With the 2026-27 NBA season set to begin in just over 24 hours, trade discussions are heating up. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley is likely to remain with the team after they opted not to include him in trade offers for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown earlier this offseason. Windhorst noted that the Cavaliers' front office continues to have faith in Mobley despite a less than stellar previous season.
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The Cavaliers have instead acquired Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets. This decision has led to various trades and salary adjustments, as the team believes Watson is poised for a breakout season following promising performances in Denver last year.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly looking to trade 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht before their roster cut deadline on Monday. NBA insider Marc Stein shared that the team spent the weekend exploring trades for Knecht, with the possibility of acquiring a big man like Jericho Sims from Milwaukee. If they cannot finalize a trade, the Lakers may need to waive Knecht or another player to comply with roster limits.
In contrast, 2024 second-round pick Tyler Kolek of the New York Knicks appears safe. Stein confirmed that the Knicks did not attempt to trade Kolek to create space for Bruce Brown prior to Brown's release on Saturday. The Knicks would only consider trading Kolek if it meant acquiring a much-needed center.
The Knicks, the defending champions, will begin their season on Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.