When Does the 2021 NBA Free Agency Start?

The 2021 NBA free agency period is just around the corner, and with it comes a lot of speculation and excitement. Here’s everything you need to know about when it starts and what to expect.

Introduction

The 2021 NBA free agency class is set to be one of the most talented and deepest in recent memory, with a number of league superstars and perennial All-Stars set to hit the open market.

The free agency window will open on July 1, 2021 and will run through September 6, 2021. Players can begin negotiating with teams on June 30, 2021.

Here is a look at some of the biggest names that could be on the move this offseason:

LeBron James (Player Option), Kawhi Leonard (Player Option), Chris Paul (Unrestricted), Rudy Gobert (Unrestricted), Paul Millsap (Unrestricted), Jrue Holiday (Player Option), Goran Dragic (Unrestricted), Kyle Lowry (Unrestricted), Danilo Gallinari (Unrestricted)

What is NBA Free Agency?

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), free agency is the time when most professional basketball players become free agents. Free agents are free to sign with any team in the league. NBA free agency generally begins on July 1 each year.

During free agency, teams can sign free agents to contracts of varying lengths and values. A player may sign for the league minimum salary or for a maximum salary, which is based on the number of years he has played in the league and his previous salaries.

In addition to signing new contracts, free agency is also a time when teams may sign players to offer sheets. An offer sheet is a contract that a team makes to a restricted free agent from another team. If the player’s current team does not match the offer within seven days, the player is allowed to sign with the new team.

Restricted free agents are players who have not fulfilled the requirements for an “unrestricted” free agent, such as having completed four years of their rookie contract. Unrestricted free agents are players who have fulfilled their rookie contract and have been in the league for at least six years.

When does the 2021 NBA Free Agency Start?

The 2021 NBA Free Agency starts on July 1st, 2021. This is the date when teams can start signing free agents to new contracts. The free agency period will last until October 19th, 2021.

Free Agency Start Date

The start date for the 2021 NBA free agency has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be in July.

Qualifying Offers

In order to become a restricted free agent, a player must either have been drafted by the team that currently holds their rights, or they must have signed a qualifying offer with that team. A qualifying offer is a one-year contract that is worth the average salary of the league’s top 125 players. For players that have been in the league for three or fewer seasons, the qualifying offer is worth the league’s average salary.

If a player signs a qualifying offer, they are still able to sign an offer sheet with another team. However, if the player’s current team declines to match the offer sheet, then they will lose that player and will not receive any compensation in return.

Conclusion

After much discussion and anticipation, the 2021 NBA free agency period will finally begin on July 1st. Although it is unclear what kind of impact the pandemic will have on player movement, it is certain that there will be plenty of excitement as teams look to improve their rosters for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on this date, as it is sure to be a busy one for the NBA.