2022 NBA free agency explained: Start date, top players, teams with most cap space

As we inch closer to the NBA offseason, it’s time to start preparing for free agency. The speculation and rumors that surround NBA free agency are what make this time of the year truly entertaining, as fans try to envision players on their favorite teams, and the top players around the league get courted by any team with cap space. This summer may not have some of the biggest names available as we’ve seen in the past, but that doesn’t mean things won’t get truly chaotic. 

In preparation for free agency, here are some key questions and answers about what to expect, who’s available and when all the chaos starts. 

When is free agency?

The league hasn’t announced an official date for free agency, but it’s presumed that it will start on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. At least, that’s when teams can start negotiating contracts with players. Contracts won’t actually be official until the moratorium period is lifted, which comes about a week after the free agency period begins.

Who are some top free agents this summer?

If you want a list of some of the top players who could be available, check out James Herbert’s breakdown of the 45 top players who teams could be vying for. Some of those names include Zach LaVine, who will be an unrestricted free agent, and whose return to the Chicago Bulls isn’t a sure thing. Some top guys who have player options that they could opt out of which would make them unrestricted free agents are Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal and James Harden. On top of that, there are restricted free agents who could be looking at big paydays like Deandre Ayton and Miles Bridges, while unrestricted free agent Jalen Brunson is expected to be courted by several teams, including the Knicks and Pistons in addition to his current team, the Dallas Mavericks.