2022 NBA free agency rumors: Live updates as Bradley Beal, James Harden decline options, eye new deals.The 2021-22 season and NBA Draft are both in the books, and now all eyes are on the start of free agency. The speculation and rumors that surround free agency are what make this time of the year truly entertaining, as fans try to envision players on their favorite teams, and the top players around the league get courted by any team with cap space. This summer may not have some of the biggest names available as we've seen in the past, but that doesn't mean things won't get truly chaotic.
NBA free agency will start Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, when teams can start negotiating deals with players. However, contracts won't actually be official until the moratorium period is lifted on July 6. The NBA has reportedly told teams that the salary cap for next season is projected to be set at $123.6 million, up $11.6 million from last year's $112 million cap figure. Zach LaVine, Jalen Brunson and Deandre Ayton are among the top unrestricted free agents available this offseason. For a complete list, check out James Herbert's breakdown of the 45 top available players.
Not many gaudy deals should be expected this summer because as it stands right now, only five teams are projected to have significant cap space to work with. The Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks are all projected to have the most cap space available, with the Magic and Pistons set to have the most at over $27 million apiece.
Follow below for all the updates, rumors and key information as we inch closer to the start of NBA free agency.
Live updates
Five potential targets for 76ers in free agency
Michael Kaskey-Blomain lists five potential free agency targets for the 76ers as Philadelphia tries to build around Joel Embiid and James Harden this offseason.
Beal declines $36.4M option, likely to sign max deal with Wizards
Wizards star Bradley Beal declined his $36.4 million player option for next season, but is likely to re-sign with Washington on a five-year max deal worth a projected $248 million, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
Sixers, Bulls, Nets among teams competing for PJ Tucker
Tucker is perhaps one of the most coveted veteran players in the league this summer, as his versatility on defense and 3-point shooting can be crucial on a championship-contending team. As a result, he'll have no shortage of suitors when free agency begins, with the Sixers, Bulls, Nets, Hawks and Timberwolves set to offer him the full mid-level exception at $6.5 million, per Alex Schiffer. Tucker isn't expected to re-sign with the Heat, so it sounds like he'll be playing on a new team for the fourth time in three years.
Harden declines $47.3M option, eyes new deal
James Harden declined his $47.3 million option for the 2022-23 season with plans to sign a new deal with the 76ers, according to Shams Charania. Harden's decision will open up some salary cap flexibility for Philadelphia by declining his option.
Mavericks heading to New York to meet with Brunson
Though the Knicks are widely considered the favorite to land Jalen Brunson with a deal that has soared to a four-year, $110 million deal, the Mavericks are set to meet with Brunson when free agency opens in an attempt to get him to change his mind, per Marc Stein. It's unclear if Brunson would stay with the Mavericks even if they did match New York's offer, per Tim Cato, as the possibility of being the lead point guard on a Knicks team that employs his father and his agent's father is more appealing to the young guard.
Top 50 available free agents
Zach LaVine, James Harden and Jalen Brunson headline James Herbert's list of 50 most intriguing players available this offseason.
2022 NBA free agency: Things to know
Welcome to the start of the 2022 NBA free agency period. To get you set for all the action, we break down the top players, teams with the most cap space and everything else you need to know before the action tips off Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.
