Spurs Reluctant to Commit Long-Term MLE Money; Lakers, Warriors, Rockets and Mavericks Active Ahead of Free Agency
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The San Antonio Spurs are exploring veteran help at forward but, according to The Stein Line, have informed agents they will not offer more than two years while using their $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Team officials want to keep future cap space clear for Victor Wembanyama’s next contract in 2027/28 and a projected second deal for No. 2 pick Stephon Castle in 2028/29.
Spurs’ Forward Targets
Rui Hachimura, Tobias Harris and John Collins are among the veterans on San Antonio’s radar. Hachimura is also drawing interest from the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons.
Lakers Position for Walker Kessler
Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili are widely expected to join the Los Angeles Lakers on contracts worth roughly $10 million annually. If one of those signings is completed with the room exception, Los Angeles could still have about $40 million in cap room—funds the club is prepared to direct toward a bid for Utah Jazz restricted free agent center Walker Kessler. The Lakers also like Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren but view Kessler as their top target.
Warriors Monitor LeBron, Face Quinten Post Pressure
Rival front offices most often mention the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat as potential destinations should LeBron James decide to leave Los Angeles. League sources tell The Stein Line that Golden State may already have moves lined up to expand its cap flexibility. One wrinkle: restricted free agent center Quinten Post is attracting attention from multiple teams, and an aggressive offer sheet could strain the Warriors’ finances if they pursue James.
Rockets Trying to Clear Space for Marcus Smart
Houston wants to re-sign restricted free agent forward Tari Eason and still have its full non-taxpayer MLE available to present Marcus Smart with a three-year offer worth about $7 million per season. To reach that goal, the Rockets are attempting to trade forward Dorian Finney-Smith. Failing to move his salary would likely force Houston to limit a Smart proposal to two years using the smaller taxpayer MLE, valued at roughly $6.2 million annually.
Mavericks Linked to Marcus Sasser
The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a possible destination for Pistons guard Marcus Sasser, whose $5.2 million expiring contract is considered a trade candidate. Off-loading Sasser would give Detroit added spending flexibility once free agency opens.
Source: Hoops Rumors
