Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

[Woike] According to team and league sources, the belief is that the Rockets will be the team most likely to land Marcus Smart once free agency opens on June 30 thanks to a multi-year deal.

- MacMahon emphasized Lakers promised Luka before he signed extension last summer that this summer was it, and that especially because of cap hold with Reaves extension, Lakers absolutely have to make it happen this summer

- “the last few days” the Lakers have actively discussed trades to absorb wing defenders into their cap space.

- Lakers may sign a FA center “on Monday”. I assume he meant Tuesday, but point being that signing a center is imminent. Windy name name dropped Rob Williams, Mitchell Robinson, and Jusuf Nurkic.

- so, plan seems to be trading for wing(s) and signing a center outright. Both moves sound very close to happening when FA opens

The Lakers offseason will be interesting.  They are a good team with a super star.  I feel like they got the most out of the team last year (injuries withstanding).  It is tricky to do what they are trying to do though...even with a desirable location.   With what they did last offseason they had success but now there is limited solid ground with the guys they signed who are now open to look at new locations.   With limited free agency this also causes some concern.   I assume they will be able to build a roster like last year or better, but will they be able to build a true contender.  I think the pieces have to be added soon imo.

Smart was pretty good last year.  I thought it could go either way, but he had a solid season.  The injuries have to be factored in though.    What can the Rockets offer.   If it is 5-6 million-ish that is something the Lakers will probably have no problem matching.   Can they get higher and multiple years?   That may be more challenging.   I read they could look to move DFS to create more room.  Not sure if that is accurate.   

For the Rockets, I get the appeal of Smart but man that team has enough problems scoring as is.   While Smart could help, he could also be another DFS miss if he can't stay healthy.