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Report: NBA investigating timing of early free-agency deals

David Dow / National Basketball Association / Getty

The NBA Board of Governors gathered to discuss the swift player movement during the starting hours of free agency, and the league opened an investigation shortly after the meeting, sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst.

Players and teams were not allowed to begin negotiations until the moratorium period began on June 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET. However, several players signed with new teams shortly after the window opened, weakening available cap space around the league and causing some organizations to scramble for other options.

Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan reportedly suggested that the next CBA needs to revisit how free agency functions, with negotiations between parties prior to the start of the moratorium period minimized.

The possibility of allowing teams to discuss free-agent deals with available players shortly after the NBA Finals was reportedly suggested. A moratorium would remain in place, with deals becoming official after the draft.

Signings are increasingly becoming the product of conversations between players, and owners reportedly believe team executives deserve an opportunity to get a head start when talking to free agents, allowing them a better shot at acquiring talent.

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