All articles tagged with #restricted free agents
The NBA free agency period has seen most top players sign, leaving a limited pool of remaining free agents, mainly restricted ones like Giddey, Kuminga, and Grimes, with some intriguing options like Ayton and veteran point guards Chris Paul and Westbrook still available. The market is slow, especially for restricted free agents, due to limited cap space and challenging sign-and-trade opportunities.
The Seattle Seahawks signed seven players, including restricted free agents Michael Jackson and Jon Rhattigan, as well as exclusive rights free agents Myles Adams, McClendon Curtis, Raiqwon O'Neal, Joshua Onujiogu, and Brady Russell. Defensive end LaTrell Bumphus was released. Jackson started all 17 games at right cornerback in 2022, while Rhattigan has been a key special teams player. The signings come as players arrive for the start of the offseason workout program.
The Green Bay Packers have 12 unrestricted free agents, two restricted free agents, and three exclusive rights free agents set to hit the market as the NFL's free agency negotiating window opens, with updates to follow as signings and departures occur.
The NBA's moratorium period has ended, allowing restricted free agents to sign offer sheets from other teams. Austin Reaves and Miles Bridges have already made their decisions, with Reaves returning to the Lakers and Bridges accepting the qualifying offer from the Hornets. P.J. Washington and the Hornets are far apart in contract talks, while Grant Williams is set to join the Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal. The Mavericks are also pursuing Matisse Thybulle. Trade talks involving Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Pascal Siakam have not progressed significantly, and the Raptors are looking to overcome the loss of Fred VanVleet. The final restricted free agent, Paul Reed, is expected to return to the Sixers.
Five restricted free agents, including P.J. Washington, Grant Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Ayo Dosunmu, and Paul Reed, are still available in the NBA free agency market. While it may take some time for the market for restricted free agents to develop, there is still plenty of time for these players to secure lucrative deals. Teams are still evaluating whether to make offer sheets or negotiate sign-and-trade deals for these players. The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are among the teams with the cap space to make strong plays for these RFAs.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have extended qualifying offers to five restricted free agents, including Drew O'Connor and Ty Smith, but not to Ryan Poehling. Poehling, who appeared in 53 games for the Penguins last season, will become an unrestricted free agent. The decision to not qualify Poehling may be due to potential salary arbitration and the Penguins' interest in reshaping their bottom-six forward group. Smith and O'Connor are expected to sign with Pittsburgh and have a role with the team next season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have extended qualifying offers to five of their nine pending restricted free agents, including forwards Jonathan Gruden, Filip Hallander, and Drew O'Connor, defenseman Ty Smith, and goalie Filip Lindberg. However, forwards Ryan Poehling and defensemen Peter DiLiberatore, Colin Swoyer, and Josh Maniscalco did not receive offers and will become unrestricted free agents. O'Connor and Smith had breakout seasons in the NHL, while Gruden made his debut and Hallander and Lindberg signed in Europe.
The Anaheim Ducks have extended qualifying offers to five of their restricted free agents, including Lukas Dostal, Jamie Drysdale, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Troy Terry, and Trevor Zegras. However, they did not tender qualifying offers to six players who will become unrestricted free agents, namely Axel Andersson, Simon Benoit, Max Comtois, Olle Eriksson-Ek, Bryce Kindopp, and Josiah Slavin.
The San Antonio Spurs have made Tre Jones, Julian Champagnie, and Dominick Barlow restricted free agents by extending qualifying offers, giving the team the opportunity to match any offers they receive from other teams. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Romeo Langford did not receive qualifying offers and will become unrestricted free agents. Jones, who averaged 12.9 points and 6.6 assists, is expected to draw attention on the open market. Champagnie, praised for his shooting and versatility, could be brought back on a two-way contract. Barlow showed promise on defense and could earn a rotation spot with further development. Mamukelashvili, despite playing well, was not offered a qualifying offer, but the Spurs can still sign him in free agency. The NBA's free agency moratorium period begins today.
The Carolina Hurricanes have extended a qualifying offer to defenseman Dylan Coghlan, while Dominik Bokk, Stelio Mattheos, and Jesse Puljujarvi did not receive one and will become unrestricted free agents. The team's unrestricted free agents include Frederik Andersen, Calvin de Haan, Jack Dugan, Ryan Dzingel, Jesper Fast, and more. The NHL's free agency period is underway, with RFAs and UFAs eligible to sign contracts starting on July 1.
The Los Angeles Kings are in need of a goalie and are looking for options in the $1MM-$1.5MM range, with Pheonix Copley currently the only goalie under contract. The Chicago Blackhawks have only qualified Philipp Kurashev as a restricted free agent, leaving Anders Bjork, Austin Wagner, and Caleb Jones to enter the open market. Jones, who played over 19 minutes per game for the Blackhawks, is not expected to return. The Colorado Avalanche did not issue a qualifying offer to defenseman Ryan Merkley, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The Charlotte Hornets have extended qualifying offers to Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington, and Theo Maledon, making all three restricted free agents. Bridges, who missed the entire previous season due to a domestic violence charge, will serve a 30-game suspension, with 20 games already considered served. Despite the incident, Bridges led the Hornets in scoring and rebounding in the 2021-22 season. Washington, on the other hand, had a career-best scoring season but struggled with his 3-point shooting.
As the NBA's restricted free agency approaches, several players, including Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, have the opportunity to choose their own team. While their current teams have the ability to match any offers, there are ideal landing spots for these players. The Los Angeles Lakers could benefit from keeping Hachimura, who brings size, playmaking, shooting, and defensive versatility to the team. P.J. Washington is likely to stay with the Charlotte Hornets due to his shooting ability and compatibility with LaMelo Ball. Grant Williams could find a new home with the Dallas Mavericks, providing catch-and-shoot options for Luka Dončić. Tre Jones should stay with the San Antonio Spurs to facilitate the arrival of Victor Wembanyama. Austin Reaves could be a valuable addition to the Orlando Magic, bringing his scoring, playmaking, and shooting abilities. Cameron Johnson could continue his success with the Brooklyn Nets, contributing to their versatility and shooting prowess.
The Chicago Bears have decided not to tender a qualifying offer to their four restricted free agents, making them unrestricted free agents. The players are Breon Borders, Darrynton Evans, Sam Mustipher, and Javin White. The Bears could still bring them back on a smaller deal, but their contract offer would be closer to the league minimum than what a qualifying offer would have been.
The Minnesota Vikings have announced that tight end Ben Ellefson and outside linebacker Kenny Willekes will be returning for the 2023 season. Both players were restricted free agents with expired contracts. Ellefson joined the Vikings in 2021 and has played nine games, while Willekes joined in 2020 and played in six games in 2021.