:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67708200/usa_today_14041713.0.jpg)
The NBA offseason is in full swing as teams make coaching and front-office changes ahead of the NBA Draft and NBA Free Agency. The draft is slated for Nov. 18, but the start of free agency remains up in the air as the league office and the players union negotiate the terms of the upcoming season. An expedited start date of Dec. 22 has been floated around, but the NBPA’s Michele Roberts has casted her doubts about that being feasible. Some players have recently proposed a start date of Jan. 18 instead. Here’s the latest rumors involving the draft and free agency:
- Some free agents have possibly already lined up their next deals ahead of the official start of free agency, as Dan Feldman of NBC Sports outlines. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks both have heard about agreements being arranged, as Feldman cites:
The NBA ostensibly cracked down tampering.
How is that going?
I have already heard of a deal that’s been agreed to. Who knows whether it’s true or not?
Bobby Marks of ESPN:
I had one agent – because I was talking about his free agent and salary projections, right? And he said, “Hey, you’re really low. I’ve already got two offers from two different teams.”
- The Houston Rockets are “100 percent committed” to trying to contend during James Harden’s prime, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. Houston recently agreed to a deal with Dallas Mavericks assistant Stephen Silas to become their next head, which was reportedly motivated by his experience with offensive-minded guards.
- The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pursue point guard Rajon Rondo this offseason, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times. Rondo played an important role during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run.
- Two NBA sources tell Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer that the Charlotte Hornets are focused on selecting Memphis big man James Wiseman in the upcoming draft. Charlotte currently owns the No. 3 pick but would consider moving up if they need to, per Bonnell.