Stein roundup: Banton still seeks NBA spot; Love buyout talks idle; Warriors optimistic on veteran trio; European league timetable close; Bonga eyes 2026 return
banton-love-warriors-europe-bonga-update
Free agent guard Dalano Banton is continuing to pursue an NBA contract after holding recent workouts with the Warriors and Pacers, according to reporting from Marc Stein. Indiana declined to move forward, but Banton, who has attracted interest from international clubs, remains focused on staying in the league.
The 25-year-old was dealt from Boston to Portland at the 2024 trade deadline and has appeared in 97 games for the Trail Blazers, averaging 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists across 20.6 minutes per night while shooting .399/.319/.751. His contract expired on June 30, leaving him an unrestricted free agent.
Love buyout not imminent
Stein notes that the Jazz have not held substantive buyout talks with Kevin Love. Although the veteran forward would prefer to join a contender, he has not lined up a post-buyout destination, leaving little urgency on either side to alter his current deal with Utah.
Warriors monitoring veteran market
The expectation around the league is that Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II will sign with Golden State once Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation is settled, Stein reports. The latest negotiations between the Warriors and Kuminga have generated fresh optimism that all four deals could be finalized before the team’s Sept. 29 media day.
European league launch window
After FIBA Europe president Jorge Garbajosa projected a 2027 start for the NBA’s proposed European league, Stein’s sources indicate that while the timeline may not be exact, it is “not far off.”
Bonga stays in Europe for now
Isaac Bonga’s 2025 NBA exit clause has lapsed, yet several teams showed interest earlier this summer, Stein writes. Without a firm offer, the forward committed to playing the upcoming season with Partizan Belgrade. Stein expects stronger NBA pursuit for Bonga next offseason.
Source: HoopsRumors
