- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,192,748
- Reaction score
- 59
The 2026 NBA Draft is over and the attention of the NBA has turned to NBA free agency.
When does NBA free agency start? When can players sign with teams?
What is an unrestricted free agent? What is a restricted free agent?
Who are the top free agents for NBA free agency 2026?
Here's what to know about the NBA free agent period in the NBA.
More: Miles Bridges trade grades slam Phoenix Suns for 'shortsighted' deal
2026 NBA free agency is set to begin on Tuesday, June 30, at 3 p.m. MST (6 p.m. ET). NBA teams can begin to negotiate contracts with free agents at this time, and they can agree to deals, but they cannot make them official.
NBA free agents can officially sign deals at 9:01 a.m. (12:01 p.m.) on Monday, July 6.
An unrestricted free agent in the NBA is a player who can sign with any NBA team without any restrictions because they are no longer under contract with an NBA team.
A restricted free agent in the NBA is a player who can negotiate and sign an offer sheet with another team, but whose current team has the right to match that offer.
Players become restricted free agents when their contract has expired but they are issued a qualifying offer by their current team at a salary set by the collective bargaining agreement. The player can sign the qualifying offer, negotiate a new deal with their current team or sign an offer sheet with a different franchise.
Teams have two days to match offer sheets on restricted free agents. If they don't, the player joins the new team.
Hoops Hype ranked the Top 100 free agents in the 2026 class.
Jalen Duran, a restricted free agent with the Detroit Pistons, led the list, with James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers (player option) second.
Norman Powell (unrestricted), recently with the Miami Heat, was third.
The Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James was ranked fourth (player option), with Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings (player option) rounding out the Top 5.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Sign up for azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When is NBA free agency 2026? What to know about free agents, signings
Continue reading...
When does NBA free agency start? When can players sign with teams?
What is an unrestricted free agent? What is a restricted free agent?
Who are the top free agents for NBA free agency 2026?
Here's what to know about the NBA free agent period in the NBA.
More: Miles Bridges trade grades slam Phoenix Suns for 'shortsighted' deal
When does NBA free agency begin?
2026 NBA free agency is set to begin on Tuesday, June 30, at 3 p.m. MST (6 p.m. ET). NBA teams can begin to negotiate contracts with free agents at this time, and they can agree to deals, but they cannot make them official.
When can NBA free agents sign deals?
NBA free agents can officially sign deals at 9:01 a.m. (12:01 p.m.) on Monday, July 6.
What is an unrestricted free agent?
An unrestricted free agent in the NBA is a player who can sign with any NBA team without any restrictions because they are no longer under contract with an NBA team.
What is a restricted free agent?
A restricted free agent in the NBA is a player who can negotiate and sign an offer sheet with another team, but whose current team has the right to match that offer.
Players become restricted free agents when their contract has expired but they are issued a qualifying offer by their current team at a salary set by the collective bargaining agreement. The player can sign the qualifying offer, negotiate a new deal with their current team or sign an offer sheet with a different franchise.
Teams have two days to match offer sheets on restricted free agents. If they don't, the player joins the new team.
You must be registered for see images
Best NBA free agents in 2026
Hoops Hype ranked the Top 100 free agents in the 2026 class.
Jalen Duran, a restricted free agent with the Detroit Pistons, led the list, with James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers (player option) second.
Norman Powell (unrestricted), recently with the Miami Heat, was third.
The Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James was ranked fourth (player option), with Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings (player option) rounding out the Top 5.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Sign up for azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When is NBA free agency 2026? What to know about free agents, signings
Continue reading...
