What happened: The restricted free agency market has moved quickly for several notable players this offseason. Walker Kessler, Tari Eason, Quinten Post, and Peyton Watson all secured their respective outcomes earlier than anticipated. However, the wait continues for Jalen Duren and Bennedict Mathurin as they remain unsigned.
Why it matters: Watson finalized a four-year, $88 million contract as part of a multi-team trade sending him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Eason also agreed to a five-year, $81.5 million deal. The swift resolutions for those players stand in contrast to the lingering negotiations for Duren and Mathurin ahead of the 2026-27 season.
What to watch: Watch for potential offer sheets or sign-and-trade developments regarding Duren and Mathurin as the offseason progresses.