Key Unresolved Free-Agency Cases, Trade Logjams Shape Second Week of NBA Offseason
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The NBA’s 2026-27 league year is into its second week, yet several major roster questions remain unanswered. A handful of prominent free agents—both restricted and unrestricted—are still without deals, and five previously reported trades have not been finalized.
Top Restricted Free Agents Still on the Board
Jalen Duren, Pistons
Detroit’s 22-year-old center explored offer sheets and sign-and-trade options when free agency opened, meeting with the Lakers and Kings. Los Angeles has since spent its cap space on fellow restricted big man Walker Kessler, and Detroit declined to discuss a Sabonis-centered swap with Sacramento. With no club able to extend a near-max offer, a new Pistons contract now appears the most likely outcome. A six-team trade—sending out Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert and Marcus Sasser—should give Detroit additional tax flexibility to increase Duren’s first-year salary.
Peyton Watson, Nuggets
Denver has told rival teams it will match any offer sheet for the 23-year-old wing, while simultaneously welcoming sign-and-trade proposals. Matching complexities arise from base-year compensation rules and second-apron restrictions; even waiving Jonas Valančiūnas would leave the Nuggets roughly $20 million below that threshold with only eight players signed. Brooklyn could clear enough cap room for an offer sheet but is not pushing to do so. The Clippers remain interested yet would need a sign-and-trade—an even trickier proposition if their pending John Collins deal proceeds without Watson involved. Denver also maintains a qualifying offer to fellow RFA Spencer Jones.
Bennedict Mathurin, Clippers
No outside teams have been publicly linked to the former No. 6 pick. A quiet market diminishes Mathurin’s leverage, raising the possibility of an extended negotiation similar to several 2025 restricted cases. ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk reports Los Angeles still intends to re-sign the 24-year-old guard.
Unrestricted Free Agents Awaiting Resolution
LeBron James
After informing the Lakers he will not return, James heard pitches from every team and has narrowed his list to six: Cleveland, Denver, Golden State, Miami, Minnesota and Philadelphia. The Cavaliers are viewed as favorites, yet rival bidders have not conceded.
James Harden
Harden declined his $50.1 million player option on June 30 with an understanding that a new multiyear agreement with Cleveland was forthcoming. The sides reportedly have a framework but are waiting to see whether James chooses the Cavaliers, which could alter contract structure.
Draymond Green
Golden State plans to keep Green, though the terms could shift if James selects the Warriors. Both Green and Harden are expected to finalize deals soon after—or even slightly before—James announces his destination.
Jonathan Kuminga
At least one James suitor, Cleveland, is pursuing Kuminga. The Lakers remain interested but need to shed salary or arrange a sign-and-trade with Atlanta to reach a competitive offer, rumored at two years and $20 million. Milwaukee, Sacramento and Atlanta also remain options.
DeMar DeRozan
The veteran swingman will clear waivers today after being released by Sacramento. DeRozan is viewed as a contingency plan for teams that miss on James.
Five Reported Trades Still Pending
Four-Team Deal: LaMelo Ball to Timberwolves, Naz Reid to Hornets, Julius Randle to Nets, Nic Claxton to Bulls. Cannot be completed until July 9, when Mouhamadou Gueye becomes trade-eligible.
Hornets–Suns: Charlotte’s trade sending Miles Bridges to Phoenix depends on the Ball-Reid transaction closing first because a draft asset moves in both deals.
Jazz–Lakers (Walker Kessler sign-and-trade): Los Angeles is exploring additional salary-clearing moves—potentially involving Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy or Dalton Knecht—before using remaining cap space to acquire Kessler.
Six-Team Swap: An agreement featuring John Collins, Santi Aldama, Isaiah Stewart, Khris Middleton and others came together Tuesday. The Clippers are examining whether Collins’ outgoing salary could also facilitate a Peyton Watson sign-and-trade. Absent changes, the transaction is expected to close by Thursday so Washington can utilize a trade exception expiring July 9.
Clippers–Raptors (Kawhi Leonard): No procedural obstacles are apparent, but both teams may still be weighing ancillary moves that affect Leonard’s trade bonus or broader cap positions.
With James’ decision poised to trigger a cascade of moves, the coming days could resolve several of the offseason’s biggest questions.
Source: Hoops Rumors
