NBA free agency 2024: LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan remain unsingned, headline best available players on Day 4 | Sporting News Canada

Another day of NBA free agency has passed. And while a few more names are off the board, some of the biggest names available are still working on new contracts for the 2024-25 season.

The free agency landscape is at an interesting juncture. LeBron James, the lone All-NBA player still on the market, is seemingly a lock to return to the Lakers. DeMar DeRozan, on the other hand, is drawing interest but has a more complicated market given his style of play and financial demands.

James and DeRozan are two of the biggest names remaining, but there is still plenty talent available on the free agent market. Ahead of the fourth day of free agency, here is where things stand.

NBA FREE AGENCY 2024:

Best players remaining in 2024 NBA free agency

1. LeBron James | Status: Unrestricted free agent

James declined a $51.4 million player option for the upcoming season, but it feels like a matter of time before he re-signs. He was on hand at Lakers HQ for the introduction of his son, rookie Bronny James.

2. DeMar DeRozan | Status: Unrestricted free agent

DeRozan appears to be ready to move on from Chicago, which is entering a rebuilding phase after moving All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso for 21-year-old Josh Giddey. This will be Year 16 for DeRozan, who could look to move on to a situation more conducive to winning.

MORE: Lakers’ best free agency targets after missing out on Klay Thompson

3. Miles Bridges | Status: Unrestricted free agent

As TSN’s Steph Noh outlined: “Bridges’ off-court domestic violence incidents turned teams off the possibility of signing him last summer. He was productive on the floor for the Hornets, averaging 21.0 points per game in 2023-24.” There is reported interest from the Clippers.

4. Buddy Hield | Status: Unrestricted free agent

As time passed, Hield’s role with last season’s Sixers dwindled. Philadelphia’s moves this offseason suggest the team may be ready to move on.

5. Gary Trent Jr. | Status: Unrestricted free agent

Toronto has positioned itself to move on from Trent, who is just 25 years old and a career 38.6% 3-point shooter. 

MORE: Raptors’ free agency targets, from Isaac Okoro to Obi Toppin

6. Tyus Jones | Status: Unrestricted free agent

Jones’ 7.3 assists per game ranked ninth in the NBA last season. He is a steady point guard who can boost a team’s backcourt rotation as a starter or a reserve.

7. Caleb Martin | Status: Player option

Martin averaged 10.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists this past season — not quite his output from the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, but it was a reminder of his effectiveness as a rotational wing.

8. Isaac Okoro | Status: Restricted free agent

Okoro is 23 years old and a former top-five pick. Cleveland could look to retain Okoro to develop him under new head coach Kenny Atkinson.

9. Markelle Fultz | Status: Unrestricted free agent

The former No. 1 overall pick rejuvenated his career in Orlando but is primed to move on, according to Forbes’ Evan Sidery. He’s become a valuable player in the league.

10. Luke Kennard | Status: Unrestricted free agent

Memphis declined Kennard’s $14.8 million team option for 2024-25 but a restructured deal appears likely, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

11. Malik Beasley | Status: Unrestricted free agent

Beasley averaged 11.3 points on 41.3% 3-point shooting last year for the Bucks. He is one of the better shooters on the market.

12. Spencer Dinwiddie | Status: Unrestricted free agent

Dinwiddie had moments with the Lakers but could not quite find his footing. He’ll be 31 this season and has value as a scorer and playmaker.

13. Haywood Highsmith | Status: Unrestricted free agent

Highsmith’s impressive journey from Division II to undrafted to rotational player in the NBA continues with his free agency. The 27-year-old is growing as a 3-and-D player — he shot 39.6% from 3-point range last year and proved capable of guarding prolific wings.

14. Shake Milton | Status: Unrestricted free agent

Milton couldn’t carve much of a role after joining the Knicks late last season. He can add guard depth to a needy team.

15. Saddiq Bey | Status: Restricted free agent

Bey suffered a torn ACL in March and may not be ready to play until the season’s midpoint. He’s only 25 and is a career 14.1-point-per-game scorer.