Is the NBA’s transaction buzz finally calming? The league’s wire has been quiet since opening night, yet a handful of moves loom as the Nov 2 deadline for 2027/28 rookie options approaches.
Third‑ and fourth‑year rookie options must be taken a season early. When the Spurs exercised Stephon Castle’s fourth‑year clause this month, they secured his 2027/28 salary, after his 2026/27 deal was guaranteed last October with the third‑year pick‑up.
Our tracker shows 35 options already exercised, but teams still face choices for 2024‑25 first‑rounders. Some are obvious—Charlotte hasn’t yet signed Kon Knueppel’s $11,017,560 2027/28 option, but they’ll almost certainly do it.
The Hornets also weigh Tidjane Salaun’s $10,445,632 fourth‑year pick. While cap space is ample, his limited two‑year impact raises doubts. In my view, Charlotte should prioritize proven contributors over a marginal role.
Below are the 17 pending option decisions awaiting official confirmation:
Atlanta Hawks
Charlotte Hornets
Denver Nuggets
Milwaukee Bucks
Oklahoma City Thunder
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards
- Alex Sarr – fourth year, $15,611,798
- Tre Johnson – third year, $9,061,680
- Bub Carrington – fourth year, $7,257,729
- Kyshawn George – fourth year, $5,435,892
- Will Riley – third year, $3,864,000