Early indications suggest that Pacers power forward Jalen Smith will decline his $5.4MM player option for next season and become an unrestricted free agent, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports in his latest aggregate mock draft. Sources tell Scotto that a final decision hasn’t been made, but Smith appears to be leaning toward testing the free agency waters. He has a June 29 deadline to opt in for 2024/25.
Smith, 24, appeared in 61 games this season and posted a career high in scoring at 9.9 PPG, along with 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 17.2 minutes per night. He was selected 10th overall by Phoenix in the 2020 draft and was acquired by Indiana at the 2022 trade deadline.
Scotto notes that rival teams are watching to see whether the Pacers will re-sign restricted free agent Obi Toppin. If the fourth-year power forward reaches a new deal, there’s a belief that Indiana might be willing to trade Jarace Walker, who was a lottery pick last June.
Scotto shares more inside information in his aggregate draft:
- Washington is believed to be a potential destination for former Pistons general manager Troy Weaver, who recently parted ways with the team, Scotto writes, noting that Weaver was once part of Oklahoma City’s front office along with Wizards executives Michael Winger and Will Dawkins.
- Scotto talked with some NBA executives who believe the Magic should be considered a threat to sign Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein. Orlando could have close to $50MM in cap space to work with.
- Executives also expect the Kings to explore deals involving Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes, Scotto adds.
- The Raptors plan to work out an extension with Scottie Barnes this summer, sources tell Scotto. The versatile swingman made his first All-Star appearance this year.
- Scotto echoes other reports in stating that Royce O’Neale is likely to reach a new contract with the Suns. The 31-year-old forward, who was acquired from Brooklyn at the trade deadline, is expected to receive about $10MM per year, according to Scotto.
- Vice president of basketball operations Brent Barry isn’t expected to return to the Spurs next season, sources tell Scotto. The longtime NBA player has been an executive with San Antonio since 2018.
- Assistant coach Jason Love will likely leave the Sixers and join Doc Rivers’ staff with the Bucks, Scotto states. Love previously worked for Rivers in Philadelphia.
- The Hornets are assembling a staff of assistants for new head coach Charles Lee. Scotto hears it will include Lamar Skeeter, Josh Longstaff, Chris Jent, Ryan Frazier, Zach Peterson, Matt Hill and Blaine Mueller.
Losing IH would be a big loss to the KNICKS … like Hart, IH makes a lot of winning plays, which might not show up on the stats sheet.
Me personally I’d never pay a bench player the kind of money they are talking about giving to Monk. Yes he was fantastic off the bench Kat season but giving him 20/25+ mil ain’t a good business decision.
Just look at other former sixth man of the year finalists.
Montrez Harrell, now out of the league.
Jordan Clarkson his 25mil contract is an overpay.
Cam Johnson 20mil looks like a slight overpay. Dennis turned down big money and now is an average starter on like 12m.
Think it’s even more of a concern when your worst starting position is SG and the guy you want to pay 25mil to coming off the bench doesn’t get results in with the starters.
As for who to move and stuff, I think Harrison Barnes is too important for this year to move off him. He’s a huge part of the culture and the locker room, he fits perfectly next to Keegan Murray at the forward position and just his overall 3 and D skill set is exactly what they need around Fox and Sabonis. But Hueter, Duarte, Mitchell those guys are expandable.
I think regardless of Monk, the biggest thing they need is to add 1 or 2 really good defenders.
I’d try Portland who have Mattise Thybulle and Rob Williams. But I think GSW could be shopping Draymond which could be interesting aswell.
Offer either of them Hueter, this years pick at 13th and then Duarte or Mitchell if they want, see how that goes??
Then after that I’d look to find a bench scoring option to replace Monk. Dennis Schroder, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Cole Anthony, Bones Hyland and Jordan Clarkson would be a few good targets.
I knew that Weaver’s Bagley trade was an inside job
Good possibility Hartenstein walks. I really see him signing. He can sign a 1yr deal. Get paid next yr. He seems to really like this team. I’m for keeping Mitch too.
IHart stays Mitch probably gets traded. Knicks draft a Center. Then it means one is probably leaving.