Rival front-office personnel continue to place the Golden State Warriors among the leading contenders for LeBron James should the four-time MVP decide to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are also viewed as realistic destinations.
Warriors
The report indicates Golden State has already mapped out additional moves to open salary-cap space if James chooses the Bay Area. The franchise is also monitoring restricted free-agent center Quinten Post, who is attracting interest from several teams and could receive an offer sheet the Warriors would need to match.
Rockets
Houston is working to keep its offseason blueprint intact by seeking a trade partner for veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith, The Stein Line notes. Moving his contract would help the Rockets re-sign restricted free agent Tari Eason and create enough flexibility to pursue guard Marcus Smart.
If the club frees the necessary room, it could extend Smart a three-year deal worth roughly $7 million per season using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Without that space, the organization would be limited to a two-year offer under the taxpayer mid-level exception.
Spurs
San Antonio continues to look for experienced wing help but is reluctant to commit to contracts longer than two years when using its non-taxpayer mid-level exception, Stein and Fischer report. The cautious approach is aimed at preserving cap flexibility for a future extension for Victor Wembanyama and an eventual new deal for Stephon Castle.
Forwards Rui Hachimura, Tobias Harris and John Collins are among the names under consideration. Hachimura is also drawing attention from the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons.
Source: Hoops Wire
