
As NBA free agency tips off, the Rockets appear to be positioning themselves as the strongest suitor for veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith, per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Houston, armed with the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, is reportedly offering a four-year deal that comes in just shy of the full MLE amount. While not maxing out the available money, it may be enough to lure Finney-Smith away from the Lakers, who remain hopeful they can bring him back.
Finney-Smith, 32, declined a $15.4 million player option on Sunday, a move many around the league expected would be followed by a re-signing in Los Angeles. But nothing has materialized as of this moment, prompting speculation that Houston could pull off a surprise swing early in free agency.
The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith from Brooklyn in December. He filled a part-time starting role and drew praise for his defensive versatility and locker room presence.
No Movement Expected for Turner
Meanwhile, despite the Pacers’ season ending on a somewhat sour note with Tyrese Haliburton going down with an Achilles injury, Indiana appears to be holding firm in its plans to re-sign starting center Myles Turner.
“There’s no tangible expectation” that Turner will leave in free agency, according to Stein and Fischer.
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle added fuel to that outlook during a recent radio appearance, stating that keeping Turner in Indiana is the organization’s “No. 1 priority.” Turner, 28, is one of the longest-tenured big men in the league and remains a core part of the Pacers’ defensive identity.
Mavs Closing in on Russell, Eyeing Exum Return
In Dallas, the Mavericks are expected to use their $5.7 million taxpayer MLE to bring in Nets guard D’Angelo Russell on a two-year deal.
Russell, who split time this past NBA season between the Lakers and Nets, is seen as a scoring punch off the bench and could help ease the workload on Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Even with Russell in the fold, the Mavericks are exploring ways to re-sign guard Dante Exum, whose resurgence last season added backcourt depth and defensive toughness.
To create room, Dallas is reportedly shopping 2023 first-round pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper, whose $3 million salary for next season and $5.3 million team option in 2026/27 make him a movable piece — especially for a team willing to take a flyer on a young wing.
Magic Make Room for Jones?
The Magic declined team options on Moritz Wagner ($11 million) and Caleb Houstan ($2.1 million), decisions that could clear the runway to pursue free agent point guard Tyus Jones., Stein and Fischer report.
If Jones moves on from Phoenix, where he landed before last NBA season, Stein and Fischer speculate that it could open the door for a surprising reunion. Namely, Chris Paul potentially returning to the Suns.
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