Lakers, Cavaliers and several NBA teams see key player options declined ahead of free agency

Marcus Smart turned down his $5.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, making him an unrestricted free agent as the league’s negotiating period opens on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. The 31-year-old guard, who started 54 games this season and posted averages of 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.4 blocks, had signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers after a buyout with Washington last offseason.

Los Angeles center Deandre Ayton exercised his $8.1 million player option for the upcoming season. Ayton averaged 12.5 points, eight rebounds and one block in 72 games, his career-high in appearances, and will turn 28 on July 23.

In Sacramento, guard Zach LaVine chose to pick up his $49 million player option for 2026-27, extending his stay with the Kings for another year. His agent, Rich Paul, said the decision was expected and will keep the franchise $16 million over the luxury-tax apron.

James Harden declined a one-year, $42.3 million option with the Cleveland Cavaliers, signaling his intent to negotiate a multi-year contract that could lower his annual salary while extending his tenure. The move helps Cleveland manage its salary-cap situation.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet also opted into his one-year, $25 million player option after missing the previous season with injury, aiming to rebound from a 14.1-point average in 2024-25.

Trade rumors continue to swirl: the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors are reportedly discussing a deal that could send Kawhi Leonard back to the franchise that won him an NBA championship, while the Dallas Mavericks have expressed interest in acquiring Leonard in a package centered on Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and draft picks.

The Brooklyn Nets declined a $6.5 million option on forward Ziaire Williams, making him a free agent, though the Lakers have shown interest. Atlanta Hawks will fully guarantee Buddy Hield’s $9.66 million salary for 2026-27 after previously guaranteeing only $3 million.

The Miami Heat are targeting several shooters, including Tim Hardaway Jr., Khris Middleton and Landry Shamet, to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to local reporting.

Charlotte Hornets traded forward Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, a 2033 first-round pick and a 2027 second-rounder, marking the second major move after dealing LaMelo Ball to Minnesota.

Houston is expected to extend a qualifying offer to forward Tari Eason, which would make him a restricted free agent.

Odds makers list Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown as most likely to remain with the team, though trade interest persists from Portland, Denver, Toronto, Brooklyn, Charlotte and Atlanta.