As the calendar flips to June, the end of the 2023-24 NBA season has finally arrived. The NBA Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks is scheduled to begin this week, and the draft is scheduled to take place before the end of the month. Then, free agency begins on June 30 and players around the league will look for new homes for next season and beyond.
5 Star Players Who Will Become NBA Free Agents in 2024
“It’s definitely a place I want to go back to and take care of some unfinished business.”
DeMar DeRozan, set to become a free agent this summer, talks about possibly staying with Bulls 🗣️
(Through @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/xbHF7VZwew
— Clutch Points (@ClutchPoints) May 15, 2024
Who are the biggest names to hit the public markets? Here are five stars set to become NBA free agents this summer.
(This list does not include players who will be restricted free agents or have player/team options for 2023-24. It excludes players like LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.)
Pascal Siakam
The Pacers were most recently asked when they traded Pascal Siakam midway through the season. His contract was set to expire at the end of the year, and Indiana gave up three first-round picks in the deal and sacrificed some of its future capital for a rental.
Although they fell short, the Pacers successfully advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, where Siakam was a key contributor. They’ve already invested big money in Tyrese Haliburton, and it’s yet to be seen whether they decide to make Siakam another high-paid star.
DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan has been the subject of trade rumors for most of his time in Chicago, but the Bulls never pulled the trigger. The team looks to get younger during the upcoming offseason, which could mean the end of players like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic in addition to DeRozan.
DeRozan will turn 35 years old when the 2024-25 NBA season begins.
Klay Thompson
One of the more interesting situations ahead is that of Klay Thompson. The Warriors must decide whether to keep the trio of Thompson, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green together, having already extended the latter last offseason.
Will they do the same to Thompson? The second splash brother had a rough season by his standards and was even relegated to bench duties for Golden State. Depending on his price tag, there will be plenty of teams interested in his services, with the Orlando Magic being one of the rumored suitors.
“Yes, I would like to re-sign with the Dubs, but I have to put my mental health first and explain what is important to me at this point in my career.”
—@Klay Thompson talk @Money23Green About the upcoming free agency pic.twitter.com/hJNYBpb86X
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) April 9, 2024
Malik Monk
Given his age, Malik Monk will be one of the top free agent candidates to sign a long-term, lucrative contract this offseason. The Kings have a lot to offer him because of Bird Rights, and Monk earned a big payday by being named the sixth player of the year before injuries cut his season short.
As with Thompson, the Magic could be interested, but there would be no shortage of teams making offers to Monk. He’s still just 26 years old when the NBA season begins and has proven to be one of the better scoring off guards in the league.
james harden
Is there any team willing to offer James Harden another big contract? The soon-to-be 35-year-old has clearly seen his skills decline, but he can still be an effective scoring option for a team that already has an established star. Any contract he signs will likely be of the one- to two-year variety, as we could see a significant drop in efficiency with Harden already floundering.
