TITLE: Skyforce Land Alex Fudge in Three-Team G League Trade; Analysts Size Up Offseason Spending and Draft Assets
SLUG: skyforce-fudge-three-team-g-league-trade-offseason-spending-draft-assets
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Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s NBA G League affiliate, have obtained the returning-player rights to forward Alex Fudge in a three-team trade finalized on September 18. The deal also delivers a 2026 first-round G League pick from the College Park Skyhawks to Sioux Falls, while sending center Malik Williams to College Park. The South Bay Lakers round out the transaction by receiving guard Caleb Daniels from Sioux Falls and guard Michael Devoe from College Park.
Fudge, 22, entered the NBA undrafted out of Florida in 2023. He signed two-way contracts with the Lakers and later the Mavericks before being waived last summer. The 6’9” forward averaged 5.5 points in 15 G League outings for South Bay last season and logged six NBA appearances.
Williams, the only other player in the trade with NBA minutes, played seven games—two as a starter—for the Toronto Raptors on a 10-day contract during the 2023/24 campaign. The 6’11” big man posted 14.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for Sioux Falls in G League play last year.
Daniels spent last season on an Exhibit 10 deal with Miami and averaged 10.8 points for the Skyforce. Devoe, who previously signed Exhibit 10 pacts with the Clippers (2022) and Jazz (2023), played in Germany last season; South Bay now holds his G League rights.
G League trades often precede the issuance of Exhibit 10 contracts, which can award players bonuses of up to $85,300 if they remain with the team’s affiliate for at least 60 days.
Hollinger Highlights Overlooked Offseason Moves
In a column for The Athletic, John Hollinger labeled the Spurs’ signing of center Luke Kornet as one of the NBA’s most under-the-radar acquisitions, citing the fit alongside or behind Victor Wembanyama at a modest cost. Hollinger also praised Chicago for re-upping guard Josh Giddey and commended Miami’s trade for Norman Powell. Conversely, he criticized the Heat for salary-dumping forward Haywood Highsmith and questioned New Orleans’ decision to trade for guard Jordan Poole.
Small-Market Clubs Lead in Spending
With only restricted free agents Quentin Grimes and Jonathan Kuminga still unresolved, Keith Smith of Spotrac reviewed offseason expenditures. Small-market franchises dominated the ledger, none more than the Thunder, who committed $776.3 million in extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams.
Thunder Still Rule Draft Capital Rankings
ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Jeremy Woo ranked organizations by future draft assets and again placed Oklahoma City atop the list with 13 incoming first-round selections. The Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz followed, underscoring their rebuilding strategies built around stockpiled picks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
