The NBA offseason is a time of excitement and anticipation, as teams and fans alike look to improve their rosters for the upcoming season. One of the most significant ways this is accomplished is through free agency, where players whose contracts have expired or been terminated can sign with new teams. But when exactly does NBA free agency start? Here is everything you need to know:
Key Dates:
The official start of NBA free agency varies from year to year, but it typically begins on July 1st at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. However, in 2021, the start of free agency was moved to August 2nd at 6:00 PM Eastern Time, due to the delayed end of the previous season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that teams and players are not permitted to negotiate contracts until the start of free agency, although there are often rumors and speculation about potential moves leading up to that time.
Rules:
There are several rules that govern NBA free agency, including salary cap restrictions, maximum contract lengths, and the use of various types of exceptions to sign players. Each team is given a salary cap, which is the maximum amount of money they can spend on players during the offseason. In addition, there are various exceptions that teams can use to sign players, such as the mid-level exception and the bi-annual exception. These exceptions are designed to give teams more flexibility in signing players, especially when they are over the salary cap.
Player Movement:
The start of NBA free agency is always a highly anticipated time, as fans eagerly await news of which players will be changing teams. Some of the top players available in 2021 include Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul, and Kyle Lowry, among others. While it is impossible to predict exactly where these players will end up, there are always rumors and speculation about potential moves leading up to the start of free agency. In addition, teams often use free agency to sign role players and fill out their rosters with complementary pieces.
In conclusion, NBA free agency is an exciting time for basketball fans, as they eagerly await news of player movement and roster improvements. While the start of free agency varies from year to year, it typically begins on July 1st at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. However, in 2021, the start of free agency was moved to August 2nd at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Regardless of the exact date, the start of NBA free agency is always a highly anticipated event that can dramatically alter the landscape of the league.