When does NBA free agency start? Marks' 30-team preview
When does NBA free agency start in 2026? Negotiations open Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET; contracts become official July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET. ESPN's Bobby Marks released his 30-team preview mapping LeBron James' Lakers decision, Kawhi Leonard trade talks, and every franchise's cap plans.
Key Takeaways
- NBA free agency negotiations begin June 30 at 6 p.m. ET; deals cannot be signed until July 6.
- Marks flags LeBron James, Jaylen Brown trade rumors, and Kawhi Leonard as the biggest storylines.
- The Lakers agreed to a four-year, $185 million deal with Austin Reaves, but LeBron remains unsigned.
- Only Brooklyn and Chicago are projected to hold significant cap space among all 30 teams.
- The Clippers face a possible salary-cap circumvention penalty tied to Kawhi Leonard's Aspiration deal.
When does NBA free agency officially begin in 2026?
The 2026 market opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, according to ESPN. Teams may contact free agents and reach verbal agreements immediately, but the annual moratorium runs through July 5, meaning nothing becomes official until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET.
Plenty of business is already done. Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball changed teams via blockbuster trades around the draft, and the Lakers locked in Austin Reaves on a reported four-year, $185 million maximum contract. Marks notes that the vast majority of roster decisions that could swing the 2026-27 season remain unsettled.
What does Bobby Marks say about LeBron and the Lakers?
James headlines Marks' five storylines to watch as the league's only confirmed unrestricted free agent among top names. The Lakers are projected to have nearly $50 million in cap room, though James' next contract will determine how much they can actually spend on other targets.
If James leaves without a sign-and-trade, he could be limited to roughly the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception elsewhere. Yahoo Sports reports minimal recent communication between James and the Lakers, with no formal offer yet as free agency nears. Celebrity Breaking News will track every twist as the 41-year-old weighs a 24th season.
The Athletic's roundtable split on his landing spot — one reporter pitched the Warriors, another argued a Lakers return feels right if James keeps playing. Marks outlines scenarios where Los Angeles could preserve up to $47 million in room or bypass cap space to retain its own free agents.
Could Kawhi Leonard move before deals get signed?
Leonard enters the final year of his Clippers contract at $50.3 million, and Marks lists him alongside Jaylen Brown as trade-rumor stars who could be the next domino to fall. ESPN and Yahoo both report serious Clippers-Raptors trade talks, with Leonard's camp indicating he would only extend in Toronto if moved.
Marks notes the Clippers could create cap space by shedding veterans or run it back roughly $30 million below the luxury tax. Separately, Commissioner Adam Silver said the league hoped to conclude its investigation into Leonard's Aspiration arrangement soon, with potential penalties including lost picks and executive suspensions.
Which teams have the most room to reshape their rosters?
Marks breaks down all 30 franchises, from Brooklyn's potential $30 million in room to Oklahoma City's second-apron pressure. San Antonio is expected to extend Victor Wembanyama on a five-year, $251 million rookie max while adding veteran depth — The Athletic suggested Robert Williams III as frontcourt help beside Wembanyama.
Restricted free agency could also drag out for Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler, Peyton Watson and Tari Eason, with only Brooklyn and Chicago holding meaningful cap space to poach. Star extensions loom for Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Anthony Edwards and Wembanyama, meaning this summer may be defined as much by trades and retention as outside signings.