04-04-2026, 02:03 PM
They probably won't use a roster spot for the mid 2nd. Either a two-way or an overseas stash.
Nembhart or BWill probably comes down to whether BWill commands more than the minimum. Either is probably your 3rd PG, so not of major consequence.
Has Cisse earned a roster spot? Or, does he return as a two-way? I hope he returns either way, but much will depend on...
Bagley has probably earned a raise. But, I wouldn't go above the BAE at $5.5mm. I like having his offense off the bench and his 3-point shooting is intriguing (though I fear he gives up points just as fast as he scores them). Still, he provides value on a team with so many other injury prone options. I'd be happy with Bagley-BAE and Cisse-2 Way. I'd also be happy with Cisse and a pick somehow occupying both slots. The possibility of trading Gafford and the outlook for Lively's health also play a role here. BTW, what does Boston do with NG Queta (who will be UFA in 27) and UFA Vucevic this summer?
I'm not sure who out there is worthy of a full MLE contract. My favorite player is probably Dosunmu, but I don't see that one if we draft a guard. My argument for retaining Middleton is based on 1. You have Bird rights and don't have to use any of the MLE on him. 2. You can create a veteran expiring contract to go out with Klay in a TDL deal in early 2027. There is room to give Middleton pretty good money and still leave room under the cap for use of the MLE or the TPE later. I'm not opposed to letting Middleton walk and using the MLE. I just don't see it in a world where we don't have a GM yet.
In fact, other than the draft, I suspect the summer will be devoid of exciting big swings. The likelihood is the new GM will need evaluation time once he arrives and flexibility will be prioritized. Absent a no-brainer signing at the $15mm MLE or a no brainer S&T using the $21mm TPE, I don't see a significant add this summer. I see the next big swing coming in Jan/Feb, which is why I'm not opposed to keeping Middleton on the right contract. The priority isn't playoff position in 26/27. The priority is the path to adding assets who will be valuable members of the roster when Flagg is in his early 20's.
Nembhart or BWill probably comes down to whether BWill commands more than the minimum. Either is probably your 3rd PG, so not of major consequence.
Has Cisse earned a roster spot? Or, does he return as a two-way? I hope he returns either way, but much will depend on...
Bagley has probably earned a raise. But, I wouldn't go above the BAE at $5.5mm. I like having his offense off the bench and his 3-point shooting is intriguing (though I fear he gives up points just as fast as he scores them). Still, he provides value on a team with so many other injury prone options. I'd be happy with Bagley-BAE and Cisse-2 Way. I'd also be happy with Cisse and a pick somehow occupying both slots. The possibility of trading Gafford and the outlook for Lively's health also play a role here. BTW, what does Boston do with NG Queta (who will be UFA in 27) and UFA Vucevic this summer?
I'm not sure who out there is worthy of a full MLE contract. My favorite player is probably Dosunmu, but I don't see that one if we draft a guard. My argument for retaining Middleton is based on 1. You have Bird rights and don't have to use any of the MLE on him. 2. You can create a veteran expiring contract to go out with Klay in a TDL deal in early 2027. There is room to give Middleton pretty good money and still leave room under the cap for use of the MLE or the TPE later. I'm not opposed to letting Middleton walk and using the MLE. I just don't see it in a world where we don't have a GM yet.
In fact, other than the draft, I suspect the summer will be devoid of exciting big swings. The likelihood is the new GM will need evaluation time once he arrives and flexibility will be prioritized. Absent a no-brainer signing at the $15mm MLE or a no brainer S&T using the $21mm TPE, I don't see a significant add this summer. I see the next big swing coming in Jan/Feb, which is why I'm not opposed to keeping Middleton on the right contract. The priority isn't playoff position in 26/27. The priority is the path to adding assets who will be valuable members of the roster when Flagg is in his early 20's.
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