NBA Rumors: Warriors, LeBron James, Rockets, Marcus Smart, Spurs

Warriors

The Warriors remain one of the teams most closely linked to LeBron James.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, rival executives continue to identify Golden State, the Cavaliers and the Heat as the three most likely landing spots for James after his decision to leave the Lakers.

Stein and Fischer added that the Warriors may have already lined up additional moves to create salary-cap flexibility should James decide the Bay Area is his next destination.

Golden State also has another situation to monitor.

Restricted free agent center Quinten Post is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams, raising the possibility that another club could attempt to pry him away with an offer sheet.

Rockets

The Rockets are still looking for ways to keep their offseason plans intact.

According to The Stein Line, Houston is attempting to move veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith as it works toward re-signing restricted free agent Tari Eason and creating enough flexibility to pursue Marcus Smart.

If the Rockets can clear the necessary salary, they could offer Smart a three-year contract worth roughly $7 million annually using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

If not, Houston’s offer would likely be limited to two years via the taxpayer mid-level exception.

Spurs

The Spurs continue searching for veteran help on the wing, but they don’t appear interested in making a lengthy commitment.

According to Stein and Fischer, San Antonio is reluctant to offer more than two years to free agents using its non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

The reasoning is simple.

With Victor Wembanyama expected to sign a massive extension and Stephon Castle eventually due for a new contract as well, the Spurs want to preserve long-term financial flexibility.

Rui Hachimura, Tobias Harris and John Collins are among the veteran forwards reportedly under consideration, with Hachimura also drawing interest from the Nets and Pistons.