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NBA Free Agency: What is a Restricted Free Agent?

By Charles Rahrig V

Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) takes a free throw during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) takes a free throw during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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What is a restricted free agent in free agency?

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With free agency just a few days away, every team has their cap situation lined up and they are getting ready to throw all their money at players that can come in and help their basketball team become competitive.

While unrestricted free agents will dominate free agency, eyes should still be paid attention to what happens with restricted free agents. Players that are restricted free agents have four or less years of service time in the league and have had a qualifying offer extended to them by their current team.

That team also has the right to match any offer sheet that is extended to and signed by their player. They have three days to match and if they don’t, then that player has found a new home in the NBA.

Restricted free agents often stay where they are because of how tough it is to sign them, but sometimes a team will let them walk and choose not to match what is given to them for a variety of reasons.

For more NBA Free Agency coverage, be sure to visit our hub page.

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