Things didn’t take long to ramp up on the second day of NBA free agency in 2024, as Paul George’s overnight agreement with the 76ers set the tone for the day to come.
As expected, George’s signing served as the first domino, setting off a series of players finding new homes.
Klay Thompson reached an agreement with the Mavericks, Isaiah Hartenstein agreed to terms with the Thunder and Tobias Harris readied for a second stint with the Pistons. The Sixers were able to re-sign Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre to continue to bolster their roster.
Now that several higher-profile free agents are off the board, here’s an updated look at the best remaining players heading into Day 3 of free agency.
NBA FREE AGENCY 2024:
1. LeBron James | Status: Unrestricted free agent
James declined a $51.4 million player option for the upcoming season, but it feels like a matter of time before he re-signs to join a JJ Redick-led team that will also feature James’ son, rookie Bronny James.
2. DeMar DeRozan | Status: Unrestricted free agent
DeRozan appears to be ready to move on from Chicago, which is entering a rebuilding phase after moving All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso for 21-year-old Josh Giddey. This will be Year 16 for DeRozan, who could look to move on to a situation more conducive to winning.
MORE: Lakers’ best free agency targets after missing out on Klay Thompson
3. Miles Bridges | Status: Unrestricted free agent
As TSN’s Steph Noh outlined: “Bridges’ off-court domestic violence incidents turned teams off the possibility of signing him last summer. He was productive on the floor for the Hornets, averaging 21.0 points per game in 2023-24.”
4. Buddy Hield | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Hield could be in search of new scenery after spending last season with Indiana and Philadelphia. As time passed, Hield’s role with the Sixers dwindled and Philadelphia’s moves this offseason suggest the team is ready to move on as well.
5. Gary Trent Jr. | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Toronto has positioned itself to move on from Trent, who is just 25 years old and a career 38.6% 3-point shooter.
MORE: Raptors’ free agency targets, from Isaac Okoro to Obi Toppin
6. Tyus Jones | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Jones’ 7.3 assists per game ranked ninth in the NBA last season. He is a steady point guard who can boost a team’s backcourt rotation as a starter or a reserve.
7. Caleb Martin | Status: Player option
Martin averaged 10.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists this past season — not quite his output from the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, but it was a reminder of his effectiveness as a rotational wing.
8. Kyle Anderson | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Anderson will be 31 next season but proved he has plenty to offer the right team. Despite a fluctuating role, he had some key moments for Minnesota in the playoffs.
9. Monte Morris | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Morris couldn’t carve much of a role with the Timberwolves. In the right situation, though, the 27-year-old is still one of the more solid reserve guards in the business.
10. Isaac Okoro | Status: Restricted free agent
Okoro is 23 years old and a former top-five pick. He hasn’t quite lived up to his draft position yet, but Cleveland could look to retain Okoro to develop him under new head coach Kenny Atkinson.
11. Markelle Fultz | Status: Unrestricted free agent
The former No. 1 overall pick rejuvenated his career in Orlando but is primed to move on, according to Forbes’ Evan Sidery. He’s become a valuable player in the league.
12. Luke Kennard | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Memphis declined Kennard’s $14.8 million team option for 2024-25 but a restructured deal appears likely, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
13. Malik Beasley | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Beasley averaged 11.3 points on 41.3% 3-point shooting last year for the Bucks. He is one of the better shooters on the market.
14. Spencer Dinwiddie | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Dinwiddie had moments with the Lakers but could not fully find his footing. Still, he’ll be 31 this season and has value as a big guard with scoring and playmaking ability.
15. Haywood Highsmith | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Highsmith’s impressive journey from Division II to undrafted to rotational player in the NBA continues with his free agency. The 27-year-old is growing as a 3-and-D player — he shot 39.6% from 3-point range last year and proved capable of guarding prolific wings.
