LeBron James Stays in LA, Klay Thompson Leaves for Dallas, NBA Free Agency Rumors

In this extra long episode of No room for the ceilingYahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine reflect on the final days of free agency, including LeBron James’ ill-fated plans to take a pay cut in hopes the Lakers add another star to the roster.

Klay Thompson, who was the most likely candidate to take the job with the Lakers, is instead joining the Dallas Mavericks. Dan and Jake explain why stepping away from the spotlight of Golden State (and Los Angeles) might be exactly what Klay needs at this point in his career.

Donovan Mitchell signed an extension to stay in Cleveland and eventually make a lot more money. Jayson Tatum signed the richest contract in NBA history just before the Boston Celtics majority owner made public his plans to sell the team, which seems to be a trend in the league.

Jake opens up The People’s Notebook to share all the rumors he’s heard about the Lauri Markkanen trade market, Brandon Ingram’s contract negotiations with the Pelicans, DeMar DeRozan’s remaining options in free agency, and more.

The guys are playing a game of Who is this guy?where they describe a player using only comparisons to other NBA players. This time it’s Dan explaining Isaiah Hartenstein to Oklahoma City Thunder fans by comparing him to Victor Wembanyama and Jake explaining Deni Avdija to Portland Trail Blazers fans who may have never watched the Wizards before.

Finally, the second apron has been the subject of much discussion in NBA free agency, so we did a quick mood check to see if it’s bad for players, owners, or fans. How did it affect Paul George’s negotiations with the Clippers, and how will it affect the NBA going forward?

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