If it seems a little quiet lately, that’s because a lot of free agency action is being held up by LeBron James taking his time deciding where he wants to go. While LeBron said Thursday, “I won’t hold you guys up too much longer,” that’s a vague timeline at best. So we wait. In the meantime, here are some non-LeBron rumors still floating around free agency.
Peyton Watson latest
Put the Milwaukee Bucks on the list of teams interested in restricted free agent wing Peyton Watson, but Denver is on top of that list and wants to keep him. Which means it probably will.
Watson and the Nuggets continue to haggle over money (and maybe years), and have said they are open to a sign-and-trade, and Milwaukee has expressed interest, but Denver likely keeps him, reports Tony Jones at The Athletic.
The Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as a team potentially interested in executing a sign-and-trade for Watson, according to league sources who were granted anonymity so that they could describe ongoing deliberations...
The Nuggets, according to those league sources, value Watson significantly. They feel they are in a good spot to retain his services and just need to let the restricted-free-agency process play out... Denver’s conundrum is finding a potential contract resolution that’s good for Watson while also keeping the team in a good financial space. Because the Nuggets have invested heavily in [Nikola] Jokić, [Aaron] Gordon and [Jamal] Murray, an expensive contract with Watson would likely yield significant luxury tax penalties, something Denver has been loath to do in the past.
Denver is just about $4 million below the second apron right now, according to Spotrac, and Watson is deserving of a contract north of $20 million a season. That’s a fine line to walk, which is why Denver would listen to sign-and-trade options. The Clippers are interested in Watson too, but their summer moves are on hold because the Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto has been paused until the league’s Aspiration investigation finishes. Atlanta also has expressed interest in Watson.
The issue is Denver really needs Watson and his two-way athleticism on the wing. Denver stepped up and paid Christian Braun last offseason, but he didn’t live up to the contract last season, and Watson became the go-to guy in that role. While Denver has looked to trade Braun, his value is low at this point. Which leaves the Nuggets stuck.
DeMar DeRozan back to Detroit?
DeMar DeRozan’s free agency really will not start until LeBron James makes his decision — a couple of teams that strike out with the 41-year-old are expected to consider the 36-year-old DeRozan (Miami has been mentioned).
Detroit is thinking about jumping into that mix, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line. He adds that Detroit needs to finalize its deal with restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren (more on that below) before determining how much they want to spend on a DeRozan pursuit, but they are considering it, according to the report.
This report also lists Toronto as a “confirmed bidder” for DeRozan despite multiple people who cover the Raptors saying that DeRozan returning to Toronto is unlikely, mostly for financial reasons. The Lakers, Trail Blazers and even the Warriors have been mentioned as possible DeRozan destinations, but the level of interest from any of them is in question, and the Lakers could only offer the veteran minimum, which is unlikely to interest DeRozan.
DeRozan is still a midrange assassin who can create his own shot and averaged 18.4 points per game last season for the Kings, he could really help a team in need a scoring punch off the bench. Which is why Detroit makes some sense.
Are Pistons, Duren nearing deal?
How negotiations are going between restricted free agent and All-NBA center Jalen Duren and the Pistons depends on who you ask.
The sides have made little progress towards a deal, reports Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. However, NBA insider Jake Fischer said in a live stream (hat tip HoopsRumors) that “There’s been momentum and positive direction between Duren and the Pistons,” and they are moving toward a 25% max for Duren (five years, $252 million). Duren, who was named to an All-NBA team last season, is eligible for up to 30% of the cap, but after struggling in the playoffs was unlikely to get that extra money.
Detroit has spent the offseason freeing up money to make this offer to Duren by moving players such as Isaiah Stewart and Caris LeVert.
Other free agency notes
• The Lakers, with an open roster spot and looking for more perimeter defense, are showing interest in free agent Matisse Thybulle, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
• What are Miami’s remaining priorities around Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Riley says shooters and another big body are the next roster priorities. Says a rim protector would be a goal.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 16, 2026
Also, if you haven’t seen Antetokounmpo in a Heat uniform, you should.
The jersey reveal y’all have been waiting for… pic.twitter.com/j50dAQEx04
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 16, 2026
• The San Antonio Spurs are not looking to trade De’Aaron Fox and have stood behind him this offseason, reports Jared Weiss at The Athletic. However, a big part of that is that there is no trade market for Fox as his four-year, $222 million extension kicks in next season, and he is coming off a down playoffs. The Spurs know they need a bounce-back year from Fox, then they might try to move him because, eventually, San Antonio has to pay Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
