NBA stars such as LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Klay Thompson have a really high chance of leaving their teams in free agency next summer.
LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Klay Thompson could be the biggest names in the 2024 NBA free agency. A lot will depend on what will happen with the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors and how far they will go in the playoffs, but at this moment, those three superstars lead the list of 10 NBA stars that could leave their teams next summer.
LeBron James will need to make an important decision about his career, especially if another team than the Lakers decides to draft his son Bronny James. Also, if he decides to leave the Lakers, he will need to reject the player option of $51.4 million. That’s a lot of money, but still… if someone can do it, it is LeBron James.
Kawhi Leonard has a player option and the only way for him to leave the Clippers is if they are heavily disappointed this season, which could happen if we take into account load management and their biggest stars being unavailable.
On the other side, Klay Thompson and the Warriors didn’t make any progress on his contract extension, and he could leave the dynasty after 13 seasons.
In the list below, you will see a detailed and analyzed breakdown about 10 NBA stars that could leave their teams in 2024 free agency.
10. Nic Claxton
Credit: USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $9.6 Million
2024-25 Contract: Free Agent
Possible Destinations: Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons
Over the last two seasons, and more particularly in 2022-23, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has developed into a solid starting center in the NBA. After three seasons of fighting off injuries and struggling to make the rotations, Claxton earned 76 starts for the Nets in 2022-23 while becoming one of the better interior defenders in the game. He averaged 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, helping the Nets reach the NBA playoffs even after the departure of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving midseason.
The 2023-24 season is a big one for both the Nets and Claxton. If Claxton struggles to stay healthy once again, Brooklyn may let Claxton walk without a fight. If he has another big season and is once again in the race for an All-Defensive Team selection, the Nets, and Claxton will have big decisions to make regarding their future. Claxton may be ready to move on if the Nets are not willing to give him the money he thinks he deserves based on his injury history.
Teams looking for a consistent center with great defensive upside will be the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers first and foremost. The Mavericks will likely look for an upgrade over Dwight Powell at some point and Claxton could be available at a decent price. The Pistons also come into the conversation having $57.8 million in cap space next summer at this moment.
9. Tobias Harris
Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $39.3 Million
2024-25 Contract: Free Agent
Most Likely Destinations: Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets
Over the last few seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Tobias Harris has been appropriately labeled as one of the most overpaid players in the NBA. In 2019, the 76ers decided Harris was going to be worth $180 million over the next five seasons as opposed to Jimmy Butler. Since signing that deal, Harris has averaged 17.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game on 49.0% shooting with no All-Star or All-NBA Team selections. Butler has not only been an All-Star and All-NBA, but he has also been to the NBA Finals twice while the 76ers have yet to get past the second round.
It is almost guaranteed at this point that Harris will not be with Philadelphia beyond 2023-24. The 76ers feel they have invested enough into Harris while Harris is likely growing tired of the criticism and failure that has come in his 76ers tenure. While it is unknown what kind of deal Harris will be seeking or the role he wishes to serve with his new team, I expect an overpay by one of the Pacers, Magic, or Rockets. At least one of them has the money in order to take the risk and the roster spot for a versatile forward that a change of scenery could do wonders for.
8. Buddy Hield
Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $19.3 Million
2024-25 Contract: Free Agent
Possible Destinations: Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers
As the 2023-24 NBA season kicks off, there has already been a pretty clear picture painted as far as Buddy Hield’s days in Indiana go. Hield’s contract discussions with the franchise fell apart this summer, prompting the seeking of a trade from both sides. Hield is likely heading into the final season of his deal without a clear path to increase his value on the open market thanks to a diminished role in the wake of Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin’s emerging roles with the team.
Hield is likely to hit free agency at the end of the season even if Indiana pulls the trigger on a trade during the year. As one of the better three-point shooters in the game, Hield’s market will be competitive to the point that a bidding war is likely to increase his value anyway. Teams in need of a shooter and scorer of his caliber includes the Miami Heat who, as we saw in 2023, are built to make deep playoff runs with elite shooting in their pockets.
The Philadelphia 76ers are also in the market for a three-point shooter but the team he has been linked to for a few seasons now is the Los Angeles Lakers. The union almost seems inevitable at this point considering the fit and need from both sides aligns to perfection. Only time will tell if the two finally do come together in 2024 or if another team swoops in and drags him away.
7. OG Anunoby
Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $18.6 Million
2024-25 Contract: $19.9 Million (Player Option)
Possible Destinations: Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers
OG Anunoby has been one of the most coveted players with the Toronto Raptors over the last few seasons. Anunoby has emerged as a well above-average two-way wing in the NBA with abilities to significantly impact the game on both sides of the ball. In 2022-23, Anunoby was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who averaged 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game and won the steals title with 1.9 steals per game.
With the Raptors on the brink of a complete rebuild, Anunoby is definitely going to be a name to watch next summer. He should opt out of the $19.9 million player option and enter free agency fairly quickly into the offseason, especially if the Raptors have another lackluster season in the East. With his level of two-way ability, he will command much higher numbers during negotiations.
The Warriors, Mavericks, and Clippers all expressed interest in Anunoby via trade over the last two seasons. The team that makes the most sense is the Mavericks who could desperately use some help from their wings on defense. The Clippers also may lose one of their star wings this summer and a cheaper replacement in Anunoby could be a quick fix. The Warriors have an outside chance at landing his services but may have the cap space to make it happen.
6. Tyrese Maxey
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $4.3 Million
2024-25 Contract: Free Agent
Possible Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers
Over the last three seasons, Tyrese Maxey has been one of the most adaptive and versatile guards in the NBA. Since entering the NBA with the 76ers in 2020-21, he has gone from a 21st overall pick out of Kentucky into one of the most sought-after free agents in the 2024 class.
There is no doubt that Maxey loves Philadelphia and the city loves him back as well. Over the last two seasons, Maxey has averaged 18.7 points per game on 48.3% shooting and stepped up in crucial moments during the NBA playoffs. In just his second season, he was asked to step in for a disgruntled Ben Simmons and handled the challenge gracefully. In 2023-24, the 76ers find themselves in another predicament that could result in Maxey leaving the situation altogether.
The vibe in Philadelphia is not great right now with James Harden only showing up when he wants to as he awaits a trade out of town. Meanwhile, rumors have begun to swirl about the reigning MVP Joel Embiid and his future with the team as well. Even with the regime change, the 76ers find themselves at the center of chaos once again. Do not be surprised if Maxey takes his pending free agency as a chance to leave town and cash in big elsewhere before it’s too late.
5. DeMar DeRozan
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $28.6 Million
2024-25 Contract: Free Agent
Possible Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks
After DeMar DeRozan hit the free agency market in 2021, only a few teams were ready to take a chance on the aging guard/forward hybrid. DeRozan thought for sure he was headed to Los Angeles before they made a trade for Russell Westbrook. DeRozan was then brought into Chicago on a deal seen as a massive overpay but what ended up becoming one of the best deals of the offseason.
In 2021-22, DeRozan was an MVP candidate for the Bulls as he returned to All-Star and All-NBA status with 27.9 points per game on 50.4% shooting. He kept the same efficiency and All-Star status up in 2022-23 with 24.9 points per game on 50.4% shooting once again. However, the Bulls have not been good over the last two seasons, missing the playoffs in 2023 and being a first-round exit in 2022.
I do not see a way that the Bulls continue to pay both DeRozan and teammate Zach LaVine as time goes on. DeRozan isn’t getting any younger either and likely wants to contend for an NBA title while he still can. As a native of Los Angeles and given the ties to the team in the past, he has to be a front-runner to land with the Lakers this summer. If that falls through, championship aspirations with the Miami Heat are a real possibility. DeRozan is exactly the type of player the Knicks are infamous for throwing a ton of money at to lure him to town as well, so never count that out as a possibility.
4. Klay Thompson
Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $43.2 Million
2024-25 Contract: Free Agent
Possible Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings
Over the last decade, Klay Thompson has been as important to the Golden State Warriors as any other player has been. He has helped them secure four NBA championships while becoming one of the greatest three-point shooters and big-game players in NBA history. Now, seemingly at an impasse on his contract, it looks as if Klay Thompson is heading into free agency for the first time in his career.
The two sides appear to be too far apart on a deal to come to terms on an agreement by this summer and likely will not work hard on the negotiations during the season. As one of the best shooters in the NBA, Thompson’s market is set to be chaotic and competitive and he will easily get the money he seeks that Golden State is unwilling to part with.
At this point, teams on the West Coast have to be in play the most for Thompson. His father, Mychal, is a Lakers legend and broadcaster, and remaining in California while fulfilling that part of his family legacy I am sure would mean a lot to him. The Kings are another team I could see Thompson finding his way to. It keeps him in California and on a team trending in the championship direction on their current trajectory. The Miami Heat are always a threat for big names but given Thompson’s love of being on the water, no state taxes, and a similar climate to California, Miami could be where he ends up.
3. Paul George
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $45.6 Million
2024-25 Contract: $48.8 Million (Player Option)
Possible Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks
Just a few years after both he and Kawhi Leonard were the prized big fish signings of the Los Angeles Clippers, we are sitting here contemplating whether or not they will be with the team beyond 2023-24. Whether it be injuries or otherwise, the Clippers have failed to meet their championship expectations and it may be time to cut their losses.
While George has a $48.8 million player option with the Clippers next season, we are assuming he will opt out for now. This becomes more likely with an All-Star caliber season and a deep run into the playoffs for the Clippers. Also, there is the scenario where George opts into his option but the Clippers seek a trade as a result.
If George does hit the market, plenty of teams will be interested in his services. Once again, the Lakers become involved due to their cap space and the fact it would keep George in California where he was born and raised. The Warriors are another destination to watch, especially if they let Klay Thompson walk in free agency. A team to watch for as a sleeper is the Milwaukee Bucks who may be looking to upgrade over Khris Middleton, especially if they fall short in 2023-24 after acquiring Damian Lillard.
2. Kawhi Leonard
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $45.6 Million
2024-25 Contract: $48.8 Million (Player Option)
Possible Destinations: Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors
Kawhi Leonard is in the same exact boat as his teammate when it comes to his options next summer. Leonard can opt into his deal with the Clippers for $48.8 million which seems the likeliest of outcomes due to the risk that no team matches that amount due to his injury history. A healthy and productive season in 2023-24 changes that entire conversation though, and that remains to be seen.
If Kawhi does go out there and return to All-NBA form with the Clippers, that makes this summer much more interesting. Kawhi would opt out and at least one team would be willing to pay him money exceeding $49 million next season. At his best, he is still one of the best two-way players in the NBA bar none, and would be one of the most sought-after free agents since, well himself in 2019.
The Miami Heat would be one of the teams to pick up the phone and schedule a meeting with Leonard on the first day of free agency. He is exactly the type of player Pat Riley and company would drool over in South Beach, and the welcome wagon would be out in full force. The Bucks and Warriors would be teams with an outside chance due simply to their championship pedigree and the win-now direction they are heading in.
1. LeBron James
Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
2023-24 Contract: $47.6 Million
2024-25 Contract: $51.4 Million
Possible Destinations: All 29 Other Teams
LeBron James is currently 38 years old and beginning his 21st season in the NBA. He has made it abundantly clear that he has no intentions of retiring until he gets the opportunity to play with his son, Bronny, who is eligible to enter the 2024 NBA Draft. While Bronny’s future is uncertain after a cardiac event this summer, LeBron also has a big decision to make on how he wishes to see the end of his career play out.
On one hand, he has $51.4 million waiting for him in his player option with the Lakers as one of nine players who are set to reach that mark in 2024-25. On the other hand, he is LeBron James, a billionaire who generates so much revenue wherever he goes, that any team would gladly pay him $50 million to come and join their roster for a year or two.
The reason I say that all 29 teams are in play for James is because due to the gravity James has among fans and the uncertainty of the NBA draft, any destination for the father-son duo has to be in play. Most likely, the Lakers will be far too competitive for a pick high enough to draft Bronny which means if James is to opt in, the Lakers would have to trade up to draft him.
This could all be for naught and James could opt in while Bronny decided to take a second year at college. James would then be a free agent anyway and have free reign over where he goes. Either way, I see it far more likely that James is not a Laker after 2023-24 if Bronny decides to declare for the NBA.
