According to NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype, Nick Smith Jr. is a player they believe could be attainable on the trade market from Charlotte’s backcourt. Similar to Jock Landale who was recently waived by the Houston Rockets, the working assumption is Josh Okogie had his guarantee date pushed back to July 15th because the Hornets will look to include his salary in a potential trade and could waive him if nothing materializes. In addition, DaQuan Jeffries also has a non-guaranteed contract for the upcoming season, making him a candidate to be waived.
Source: HoopsHype
Source: HoopsHype
More on this storyline
Bobby Marks: The Jock Landale waiver was required in order for Houston to stay below the 1st apron. Houston is triggering the 1st apron as part of the Dorian Finney-Smith signing along with acquiring Clint Capela sign-and-trade. The Rockets are 1 of 7 teams involved in a record breaking trade that includes Kevin Durant and Capela. That trade is likely to be finalized on July 6. -via Twitter @BobbyMarks42 / July 3, 2025
Michael Scotto: Just In: The Houston Rockets will waive center Jock Landale, league sources @hoopshype. Landale had a non-guaranteed $8 million salary guarantee date nearing for the 2025-26 season. -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / July 3, 2025
Yossi Gozlan: Either way, I’d guess the Rockets trade Cam Whitmore and cut Jock Landale at a minimum. This allows them to fit Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela at their reported numbers under the $195.9 million first apron hard cap. -via x.com / June 30, 2025