The league’s free agency period will begin at 6 p.m. ET on June 30, six hours earlier than the previous start time.
NBA fans won’t have to stay up until unreasonable times to witness the beginning of the league’s free-agency period anymore.
The NBA and players’ association agreed to change the time at which teams can negotiate with free agents on Friday. Under the new rules, teams and players will be allowed to begin negotiations at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. CT) on June 30, six hours earlier than the previous start time of 12:01 a.m. ET on July 1.
Teams will also be able to communicate with free agents or their representatives starting at 6 p.m. ET on June 29, solely “for the purpose of scheduling a meeting to take place” at or after 6 p.m. ET on June 30.
During his state of the league address on May 31, 2018, commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged multiple NBA stakeholders’ desires to move the start of free agency to a time that would allow for more coverage, live commentary and most important, sleep.
“I’ve not only heard from my friends in the media, but as I get older and the people I grew up [with] in the NBA get older, I think we’re all tired of all-nighters,” Silver said. “I also heard from several teams, ‘Does this really have to be at midnight?’ I think that’s something we need to find agreement on with the players’ association, but I think we can change it for next year.”
How this will effect the Bulls is unforeseen. They’re expected to have nearly $25 million in cap space this summer, more than enough to sign impactful free agents who will lead to greater on-court success. After having their worst season since 2000-01 and experiencing their lowest local ratings in 13 years, the Bulls could benefit from less sleep deprived free-agency meetings.
