Phoenix, Dallas, Portland and Oklahoma City generated several off-season storylines on Monday as executives and former stars weighed roster moves and community projects.
Suns weigh options on multiple free agents
According to an offseason breakdown by cap analyst Keith Smith, the Phoenix Suns must decide how aggressively to retain a handful of pending free agents.
Mark Williams, a restricted free agent, could simply accept his $9.6 million qualifying offer. Smith cautions that the 22-year-old center’s solid play is tempered by a significant injury history.
Phoenix holds Early Bird rights on reserve guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, positioning the club to match outside bids. Smith pegs a four-year, $40 million contract as a realistic baseline for Gillespie and three years, $18 million for Goodwin.
The Suns can also open extension talks with forward Dillon Brooks. With Brooks turning 30 in January, Smith suggests a four-year, $100 million offer as a reasonable ceiling.
Mavericks study Arizona guard Brayden Burries at No. 9
James Piercey of the Dallas Hoops Journal writes that the Mavericks should give serious consideration to Arizona freshman guard Brayden Burries with the ninth overall pick. Burries averaged 16.1 points while hitting 39.1 percent from three in his lone collegiate season. Piercey believes the 6-foot-5 guard’s perimeter defense and off-ball shooting would complement point-forward Cooper Flagg.
Trail Blazers urged to chase Giannis Antetokounmpo
In a subscriber column, The Oregonian’s Bill Oram argues that the Trail Blazers should submit an aggressive trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Oram notes that Portland already controls Milwaukee’s first-round picks from 2028 through 2030, giving the franchise additional leverage in negotiations. He contends that a small-market team must “go all in” when an elite talent becomes available.
Westbrook breaks ground on 10,000-seat stadium in Oklahoma City
Former Thunder star Russell Westbrook returned to Oklahoma City on Monday to help launch construction of a 10,000-seat outdoor stadium slated to open in 2028, The Oklahoman reports. Partnering with Echo Investment Capital founder and CEO Christian Kanady, Westbrook is co-developing the surrounding district. The venue will host Oklahoma City’s United Soccer League club and United Football League team. Westbrook enters unrestricted free agency this summer.
The developments highlight a busy stretch across the Western Conference as front offices balance roster building with long-range community initiatives.
Source: Hoops Rumors
