Several Reported NBA Deals Still Await League Approval
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With the NBA’s July moratorium now over, most offseason transactions have been recorded, yet a series of high-profile moves and smaller free-agent contracts remain unannounced by the league office.
Clippers–Raptors blockbuster on hold
The only trade still in limbo is the agreement sending Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, rookie Gradey Dick and draft compensation. Toronto is delaying completion while the NBA investigates possible salary-cap circumvention tied to the bankrupt green banking firm Aspiration. Finalizing the deal now would leave the Raptors, rather than the Clippers, exposed to any league penalties Leonard might incur. Both franchises expect the trade to be completed once the investigation ends.
Free-agent signings not yet official
Brooklyn Nets
Moritz Wagner — two years, $19 million.
The contract fits the $19.2 million room exception. Brooklyn can preserve roughly $14 million in cap space by postponing the signing; adding Wagner now would cut that figure to under $5 million.
Denver Nuggets
Marvin Bagley III, Alpha Diallo, Tyus Jones — each one year at the minimum.
Denver appears to be waiting on restricted free agent Peyton Watson’s situation. A potential sign-and-trade involving Watson could hard-cap the club at the second tax apron, so the Nuggets are holding the three minimum deals until their cap picture is clear.
Golden State Warriors
De’Anthony Melton — two years, $11 million.
Melton can be signed with either the $11.2 million bi-annual exception (hard-capping Golden State at the first tax apron) or the $12.4 million taxpayer mid-level (hard-capping at the second apron). The timing of the move is expected to hinge on LeBron James’ free-agency decision, as using the bi-annual exception would free part of the non-taxpayer mid-level to entice James above the veteran minimum.
Los Angeles Lakers
Ziaire Williams — one year, minimum.
The agreement surfaced less than a day ago, and no delays are anticipated.
Milwaukee Bucks
Gary Trent Jr. — four years, $64 million.
Like Williams’s deal, Trent’s contract was reported recently. The Bucks are expected to formalize it shortly.
Phoenix Suns
Luke Kennard — two years, $12.4 million.
Phoenix needed to finish the Miles Bridges trade with Charlotte to remain below the second tax apron and fit Kennard into the taxpayer mid-level exception. The Bridges deal closed Monday, clearing the way to complete Kennard’s signing.
Numerous two-way and Exhibit 10 agreements across the league also await processing, though those contracts do not affect team salary-cap calculations.
Source: Hoops Rumors
