Overview
- Toronto and Vegas are finalizing a sign-and-trade that would send Mitch Marner to the Golden Knights, marking a shift from his expected entry into free agency.
- Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving had indicated Marner would become an unrestricted free agent before exploring the trade route to manage his no-movement clause and cap hit.
- LeBron James has opted into his $52.6 million 2025–26 player option with the Lakers, confirming there have been no trade discussions and underscoring his championship pursuit.
- Los Angeles quickly added Jake LaRavia on a two-year, $12 million deal and plans to use its $14.1 million mid-level exception to pursue rim-protecting centers Brook Lopez, Clint Capela or DeAndre Ayton.
- Early free agency saw Houston sign Dorian Finney-Smith for four years at $53 million and Portland buy out DeAndre Ayton, highlighting the NBA’s growing reliance on buyouts and exceptions for roster flexibility.