The Detroit Pistons are quickly becoming the team to keep an eye on — not because they’re in the mix for bigger NBA names like Brandon Ingram, Jimmy Butler, or Zach LaVine, but because they’ve got something even more valuable: $14 million in salary cap space.
As relayed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, with almost a third of the NBA prohibited from taking on extra salary due to apron restrictions, Detroit finds itself in the perfect position to play a pivotal role as a third-team facilitator.
The Pistons could step in to take on contracts in any trade, but they’re going to need draft picks as a sweetener, Marks noted.
Nuggets Eye Market
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are also a team to watch, but for a very different reason. With Nikola Jokic leading the charge, Denver’s championship window is wide open, but their options are limited when it comes to adding talent at the trade deadline.
They can only swap first-round picks in 2031, and their most significant trade asset is Michael Porter Jr., whose $35.9 million contract could be tough to move.
The Nuggets are going to have to be creative to strengthen their roster, especially when they’re working with limited resources.
Butler Staying With Heat?
As for Jimmy Butler, the consensus among the league is that barring any major distractions or a trade offer too good to refuse, Butler is likely staying put in Miami.
While the six-time All-Star is expected to decline his $52 million player option for next season, making him a free agent unless an extension is reached, the Heat could offer him a two-year, $112.6 million deal.
That’s a lot of money, and Miami has to make the decision that benefits them, not necessarily what’s best for Butler, as one Western Conference executive told ESPN.
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