With the 2025-26 NBA season still two months away, and despite EuroBasket 2025 offering some on-court entertainment, the league`s calendar remains in a quiet period. However, this “dead zone” doesn`t mean nothing is happening behind the scenes. Several restricted free agents, such as Jonathan Kuminga and Josh Giddey, are awaiting crucial contract decisions, while notable unrestricted free agents like Russell Westbrook and Al Horford are still searching for new teams for the upcoming season.
Against this backdrop, here is a summary of the latest league chatter regarding several key free agents.
Malik Beasley Draws Interest from Knicks, Cavaliers
Malik Beasley is still involved, to some extent, in a federal gambling investigation. Nevertheless, NBA teams are “keeping tabs” on his situation, anticipating his full clearance of any wrongdoing, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Specifically, four teams—the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Pistons—have reportedly been in contact with Beasley`s representatives.
Beasley was initially expected to re-sign with the Pistons this summer after a standout year. He averaged 16.3 points and shot an impressive 41.6% from three-point range off the bench for a Detroit squad that pushed the Knicks in the playoffs. Beasley’s three-point shooting was crucial to Detroit`s success, making their desire to bring him back understandable. However, re-signing him has become more challenging for the Pistons, who have already completed most of their offseason moves.
Detroit can only offer him $7.2 million for the next season, which is significantly below the reported three-year, $42 million deal he was projected to receive before the investigation. Yet, this figure still exceeds what the other interested teams can offer. The Knicks, Cavaliers, and Wolves are limited to offering only the veteran minimum, approximately $3.3 million. Beasley, per Fischer, is seeking a deal above the veteran minimum. This situation appears to favor Detroit, but any resolution ultimately depends on the outcome of the federal investigation.
Mavericks Aim to Clear Roster Space for Danté Exum
The Dallas Mavericks are looking to re-sign Danté Exum for the upcoming season, a move that necessitates opening a roster spot. According to Fischer, the Mavericks hope to resolve this by the end of the week, either by trading Olivier Maxence-Prosper or Jaden Hardy, or by waiving one of them. This urgent push is due to the league`s August 31st deadline for waiving and stretching a player`s contract.
Maxence-Prosper holds the smaller contract of the two players, meaning waiving and stretching his deal would have less of a financial impact on Dallas’ future books. Maxence-Prosper is owed $3 million next season, with a $5.2 million club option for the following year. In contrast, Hardy is owed $18 million over the next three years, including a club option in the third year, making the long-term financial cost of waiving and stretching his contract more substantial for Dallas.
Beyond the financial aspects, keeping Hardy would likely be more beneficial for the Mavericks. The team has an abundance of forwards but lacks sufficient backcourt support, which is precisely why they prioritize retaining Exum. With Kyrie Irving sidelined until at least February with a torn ACL, the Mavericks will require all the backcourt help they can get, a role Hardy could potentially fill. While neither player has secured consistent minutes in Coach Jason Kidd’s rotation, Hardy’s scoring and ability to run the offense for short stretches would be more useful for Dallas next season. Maxence-Prosper provides needed defense, but with a plethora of wings already on the roster, his presence becomes somewhat redundant.
Knicks, Timberwolves Among Teams Eyeing Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon’s season was cut short in February after he sustained a left ankle sprain, keeping him out for the final two months. He played on the final year of his contract and remains unsigned this summer, but has attracted interest from a few teams, per Fischer. The Knicks, Timberwolves, and Warriors have all registered interest in the veteran guard. However, Golden State’s pursuit is currently held up by Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. A similar situation likely applies to other teams, as everyone awaits clarity on whether the Warriors will attempt to trade Kuminga or ultimately re-sign him.
Both the Knicks and Wolves could sign Brogdon to a veteran minimum contract, and he would undoubtedly provide quality minutes as a backup guard. He is only two years removed from winning Sixth Man of the Year with the Celtics in 2023. Although he has spent the last two seasons on losing teams with the Trail Blazers and Wizards, he possesses the ability to deliver valuable scoring and facilitation off the bench in a winning environment.
