LeBron James and Paul George lead the prospect class – NBC Los Angeles

LeBron James has changed teams in free agency three times throughout his legendary career. And that number could rise by four this summer.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar leads the potential 2024 NBA free agent class. James, who will enter his age-40 season, has a $54.1 million player option on which he must make a decision.

James isn't the only Los Angeles basketball star whose future is uncertain, either. Clippers forward Paul George has a $44.1 million player option for next season, while Clippers guard James Harden is in the final year of his contract.

In addition to Harden, other top unrestricted free agents include Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson and Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey leads the group of restricted free agents.

So what other players could gain a foothold on the open market? And when does the free agent rush begin? Here's what you should know about 2024 free agency:

Who are the top upcoming NBA free agents?

Here's a complete look at the top guards, forwards and centers that could be available on the open market (players listed alphabetically by last name):

guards

• Jose Alvarado, New Orleans Pelicans ($1.7M team option)
• Malik Beasley, Milwaukee Bucks
• Patrick Beverley, Milwaukee Bucks
• Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors ($22.5M team option)
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Denver Nuggets ($15.1 million player option)
• DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
• Spencer Dinwiddie, Los Angeles Lakers
• Kris Dunn, Utah Jazz
• Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic
• Eric Gordon, Phoenix Suns ($3.3 million player option)
• James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
• Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics ($1.9M team option)
• Buddy Hield, Philadelphia 76ers
• Talen Horton Tucker, Utah Jazz
• Reggie Jackson, Denver Nuggets ($5.1 million player option)
• Isaiah Joe, Oklahoma City Thunder ($2M team option)
• Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards
• Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies ($14 million team option)
• Kyle Lowry, Philadelphia 76ers
• Naji Marshall, New Orleans Pelicans
• Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (limited)
• De'Anthony Melton, Philadelphia 76ers
• Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings
• Monte Morris, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Cam Payne, Philadelphia 76ers
• Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors ($8.7 million player option)
• Josh Richardson, Miami Heat ($3 million player option)
• D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers ($18 million player option)
• Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
• Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors
• Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors (limited)
• Lonnie Walker IV, Brooklyn Nets
• Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Clippers ($3.9 million player option)
• Aaron Wiggins, Oklahoma City Thunder ($1.6M team option)
• Delon Wright, Miami Heat

Forward

• Kyle Anderson, Minnesota Timberwolves
• OG Anunoby, New York Knicks ($18 million player option)
• Nicolas Batum, Philadelphia 76ers
• Saddiq Bey, Atlanta Hawks (limited)
• Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets
• Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers
• Torrey Craig, Chicago Bulls ($2.7 million player option)
• Jae Crowder, Milwaukee Bucks
• Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers ($44.1 million player option)
• Jeff Green, Houston Rockets ($8 million team option)
• Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
• Haywood Highsmith, Miami Heat (limited)
• LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers ($54.1 million player option)
• Derrick Jones Jr., Dallas Mavericks
• Kevin Love, Miami Heat ($3.9M player option)
• Caleb Martin, Miami Heat ($6.8 million player option)
• Marcus Morris Sr., Cleveland Cavaliers
• Josh Okogie, Phoenix Suns ($2.9 million player option)
• Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers (limited)
• Royce O'Neale, Phoenix Suns
• Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
• Taurean Prince, Los Angeles Lakers
• Dario Saric, Golden State Warriors
• Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
• Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers (limited)
• PJ Tucker, Los Angeles Clippers ($11 million player option)
• Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls (limited)

centers

• Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
• Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls
• Drew Eubanks, Phoenix Suns ($2.5 million player option)
• Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks
• Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers ($2.4 million player option)
• Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers
• Jalen Smith, Indiana Pacers ($5 million player option)
• Xavier Tillman, Boston Celtics
• Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans
• Mo Wagner, Orlando Magic ($8M team option)
• Christian Wood, Los Angeles Lakers ($2.9 million player option)

When does NBA free agency start in 2024?

Teams will be allowed to negotiate with their own free agents starting the day after the NBA Finals end. For reference: the finals can end as early as June 14th and as late as June 23rd.

Teams can negotiate with all other free agents on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. Contracts cannot be signed until July 6th at 12:01 p.m. ET.

What is the NBA salary cap for the 2024-25 season?

The reported salary cap for next season is an estimated $141 million, which would represent an increase of about $5 million from 2023 to 2024.

Which NBA teams have the most cap space in 2024 free agency?

According to Spotrac's practical projections, seven teams will be under the cap, including three that made the 2023 playoffs:

1. Detroit Pistons: $60.1 million

2. Philadelphia 76ers: $55.5 million

3. Utah Jazz: $37.5 million

4. Oklahoma City Thunder: $35.3 million

5. San Antonio Spurs: $27.3 million

6. Orlando Magic: $19.1 million

7. Charlotte Hornets: $2.6 million

Here's a look at the second-round games of the 2024 NBA Playoffs and how teams got there.