2024 NBA Free Agency: Best Available Players After Day 1 Frenzy
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The 2024 NBA free agency saw an active first day, bringing major changes around the NBA. The biggest deal was easily Paul George leaving the Los Angeles Clippers and signing a four-year, $225 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Other major moves saw NBA Finalists Dallas Mavericks sign Naji Marshall while the Clippers replaced the outgoing George with Derrick Jones Jr.
Despite many top free agents finding homes elsewhere, with even Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leaving the Nuggets to join the upstart Orlando Magic, plenty of major names are still available on the market.
The likes of LeBron James, Klay Thompson, and more are yet to iron out their futures. Here's our list of the best available free agents after the first day of free agency.
LeBron James
Klay Thompson
DeMar DeRozan
Isaiah Hartenstein
Tobias Harris
Miles Bridges
Tyus Jones
Buddy Hield
Gary Trent Jr
Saddiq Bey
Malik Beasley
Dennis Smith Jr.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Caleb Martin
There is a very easy answer for who the best player available is, but that player likely won't be available to the market.
LeBron James hasn't rushed into an extension yet, waiting to see what the Lakers can do with open salary space in free agency before ironing out his final salary. James is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to accommodate more talent on the roster, with the Lakers heavily pursuing Klay Thompson. James averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists last season, making the All-NBA and All-Star Teams.
After George signed with the 76ers, Klay Thompson has taken over as the most in-demand name on the market. The Lakers, Clippers, and Mavericks are aggressively pursuing the 35-year-old sharpshooter who averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season. His decision is the next major domino to fall in this year's free agency, as one of the three contenders chasing him will need to pivot to a Plan B.
DeMar DeRozan has had a quiet start to free agency, with no major cap space teams readying up major offers to acquire the 34-year-old. DeRozan averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season, proving he can still contribute at a high level in the NBA. Unless one of the rebuilding cap space teams throw DeRozan a short-term big-money contract, he'll likely return to the Bulls or join a contender for the mid-level exception.
Isaiah Hartenstein would've been easily re-signed by the New York Knicks, but their acquisition of Mikal Bridges and re-signing of OG Anunoby has put them in a financial crunch which could make re-signing Hartenstein challenging. He averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds last season, generating interest this summer from teams like the Magic if the Knicks can't afford to keep him.
Tobias Harris is the last major remaining free agent. He's had a rough few seasons with the 76ers, massively underperforming on the max contract he had. He has an opportunity to join a new situation with less pressure, expected to not demand more than $20 million on the open market. He averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists last season, proving there's still some solid forward production to be had from him.
The likes of Miles Bridges, Tyus Jones, and Gary Trent Jr. could be needle-movers in specific situations, but their futures will remain undecided until the more high-profile free agents have their futures decided. There's quality depth to be found in this free agent class, provided teams know who to target and at what price.
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