The NFL preseason kicks off this week, but the big news still centers on the NBA. As negotiations between different teams continue, several players will soon have to look for new teams to represent.

Celtics Need More Control

For next season, the Boston Celtics have drafted 14 players on standard contracts, keeping them close to the team’s tax cap. Dalano Banton’s contract future has partial guarantees, with the night marking the $1.2 million guarantee of his $2 million deal. On the other hand, Justin Champagnie currently holds an unprotected contract, even though the Celtics owe him $50,000 as of Aug. 1.

MassLive’s Brian Trobb reports that Yam Madar and Juhann Begarin, two talented players, are not expected to compete for one of the books anytime soon. Although the Celtics hold them in high regard, Trobb believes they are not yet ready for the NBA.

Madar, the 22-year-old Israeli player, made his mark in 2020 as the 47th overall team. Embarking on an international journey since 2018, he found a home at Partizan Belgrade, a Serbian club where he spent the last two seasons. Last season alone, Madar showed off his skills in 76 games in various competitions, averaging 6.6 points per game.

In addition, this rising star also contributed 2.1 assists and one rebound, making him an integral part of the team’s success. Looking to the future, all eyes are on Madar, as his goal is to continue to dazzle with his talent and potential.

On July 12, the 20-year-old Begarin made a bold move from his previous team, Paris Basketball, in the French second league, to join Nanterre 92, one of the top teams in the top French league. This talented player, who was selected as the 45th pick by the Celtics in 2021, has been showing off his skills since 2019. Now, he sets his sights on Fourbahce in Turkey for next year, poised to make a significant impact as a third-party player.

Thunder To Trim, Heat To Expand

For next season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are entering with a full roster of 20 players under a standard contract. Consequently, the team will have to part ways with five players on opening night. Specifically, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Victor Oladipo, Jack White, Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington might not secure a spot on the Thunder’s 15-man roster this year. Interestingly, OKC acquired Garuba, Oladipo and Washington, thus opening the possibility of commercializing them during the summer.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Miami Heat have extended an attractive offer worth $1.8 million to Jamal Cain, expressing their persistent interest in securing him another two-way contract. However, Cain is leaning towards a standard contract and is actively engaging with other teams. As things stand, the Heat currently have 13 players available, with only two spots remaining on the roster to fill.

In alternative news, it has been revealed that discussions have taken place between the Heat and Goran Dragic’s representatives regarding a possible collaboration. However, Jackson noted that a deal is not expected to materialize in the near future.

It’s worth mentioning that Dragic, 37, was involved in 58 games last season while affiliated with Chicago and Milwaukee. However, an impending knee ailment requiring surgery poses a challenge, as Miami is limited to offering only the minimal compensation.