Trade& Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

@esidery
The Raptors will again attempt to move Jakob Poeltl’s contract this offseason.

Poeltl’s undesirable deal was the reason why Toronto was unable to upgrade the center position this season:

2026-27: $19.5 million
2027-28: $27.3 million
2028-29: $29.5 million
2029-30: $27.3 million

*2029-30 is $5.0 million guaranteed

I know it wasn't popular the first time I mentioned his name as a possibility for using the TPE to acquire more assets, but it has to be on the table, no? What would it take to stomach? This year's pick (#19) plus another unprotected first rounder?

Maybe then you move Gafford for a protected future first? Come away with 3 FRP's in total? Just live with Lively and Poeltl as your main Bigs next season, knowing you're not really a contender anyway? Or maybe TOR likes Gafford and it's a swap there, with all the picks coming from them, and no need to use the TPE...

I think is is going to take mulitple first round picks to move him.  I don't think Toronto wants to cross that bridge, so I expect him to be in Toronto next year.

[Smitty]

I think is is going to take mulitple first round picks to move him.  I don't think Toronto wants to cross that bridge, so I expect him to be in Toronto next year.

We're on the same page then. Would you do it for #19 and next year's first though?

[mvossman]

@esidery
The Raptors will again attempt to move Jakob Poeltl’s contract this offseason.

Poeltl’s undesirable deal was the reason why Toronto was unable to upgrade the center position this season:

2026-27: $19.5 million
2027-28: $27.3 million
2028-29: $29.5 million
2029-30: $27.3 million

*2029-30 is $5.0 million guaranteed

I know it wasn't popular the first time I mentioned his name as a possibility for using the TPE to acquire more assets, but it has to be on the table, no? What would it take to stomach? This year's pick (#19) plus another unprotected first rounder?

Maybe then you move Gafford for a protected future first? Come away with 3 FRP's in total? Just live with Lively and Poeltl as your main Bigs next season, knowing you're not really a contender anyway? Or maybe TOR likes Gafford and it's a swap there, with all the picks coming from them, and no need to use the TPE...

That contract is so bad.  19 is an Evans/Swain type player which would be really nice, and an unprotected pick from Toronto could be very valuable.  I'm not sure Gafford is worth a future first (even protected) right now.

[Chicagojk]

We're on the same page then. Would you do it for #19 and next year's first though?

hmm...not sure.

I am a draft guy and like to get as many chances as possible, but that contract is so bad.   It would really limit finding opportunities the next few years imo.   I think it would constrain you quite a bit.

[SkenfromLMF]

hmm...not sure.

I am a draft guy and like to get as many chances as possible, but that contract is so bad.   It would really limit finding opportunities the next few years imo.   I think it would constrain you quite a bit.

I guess I look at it from the perspective of moving Martin makes it much more palatable. It definitely creates hurdles, but 2 picks and jettisoning Martin makes my tolerance go up. What I might be undervaluing is what happens after the extension goes into effect. I know it is bad, but I am also not in the camp we are a destination in the FA classes.

[Smitty]

That contract is so bad.  19 is an Evans/Swain type player which would be really nice, and an unprotected pick from Toronto could be very valuable.  I'm not sure Gafford is worth a future first (even protected) right now.

Yes on Evans! Replace Swain with Carr and we're in agreement there. As for Gafford, I think he's absolutely worth a lottery protected FRP for multiple teams.

[mvossman]

Yes on Evans! Replace Swain with Carr and we're in agreement there. As for Gafford, I think he's absolutely worth a lottery protected FRP for multiple teams.

I don't know.  He is making a lot of money and he had a very down year.  Maybe a team needs a P&R center and realizes his poor fit on the roster.  I would be very happy to get any asset for him at this point.

[cow]

@esidery
The Raptors will again attempt to move Jakob Poeltl’s contract this offseason.

Poeltl’s undesirable deal was the reason why Toronto was unable to upgrade the center position this season:

2026-27: $19.5 million
2027-28: $27.3 million
2028-29: $29.5 million
2029-30: $27.3 million

*2029-30 is $5.0 million guaranteed

I know it wasn't popular the first time I mentioned his name as a possibility for using the TPE to acquire more assets, but it has to be on the table, no? What would it take to stomach? This year's pick (#19) plus another unprotected first rounder?

Maybe then you move Gafford for a protected future first? Come away with 3 FRP's in total? Just live with Lively and Poeltl as your main Bigs next season, knowing you're not really a contender anyway? Or maybe TOR likes Gafford and it's a swap there, with all the picks coming from them, and no need to use the TPE...

I'd rather chase Braun if that's the direction, but I think he has reclamation potential unlike Poeltl.

[F Gump]

I know it wasn't popular the first time I mentioned his name as a possibility for using the TPE to acquire more assets, but it has to be on the table, no? What would it take to stomach? This year's pick (#19) plus another unprotected first rounder?

IMO Poeltl is going nowhere. I think TOR would have to give up way too much in draft capital and talent, to get some team to choke down that contract, and will instead opt to ride it out. He first needs to get back on the floor and play well, and stay healthy, so that he is seen as having some value for the team who might trade for him (rather than just being dead money).

[DallasMaverick]

IMO Poeltl is going nowhere. I think TOR would have to give up way too much in draft capital and talent, to get some team to choke down that contract, and will instead opt to ride it out. He first needs to get back on the floor and play well, and stay healthy, so that he is seen as having some value for the team who might trade for him (rather than just being dead money).

The only possibility I could envision is a trade involving another bad contract, perhaps with a mismatch of the length of the contract plus draft compensation.

[Smitty]

IMO Poeltl is going nowhere. I think TOR would have to give up way too much in draft capital and talent, to get some team to choke down that contract, and will instead opt to ride it out. He first needs to get back on the floor and play well, and stay healthy, so that he is seen as having some value for the team who might trade for him (rather than just being dead money).

I get it. I agree. The report is the report. That's why I asked the hypotheticals.

[Smitty]

@TheDunkCentral
Keep an eye on the Magic potentially moving on from Jalen Suggs this offseason, per @BrettSiegelNBA

“Keep an eye on Orlando possibly looking to cut some salary and make a minor adjustment to their starting lineup, possibly moving on from two-way guard Jalen Suggs after Anthony Black's breakout 2025-26 campaign.”

[omahen]

Yeah it will be intersesting to see what they do?   Are they keeping money open for 27?  I thought they plan to be aggressive this year.  I guess they can be flexible.   

Rui has played himself into a nice contract this year.   No idea what range.   They have flexibility with Reaves before he signs.  Less so after he signs.    Smart can opt out and may very well do that as he is only making 5 million.   I think Lebron staying LAL is the best for him.  Could he sign for 20-25 million on a short deal?   I think the Lakers are good.  Not sure they can get to the OKC/SA level anytime soon, but they are definitely in the next group.  Being one of the top 5 teams is not a bad place to be.   One more thing, I assume they make a move for a center this summer.   That seems in the cards.

I don't think Lakers plan is 2027 FA. It is building around Luka. But, they will have huge decisions to make and I think their offseason will be one of the most interesting ones. They have huge flexibility and many different paths they could choose. They could bring the team back and operate over the cap or they can have 50 mil (or even more) of cap space. They could target right role players or they could target a star (through trade using their cap relief and 3 FRPs), filling rest of the team with small contracts.

I think it is clear that this current Lakers team is at least a tier or two behind OKC (and likely San Antonio too). I don't think things would be much different if Luka would be healthy. So, just bringing back this team makes little sense, especially because in that case their options to upgrade would be very much limited. While individually a bunch of players in their main rotation look really good, the sum of all parts just isn't on a high enough level due to many overlapping skillsets, lack of athleticism and two-way ability. 

1. LeBron. He is really awesome in the playoffs. But, his skillset overlaps so much with Luka on both ends of the floor that imho it doesn't make sense to invest anything substantial (lets say above MLE) in him when building around Luka. He definitely outplayed that number and should demand more if he decides to play for another season. Lakers can't afford to wait for him.

2. Hachimura. He is one of the best shooters. If he is open, he is deadly accurate and has even been a playoff riser. He is shooting almost 60 % from three this season in the playoffs on a very solid volume. However, he is more or less average defender, athlete, rebounder,... Lakers problem was, when Luka, Reaves and LeBron were all playing, there were simply not enough shots for him to make sense to invest anything substantial in his top ability. If all three remain with Lakers, they need hard nosed defender(s), which Rui is not. He would still be great coming off the bench, but will probably want too much money for such a role. If one of the "big three" goes, than it would make sense to keep him around his current salary.

3. Ayton and Smart player options. I think both had good seasons relative to their salaries. Ayton has been hot and cold as usual, but is playing generally well since all stars. However, he seems to have problems against OKC. Smart has been one of the most valuable players on the team and is exactly the type of player needed next to Luka (a bit better shooting would be a bonus). I kind of hope they both pick their options, but especially Smart has significantly outplayed his 5 mil salary.

[omahen]

@TheDunkCentral
Keep an eye on the Magic potentially moving on from Jalen Suggs this offseason, per @BrettSiegelNBA

“Keep an eye on Orlando possibly looking to cut some salary and make a minor adjustment to their starting lineup, possibly moving on from two-way guard Jalen Suggs after Anthony Black's breakout 2025-26 campaign.”

This will also be an interesting deal, if it happens. Suggs is a very good two way player, but he is probably overpaid and has problems staying healthy. Still only 24 though. 

From Orlando perspective, the prototype of a deal is imho what Denver did with MPJ last offseason. Get a cheaper player that is within at least 80 % of what Suggs is (might be different position) and pay a FRP. Shooting is still Orlando's biggest need. They could offer 2032 FRP or some second rounders.

Suggs is young enough to be interested both for rebuilding teams as well as established enough to be interesting for competing teams.

[Smitty]

The Rockets could get “aggressive” to acquire Donovan Mitchell if he’s available this summer, per @BannedMacMahon

“They’ve got assets… If Donovan Mitchell’s available, that is a guy I could see the Rockets being aggressive to go get.”

(h/t @SleeperRockets)

[HoosierDaddyKid]

The Rockets could get “aggressive” to acquire Donovan Mitchell if he’s available this summer, per @BannedMacMahon

“They’ve got assets… If Donovan Mitchell’s available, that is a guy I could see the Rockets being aggressive to go get.”

(h/t @SleeperRockets)

If he fails again to get to the conference finals, everything could be on the table.  Coaching and management included. They're in a 0-2 hole.

[loki]

Ajay Mitchell will be a UFA in 2028. Just saying.

I'm sure Presti will find a way to avoid losing him for nothing, but the cost of that roster is going through the roof.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Ajay Mitchell will be a UFA in 2028. Just saying.

I'm sure Presti will find a way to avoid losing him for nothing, but the cost of that roster is going through the roof.

People also mention Caruso and clearly McCain was brought in for some longer term reason.

I wonder if Cason Wallace isn't the guy to try to trade for.  He is extension eligible this summer and RFA in 2027.  The guy is a meanace and only 22.

[omahen]

People also mention Caruso and clearly McCain was brought in for some longer term reason.

I wonder if Cason Wallace isn't the guy to try to trade for.  He is extension eligible this summer and RFA in 2027.  The guy is a meanace and only 22.

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.

[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.