The madness of NBA free agency is now officially underway. Teams hoping to bolster their rosters are frantically trying to secure players who recently completed the final years of their previous contracts. Multiple stars like Klay Thompson, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Maxey and James Harden have already made their next moves, while others — like Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James — are yet to finalize their decisions.
Here’s what you need to know just one full day into the free-agency period.
Klay Thompson, guard/forward, Dallas Mavericks
Thompson reportedly signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, he played 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors as a key piece to a dynasty that won four titles.
Thompson, a 34-year-old guard, averaged 17.9 points last season while hitting 38.7% from 3-point range — the second-worst mark of his career. That tells you just how good a shooter he is. Thompson will join a Dallas squad coming off an NBA Finals appearance behind incredible seasons from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Will he help get it to the promised land like he did with Steph Curry and Draymond Green? Time will tell.
Paul George, forward, Philadelphia 76ers
George, even at 34 years old, remains one of the NBA’s biggest stars. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists a contest last season for a Clippers team that underachieved by losing in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Now he’ll look to go on a deeper run with the 76ers after having reportedly agreed to a four-year, $212 million maximum contract.
He’ll help form one of the league’s top trios by joining MVP center Joel Embiid and Maxey, an All-Star guard (more on him in a minute).
The Clippers confirmed he would be leaving Los Angeles in a statement Sunday.
“Paul has informed us that he is signing his next contract with another team,” it read. “Paul is a tremendous talent and an elite two-way player. We feel fortunate for the five years we spent with him. Over that span, he went to three All Star Games, made the most 3-pointers in franchise history and helped lead the team to a place it had never been. His performances in Games 5 and 6 against Utah in 2021 won’t be forgotten by anyone associated with the Clippers.”
Jayson Tatum, forward, Boston Celtics
Tatum just got majorly rewarded for helping lead the Celtics to their first NBA title since 2008. He reportedly agreed to a five-year, $314 million contract extension, including a player option, to remain with Boston.
Tatum, 25, is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. He averaged 25 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists during the postseason while leading the Celtics to a league-leading 18th NBA championship. A five-time NBA All-Star, Tatum is part of one of the best duos in the league along with NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
Tyrese Maxey, guard, Philadelphia 76ers
Maxey, 23, a breakout star at guard over the last couple of seasons in Philadelphia, reportedly agreed to a five-year, $204 million maximum contract extension. He averaged 25.9 points and 6.2 assists last year en route to his first All-Star appearance.
The 76ers failed to make it out of the first round of the postseason. They just improved their chances by adding George and locking down Maxey long-term.
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James Harden, guard, Los Angeles Clippers
Harden, 34, a former NBA MVP and 10-time All-Star, reportedly signed a two-year, $70 million deal to remain in Los Angeles. His statistics have dipped as he has gotten older, but he still remains productive at 16.6 points and 8.5 assists a game. With George now in Philadelphia, Harden could be in line for a bounce-back year in 2024-25 as the second scoring option behind Kawhi Leonard.
LeBron James, forward, Los Angeles Lakers
James last week opted out of the final year of his contract with the Lakers to (technically) become a free agent. That having been said, nobody expects him to leave Los Angeles, particularly with the franchise’s having just drafted his son Bronny in the second round of the NBA draft.
LeBron's agent, Rich Paul, said his client would be open to potentially taking a pay cut to help the team sign other players.
“He is prioritizing a roster improvement,” Paul told ESPN on Saturday. “He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster.”
James, who will be 40 in December, still has superstardom in him. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds while leading the Lakers to the postseason last year. If Los Angeles can add another strong role player or two in free agency, it could make a deep run in J.J. Redick’s first season as coach.
