Several Western Conference teams are weighing roster moves as training camp unfolds, according to multiple league sources.
Utah Jazz
Rival executives believe Utah may be testing veteran power forward Kevin Love’s trade value after he logged 20 minutes in the club’s preseason opener, The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer reported. Love, 37, is viewed as the Jazz’s most attainable trade piece and could ultimately reach a buyout if no suitable deal materializes. A minimum-salary contract with another team would likely make a buyout more palatable, reducing Utah’s financial commitment.
The Jazz continue to field calls on All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen but are not actively pursuing a deal, per the report. Utah is also holding off on a rookie-scale extension for center Walker Kessler, who is eligible now yet projected to hit restricted free agency in 2026. Delaying a new contract keeps roster flexibility should trade discussions intensify; both the Lakers and Suns have shown interest in the 7-footer.
Denver Nuggets
Fourth-year wing Christian Braun is seeking a rookie extension worth roughly $30 million per season, with negotiations expected to start around a $25 million annual baseline, Fischer wrote. The 24-year-old averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season while shooting nearly 40 percent from three, solidifying his status as a long-term priority for Denver.
Front-office caution could delay an extension for forward Peyton Watson. With max salaries already committed to Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and others, the Nuggets are reluctant to lock in multiple role players before evaluating the full roster impact on the luxury tax.
Phoenix Suns
Mark Williams, the 7-foot center acquired in June, is not expected to finalize an extension this month. Phoenix intends to monitor his performance over a complete, healthy season; injuries have limited Williams to fewer than 45 games in each of his first three NBA campaigns. He will enter restricted free agency next summer, giving the Suns control and time to assess his fit alongside their veteran core.
Source: Hoops Wire
