Eastern Conference Roundup: Cavaliers Prepare for Dean Wade Departure; Pistons Work Out First-Round Hopefuls; Raptors Focus on Cap Flexibility; Pacers Challenge Kam Jones
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Dean Wade appears headed for unrestricted free agency, with league sources indicating the Cleveland Cavaliers are unlikely to re-sign the veteran forward.
Cleveland has been permitted to negotiate with Wade since the day after the NBA Finals ended, but multiple sources told ClutchPoints that the sides remain far apart. Wade, 29, completed his seventh season with the Cavaliers on a $6.6 million salary. Earlier projections suggested he could command a significant share of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, expected to open at roughly $15 million next season.
In 59 games this year, the 6-foot-9 defensive specialist averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds while converting 36.2 percent of his three-point attempts over 22.3 minutes. Cap constraints could make it difficult for Cleveland to match competing offers.
Pistons Evaluate Draft Targets
The Detroit Pistons welcomed two projected first-round picks—Santa Clara forward Allen Graves and Texas wing Dailyn Swain—for pre-draft workouts on Thursday, according to The Athletic. Detroit owns the No. 21 selection in next week’s draft. Head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said Thursday the club is exploring several options with that pick.
Raptors Eye Salary Relief and Frontcourt Depth
In his offseason primer, Spotrac’s Keith Smith reported that the Toronto Raptors are considering trading guard Gradey Dick to generate space to re-sign forward Sandro Mamukelashvili. If Mamukelashvili departs, Toronto is expected to pursue a backup center with the mid-level exception after starter Jakob Poeltl missed significant time in 2025/26 because of a back injury.
Smith also expects the Raptors to pick up minimum-salary team options on guards Jamal Shead and Jonathan Mogbo and to explore extensions with both players. An extension for wing RJ Barrett, who can become a free agent in 2027, is viewed as unlikely this summer.
Kam Jones Faces Pivotal Offseason in Indiana
Kam Jones, selected 38th overall by the Indiana Pacers last year, endured a difficult rookie campaign. The former Marquette guard suffered an offseason back injury that delayed his debut until mid-December and struggled to find consistency once healthy. With his contract only partially guaranteed for 2026/27, team observers say Jones must show marked improvement this summer to solidify his place on the roster.
Source: Hoops Rumors
