The 2026 NBA free-agent class lacks the star power of summers such as 2010, 2016 and 2019, and much of this offseason’s biggest drama is expected to play out in the trade market, according to ESPN. Still, sources around the league say there are several intriguing decisions to monitor, including the futures of Austin Reaves, Jalen Duren and Mitchell Robinson.
Unrestricted guard Ayo Dosunmu arrived from the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline and made an immediate impact for the Minnesota Timberwolves, including a 43-point performance in a Game 4 win over the Denver Nuggets that came without injured stars Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, ESPN reported. League sources expect Minnesota will try to keep Dosunmu and project a return for a price slightly above the midlevel exception (roughly $15 million), though retaining him might require roster moves to avoid the second luxury-tax apron. DiVincenzo is expected to miss at least most of next season with a torn right Achilles, per the report.
Detroit’s Jalen Duren, a restricted free agent, boosted his standing after making the All-Star and All-NBA teams and helping the Pistons to the Eastern Conference’s best record, ESPN sources said. A disappointing playoff stretch tempered some enthusiasm among rival scouts and executives, but Duren is still expected to command a deal approaching $40 million per year. An East executive told ESPN, “If he wants to get a max, they’ll tell him to go get one,” while acknowledging Duren’s close relationship with Pistons star Cade Cunningham and the likelihood that Detroit would match an offer sheet.
Walker Kessler’s restricted status has also drawn attention after failed extension talks in the fall and Utah’s February trade to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr., ESPN reported. With Jackson and Lauri Markkanen not considered full-time centers, league sources view Kessler as an important piece for the Jazz and expect him to sign a deal in the $25 million to $30 million per year range. An East scout told ESPN, “It appears Utah is gearing up to keep him.”
The prevailing view is that unrestricted guard Austin Reaves will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers and earn a significant raise after playing on one of the league’s best value contracts, according to ESPN. Several scouts and executives predict a new deal in the range of five years, the report said.
