With the 2021 NBA Draft over and the rookies settling in with their respective new teams, the basketball world now shifts its focus on the free agency. When does 2021 NBA free agency start and what exactly can fans expect from it? Let's find out.
When does 2021 NBA Free Agency start: August 2, 6 p.m. ET
The 2021 NBA free agency officially opens on August 2 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). This means that players and their agents can begin negotiations with teams on Monday, though the deals can only be made official on August 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET.
With that said, all the deals that will happen between August 2 to 6 will all be verbal agreements and can only be put to paper when the moratorium ends. It's also when the NBA salary cap for the 2021-22 season becomes official.
For what it's worth, the salary cap is projected to be at $112 million for next season. The luxury tax threshold is expected to be at $136.6 million.
What to expect when the 2021 NBA Free Agency stars
The 2021 NBA free agency is brewing to be one of the most eventful in recent years, especially with the abundance of top players expected to explore the market in search for a huge payday.
Veteran guard Chris Paul is set to be the biggest fish in the pond, and naturally so after leading the Phoenix Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals. He has been heavily linked to several teams, though the general expectation is he'll be staying with the Arizona-based team after a significant bump in his salary.
Another guard to watch out for is Kyle Lowry, with the likes of the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans reportedly seriously pursuing him.
Other big names that could be on the move are Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins, Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony, San Antonio Spurs wing DeMar DeRozan, New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball and Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley.
Of course, there are also trades to look forward to. The Lakers recently made a move to acquire Russell Westbrook, but it can only be official by August 6. Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons has also been the subject of trade rumors in recent days, and there are high expectations the Sixers will try to trade him this offseason.
Aside from the question on when does the 2021 NBA free agency start, here are other key dates to remember for the 2021-22 season:
Key dates for the 2021-22 NBA season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/nbwcIvRHZH
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 27, 2021
As usual, expect plenty of drama and shocking news when the 2021 NBA Free agency begins!
Follow Us
Subscribe