This period in the off-season offers a lot of attractive changes and news, but it also brings with it a lot of unclear concepts. So let's recap the most important ones.
Let's start with the players. Even free agents fall into two categories. The first is unrestricted free agents, who can sign a contract with any team. On the other side are the protected free agents, for whom clubs have a bit more room for negotiation. If the current team would like the protected free agent to continue in their colours, they have 48 hours to match another team's offer.
To do that, however, he must have enough money under the salary cap. Each team in the league can only spend a clearly defined amount on player salaries. In the 2025/2026 season, it will be $154.5 million per year.
Related to the salary cap is the so-called Cap Space, which indicates how much more money a team can spend on player salaries. However, even its size is limited, as no team can save significantly on salaries and expect to bring in several stars during one transfer period.
That is why the league has introduced a salary floor, which is the lowest amount allowed for player salaries. It should be anchored at $139 million next season. The maximum Cap Space will thus be $14.5 million.
The biggest stars are clear
Lebron James decided to exercise his player option (an amendment in his contract that allowed him to extend for another year) and will thus play in the colours of the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming season. He will become the first player in NBA history to enter his 23rd season.
Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving is not having the best time of his career due to a knee injury he suffered in early March. However, he didn't exercise his player option and will sign a new three-year deal with the Mavs.
A similar scenario to Irving's occurred with Julius Randle, who did not exercise his player option and agreed to a new three-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves that will bring him up to $100 million.
James Harden will continue to play for the Los Angeles Clippers. According to ESPN, the three-time leading scorer in the league will sign a new two-year, $81.5 million contract with the California club.
Predictions
Chris Paul is likely heading into his final season in the NBA as a free agent. As for his possible new destination, the two main options currently are the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns. Coincidentally, Paul has played for both of these organisations in the past.
After one season in Denver, it is more than likely that Russell Westbrook will also change his jersey. According to ESPN, he is expected to head to the New York Knicks, where he will be second fiddle to Jalen Brunson.
The unexpected move came from Milwaukee, who waived multiple All-Star Damian Lillard from their roster in order to bolster the team with Myles Turner from Indiana. It is not clear where the experienced point guard's next steps will lead.
Another big name on the Atlanta Hawks roster starting next season will be Minnesota's Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who signed with the franchise for four years. On the other hand, Caris LeVert signed with Detroit, and Clint Capela is heading to Houston.
For the time being, there is good news for the new champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jaylin Williams has agreed to a new three-year contract with the Thunder, while they also secured the services of last season's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for another four years. The Canadian superstar will earn a whopping $285 million.
