The Hawks keep McCollum, and that’s a very good sign
It’s on. NBA free agency 2026 opened with a few moves that went down well. ESPN graded the first three deals A, A- and B+. Teams that actually seem to know what they’re doing.
First up, Atlanta. CJ McCollum’s one-year, $21 million extension is excellent news for the Hawks. The veteran turned heads when he arrived as part of the Trae Young deal that sent Atlanta’s franchise point guard to Washington. The payoff? The Hawks pushed the eventual champions, the Knicks, harder in the playoffs than anyone else. McCollum can work on or off the ball, come off the bench or start — that kind of versatility can change a season.
The Suns add some help on the perimeter
Phoenix wrapped up two deals over the weekend. Collin Gillespie is in on a four-year, $48 million deal, while Jordan Goodwin gets three years and $19 million. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. Gillespie is being billed as one of the best low-key free agents on the market. Goodwin brings perimeter defence and offensive rebounding, two things the Suns badly need.
One question still hanging over Phoenix: what happens with Mark Williams, the restricted free agent? With these new contracts on the books, the Suns are edging toward the luxury tax and every dollar matters.
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Bogdanovic waits, Rupert gets the call for France
Among the smaller updates of the day, Bogdan Bogdanovic has seen his $16 million option declined by the Clippers. Panathinaikos are said to be interested back in Europe, but the Serb clearly wants to stay in the NBA long enough to reach his 10th season and lock in lifetime health coverage. The Nuggets are in the mix, so keep an eye on that.
Rayan Rupert, meanwhile, has joined the French squad for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, replacing the injured Frank Ntilikina. The former Blazers and Grizzlies guard is averaging 12.2 points and 6.4 rebounds across 16 games with Memphis this season. That’s a real surprise. France can count on him.
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