Victor Wembanyama’s next contract is already drawing attention, and not just because of the size of the number attached to it.
The Spurs center has not signed his rookie extension yet, and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported there has been chatter around NBA Summer League in Las Vegas that Wembanyama may be open to taking less than the maximum in order to give San Antonio more long-term roster flexibility. That would be a major development for a player eligible for a five-year extension worth as much as about $252 million, with the total able to climb past $300 million if he qualifies for the Rose Rule by earning another All-NBA selection, MVP or Defensive Player of the Year honors next season.
Fischer also reported there is at least some belief the reigning Defensive Player of the Year could take a team-friendly path similar to Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who accepted a deal that helped New York keep building around him. Nothing has been decided, and the players’ union has historically wanted its biggest stars to maximize their earnings. Still, Wembanyama added to the speculation with a message on social media:
“Spurs family, I’m here to stay. Whatever it takes.”
If that turns into a real salary sacrifice, San Antonio would gain even more room to keep its young core together for years.
Austin Reaves, meanwhile, made clear he felt the sting when LeBron James told the Lakers he would not be back. Reaves told The California Post that he texted James after hearing the news, and he didn’t hide the disappointment.
“I told him I was having a great day on the golf course until he ruined it,” Reaves joked.
Reaves and James spent five seasons together in Los Angeles, and Reaves said James had a huge impact on his growth.
“I don’t have enough time to explain how much he means to me and my career and what he’s done for me,” Reaves said.
James is still an unrestricted free agent, with the Cavaliers, Warriors, Heat, Nuggets, Timberwolves and 76ers still being mentioned as possible landing spots.
In Brooklyn, the Nets moved on from guard Malachi Smith, waiving him after exercising his non-guaranteed team option earlier this offseason, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
Smith played in 15 games for the Nets late last season and put up 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting nearly 49 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three. He also had a strong run in the G League, where he averaged 15.9 points, 7.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds.
If Smith clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent. Since he has only one year of NBA service, he would still be eligible for a two-way contract, and the Nets currently have one of those spots open.
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Nets Head Into Vegas Still Waiting For Their Full Rookie Picture
Brooklyns Summer League group heads to Las Vegas with a little momentum and a little mystery. After going 2-1 in Sacramento, the Nets get their NBA 2K26 Summer League slate started against the Knicks, a familiar East Coast opponent that should give the team another useful measuring stick as it keeps sorting out its young roster and building chemistry.
The bigger storyline for Brooklyn is still the rookie picture, which has yet to come fully into focus. Danny Wolf missed all three California Classic games with lower back soreness but is nearing a return, and Joshua Jefferson is also in line to potentially join the mix as the Nets open play in Vegas, giving the team a chance to see more of the pieces it hopes to develop over the next stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Nets Suddenly Have A Different Kind Of Pressure Next Season
Brooklyns next season comes with a different kind of pressure, one that has less to do with the standings in the moment and more to do with how the organization wants to define itself. With the NBAs new lottery system in play, the Nets are staring at a decision point that could shape the way they handle the year from start to finish, especially if the roster spends much of the season on the fringe of the East race.
The real question is whether Brooklyn leans into a push for the play-in tournament or uses the year to prioritize development if the results start to slip. That kind of flexibility can change everything in the back half of the schedule, from how the team handles veterans dealing with nagging injuries to how many chances the younger players get against opponents still fighting for something meaningful. [Read more 🡒]
Lakers Interest Puts Nets Decision On Former Wing Under Spotlight
The Nets decision to let Ziaire Williams hit unrestricted free agency is suddenly looking more notable with the Lakers circling for another perimeter defender. Los Angeles has already made some offseason moves, including adding Kevon Looney, and is still trying to shore up its wing depth with players who can give it more defensive flexibility on the outside.
According to Lakers insider Khobi Price, Williams is among the names under consideration, which puts Brooklyns call on his team option back in the spotlight. The Lakers are also pursuing Jonathan Kuminga, though cap space may force them to choose one path over the other, leaving Williams as a realistic fallback if the bigger swing becomes too expensive. [Read more 🡒]