With the 2023-24 regular season nearing its end, most eyes are on the playoff race. Yet, many are looking further ahead, both to the 2024 NBA Draft and the following free agency period. This piece will examine several players likely to decline their player option for the 2024-25 season, becoming unrestricted free agents.
5 Players Most Likely to Decline Option, Become Free Agents
PJ Tucker
Defensive specialist PJ Tucker has had a season to forget but through no fault of his own. Well, that’s not completely true. His relationship with James Harden was a likely factor in him being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of their trade package for the former MVP.
However, there doesn’t appear to be anything Tucker did for Clippers head Ty Lue to decide not to play him. While largely healthy, Tucker has only been active for 23 games this season. It’s only the second time in his career playing fewer than 50 games. It’s the first since 2006-07, his rookie season.
Tucker has shot 37.0 percent from 3 this season and remains a defensive weapon. He’ll likely try to find a contender more interested in giving him playing time this offseason. He’s publicly complained about his role in L.A.
Christian Wood
Christian Wood isn’t in exactly the same position as Tucker. However, he’s also been used in a way he’s not familiar with. Averaging 18.1 points, 8.9 blocks, and 1.1 blocks per game in the three previous seasons, Wood’s numbers have dropped dramatically in 2023-24.
Sacrificing scoring to focus on hitting the boards and playing defense, Wood’s averaging just 6.9 blocks, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game this season. That being said, the Los Angeles Lakers only ever needed depth. Wood was a luxury piece they were able to sign to a minimum contract because of his poor intangibles.
This season, Wood’s been a good soldier, quiet about his reduced role. Furthermore, there’s unlikely to be a larger role for him in L.A. next season. Essentially, there’s little reason for Wood not to test free agency and search for a larger deal.
OG Anunoby
The New York Knicks have been successful when OG Anunoby plays and he seems to be as close to a perfect trade fit as has been seen. Still, Anunoby has always been a candidate to opt out of his $19.9 million player option for the 2024-25 season. In the prime of his career, it’s an ideal time for him to seek out a hefty long-term contract.
With his age, skillset, and effectiveness, several teams will be interested in signing Anunoby. The Knicks can pay Anunoby more than any other team because they have his Bird Rights. However, multiple teams can pay Anunoby a maximum salary. The Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic loom as the biggest threats to steal Anunoby away from New York.
Sign-and-trades are always possible as well. The Knicks gave up quite a lot for Anunoby. What matters most in these scenarios is what the team that wants to complete a sign-and-trade is willing to give up.
Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George wants to be in L.A. but might not get home-cooking much longer. The California native has been trying to get a contract extension completed with the Clippers all season. Still, the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.
George is no longer in his prime. When the 2024-25 season begins, he’ll be 34 years old. He’s still having one of his best seasons to date, averaging 22.5 points and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 40.5 percent from 3. It’s the first time in his career that he’s reached or exceeded each of those marks in the same season.
One of the game’s elite two-way players with the ability to take over any given game, George should have little issue securing a sizable contract this summer. In fact, several Eastern Conference teams are anxiously monitoring his contract situation with the Clippers.
LeBron James
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers sound like the couple that needs to breakup but love each other a little too much to let go easily.
James’ stint with the Lakers has been the least successful that he’s had with any team. He’s only reached the NBA Finals with them once in six seasons. For comparison, he reached the Finals all four seasons with the Miami Heat. He reached the Finals in five of his 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That may not be enough to get James to leave although the only goal he has in his NBA career at this point is winning championships.
If James should leave, the Knicks are an intriguing option for a sign-and-trade. The Golden State Warriors have already expressed interest in trading for James. The Sixers may be able to sign him outright.
