Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[DanSchwartzgan]

I guess when I posted in favor of this rumor I wasn't looking at it as "the main" move. I assumed it would just be one of a few, and probably not the biggest, either. 

As you say, he has usable skills that teams need, especially the Mavericks, which is what I like about it. But, if that's THE move (don't think it will be) then I would understand the disappointment.

All of that to say: It hasn't really occurred to me to wonder how he fits with specific role players just yet, since I don't think we know which will still be here when the dust clears.

I don't know that it has to be "the" move.  I'm just trying to visualize it if it is.  For all I know Sasser could be the third PG and/or de Larrea would be behind both Christie and some other addition at SG (or in Europe).  I do see how both compliment what Naji brings to the table and I think that might be important if we decide to extend him.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

@omahen what is your confidence level in Pelinka to seriously upgrade the Lakers?

[DallasMaverick]

There was the whole GF of questionable age thing too.

Character doesn’t matter.

It’s his policies I’m voting for.

[Winter]

The playmaking deficiency is being corrected in the aggragate I suppose. The elite playmaker will likely not be on this roster.

Instead you have a combination of Flagg, Sasser, Kyrie, Naji, DeLarrea, and Nembhard. It's not much for playmaking, so I don't see this being a final roster. The guard position is really complicated by a lack of experience (and health in Kyrie's case).

I'm not sure what they do here. Sasser might be a solid backup PG now, but DeLarrea will have to have some minutes (or vice-versa). I can't see another PG being acquired. We need another perimeter shooter - guard or wing. So the roster still doesn't make sense yet. I have to think another player or two will be coming in a trade.

[omahen]

@omahen  what is your confidence level in Pelinka to seriously upgrade the Lakers?

I would put it at 8 out of 10. It is simply too big of a summer and too much flexibility to fail. Of course there is a huge subjective factor to what means "seriously upgrade". There are so many options possible. Keep current centers and upgrade wings, the other way around or some combination of both. 

I think it is possible Lakers are worse in a short term without LeBron, but this is the only way to trully upgrade around Luka. They would not be contenders with LeBron and his salary would just dissapear when he would eventually retire.

[KillerLeft]

I'm not sure what they do here. Sasser might be a solid backup PG now, but DeLarrea will have to have some minutes (or vice-versa). I can't see another PG being acquired. We need another perimeter shooter - guard or wing. So the roster still doesn't make sense yet. I have to think another player or two will be coming in a trade.

I think De Larrea is more of a playmaker than Sasser, sure. I'm not convinced that either should be penciled in as the "backup PG" yet, at least not how I mean the term. I think the interest in Sasser is about POA defense (so defensive PG, I suppose) and spot up shooting/spacing for guys like Kyrie and Flagg. I also think De Larrea's easiest path onto the floor early is as an off-ball secondary guy, which is very possible, given his size. 

All of that to say: I think you could possibly be right that another PG won't be added, but I don't agree that there isn't room for the right one, should they identify him. 

Totally agree that shooting (from almost any position) is still a need, even after the presumed Sasser addition.

[Winter]

All of that to say: I think you could possibly be right that another PG won't be added, but I don't agree that there isn't room for the right one, should they identify him. 

I think it's easy to see another PG possibility if we can assume DeLarrea might be more of a combo guard and added in addition to a PG. I've heard some analysts describe Sergio that way. If you had a very good PG, Sergio could easily slide in as a shooting guard with PG skills. That makes sense.

[SleepingHero]

@TheDunkCentral
The Warriors’ dream scenario of a Big Four featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Anthony Davis is now dead, per
@sam_amick


“The scenario in which LeBron James and Anthony Davis reunite in San Francisco appears to have died on the vine. The Warriors are now signaling that Davis isn't in their plans, according to league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations.”

[DallasMaverick]

Indeed. My reaction was that a team preferred to pay Landale at $14 million rather than take on Gafford at $18 million, despite everyone on Earth knowing the latter was very gettable.

I’m not sure he was gettable. At least, not at a bargain price.

I think Dallas values him.

[KillerLeft]

I think it's easy to see another PG possibility if we can assume DeLarrea might be more of a combo guard and added as an addition to a PG. I've heard some analysts describe Sergio that way. If you had a very good PG, he could easily slide in as a shooting guard with PG skills. That makes sense.

Agreed. 

The wild card for me is whether or not Nembhard's option was picked up to retain and further him as an asset, keep him around as a deep bench depth option, or if they really do see great potential in him.

If it's the latter, I can see the job being his to lose, I suppose. I'm pretty fascinated by his situation because I oscillate back and forth on how I, myself, view him almost daily.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I would put it at 8 out of 10. It is simply too big of a summer and too much flexibility to fail. Of course there is a huge subjective factor to what means "seriously upgrade". There are so many options possible. Keep current centers and upgrade wings, the other way around or some combination of both. 

I think it is possible Lakers are worse in a short term without LeBron, but this is the only way to trully upgrade around Luka. They would not be contenders with LeBron and his salary would just dissapear when he would eventually retire.

Will you be disappointed if they add guys like Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamuwhateverhisnameis, and Mitchell Robinson?  And bring back Kennard? and/or Rui?

I guess I'm wondering if the Lakers fans wants a bonafide 3rd piece this offseason.  Like Walker Kessler?  Trey Murphy?

[SleepingHero]

NBACentel (@TheNBACentel)
Jalen Duren will meet with the Sacramento Kings at the start of free agency

The Kings view his playoff struggles as a cultural fit

[KillerLeft]

I’m not sure he was gettable. At least, not at a bargain price.

I think Dallas values him.

We'll see soon. Or, maybe we won't, and this argument will rage on, with more data to analyze once we see him with the new look team. 

For some reason my participation in this topic seems to be upsetting people, so I'll let it rest for now.

[SleepingHero]

Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears)
The Detroit Pistons have offered what the franchise believes is the most lucrative contract possible for their All-Star restricted free agent Jalen Duren, are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs, sources @espn @andscape.

[Smitty]

The calm before the storm. Where we stand heading into free agency:

Kyrie | ——— | Nemby
Christie | Klay | (Sergio) | AJJ
Flagg | Naji | Martin
PJW | (MoJo)
Lively | Gafford | ———

Two-Way: Poulakidas, Smith
SRP’s: Lawal, Ishchenko
UFA: BWill, Powell, Middleton, Bagley
RFA/QO: Cisse

*Rumored to be in the trade mix for Sasser (PG)

[KillerLeft]

Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears)
The Detroit Pistons have offered what the franchise believes is the most lucrative contract possible for their All-Star restricted free agent Jalen Duren, are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs, sources @espn @andscape.

So...is this what they're attempting to shed salary in order to achieve? Is all of that just about Duren, or is there a big splash on their minds?

[Jmaciscool]

@TheDunkCentral
The Warriors’ dream scenario of a Big Four featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Anthony Davis is now dead, per
@sam_amick


“The scenario in which LeBron James and Anthony Davis reunite in San Francisco appears to have died on the vine. The Warriors are now signaling that Davis isn't in their plans, according to league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations.”

Of course it died on the vine, Davis is 33 years old. The Warriors didn't want to do a two timelines thing all over again.

[DallasMaverick]

I would put it at 8 out of 10. It is simply too big of a summer and too much flexibility to fail. Of course there is a huge subjective factor to what means "seriously upgrade". There are so many options possible. Keep current centers and upgrade wings, the other way around or some combination of both. 

I think it is possible Lakers are worse in a short term without LeBron, but this is the only way to trully upgrade around Luka. They would not be contenders with LeBron and his salary would just dissapear when he would eventually retire.

I’m a bit disappointed that LeBron won’t be chewing up $50mil of their cap.

[KillerLeft]

Of course it died on the vine, Davis is 33 years old. The Warriors didn't want to do a two timelines thing all over again.

Ok...still early, but now THIS is the one to beat for POTD. 

GREATNESS.

[SleepingHero]

NBA Communications (@NBAPR)
The National Basketball Association announced today that the Salary Cap for the 2026-27 season has been set at $164.961 million. The Tax Level for the 2026-27 season is $200.428 million.