Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[Kidnova]

I'd just ask to what end is that desperate need of a PG? If you just want someone to soak up minutes and do it on a cheap contract, I guess that's fine, but he isn't going to move the needle on this team and there is a reason so many teams have moved off of him and reducing his salary to nickels on the dollar really doesn't change his impact.

I don't think it's hard to see that this is their most desperate need.  Not only because Kyrie is going to be out for a good part of next season, but even after he's back they need a competent backup PG.  The best thing is they're not even paying desperation prices.  tpMLE is cheap for Russell.  It's also a very tradeable contract if they decide they don't need him down the line.  I'm searching for a downside, honestly.

[SleepingHero]

NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
The Kings are trying to ‘lure’ Russell Westbrook to Sacramento, per @ChrisBHaynes

( @NBATV / h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )

[SleepingHero]

@MattGeorgeSAC
Russell Westbrook to Sacramento has a lot more momentum than I realized.

And they may not have to pick between Russ or Schroder either...

@StevePopper
We're still an hour-plus from the official start of free agency talks, but league source indicates that Jordan Clarkson, bought out by the Jazz, and the Knicks have mutual interest.

Sacramento getting Schroeder and Westbrook would be a little bit funny.

Westbrook
Lavine
DeRozan
Murray
Sabonis 

Feels pretty underwhelming in the West. In the East they are maybe a top 4 team.

[Winter]

I don't think it's hard to see that this is their most desperate need.  Not only because Kyrie is going to be out for a good part of next season, but even after he's back they need a competent backup PG.  The best thing is they're not even paying desperation prices.  tpMLE is cheap for Russell.  It's also a very tradeable contract if they decide they don't need him down the line.  I'm searching for a downside, honestly.

Russell has had defensive lapses. In LA Reddick benched him partly because of that and partly because he went cold from the field. He's not without warts.

However, he can score most nights. Sometimes with a vengeance. He will force defenses to guard out there... maybe open the court a little with him and Klay on the perimeter. The real trick for Kidd will be to stay on top of Russell's decision making. If the Mavs can get Exum, they can maybe make an adjustment if Russell is having a bad game... but I'm guessing there will be games when he goes all dinwiddie on us.

[Kidnova]

Russell has had defensive lapses. In LA Reddick benched him partly because of that and partly because he went cold from the field. He's not without warts.

However, he can score most nights. Sometimes with a vengeance. He will force defenses to guard out there... maybe open the court a little with him and Klay on the perimeter. The real trick for Kidd will be to stay on top of Russell's decision making. If the Mavs can get Exum, they can maybe make an adjustment if Russell is having a bad game... but I'm guessing there will be games when he goes all dinwiddie on us.

Sure, I agree with everything you said here, but at <$6 million you can overlook his warts.  If we were talking about full MLE that would be an entirely different discussion.

[FireNicoHarrison]

I'd just ask to what end is that desperate need of a PG? If you just want someone to soak up minutes and do it on a cheap contract, I guess that's fine, but he isn't going to move the needle on this team and there is a reason so many teams have moved off of him and reducing his salary to nickels on the dollar really doesn't change his impact.

Because we have no choice... I would like to trade street clothes for a starting PG & SG in our core timeline but Harrison has to save his face after Luka trade so here we are.

A team with no PG and a coach who wants to play our SF rookie in that spot... If this is not a desperated situation then Titanic journey was fine after all.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

That's why I used part of it.  Different teams, different focal points on offense, etc.  I'm not defending D'Lo as I don't want him near the Mavs.

We're in agreement.  I just don't see how we can have a PG who averages 32%3pt, AND hoist it up 11.7 times per 48mins.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

I think Clarkson USED TO BE that guy, but I think those days are gone. He's pretty washed now.

Don't let perfection be the enemy of good.  Clarkson is a much better choice than DLo

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Bobby Marks: "Sources confirm to ESPN that the salary cap in 2026-27 is projected to increase 7%. The maximum allowed is 10%" | Zach Lowe: "Major implications for any teams who were making deals based on assumption of another 10% increase in cap/tax/apron levels."

[SleepingHero]

[SleepingHero]

@ShamsCharania BREAKING:
F Kyle Kuzma has agreed to a 3-year, $196 million extension on the condition that Giannis never comments on his outfit choices.

[SleepingHero]

okay okay, here's some real news.

Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto)
The Utah Jazz have guaranteed the $3.68 million non-guaranteed salary of Svi Mykhailiuk for the 2025-26 season, @hoopshype has learned.

[SleepingHero]

Josh Hart (@joshhart)
It’s 6:01 and I ain’t see one deal….what happened to the game I love?

[SleepingHero]

Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes)
Sources: Sacramento Kings have arranged meetings via zoom to talk with Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook. Kings looking to acquire both, but have other point guard options to speak with.

[SleepingHero]

Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass)
Chris Paul is deciding between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers, per @ChrisBHaynes

[SleepingHero]

@ShamsCharnia

Free agent G Ben Simmons has drawn interest from multiple teams — including one Eastern Conference exec who said, “We just want to see what happens, like a science experiment.”

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I wonder where Kuminga goes and how much money he gets.

Is he still considered a great prospect? or more of a reclamation project?

[SleepingHero]

@ShamsCharnia

Free agent G Ben Simmons has drawn interest from multiple teams — including one Eastern Conference exec who said, “We just want to see what happens, like a science experiment.”

Ok this one wasn't too believable but I'm bored.

[SleepingHero]

I wonder where Kuminga goes and how much money he gets.

Is he still considered a great prospect? or more of a reclamation project?

So far the Bulls and Heat are the two teams with big interest. Not sure what's really there in terms of a deal.

Do the Warriors want Wiggins back?

[Jmaciscool]

I didn't wait all day for 5:00 just to have it be 5:09 without any real news.