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When does NBA Free Agency start?

By Jordanna Clark

Apr 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after being ejected from the game during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after being ejected from the game during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last year the New York Knicks made a stellar free agency signing after inking Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal. What was once labeled as an overpay was quickly viewed as a bargain. The Knicks won’t make a similar signing in this year’s free agency, but there are a couple of players that New York could turn to to fill the team’s needs.

The NBA offseason hasn’t officially begun with the conference finals wrapping up and the NBA Finals coming up next, but the rumors have already started. Soon after an NBA Champion is crowned, the draft will take place and after that, free agency will begin.

Players like Kyrie Irving, who is an unrestricted free agent, and James Harden, who is expected to opt out of his player option to become an unrestricted free agent, will be two of the top players to watch. Neither will draw the interest of the Knicks, though. That doesn’t matter because free agency is always an exciting time and provides great content as fans buckle in for what winds up feeling like a never-ending offseason.

When does 2023 NBA Free Agency start?

While free agency will officially begin on July 6, the process will actually start on June 30 when teams can start to negotiate contracts with free agents. Teams have to be careful though to not approach the murky waters of tampering territory, which is why the Knicks were docked a second-round pick for the signing of Jalen Brunson.

As soon as teams are allowed to speak to free agents, tweets will start filing in from big names like Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowski. It’s a period that seems to only get more hectic with each passing year.

Which NBA players will be free agents in 2023?

If you’re wondering exactly who will (or could) become a free agent in 2023, here’s a list. Notice that Josh Hart could become a free agent if he opts out of his $12.96 million player option for 2023-24, which is what he’s expected to do. He’s been vocal about his desire to remain with the Knicks, so New York will likely be the team that signs him to a new contract.

Player options decisions have to be finalized by June 29, one day before the unofficial start of free agency.