What happened: Talks between Wallace's camp and Oklahoma City have started around $25 million in annual average value, per Stein. Black is unlikely to sign before the deadline and is tracking toward restricted free agency. Rival teams describe McBride as a potential trade-deadline candidate.

Why it matters: Keeping Wallace in Oklahoma City would set backcourt costs before restricted free agency. Letting Black hit the market preserves team control while pushing a decision to summer. Moving McBride at the deadline could return value rather than losing roster flexibility.

What to watch: Watch for any agreement before the rookie-scale deadline. If not, Black tracks toward restricted free agency while McBride's market develops toward the deadline.