NBA sets Aug. 2 for start of free agency

The NBA's 2021 free-agency window will open one month later than what's become expected under regular circumstances due to the delayed start and finish of the 2020-21 season.

Teams may start negotiating with free agents on Monday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. ET, and contracts can officially be signed starting Friday, Aug. 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET, the league announced Monday.

The NBA previously announced several other key offseason dates, including the June 22 draft lottery and the July 29 draft.

The 2021 free-agent class is expected to feature multiple All-Star-caliber players, including Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, San Antonio Spurs wing DeMar DeRozan, Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley, and Miami Heat shooting guard Victor Oladipo - all of whom are set to become unrestricted free agents.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is widely expected to decline his $34.4-million player option but ultimately re-sign with his current squad.