After talking with front office execs around the league today, here are some general themes around the somewhat slow start to NBA free agency this year:
-A lot has already happened
-A lot of players agreed to re-sign/extend before FA opened
-It's a weaker FA class, with some of the best being restricted
-Big moves are going to come via sign-and-trade
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP.
BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN.
The Nets are capable of building an enticing trade package for Jaylen Brown that would revolve around Michael Porter Jr. and multiple first-round picks.
Brooklyn has reportedly shown real interest and should be viewed as a serious dark horse suitor for the All-NBA wing.
Cason Wallace is reportedly open to leaving the Thunder, per @NYPost_Lewis
“There is a belief around the league that Wallace is open to leaving OKC, and he’s up for a big extension the Thunder might be loath to pay. The young guard would cost multiple first-round picks but be the point-of-attack defender the Nets need.”
(Via https://t.co/LgsTFpP0HF)
The Nets are showing interest in Cason Wallace and Trey Murphy III, per @NYPost_Lewis
“League sources told The Post that the Nets are more likely to use the space in trades than chasing free agents, and cap experts Bobby Marks of ESPN and Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron agreed that’s where the value is. The Nets have shown interest in New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III and Oklahoma City’s Cason Wallace, and there was even a report linking them to Boston’s Jaylen Brown.”
(Via https://t.co/LgsTFpP0HF)
Joshua Jefferson cannot play for the Nets’ Summer League team until the Julius Randle trade is finalized, so he will be out for the Sacramento portion.
Jefferson is expected to be available for Vegas. Mikel Brown Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau will be available for both leagues.
Breaking: The Oklahoma City Thunder are exercising Luguentz Dort’s $17.7 million team option for the 2026-27 season, league sources tell me. Oklahoma is working with teams on trade discussions.