Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[HoosierDaddyKid]

After spending 14 years in the NBA, Jonas Valanciunas is returning to Europe, officially joining the Lithuanian and EuroLeague team Zalgiris Kaunas. Per Zalgiris' official announcement, Valanciunas signed a 2-year deal until the end of the 2027-28 season.

BasketNews

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Marc Stein on Klay Thompson to Miami rumors: The Mavericks at this point have operated as they are trying to find a trade for Klay Thompson. All scenarios about Miami’s interest… those are buyout scenarios. As we stand mid-July, I don’t think the Mavs are giving consideration to a buyout. If no trade materializes and it’s August/September, and no trade has materialized, does the possibility change? Will Klay’s representatives push for a buyout? I’m sure that’s on the menu of possibilities. I know everybody loves to say Jovic and draft compensation from Miami. Do the Mavs want Jovic’s contract? Is the draft compensation from Miami attractive enough to do that? I have no sense that’s something legitimately percolating

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Tony East: The Pacers are guaranteeing Quenton Jackson’s contract, I’m told. He will not be waived today. His $2.58m contract will be fully guaranteed for the coming season. He only had $275k guaranteed had he been waived today (or sooner).

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[HoosierDaddyKid]

Nic Claxton will wear No. 9 for the #Bulls. Number last worn by Nikola Vučević in 2026. #NBA

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[Mavs2021]

Marc Stein on Klay Thompson to Miami rumors: The Mavericks at this point have operated as they are trying to find a trade for Klay Thompson. All scenarios about Miami’s interest… those are buyout scenarios. As we stand mid-July, I don’t think the Mavs are giving consideration to a buyout. If no trade materializes and it’s August/September, and no trade has materialized, does the possibility change? Will Klay’s representatives push for a buyout? I’m sure that’s on the menu of possibilities. I know everybody loves to say Jovic and draft compensation from Miami. Do the Mavs want Jovic’s contract? Is the draft compensation from Miami attractive enough to do that? I have no sense that’s something legitimately percolating

No more free gifts. You want Klay, you pay. End of story.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Depending on the evidence uncovered, the Los Angeles Clippers star could reportedly face serious disciplinary action, ranging from a lengthy suspension to the possible voiding of his contract. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, even a full-season suspension cannot be ruled out at this stage. "The absolute worst is Kawhi Leonard's contract being voided, or him being suspended for a significant period of time. Whether it's 40/20 games or entire season.. it all comes down to the evidence and what's found in the investigation," Charania reported on the Shump Street Podcast. For what it’s worth, Raptors continue to talk/act like a team that’s unworried. Sense is the only thing that would jeopardize the trade is the unlikely scenario where Kawhi’s contract is voided. Any other possible penalty, including suspension, is something they could work around

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[HoosierDaddyKid]

Micah Potter (@BigJam_23) will wear No. 9 for the #Blazers. Number last worn by Jerami Grant in 2026. #NBA

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[Dirknows]

Depending on the evidence uncovered, the Los Angeles Clippers star could reportedly face serious disciplinary action, ranging from a lengthy suspension to the possible voiding of his contract. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, even a full-season suspension cannot be ruled out at this stage. "The absolute worst is Kawhi Leonard's contract being voided, or him being suspended for a significant period of time. Whether it's 40/20 games or entire season.. it all comes down to the evidence and what's found in the investigation," Charania reported on the Shump Street Podcast. For what it’s worth, Raptors continue to talk/act like a team that’s unworried. Sense is the only thing that would jeopardize the trade is the unlikely scenario where Kawhi’s contract is voided. Any other possible penalty, including suspension, is something they could work around

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So, if Kawhi's contract gets voided...Kawhi for the MLE?

[Dirknows]

I will try my best to give a lay of the land...

Notable free agents:
LeBron (UFA)
Kuminga (UFA)
Watson (RFA)
Mathurin (RFA)
Harden (UFA)
Duren (RFA)
Thybulle (UFA)
Westbrook (UFA)


The Mavs still have a few without contracts as well:
Cisse (RFA / Two-Way QO)
Ishchenko [SRP]
BWill (UFA)
Powell (UFA)


Rumored Vets available in the trade market:
Klay
PJW
Gafford


(15) Current roster -- (3) Two-Way*:

Kyrie | Sergio | Sasser | Nemby
Christie | Klay | Poulakidas*
Flagg | Naji | Tarik | Martin
PJW | Aldama | Lawal* | Smith*
Morez | Gafford | Lively


Space below the Luxury Tax: $16,161,971
Space below A1 (Hard Cap): $23,404,386
MLE remaining: $12,044,000
AD TPE remaining: $21,080,154



Latest intel from Stein is that the Heat are interested in Klay. The obvious salary match candidates there are N. Jovic and/or D. Mitchell.


There will likely be a chain reaction once LeBron decides where he'll go. If CLE (most likely), there's a good chance M. Strus and/or D. Schroder will need to be salary dumped.


Dan is pushing for a Mathurin deal. Cjeter on discord is all in on a Watson SnT. VP on discord is wanting Thybulle. SH likes Westbrook for pennies. I've been on the POR guard(s) idea, mostly Jrue for Klay+Naji.

Would you take the Cleveland salary dump for their 2031 first unprotected? Or try and see if there is another team needing to dump salary with a pick earlier? Or just wait to use the TPE at the deadline? The 2031 CLE first would definitely be in the lottery, and Cooper will just be turning 24, we will hopefully be a playoff team by then, could be a nice addition to the team.

[KillerLeft]

Would you take the Cleveland salary dump for their 2031 first unprotected?

Without hesitation. 

But, I bet they can get it done for less than that somewhere else.

[Smitty]

Would you take the Cleveland salary dump for their 2031 first unprotected? Or try and see if there is another team needing to dump salary with a pick earlier? Or just wait to use the TPE at the deadline? The 2031 CLE first would definitely be in the lottery, and Cooper will just be turning 24, we will hopefully be a playoff team by then, could be a nice addition to the team.

With Schroeder I think it’s mandatory to get the FRP. With Strus, I don’t think there’s any way you get a FRP. For me, I’d take Strus for free almost. Throw in a meaningless SRP or two if you want to feel like you won the trade or something. Strus would be the best 2 on the roster. That’s how I feel about it.

[SleepingHero]

Depending on the evidence uncovered, the Los Angeles Clippers star could reportedly face serious disciplinary action, ranging from a lengthy suspension to the possible voiding of his contract. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, even a full-season suspension cannot be ruled out at this stage. "The absolute worst is Kawhi Leonard's contract being voided, or him being suspended for a significant period of time. Whether it's 40/20 games or entire season.. it all comes down to the evidence and what's found in the investigation," Charania reported on the Shump Street Podcast. For what it’s worth, Raptors continue to talk/act like a team that’s unworried. Sense is the only thing that would jeopardize the trade is the unlikely scenario where Kawhi’s contract is voided. Any other possible penalty, including suspension, is something they could work around

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A player intentionally circumventing the cap under Stern would most likely be banned for life. Joe Smith was a FA and agreed to sign small deals, Kawhi literally created a fake method to get paid under the table.

He should be banned completely for how many years this occurred, while the Clippers get loses multiple draft picks like Joe Smith. If there isn't a significant punishment then why wouldn't teams try to do this?

[Scott41theMavs]

No more free gifts. You want Klay, you pay. End of story.

I have no problems with Klay remaining on roster to the TDL, as long as 1) he's content enough not to uncharacteristically become a locker room problem; 2) the FO and May believe he can help with structure, game-winning, and positive influence, and 3) he doesn't play so much as to stifle the development of young players or the integration of new vets. 

Klay is an asset. As you said, we cannot give away assets. And I like the idea of Masai saying, "Oh, you want him? What are you offering us in trade? What? You don't want to trade, but just want us to release him to your benefit? Drop dead."

[Scott41theMavs]

A player intentionally circumventing the cap under Stern would most likely be banned for life. Joe Smith was a FA and agreed to sign small deals, Kawhi literally created a fake method to get paid under the table.

He should be banned completely for how many years this occurred, while the Clippers get loses multiple draft picks like Joe Smith. If there isn't a significant punishment then why wouldn't teams try to do this?

Has it been established that Kawhi set this up, as opposed to Balmer and Co.?

[SleepingHero]

Has it been established that Kawhi set this up, as opposed to Balmer and Co.?

It's hard to draw the line of blame between then Clippers and Kawhi. According to Torre who blew this story wide open and figured it out, they are both equally at fault. Kawhi made demands, Clippers set up the deal. They both benefitted.

[MFFLER est 01]

I have no problems with Klay remaining on roster to the TDL, as long as 1) he's content enough not to uncharacteristically become a locker room problem; 2) the FO and May believe he can help with structure, game-winning, and positive influence, and 3) he doesn't play so much as to stifle the development of young players or the integration of new vets. 

Klay is an asset. As you said, we cannot give away assets. And I like the idea of Masai saying, "Oh, you want him? What are you offering us in trade? What? You don't want to trade, but just want us to release him to your benefit? Drop dead."

Absolutley love this haha

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I have no problems with Klay remaining on roster to the TDL, as long as 1) he's content enough not to uncharacteristically become a locker room problem; 2) the FO and May believe he can help with structure, game-winning, and positive influence, and 3) he doesn't play so much as to stifle the development of young players or the integration of new vets. 

Klay is an asset. As you said, we cannot give away assets. And I like the idea of Masai saying, "Oh, you want him? What are you offering us in trade? What? You don't want to trade, but just want us to release him to your benefit? Drop dead."

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MK1zd_cWBZY

[Scott41theMavs]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MK1zd_cWBZY

That's cute 'n' all, but I still want to see Masai take the strong stand of, "You want him? Give us an asset or drop dead."

[windjc]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MK1zd_cWBZY

Fans don’t decide when the Mavs become title contenders. Things happen super fast in today’s NBA.

[OBX Maverick]

That's cute 'n' all, but I still want to see Masai take the strong stand of, "You want him? Give us an asset or drop dead."

Bass Pro Boy….buy out KT before the season????  Umm, no