NBA's free agency period to begin July 28

[IE]

(Ticker) - NBA free agents will have to wait six more days before they can cash in.

The NBA announced Friday the free-agent signing period will begin July 28, six days later than originally planned.

The signing period was expected to begin Friday. However, a delay in finalizing the new six-year collective bargaining agreement pushed the date back. Despite nothing being official, teams have been negotiating and agreeing to tentative new contracts with players for the last few weeks.

Guards Ray Allen of the Seattle SuperSonics and Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks are a pair of prominent players who already have secured new deals to remain with their respective teams.

Allen agreed to a reported five-year deal that could be worth up to $85 million. Redd's deal is expected to be for six years and could pay him $90 million.

Larry Hughes is among those who will change teams. The guard reportedly agreed to a five-year contract worth upward of $70 million with the Cleveland Cavaliers after playing for the Washington Wizards last season.

Phoenix Suns guard Joe Johnson is the highest profile player that has yet to find a new team.

 

[snoopol]

Seems like all top free agents already picked new teams. Eastern Conference is getting better and I'm waiting for Dumars next move. We need to improve our bench.

 

[kbhirsch]

I would be ecstatic if the Pistons picked up Jalen Rose or Finley. During the NBA Finals, it almost seemed like Jalen was interviewing for the position. I think he'd love to come home and he can back up Prince or Hamilton and even play a little point guard if necessary. I'd be surprised if Finley was willing to play a backup role but for a chance at a ring, you never know.

 

[snoopol]

If Jalen wants to play in his hometown he needs to take a big pay cut. All these guys say they want to win a championship but when it comes to many it's a different story.