers | Unrestricted free agent |
| 9. Nikola Vucevic | Magic | Unrestricted free agent |
| 10. Al Horford | Celtics | Player option |
| 11. D’Angelo Russell | Nets | Unrestricted free agent |
| 12. DeMarcus Cousins | Warriors | Unrestricted free agent |
| 13. Kristaps Porzingis | Mavericks | Restricted free agent |
| 14. Bojan Bogdanovic | Pacers | Unrestricted free agent |
| 15. Julius Randle | Pelicans | Player option |
*Suffered injury during NBA Finals that will limit availability during 2019-20 season
NBA free agency 2019: Teams with most projected cap space
(Estimates as of June 1 courtesy of ESPN’s Bobby Marks)
| Team | Projected cap space |
| 1. Knicks | $72.5 million |
| 2. Clippers | $42.5 million |
| 3. Pacers | $42 million |
| 4. Hawks | $41 million |
| 5. Mavericks | $38.2 million |
| 6. Lakers | $32.5 million |
| 7. Nets | $28.7 million |
| 8. Kings | $21.3 million |
| 9. Bulls | $18.6 million |
| 10. Pelicans | $14.9 million |
NBA free agency 2019: Latest news, rumors, updates
– Lakers reportedly “strong possibility” for Kawhi Leonard
– Patrick Beverley open to signing with Bulls
– Raptors players discuss Kawhi Leonard’s impending free agency
– Celtics, Al Horford discussing new contracts
– Pelicans’ Julius Randle expected to decline player option