The Cavaliers are said to covet even more financial flexibility if they can manufacture it either for their pursuit of Nuggets restricted free Peyton Watson or Hawks unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga as well as the eventual re-signing of James Harden.

One source familiar with the process said Harden's new multiyear deal with the Cavaliers should be completed "soon-ish." As The Stein Line first reported in the below article on July 27, Denver's offers to Watson have been in the $70 million range over four seasons. Watson is believed to be seeking an annual average salary north of what teammate Christian Braun landed from the Nuggets last October in a five-year, $125 million rookie scale extension.

 

Looking to expand his physical capabilities, Victor Wembanyama reportedly spent his week training with Provence Rugby in France. The Spurs superstar participated in on-field drills to learn different movement patterns, reinforcing his reputation for using non-traditional training methods to enhance his performance in the NBA.

[–] [S] 1 point 1 week ago* (1 child)

People talk about Fox being a liability on the Finals, but I think Holgrem will go down as the biggest choke of last season. All of that because he beat us in a U19 tournament.

GM Sam Presti is unquestionably the best at simultaneously building a roster and maximizing the accumulation of assets. We always note how many future first-round picks they have and how much they can pivot even by losing key players. Even this summer, they’ve had to say goodbye to Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe in trades. That was to get under the second apron. The issue is not going anywhere.

Just with the contracts of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, OKC has roughly $143 million committed this coming season, $149.5 million in 2027-28, $161 million in 2028-29, $172.5 million in 2029-30 and $184 million in 2030-31. The good news is they have three incredible players locked up for five years (SGA has a player option in that last season). The bad news is this isn’t a three-on-three league.

Cason Wallace is extension eligible and has made comments about wanting to get paid. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein are on team-friendly deals for the next couple of seasons but might become second-apron casualties. Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams and Jared McCain are extension eligible in a year. The second apron is rearing its ugly head with OKC in real time and will continue to do so as long as the Thunder keep that big three together. They might have to make a big-time decision soon. If Holmgren continues to struggle against Victor Wembanyama when it matters most, then maybe that decision becomes easier.

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    Despite Harper breaking out in the postseason, it's likely Fox gets the nod considering his experience, ability to direct traffic and consistently facilitate the offense. Fox did that throughout the regular season, despite missing most of last offseason and the start of the regular season due to a hamstring injury.

    After Fox's rough showing in the NBA Finals, team sources said the Spurs remain committed to the veteran, pointing out that San Antonio might have never reached the Finals without the point guard's contributions while playing on a high right ankle sprain.

    Ultimately, though, sources said the decision between Fox and Harper will belong to Johnson and will be decided solely by what happens on the floor. Johnson mentioned wanting to experiment with playing all three guards together in some lineups. San Antonio did that in 18 games last season with disastrous results (minus-26.9 net rating). Still, the trio could improve with an entire offseason together

     

    Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has agreed to a three-year, $73 million contract extension through 2029-30, Mike George of Klutch Sports tells ESPN. Brooks has become a key part of the Suns two-way, hard-nosed culture under Jordan Ott and lands a new guaranteed long-term deal.

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