Free agency starts Aug. 2; signings can begin Aug. 6

The league said Monday that this summer’s free-agency period will begin Aug. 2.

That timeframe, shortly after the end of the NBA Finals and then the NBA draft, is consistent with what would occur in a normal year. The last possible date for the NBA Finals is July 22, and the draft will take place on July 29.

Teams may begin negotiating with players at 3 p.m. on Aug. 2, and signings can begin Aug. 6 at 9:01 a.m. EDT.

■ Nets: Forward Kevin Durant will not play Tuesday when the Nets visit the New Orleans Pelicans because of a left thigh contusion. It will mark the 34th game Durant has missed this season.

Brooklyn has also ruled out James Harden again because of his right hamstring injury.

■ Rockets: Guard Sterling Brown was assaulted by unknown individuals after the team arrived in Miami late Sunday night, suffering cuts to his face.

■ Celtics: Coach Brad Stevens says he wasn’t close to leaving Boston for the coaching job at Indiana University and that he never received an offer.

■ Clippers: Los Angeles signed guard Yogi Ferrell to a 10-day contract.

■ Hornets: Guard Lamelo Ball has been cleared to return to individual basketball activity by doctors after having a cast removed from his right wrist. It’s unclear when he’ll be ready to play.

■ Pacers: Center Myles Turner has been ruled out indefinitely with a toe injury.