What to Expect When NBA Free Agency Begins
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iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Free agency doesn’t officially begin in the NBA until July 1, but the wheels have already started turning.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has informed the team he’ll opt out of the final year of his deal, and ESPN NBA reporter Brian Windhorst says money is one reason why.
“He wants to make sure he’s a free agent next year, and so he wants to roll the contract over a year at a time. The reason he wants to be a free agent next year is that the salaray cap is going to explode,” says Windhorst.
He also says James will probably come back to the Cavs, but he wants to make sure he’s re-signing to a team that has talent.
“He’s going to wait and see and make sure they get Tristan Thompson to sign, do what they can with Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert — and all the signs look like the Cavs are going to do that,” Windhorst explains.
Meanwhile, the Portland TrailBlazers are preparing to lose All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge. But to which team?
“LaMarcus Aldridge is gone. The question is where is he going. Is he going to San Antonio? Is he going to Dallas? Is he going to Los Angeles? I think it’s probably going to be one of those three,” Windhorst says.
And while Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan will be pursued by other teams, Windhorst says Jordan should probably just stay put.
“It would be a mistake for him to leave L.A. That is a terrific situation for him. They can offer him the most money; he’s on a team that is ready to compete at the highest level now,” notes Windhorst.
Free agents can officially sign with new teams on Wednesday.
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