Clippings: The NBA free agency period will begin on August 2

The NBA is attempting to get back on its normal calendar heading into the 2021-22 season to hopefully achieve a more normal pace in the 82-game schedule.

The draft has already been scheduled for July 29, and now free agency is scheduled to begin a few days later on August 2. The moratorium will last until August 6, when new contracts can officially be inked. That essentially mimics the regular timeline of the draft taking place during the last week of June with free agency opening on July 1.

This new date would still give players plenty of time to settle in with their new teams before starting the season in October. The only potential issue is if free agents are participating in the Olympics, which won’t conclude until August 8. Players are often loath to play basketball during the summers if their next contracts are not yet signed, but that shouldn’t be applicable to too many upcoming free agents.

As for the Clippers, their best free agent is the biggest name on the market: Kawhi Leonard. All indications are that Leonard will remain in Los Angeles given how competitive the Clippers are and the team’s proximity to his home and family, but there is still the slightest bit of uncertainty until Leonard signs on the dotted line.

Reggie Jackson, Nic Batum, and Patrick Patterson will also be free agents, and Serge Ibaka has the opportunity to test the market as well with his player option, just like his former Raptors teammate. The Clippers will still have their young core under contract, as well as Paul George, Marcus Morris Sr., Patrick Beverley, and Rajon Rondo.

More news for Tuesday:

• Best wishes to Rockets guard Sterling Brown, who was the victim of an assault in Miami over the weekend.
• Former Clippers staffers shared stories of working with Elgin Baylor when he was the team’s general manager.
• The Clippers officially announced their signing of Yogi Ferrell to a 10-day contract. He’ll replace Malik Fitts on the active roster.
• The latest episode of “In Pursuit” details the Rajon Rondo trade. It’s great.
• Paul George was once again a finalist for Western Conference player of the week.