Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[HoosierDaddyKid]

DeAndre Jordan’s agreement to return to New Orleans is for two years, $7.9 million, sources say, with both seasons fully guaranteed.

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[omahen]

Yeah, it's amazing how quickly this board turned on PJ after one subpar season.  His contact is very tradeable if they want to move him.  Lots of teams would love to have a versatile wing oof his size and talent.

I am not sure his contract really is that great in the apron world. I would clame his contract is on an upper side based on his age and projected role on a contender. Not overpaid, but also not great. PJ is a good player, but not more than a 4th starter on a contender. His contract is almost 90 mil for four years, that is roughly 22 mil per. Here are some similar players (all of them could also be 4th or 5th best players on a contender) and their contracts they signed this summer:
- Hachimura: 28 mil for two years (only first guaranteed)
- Eason: 81.5 mil for 5 years (16 mil per)
- Collins: 51 mil for three years (17 per), only first year guaranteed
- Champagnie: 45 mil for three years (15 per)
- Wiggins: new 33 mil for two years on top of existing PO (16.5 per for the new deal)
- Dosunmu: 112 mil for 5 years (22 per)
- McCollum: 21 mil, 1 year only

Some other borderline starters: Wade (13 per), Grimes (15 per), KP (20 per, only 2 years), Mark Williams (13 per)

These are the only contracts so far that have higher per value:
- Kessler
- Reaves
- Norman Powell (22.5 per, only 2 year deal)
- Hartenstein (25 mil per, 3 years)
- White (25 mil per, 3 years)
- Dosunmnu (22 per)

[MFFLER est 01]

They aren't off to a rousing start, I'll say that. Nobody is a very consistent shot-maker.  Hopefully it improve

This just isn't true at all lol

[meistermatze]

So the way I see it, we have some nice pieces, but they don't really fit together. We either don't have enough creation on the floor or we don't have enough shooting. Kyrie helps with both, assuming he's at least 90% of his old self, but once he's off the court, the lineups could become problematic.

You either have shooting without much creation, like Max and Klay, or creation without enough shooting, like Coop and Naji. Then there are non-shooters who are still going to play big minutes, like PJ, Gafford, Lively, and Morez.

For this roster to work, we probably need Coop to become a great shooter, at least 38% from three, or him, PJ and Naji to shoot at least around 34, 35%. And of course, Max and Kyrie have to remain elite shooters.

[mvossman]

So the way I see it, we have some nice pieces, but they don't really fit together. We either don't have enough creation on the floor or we don't have enough shooting. Kyrie helps with both, assuming he's at least 90% of his old self, but once he's off the court, the lineups could become problematic.

You either have shooting without much creation, like Max and Klay, or creation without enough shooting, like Coop and Naji. Then there are non-shooters who are still going to play big minutes, like PJ, Gafford, Lively, and Morez.

For this roster to work, we probably need Coop to become a great shooter, at least 38% from three, or him, PJ and Naji to shoot at least around 34, 35%. And of course, Max and Kyrie have to remain elite shooters.

Yep.  I figure they will stagger Flagg and Kyrie to keep as much creation on the floor as possible.  When Kyrie is off the floor a backcourt of Sasser/Larry probably makes most sense.  I can see that vision.  Kyrie/Max to start and Sasser/Larry off the bench.  The front court is a lot harder to figure out.  Its just a huge jumble of players.  Lively/Gafford/Rez/Adlama/Flagg/PJ/Naji/Klay.  8 rotation level players for 3 spots.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I’m not sure Larry is a NBA rotation player right now.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

This just isn't true at all lol

Yeah, it is.   Let's see how they look vs Memphis.

[mvossman]

I’m not sure Larry is a NBA rotation player right now.

He may not be, but I'm not going to let Summer League influence me too much.  Don't think that environment works with his game and he has got to be dealing with a massive adjustment right now.  I think we will have lot better look early season than what we are seeing now.

[Smitty]

I think we've been blinded by a coach who is garbage at coaching an NBA offense, to where we think an elite level playmaker is necessary just to have role players playing up to their talent level. It's still an unknown how May will do in the NBA, but I'd bet on him at least attempting to implement an offensive scheme that tries to elevate the role players on the team.


I think PJ's contract looks much worse coming off the second worst shooting season of his career. It's almost like people have forgotten he's a 35.4% career 3pt shooter on 4.8 attempts which are better marks than one of the shooters we traded for that everyone is happy with in Santi Aldama. PJ has basically only shot below 35% in two seasons of his 7 year career, but you read some posts about him it feels like he's a career 30% 3 point shooter. He's also shot above 37% 3 times, which Aldama hasn't managed once. Not trying to put down Aldama, I like the pickup, but it's interesting how everyone clearly identifies him as a shooter, but are almost treating PJ like he isn't one. Obviously Aldama has a much more multi faceted offensive game than PJ does, and he does shoot more contested shots. But if PJ bounces back shooting wise, which is more likely than not based on his shooting history, not only is his contract absolutely fine for what he does, his trade value shoots back up. I think potentially having a coach who has a semblance of a clue on how to implement an offensive system alone could have positive effects on a number of our role players, beyond the obvious benefits of Kyrie being back.

Did we just become best friends?!

[DanSchwartzgan]

I think we've been blinded by a coach who is garbage at coaching an NBA offense, to where we think an elite level playmaker is necessary just to have role players playing up to their talent level. It's still an unknown how May will do in the NBA, but I'd bet on him at least attempting to implement an offensive scheme that tries to elevate the role players on the team.


I think PJ's contract looks much worse coming off the second worst shooting season of his career. It's almost like people have forgotten he's a 35.4% career 3pt shooter on 4.8 attempts which are better marks than one of the shooters we traded for that everyone is happy with in Santi Aldama. PJ has basically only shot below 35% in two seasons of his 7 year career, but you read some posts about him it feels like he's a career 30% 3 point shooter. He's also shot above 37% 3 times, which Aldama hasn't managed once. Not trying to put down Aldama, I like the pickup, but it's interesting how everyone clearly identifies him as a shooter, but are almost treating PJ like he isn't one. Obviously Aldama has a much more multi faceted offensive game than PJ does, and he does shoot more contested shots. But if PJ bounces back shooting wise, which is more likely than not based on his shooting history, not only is his contract absolutely fine for what he does, his trade value shoots back up. I think potentially having a coach who has a semblance of a clue on how to implement an offensive system alone could have positive effects on a number of our role players, beyond the obvious benefits of Kyrie being back.

One thing that has to be considered is the location of the three's being taken.  PJ has taken 75% of his 3's above the break.  He's been .354 from the corner over his career, but only .329 in three years in Dallas.  Aldama takes a similar percent of his 3's above the break.  But, he is way superior in his effectiveness when moved to the corner....386 for his career, but .412 and .551 the last two seasons.

If Flagg and Kyrie are operating up high with someone setting a screen, there isn't room for PJ or Aldama to occupy that space as much as in the past unless they are setting the screen.  I would predict more of their shots will come from the corner and Aldama will be better at that than PJ.  I think the analysis has to run deeper than his 3% is this and his 3% is that.

[FireNicoHarrison]

I’m not sure Larry is a NBA rotation player right now.

Regular season player? Maybe yes in 2/3 months.

PO? It's another story...

[DanSchwartzgan]

Marc Stein on Lakers pursuing Jonathan Kuminga: ‘They would need Jarred Vanderbilt to be in the trade, and we know the Hawks have shown resistance to it…’ Jake Fischer: ‘I also don't think the Lakers are just like trying to shop Jarred Vanderbilt around the league. I haven’t gotten that sense, either.’  The Lakers are clearly still looking at Jonathan Kuminga as being their starting wing. So, if that deal doesn’t come to fruition, Kuminga does have several other options on the table, including going back to Atlanta.

Bleacher Report

Sounds like negotiating in the public.  I think there is at least some interest in PJ.  I think the mentions of Dallas and Rui lend credence to that.  But, LA doesn't like the asking price, so it tells the world how uninterested they are and how they have better options (like paying more for Kuminga?...not sure that is a good idea).

[FireNicoHarrison]

Overpay Kuminga is the tomb stone on the Luka-Lakers dynasty... So i hope yes.

[ACMFFL]

I am not sure his contract really is that great in the apron world. I would clame his contract is on an upper side based on his age and projected role on a contender. Not overpaid, but also not great. PJ is a good player, but not more than a 4th starter on a contender. His contract is almost 90 mil for four years, that is roughly 22 mil per. Here are some similar players (all of them could also be 4th or 5th best players on a contender) and their contracts they signed this summer:
- Hachimura: 28 mil for two years (only first guaranteed)
- Eason: 81.5 mil for 5 years (16 mil per)
- Collins: 51 mil for three years (17 per), only first year guaranteed
- Champagnie: 45 mil for three years (15 per)
- Wiggins: new 33 mil for two years on top of existing PO (16.5 per for the new deal)
- Dosunmu: 112 mil for 5 years (22 per)
- McCollum: 21 mil, 1 year only

Some other borderline starters: Wade (13 per), Grimes (15 per), KP (20 per, only 2 years), Mark Williams (13 per)

These are the only contracts so far that have higher per value:
- Kessler
- Reaves
- Norman Powell (22.5 per, only 2 year deal)
- Hartenstein (25 mil per, 3 years)
- White (25 mil per, 3 years)
- Dosunmnu (22 per)

This says more about the quality of today's FA market.

I'd argue that off this list Wiggins is the only wing/forward who offers more versatily and impact on both ends of the floor than PJW. He's also 3 years older and before extending he exercised his $30.2 million player option, that's 18% of the cap..

Also Wiggins and CJ are the only two players on that list that proved to be legit starter/4th best players on a contender.
JC and Hachi are situational borderline starter on a good team, they are not ideal starters for a legit contender unless team is pretty strong at the other positions; Eason had an amazing stretch of elite shooting this season but in the end he reverted to his career average (35% on 4.6 attempts per 36', slightly worse efficiency and volume than PJ who is a career 35.4% shooter on 5.6 attempts) , also he struggles to stay healthy even more than PJ does (he averaged 9.5 games played per year less than PJ since he joined the league)

While I agree that his value might not be that great, it still higher than multiple 2nds/one swap and cap relief. Mavs have no need to dump future money if the market doesn't offer decent deals for him. Proven starting-caliber forwards don't grow on tree.

[ACMFFL]

Sounds like negotiating in the public.  I think there is at least some interest in PJ.  I think the mentions of Dallas and Rui lend credence to that.  But, LA doesn't like the asking price, so it tells the world how uninterested they are and how they have better options (like paying more for Kuminga?...not sure that is a good idea).

Sounds like sour grapes to me.

[omahen]

Sounds like negotiating in the public.  I think there is at least some interest in PJ.  I think the mentions of Dallas and Rui lend credence to that.  But, LA doesn't like the asking price, so it tells the world how uninterested they are and how they have better options (like paying more for Kuminga?...not sure that is a good idea).

Rumors related to PJ have been very consistent, that Lakers are not interested in that contract. It was never mentioned that Lakers don't like the asking price or something like that. Hachimura would not change much, as Lakers would need to operate under the cap for his SnT and create additional cap space in size of the Rui contract. That would mean at least Vando and probably more salary being off the books, so basically same situation as it is today. Dallas could get Rui without this deal (he obviously preffered to stay in LA) and it wouldn't be any easier for Lakers to do the deal as it is today.

Reports so far are far from saying Lakers are offering more for Kuminga. Their reported offer was 20 mil for two years. More like prove it deal with the starting opportunity and big minutes that Kuminga will not get anywhere else. He will not be a starter in Atlanta or Cleveland. He could be in Milwaukee, if his interest is putting up big numbers on a bad team. Lakers could get to this number by creating more cap space. But, that ship has sailed since they formalized the Reaves deal. Since than it seems the interest has faded. While I don't really understand the Kuminga appeal, him at 10 per could make sense. At more, not so sure. 

While I am puzzled why Lakers don't have a better solution at wing for now, it seems pretty obvious they are very conservative in this move. At this point, my prediction is either Kuminga if SnT would not cost more than Vando and a FRP swap (unrealistic imho) or they run it with a vet min guy. In this scenario the fifth starter will be one of Vando, LaRavia, vet min guy or Mamu. Neither is obviously a good option, but I think it beats paying all remaining assets and next year MLE for one player.

[omahen]

This says more about the quality of today's FA market.

I'd argue that off this list Wiggins is the only wing/forward who offers more versatily and impact on both ends of the floor than PJW. He's also 3 years older and before extending he exercised his $30.2 million player option, that's 18% of the cap..

Also Wiggins and CJ are the only two players on that list that proved to be legit starter/4th best players on a contender.
JC and Hachi are situational borderline starter on a good team, they are not ideal starters for a legit contender unless team is pretty strong at the other positions; Eason had an amazing stretch of elite shooting this season but in the end he reverted to his career average (35% on 4.6 attempts per 36', slightly worse efficiency and volume than PJ who is a career 35.4% shooter on 5.6 attempts) , also he struggles to stay healthy even more than PJ does (he averaged 9.5 games played per year less than PJ since he joined the league)

While I agree that his value might not be that great, it still higher than multiple 2nds/one swap and cap relief. Mavs have no need to dump future money if the market doesn't offer decent deals for him. Proven starting-caliber forwards don't grow on tree.

Wiggins previous deal was made before the aprons hit. Champagnie is a starter on NBA finals team, posting very similar numbers to PJ. Eason is younger. Dosunmu is probably overpaid based on a couple of awesome playoff games.

[omahen]

Just like Mavs, Lakers are pretty much secretive about their real intentions. Nothing for example was leaked about Kessler, although it seemed to me that deal was agreed (or Lakers knew it was possible) way before FA start and all the noise in first couple of days were just to avoid tampering alegations. Sexton was also totally under the radar. That is why I expect something not talked about much.

My under the radar Lakers move for a wing is Obi Toppin. He is imho quite similar to Kuminga, but very much more content with his role on the team. Very athletic and good shooter. Not a great defender though. Indiana only has 8 mil of room below the first apron for next season and will basically need to make a decision between Walker and Toppin. Walker will be a RFA and will likely fetch a market deal in the 15 per range.

Cleanest deal that makes sense for both teams would be LaRavia and Knecht for Toppin, no assets included. Lakers get the best player, Indy gets under the tax this season and creates enough space to resign Walker next one. Besides they receive LaRavia, that is a cheaper but still serviceable wing.

[ACMFFL]

Wiggins previous deal was made before the aprons hit. Champagnie is a starter on NBA finals team, posting very similar numbers to PJ. Eason is younger. Dosunmu is probably overpaid based on a couple of awesome playoff games.

Since the new CBA kicked in, several "4th/5th best players on a good team" signed deals similar to PJ's money/lenght, guys like Vassell (5/135), McDaniels (5/131), Hart (4/81), J. Allen (3/91), Caruso (4/81), Jabari (5/122), Camara (4/81)
Wiggins still took the PO, he gave them a huge discount in year 1 cause he took the 30 million option and year 2 of the new deal is still a PO. Anyway, he makes 12 million more than PJ next season, teams could sign a decent player for that amount-that's the point. Eason is just younger than PJ, that's it.
PJ had a crucial role in the 2024 run; as good as JC was for SAS in the PO, he didn't have that kind of impact. Also Spurs #1 priority this offseason was to upgrade the PF position, it speaks volume to me, I mean I doubt they signed Tobias to start him off the bench. I think JC took a discount on the back end to make a lot more next year and secure the bag. On the other hand Spurs locked him in while they had the cap space.

[Smitty]

One thing that has to be considered is the location of the three's being taken.  PJ has taken 75% of his 3's above the break.  He's been .354 from the corner over his career, but only .329 in three years in Dallas.  Aldama takes a similar percent of his 3's above the break.  But, he is way superior in his effectiveness when moved to the corner....386 for his career, but .412 and .551 the last two seasons.

If Flagg and Kyrie are operating up high with someone setting a screen, there isn't room for PJ or Aldama to occupy that space as much as in the past unless they are setting the screen.  I would predict more of their shots will come from the corner and Aldama will be better at that than PJ.  I think the analysis has to run deeper than his 3% is this and his 3% is that.

Good stuff Dan. This highlights how both could be used differently, especially in different 5-man lineups. Of course the coaching staff has all of this info. I know they’re not running offensive sets to maximize the 4th or 5th best option on the floor, but I do expect May and Co. to know what each role player does well and try to maximize their strengths within that role! A lot of front court combinations are intriguing. May’s basketball mind gives me hope…