Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[DanSchwartzgan]

I think their future is very bright and relatively easy to manage for long time. 

First move this summer imho they will not pick up team option on Kenrich Williams and perhaps resign him at vet min. Than I think they will either trade Dort and Hartenstein for no salary in return or let them walk (team options both). I also wouldn't be surprised if one of them resigns for much less money. They have so many good guards/wings that they can easily keep on going without Dort. They will need to replace Hartenstein, which I think they will do either through draft or by bringing in a cheap hustling and athletic center. These moves would keep them just below the first apron even after signing their rookies (or they will bring in some other small salary guys). 

Doing this and without any other major changes they are still at the first apron for 2027/2028 season, which gives them plenty of room to resign Wallace and stay below the second apron. They will also have team option on Isiah Joe (11 mil) and they could also easily remain good by letting him walk.

Anything with Wallace wouldn't kick in until the summer of 27.  At that point they are paying $170mm to four players (three stars and Caruso) plus whatever rookies they keep this summer.  That's at most $63mm under the second apron with a lot of mouths to feed including two starters and the rest of the bench.  It will also be the last cheap year for Mitchell, McCain and Jaylin Williams.  I agree they don't have to do anything drastic this summer, but they are going to have to churn someone out of there besides Dort and Hartenstein in the not too distant future.