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LeBron James free agency decision delays other NBA signings
James' choice of next team has left several clubs with open roster spots. Multiple teams are holding roster spots open while awaiting his decision.
Jul 10, 8:34 PM·1m read1 source
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LeBron James' free agency has delayed roster moves across several NBA teams. Cleveland, Denver, Golden State, Miami, Minnesota and Philadelphia each have at least two open roster spots while waiting on his choice. The Nuggets and Warriors together have eight openings.
The signings of Draymond Green and James Harden remain on hold as teams assess how James' decision could affect first-year salaries.
James' financial options The Nuggets, 76ers and Timberwolves can each offer the $3.9 million veterans minimum exception. Miami can offer up to $6 million through its non-tax midlevel exception. Rich Paul, James' agent, said on his podcast that happiness, not money, will guide the decision.
"If it's about happiness, because if it's the most money, then it's not necessarily the most happiness," Paul said. Paul added there is no set timeline for a decision.
Other free agents DeMar DeRozan is the top remaining unrestricted free agent after averaging 18.4 points and shooting nearly 50 percent from the field last season. Bradley Beal, Bruce Brown, Russell Westbrook, Jonathan Kuminga, Matisse Thybulle, Kelly Olynyk, Nick Richards and Drew Eubanks are also available.
The 2026 NBA draft has concluded, with AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson selected at the top.
