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2024 NBA Free Agents: Latest Rumors, Predictions for LeBron James, More Notable Names

Tyler Conway

The 2024 NBA playoffs get started Tuesday night, but a large chunk of the league is already looking forward to the offseason.

Ten teams played their final game of the regular season Sunday, and four more will bow out in the coming days as the Play-In Tournament gets underway.

While this offseason won't see a massive cap spike or too many prime superstars looking to leave their current homes, there are a number of potential moves bubbling under the surface. Let's take a look at a few of the latest rumors from around the NBA.

LeBron May Opt Out, Seek No-Trade Clause

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LeBron James' is seemingly immortal, but he's apparently not impervious to trade rumors.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said James will likely seek a no-trade clause in his next contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after hearing whispers of a deal during the 2023-24 season.

"I think LeBron's gonna opt out no matter what. And the reason I think he's gonna opt out no matter what is even if he just signs back for one year, the only functional way for LeBron to get a no-trade clause is to sign a new contract," Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective (20:30 mark). "If he extends the contract he's in or picks up that option, extends onto it, he can't get a no-trade clause. And I think for a number of different reasons, LeBron would like, ask for and probably be granted a no-trade clause."

Bradley Beal is the only NBA player who currently has a no-trade clause in his contract. Beal, ironically enough, waived his clause to facilitate a deal that sent him to the Phoenix Suns last offseason. While a no-trade clause doesn't mean a deal will never happen, Beal was able to steer himself to a favorable situation and ensure the Suns did not have to give up much to add him.

James saw his name being bandied about in legitimate trade rumors for the first time in his career this season. With the Lakers scuffling around the All-Star break and James sending out cryptic posts on social media, the speculation he could want out got to the point agent Rich Paul had to release a statement shutting down all rumors.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne later reported the Golden State Warriors even went as far as to call the Lakers to gauge James' availability. James expressed no interest in being moved so talks never got far, but the Lakers' willingness to even pick up the phone is seemingly enough for James to want contractual security.

James isn't leaving Los Angeles at this point of his career, so there's little reason to pay much attention here. But the years of his next contract and whether he receives a no-trade clause is noteworthy.

Sixers to Make Paul George Push

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When the Los Angeles Clippers inked Kawhi Leonard to a contract extension in January, most assumed Paul George and James Harden would be next.

Those people have since been proven wrong.

George and Harden appear destined for free agency this summer after failing to reach long-term agreements to stay in Los Angeles, and it seems at least one team is ready to poach a Clippers All-Star.

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported George would be the Sixers' top priority if he winds up reaching the open market.

The Sixers will have max cap space available this summer, but it won't last for long. Tyrese Maxey is due a new max contract this offseason, which will wipe out Philly's chances of landing a third star without a trade moving forward. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey will have to work rapidly to land a co-star—whether it's George or another player who becomes available—before Maxey's cap hold rises to the max level.

The overwhelming odds are that George remains in Los Angeles, but it's not a 100 percent lock. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is paying a hefty price for a roster that has failed to stay healthy or make an NBA Finals appearance. If the Clippers fall short again, Ballmer might want to pull back on the spending.

Magic to Pursue Klay Thompson in Free Agency?

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Klay Thompson may be playing his final game as a Golden State Warrior on Tuesday.

The Warriors and Thompson have been unable to reach a long-term contract extension, and the future Hall of Famer is set for unrestricted free agency for the first time this offseason.

While Thompson could return to Golden State, it does not appear the team is as committed to him as it was Draymond Green in a similar scenario. Thompson may wind up seeking financial validation on the open market, and it seems like the Orlando Magic may be waiting to give it to him.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Orlando has been "increasingly mentioned as a potential suitor" for Thompson should he choose to leave Golden State.

The Magic made the playoffs for the first time since 2020 this season and have a roster full of young, promising players. That said, their lack of shooting prowess and spacing is an issue that will likely bar them from making a deep playoff run.

Adding even a diminished version of Thompson could help alleviate some of those concerns. It just might take a massive overpay to make a deal happen.

   

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