The NBA Free Agency period officially begins on Monday, although many behind-the-scenes moves have already been happening. Here are some of the latest rumors, particularly focusing on the Phoenix Suns.
Booker Aims to Extend with Suns
Phoenix’s offseason priorities are clear:
- Trade Kevin Durant — Done.
- Hire a new coach — Completed, with Jordan Ott getting the job.
- Take advantage of a strong NBA draft — Completed with Khaman Maluach added.
- Trade Bradley Beal — Difficult, more on that below.
- Re-sign Devin Booker — Work is ongoing.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed that Booker, the franchise centerpiece, is discussing a possible two-year, $150 million extension. Though not mandatory to sign, this deal would show deep commitment to Phoenix and effectively lock him into a five-year, $320 million contract. Rest assured, the Suns aren’t trading Booker anytime soon.
Beal Open to Trade, but It’s a Long Shot
Bradley Beal, owed $110 million across the next two years, has a non-trade clause allowing him to veto trades to teams he doesn’t want to join. This means he’s likely to stay with Phoenix next season, where new coach Jordan Ott plans to utilize him heavily early to potentially boost his trade value.
Fred Katz from The Athletic reports Beal is "open" to a trade but only under the right circumstances and destination, with his preference being to remain in Phoenix despite the team’s 35-win season last year. Beal’s $55 million per season salary is considered overvalued by many, with teams reluctant to take on the cost without added incentives. Attempts to stretch his contract would clash with NBA salary cap rules, making a trade unlikely. So, it appears Beal will remain with the Suns for now.
LeBron Expected to Pick Up Contract Option
Unlike previous years when LeBron James declined his player option to negotiate new deals with the Lakers, he is projected to accept the second year of his contract worth $52.6 million, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. This doesn’t necessarily mean it will be LeBron’s final season, as no decisions have been finalized.
The Lakers’ focus this offseason is also on settling contracts with Dorian Finney-Smith and Luka Dončić. Dončić is anticipated to sign a max extension after August 2, likely worth $165 million over three years. He seems content in Los Angeles, with no signs he will leave.
Gary Payton II Likely Leaving Golden State
Payton, a fan and locker room favorite who played a vital role in the Warriors’ 2022 title run, is expected to move on. He is a top perimeter defender for them but commands a salary raise from his $9.1 million last year, which the Warriors might find too costly due to other roster complexities. NBC Sports Bay Area sources hint that while the Warriors still like him, Payton could land elsewhere next season.
Pistons and Clippers Eye Nickaire Alexander-Walker
With Minnesota agreeing to re-sign Naz Reid and pursuing a new deal with Julius Randle, Nickaire Alexander-Walker might find himself without a spot. The Pistons, Clippers, and Magic have shown interest in him, and he could command a mid-level exception contract around $14.1 million.
Kings Interested in Jonathan Kuminga
The Sacramento Kings need a point guard but are avoiding pricey veterans. They’re targeting affordable options like Dennis Schröder rather than stars like Trae Young or Jrue Holiday. The Kings could also use a sign-and-trade to acquire Jonathan Kuminga from the Warriors, though it’s unlikely he’ll start with Sacramento next season. The team’s young GM, Scott Perry, appears focused on rebuilding with patience.
Other Notes
- Cam Whitmore struggles for playing time on a loaded Rockets team and could be traded.
- The Rockets plan to re-sign Aaron Holiday, Jessine Tate, and Jeff Green on minimum contracts.
- Cleveland has locked in sharpshooter Sam Merrill with a four-year, $38 million deal; he averaged nearly 20 minutes per game last season and improved defensively.
Fan Take: These developments highlight the evolving strategies teams are employing to balance star talent, salary cap constraints, and rebuilding efforts. For basketball fans, the shifting Knicks-Suns and Warriors rosters, along with intriguing moves by the Lakers and Kings, promise an exciting and competitive upcoming season that could reshape the NBA landscape.
