Some players’ phones will be ringing nonstop at 6:01 p.m., while others will be forced to wait.
The Kyrie Irving saga has everyone’s head spinning.
One of the best in the league when fit, Irving’s future with the Brooklyn Nets has been uncertain in recent weeks.
He played just 29 regular season games last season, mostly due to his stance against getting the Covid-19 vaccine which made him ineligible for Brooklyn home games until the term. of New York changes in March.
After a disappointing playoff outing against the Boston Celtics in April, speculation the 30-year-old would stay with the team began to swirl.
Although Irving said he would like to stay with the Nets, playing alongside his good friend Kevin Durant, general manager Sean Marks stressed that Irving’s availability should factor into discussions surrounding his future.
But although he said he would like to stay, in the weeks following the playoff loss, rumors swirled about a possible Brooklyn exit.
That doesn’t rule out the possibility that he could play on a different team next season as the Nets could still trade him, but it’s likely that, perhaps for one final year, Durant and Irving will lace up together in as teammates in Brooklyn’s black and white.
Capitalize
Jalen Brunson has had a breakout season — and playoffs in particular — in 2021-22.
The Dallas Mavericks guard averaged 16.3 points in the regular season, before exploding for 21.6 points in the playoffs, helping his team earn a famous series win over the No. 1-ranked Phoenix Suns.
But with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the 25-year-old has become an unrestricted free agent, able to trade with any team he wants.
With superstar Luka Doncic already tied to a huge contract, the Mavericks’ abilities to offer Brunson huge money are limited.
In a move reportedly made to create some contract space for Brunson, the Knicks traded center Nerlens Noel and guard Alec Burks to the Detroit Pistons, clearing $19 million in salary on Tuesday.
The Knicks, who are still connected to the greatest free agents of the moment, already have strong ties to Brunson. His father, Rick, is on the team’s coaching staff, so Madison Square Garden could be the perfect place for the young star to step up.
Other big names
There are plenty of other free agent questions to answer in the league.
While Zach LaVine, Bradley Beal and James Harden could all technically be looking for new teams when free agency opens – between a combination of new offers and player options – it’s likely they’ll stick with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers respectively.
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is a restricted free agent and, after a great breakout season, could be up for a big new contract.
Deandre Ayton is the biggest name player who has the highest probability of moving teams from this free agency.
The Suns’ 2018 No. 1 draft pick has become an integral part of the organization’s recent success, but a rocky end to their 2022 playoff run has led to questions about whether Phoenix is ready to deliver the big numbers. needed to keep the 23-year-old Center around.
It’s turning out to be an intriguing few days, with teams beginning to shape their future and with players perhaps finding new homes.
