A whole host of big-name NBA players could hit the free agency market this offseason. Let’s take a look at who they are and where things stand with each of them.
LEBRON JAMES (PLAYER OPTION)
LeBron James has a player option for next season, so he can leave the Lakers this summer if he wants to.
Of course, LeBron’s future is closely tied to Bronny’s, with James stating on multiple occasions he would like to finish his career playing alongside his son. If Bronny keeps his hat in the ring for this year’s NBA draft, LeBron following Bronny to his new team could be in play.
But if Bronny decides to return to college, it might make the most sense for LeBron to stay with the Lakers for at least one more season and then reassess the Bronny situation this time next year.
PAUL GEORGE (PLAYER OPTION)
Paul George has been connected to a couple of teams across multiple reports, although he is from the LA area and seems to enjoy playing in his native California.
However, the Clippers have a lot of moving parts (James Harden also becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer) and they will have a huge amount of salary to juggle.
According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the 76ers will aggressively pursue George if forgoes an extension with the Clippers. Elsewhere, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported earlier this year that there were “growing whispers” that George could return to the Indiana Pacers.
JAMES HARDEN (UNRESTRICTED)
James Harden’s negotiations with the Clippers could get interesting.
He’ll be 35 next season but clearly wants big money anyway, having told The Athletic’s Sam Amick that he’s been trying to position himself to “get paid”.
The last time Harden felt disrespected entering free agency, he demanded a trade out of Philadelphia. So the Clippers will need to tread carefully on this one.
MORE FREE AGENTS
PASCAL SIAKAM – UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
DEMAR DEROZAN – UNRESTRICTED
TYRESE MAXEY – RESTRICTED
TOBIAS HARRIS – UNRESTRICTED
MILES BRIDGES – UNRESTRICTED
JRUE HOLIDAY – PLAYER OPTION
OG ANUNOBY – PLAYER OPTION
D’ANGELO RUSSELL – PLAYER OPTION
JONAS VALANCIUNAS – UNRESTRICTED
RUSSELL WESTBROOK – PLAYER OPTION
KLAY THOMPSON – UNRESTRICTED
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