Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Moviemavguy]

Cason Wallace 5/139 is plain nuts.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Nah, that deal is about what it should be.  He'll be making similar money to PJ Washington in the first couple years of his deal.

[Scott41theMavs]

Nah, that deal is about what it should be.

The surprise, of course, is that OKC was willing to do that.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

The Chet deal is the one they'll probably regret. IMO

[windjc]

Well they are either dumping Chet or going into the 2nd apron or playing with 5-6 players and then a bunch of dudes from the YMCA.

[Chicagojk]

I guess I am not surprised by that Wallace #.  We will see if his game expands this year with Dort gone.   I was pretty rough on OKC this offseason, but looking back I may have been speaking in the moment.   They are still damn good and moved players this summer and did not need to move assets to get off of them.   Last year they were really good and pretty much played the whole season without JDub.    

This year they could have three first rounder with one maybe being a high lottery pick.   Quick way to restock if they add 5 first rounders (this year and next year).   To me, it will be interesting what eventually happens with McCain and Mitchell down the road (Jaylin Williams too...maykes 7 mil this year and next but next year is a team option).   I really think JDub could be a sneaky trade candidate in the next year or so.    Would they get off Topic for nothing?  Or is he damaged goods at this point?

[loki]

I guess I am not surprised by that Wallace #.  We will see if his game expands this year with Dort gone.   I was pretty rough on OKC this offseason, but looking back I may have been speaking in the moment.   They are still damn good and moved players this summer and did not need to move assets to get off of them.   Last year they were really good and pretty much played the whole season without JDub.    

This year they could have three first rounder with one maybe being a high lottery pick.   Quick way to restock if they add 5 first rounders (this year and next year).   To me, it will be interesting what eventually happens with McCain and Mitchell down the road (Jaylin Williams too...maykes 7 mil this year and next but next year is a team option).   I really think JDub could be a sneaky trade candidate in the next year or so.    Would they get off Topic for nothing?  Or is he damaged goods at this point?

Mitchell is the one I've had my eye on. If he makes the kind of leap I think is possible there's no way they can afford him. He was more important to their team than Wallace in the playoffs.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

The Stein Line has learned, however, that Cissé is a real candidate to be claimed off waived in the event he is let go. Chicago, sources say, has interest in the high-energy big man. I'm told Atlanta also has interest even though the Hawks don't currently have an open standard spot. If Cissé were to be waived Monday and then clear waivers Wednesday, I'm also told that the 76ers and Lakers would have strong interest in signing him to a two-way deal even though neither team currently has a two-way opening.

marcstein.substack.com

[HoosierDaddyKid]

The Sacramento Kings say Ben Simmons has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, an MRI confirmed. Simmons had a $1m guarantee if he was on the roster opening day. However, because this is a significant injury (salary continuation), Simmons will receive his full salary.

Twitter

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Shams Charania: Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro has agreed to a three-year, $29 million contract extension through the 2030-31 season, his agent Erika Ruiz of Primera Sports tells ESPN. The Suns are picking up Ighodaro's $2.5M team option for 2027-28, so the extension starts in 2028 and runs through 2031 for the franchise's second-round find who has established into a reliable center.

Twitter

[Moviemavguy]

The Stein Line has learned, however, that Cissé is a real candidate to be claimed off waived in the event he is let go. Chicago, sources say, has interest in the high-energy big man. I'm told Atlanta also has interest even though the Hawks don't currently have an open standard spot. If Cissé were to be waived Monday and then clear waivers Wednesday, I'm also told that the 76ers and Lakers would have strong interest in signing him to a two-way deal even though neither team currently has a two-way opening.

marcstein.substack.com

There isn't actually any real news on what the Mavs want to do though.  But as long as Mark gets people to subscribe to his substack right?

[omahen]

I guess I am not surprised by that Wallace #.  We will see if his game expands this year with Dort gone.   I was pretty rough on OKC this offseason, but looking back I may have been speaking in the moment.   They are still damn good and moved players this summer and did not need to move assets to get off of them.   Last year they were really good and pretty much played the whole season without JDub.    

This year they could have three first rounder with one maybe being a high lottery pick.   Quick way to restock if they add 5 first rounders (this year and next year).   To me, it will be interesting what eventually happens with McCain and Mitchell down the road (Jaylin Williams too...maykes 7 mil this year and next but next year is a team option).   I really think JDub could be a sneaky trade candidate in the next year or so.    Would they get off Topic for nothing?  Or is he damaged goods at this point?

I am not worried about OKC at all. With their model of almost endless picks and a great programe of developing players, they will be imho able to continue being relevant for a long time. Both of their first round rookies from this year a had great preseason. They have another 2 FRPs next summer. They have so many picks, that some of the guys can't even get minutes. Topic is an example and it looks like it will be very difficult for Sorber too (Topic is like 5th PG on their roster and Sorber is 4th center). 

OKC is in a great position. They have their big three and they are imho a lock, unless someone will really suck or be constantly injured. All the rest look like great value deals considering what they bring to the team or their potential. They are legit 14 players deep and a couple of youngsters will have difficulty even getting an opportunity. 

They are currently projected to be 25 mil over the second apron next season with 13 players under contract. Add two rookies at lets say 10 mil combined. Four of the players are team options - Jaylin Williams (7 mil), Topic (7 mil), McCain (7 mil) and Mitchell (3 mil). The third Williams will be an UFA and likely stays at vet min or for whatever above that they will be able to offer to stay under the second apron. 

I think it is obvious they keep Ajay at his min deal and extend him in 28/29. If Stirtz will be good (at the level he played in the preseason), they can afford to lose McCain and get more assets doing it. I guess Topic will be gone and it is just a question if they will have to let him walk or will someone pay some second rounders for him. These two moves give them 14 mil savings. I think next on the list is Caruso. He is a very well respected player so most likely they will receive more assets for him.

Currently they are very deep at PG/SG spots, as they have 6 rotation level players at the positions (counting Stirtz, not counting Topic). They are also very deep at center position. They are a bit thin at SF/PF spots, where they have very little depth behind JDub and Chet. They will be playing small ball a lot, but they always compensated this with extreme physicallity. I wonder how much they will miss Dort.

[omahen]

There isn't actually any real news on what the Mavs want to do though.  But as long as Mark gets people to subscribe to his substack right?

What is your problem with one of the most respected journalists in the business? You have people (basically Shams) reporting only things after they happen. Then you have a whole bunch of people reporting on rumors what is going on. Stein is among them and he is certainly one of the most connected. I think it is obvious that decision makers are not going on record on what they want to do while negotiations are still going on, which is what you seem to expect from journalists to deliver to you in form of news.  

His writing in this specific case actually gives a lot of info, if you care. It could tell you that Mavs are considering (at least) between Powell and Cisse. It could also tell you that cutting Cisse might not result as a cap hit for Mavs, because someone (Chicago or Atlanta) could pick him from the waivers. It could also tell you that Atlanta, Philly and Lakers are looking for a deep bench center. Rsulting in other moves if they jump at Cisse opportunity if it happens, as all of them would need to create roster space to sign him - either regular rotation or a 2-way spot.

[michaeltex]

What is your problem with one of the most respected journalists in the business? You have people (basically Shams) reporting only things after they happen. Then you have a whole bunch of people reporting on rumors what is going on. Stein is among them and he is certainly one of the most connected. I think it is obvious that decision makers are not going on record on what they want to do while negotiations are still going on, which is what you seem to expect from journalists to deliver to you in form of news.  

His writing in this specific case actually gives a lot of info, if you care. It could tell you that Mavs are considering (at least) between Powell and Cisse. It could also tell you that cutting Cisse might not result as a cap hit for Mavs, because someone (Chicago or Atlanta) could pick him from the waivers. It could also tell you that Atlanta, Philly and Lakers are looking for a deep bench center. Rsulting in other moves if they jump at Cisse opportunity if it happens, as all of them would need to create roster space to sign him - either regular rotation or a 2-way spot.

I would add that this much interest in Cisse may (emphasis on may) lead to a trade scenario if someone wants to be sure they acquire him rather than hoping he falls on the waiver wire or a bidding war in FA. I'm sure DAL would trade for a bag of beans or a SRP.

Of course that likely means that DP extends his DAL tenure another season.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I would add that this much interest in Cisse may (emphasis on may) lead to a trade scenario if someone wants to be sure they acquire him rather than hoping he falls on the waiver wire or a bidding war in FA. I'm sure DAL would trade for a bag of beans or a SRP.

Of course that likely means that DP extends his DAL tenure another season.

Now that it is settled (Powell waived), the way this would have to work is they trade Cisse for a second after 12/15 when his trade restriction expires and bring back Powell assuming he is available.  I don't suspect they do that unless we are still having all sorts of health issues among our centers.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

League sources continue to pinpoint Charlotte's Brandon Miller as the top contender to join a club that, to this point, features only Wallace, San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama, Utah's Keyonte George, Golden State's Brandin Podziemski and twins Amen Thompson (Houston) and Ausar Thompson (Detroit). As The Stein Line first reported last Sunday, however, Orlando's Anthony Black is not expected to join that group after scant discussion between the sides to this point. The Magic remain big fans of the 22-year-old and don't want to trade him, league sources say, but Orlando also knows that its payroll can't withstand another pricey long-term deal with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane all on long-term pacts and each of them making between $32.4 million (Suggs) and $41.8 million (Wagner) this season.

marcstein.substack.com

[Chicagojk]

Stein says the Kings may be targeting Clayton Jr with the Grizzles with the  Ben Simmons injury.  He was someone I had interest in a two way.   Not a great sign that this may be his third team in over a year, but would be a interesting guy to look at for a year.   Not on a regular roster spot though.  So I guess the Kings would use a roster spot?

I really want a ball handler on a two way spot.    Last year we had one and a minimum guy who got a ton of minutes.   I struggle to see how things stay afloat when Kyrie misses some games.     It is already a heavy load with him already.  It would be nice to have a security option to throw out there for 15-20 minutes in the doldrums of the season when needed.

[omahen]

Stein says the Kings may be targeting Clayton Jr with the Grizzles with the  Ben Simmons injury.  He was someone I had interest in a two way.   Not a great sign that this may be his third team in over a year, but would be a interesting guy to look at for a year.   Not on a regular roster spot though.  So I guess the Kings would use a roster spot?

I really want a ball handler on a two way spot.    Last year we had one and a minimum guy who got a ton of minutes.   I struggle to see how things stay afloat when Kyrie misses some games.     It is already a heavy load with him already.  It would be nice to have a security option to throw out there for 15-20 minutes in the doldrums of the season when needed.

Memphis needs to cut two players to get to 15. I think it is their preference to get anything for any of the two, even if it means getting another player and then cutting that guy. That is why they are exploring trades for Clayton and GG Jackson. Rumors are that Peavy will be one of the guys being cut (he has two years left on his deal). The other one is not clear. Besides Peavy they have another 7 guys on contracts under 5 mil on the roster. They have huge space under the tax so no problem for them to eat additional salary if needed. 

Kings still have an open roster spot and enough room under the tax for a vet min deal. Not sure what they can do with Simmons now, I think they are paying his full salary after the injury (does it count towards the cap?). Clayton has a 4 mil salary while Sacramento is 3 mil under tax. 

Ty Jerome is someone that perhaps doesn't make a lot of sense in a rebuilding season on Memphis. Could there be something around Monk and assets for Jerome and Clayton?

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Memphis needs to cut two players to get to 15. I think it is their preference to get anything for any of the two, even if it means getting another player and then cutting that guy. That is why they are exploring trades for Clayton and GG Jackson. Rumors are that Peavy will be one of the guys being cut (he has two years left on his deal). The other one is not clear. Besides Peavy they have another 7 guys on contracts under 5 mil on the roster. They have huge space under the tax so no problem for them to eat additional salary if needed. 

Kings still have an open roster spot and enough room under the tax for a vet min deal. Not sure what they can do with Simmons now, I think they are paying his full salary after the injury (does it count towards the cap?). Clayton has a 4 mil salary while Sacramento is 3 mil under tax. 

Ty Jerome is someone that perhaps doesn't make a lot of sense in a rebuilding season on Memphis. Could there be something around Monk and assets for Jerome and Clayton?

I've always like Ty Jerome. He was great off the bench in Cleveland, and I was shocked they let him walk. I don't think Memphis moves him however.

[omahen]

I don't understand Sacramento at all. On a team full of score first guys including their new shiny rookie PG, they are looking at more score first players. Another rumor has them looking at KPj from Milwaukee.