Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

League sources say Watson, like Detroit's Jalen Duren, has been weighing the unappealing prospect of playing out the 2026-27 season on a qualifying offer with the intent to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Actually, doing so, mind you, means leaving millions on the table.

marcstein.substack.com

This needs to be posturing to try to increase the contract.   Deadlines makes deals.   Duren has made less than 20 million so far in the NBA.  The Pistons offer is lower than he wants but is he really going to turn down 30-35 million per year?  Sign it and then if he is pissed he can leave in a few years.   I just don't get walking away from generational money...even if it is a little lower than you want.

Peyton Watson may be different.  If he is only being offered 4 for 70ish from Denver.  Maybe you gamble on yourself is no sign and trade presents itself.