By NBA Insiders
NBA free agency officially commences on Monday at 6 p.m. ET. Which teams are best positioned to make significant impact moves?
Will the Los Angeles Lakers finally secure a skilled rim-running center to complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James? Which franchises will actively pursue restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga? Will the Indiana Pacers manage to retain center Myles Turner? And what strategic uses will the Brooklyn Nets find for their considerable salary cap space?
ESPN NBA insiders Chris Herring, Zach Kram, Bobby Marks, and Kevin Pelton analyze how each of the 30 teams can optimize their offseason strategies, identifying one crucial move each franchise should prioritize this summer for success.
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Denver Nuggets
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Houston Rockets
- Indiana Pacers
- New York Knicks
- Golden State Warriors
- Los Angeles Lakers
- LA Clippers
- Detroit Pistons
- Boston Celtics
- Orlando Magic
- Dallas Mavericks
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Milwaukee Bucks
- San Antonio Spurs
- Miami Heat
- Atlanta Hawks
- Sacramento Kings
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Chicago Bulls
- Phoenix Suns
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Toronto Raptors
- Brooklyn Nets
- Charlotte Hornets
- Utah Jazz
- Washington Wizards
Oklahoma City Thunder
How they ace their offseason: The Thunder`s roster is remarkably stable, with all 15 players on full NBA contracts through the 2025-26 season and only one key rotation player (Alex Caruso, vital to their playoff minutes) over the age of 27 among the top 10 in minutes played during the postseason. The main priority for Oklahoma City is securing contract extensions. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are eligible for rookie extensions, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the option to sign a supermax veteran extension now or wait until 2026 for a deal adding five full years. Signing all three would ensure the Thunder`s core stays intact throughout its prime years.
One move they should make: While prepared to offer maximum deals if necessary, Oklahoma City should attempt to convince Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams to accept slightly less than their maximum eligible salaries. Achieving discounts in the current collective bargaining agreement era, particularly with the second apron implications, has significant benefits for the team`s ability to retain its valuable supporting cast members in the future.
— Pelton
Minnesota Timberwolves
How they ace their offseason: With Naz Reid returning on a substantial new five-year, $125 million contract, Minnesota faces a challenging financial outlook, especially considering that both Julius Randle and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are potential free agents (Randle holds a player option). While retaining all three players is a possibility, it would create significant salary cap strain and limit future flexibility. A more prudent approach would be to focus on securing Reid and Randle, relying on the development of second-year players like Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. to potentially fill Alexander-Walker`s role next season.
One move they should make: Converting Randle`s player option into a new three-year agreement, possibly including a non-guaranteed fourth year (a concept recently suggested by Bobby Marks), would effectively balance the team`s current drive for success with the need for future financial adaptability. Randle is known as one of the league`s most consistently effective regular-season contributors and elevated his performance as a valuable playoff player this past spring.
— Kram
Denver Nuggets
How they ace their offseason: The Nuggets should heed the recent advice from Nikola Jokic, who stated after their second-round exit, “We definitely need to figure out a way to get more depth. It seems like the teams that have longer rotations, the longer benches, are the ones who are winning. Indiana, OKC, Minnesota.” Denver`s reserve players logged the third-fewest regular-season minutes and scored the fourth-fewest points per game in the league. However, improving depth is complicated by financial constraints. Similar to last offseason, the Nuggets` options are limited to developing their recent draft picks (Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson, and DaRon Holmes II), utilizing the $5.7 million tax midlevel exception, and signing players to veteran minimum contracts. Trading for depth is possible but would likely require parting with a starter like Michael Porter Jr. As a team above the first apron, the Nuggets are restricted from acquiring more salary in a trade than they send out.
One move they should make: Firstly, they must avoid repeating last year`s mistake of using the $5.7 million exception on a player (Dario Saric) who isn`t consistently part of the rotation. While DaRon Holmes II, last year`s first-round pick, will provide a boost after recovering from an Achilles injury, finding a reliable backup center for Jokic remains a priority. The Nuggets should use the tax midlevel exception to sign Luke Kornet to a two-year contract worth around $11.7 million. The free agent big man was efficient for Boston last season, averaging 6.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 18 minutes per game. The Celtics were notably positive when he was on the court.
— Marks
Cleveland Cavaliers
How they ace their offseason: In theory, Cleveland could achieve offseason success by keeping their entire roster together. However, this would incur over a quarter of a billion dollars in luxury tax penalties for the upcoming season alone, a likely unsustainable cost, especially after a second-round playoff exit following a 64-win season. The more probable path forward involves the Cavaliers reducing their payroll and potentially trading one or two key players – following the strategy Boston used with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis – to fall below the prohibitive second apron.
One move they should make: Assuming ownership is unwilling to pay the extremely high tax bill, expect at least one significant rotation player – Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, or potentially both – to be traded to alleviate the cap pressure. The Cavaliers have already signaled they are unlikely to re-sign free agent Ty Jerome by trading Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball and securing Sam Merrill with a four-year deal. These moves are also relevant as Cleveland anticipates Darius Garland`s return from toe surgery. Anyone else the Cavaliers retain will only escalate next season`s salary total.
— Herring
Houston Rockets
How they ace their offseason: One could argue that Houston has already achieved their primary offseason goals. Within a two-week span, the Rockets traded for Kevin Durant and reached new contract agreements with Fred VanVleet, Aaron Holiday, Jae`Sean Tate, and Jeff Green. They also extended coach Ime Udoka`s contract. The trade for Durant was not only impactful because they acquired a top-10 player but also because they largely maintained their existing depth.
One move they should make: This recommendation expands to several crucial steps. The first is to sign Dorian Finney-Smith (should he opt out of his contract with the Lakers) to a two-year contract valued around $28 million. The restructured contract for Fred VanVleet (reducing his $44.9 million team option to approximately $20 million) provides Houston with the financial flexibility to use the full non-tax midlevel exception without exceeding the first apron. However, this would require waiving Jock Landale`s non-guaranteed $8 million contract. The second and perhaps most critical step is securing contract extensions for Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason. Smith and Eason are eligible until October 20th, while Durant has until June 30, 2026, to sign a two-year extension.
— Marks
Indiana Pacers
How they ace their offseason: Nearly every key player from the Pacers` playoff run to the Finals is set to return for the 2025-26 season, with two exceptions. The Pacers cannot control Tyrese Haliburton`s absence after the star point guard suffered a ruptured Achilles in Game 7. However, they *can* ensure Myles Turner`s return by negotiating a new long-term deal for the free-agent center. This is a necessity for the Pacers; they currently lack depth at the center position, and if Turner departs, finding an adequate replacement externally will be extremely difficult.
One move they should make: Re-sign Myles Turner to a three-year contract worth $80 million. Objectively, Turner`s market value might be slightly higher – he could reasonably command $90 million over three years – but the limited salary cap space across the league may prevent him from generating a bidding war. This proposed offer would provide Turner with a significant raise and long-term stability while helping Indiana manage its finances, which will be crucial for other player extensions needed next summer and in subsequent years.
— Kram
New York Knicks
How they ace their offseason: Beyond the immediate task of hiring a new coach and implementing a new system for the upcoming season, the Knicks urgently need to strengthen their bench depth. A frequent criticism of former coach Tom Thibodeau was his reluctance to rely heavily on reserves. While there was likely some truth to this, as the Knicks` backups consistently scored fewer points and received less playing time than those on any other team, the front office`s decision to trade for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns last summer resulted in a top-heavy roster. As recent championship runs by teams like the Thunder and Celtics demonstrate, having greater depth is essential for winning at the highest level.
One move they should make: Utilize the $5.7 million exception, while potentially staying just below the second apron threshold, to acquire a valuable player. This could involve adding a skilled shooter like Luke Kennard or a versatile wing such as Bruce Brown – players capable of starting but equally effective coming off the bench. Separately but relatedly, the team must resolve Mikal Bridges` future, as he is eligible for an extension. How high are the Knicks willing to go financially for his new contract? And is there a scenario where trading him to gain additional roster depth makes strategic sense?
— Herring
Golden State Warriors
How they ace their offseason: The trade acquiring Jimmy Butler III significantly reopened the Warriors` championship contention window but also highlighted the team`s need for more shooting from the frontcourt to complement Butler and Draymond Green. Addressing this need this offseason presents challenges, particularly with limited matching salary available unless Golden State can execute a complex sign-and-trade agreement involving restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors` most viable strategy might be to re-sign Kuminga to a contract structured to keep them below the second apron, allowing that contract to be potentially traded later, at the deadline, for the necessary pieces.
One move they should make: Re-signing veteran players Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II to one-year contracts at the veteran minimum, if feasible. Given their experience, Looney and Payton would earn nearly as much at the minimum as they might elsewhere on smaller exceptions. Crucially, only $2.3 million would count against Golden State`s salary cap, providing significant financial relief.
— Pelton
Los Angeles Lakers
How they ace their offseason: Beyond the almost certain extension for Luka Doncic on August 2nd, the Lakers` top priority is finding a center in the mold of Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II to pair with the All-NBA guard. GM Rob Pelinka was transparent in his season-ending press conference, acknowledging that acquiring a center, either through signing or trading, is the primary objective: “We know this offseason one of our primary goals is going to be to add size in our frontcourt at the center position.” Finding such a player will be difficult. Los Angeles is limited to using the $5.7 million exception in a free-agent market with a relatively weak class of centers. However, they do possess over $60 million in expiring contracts (including Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and potentially Dorian Finney-Smith if he opts in), along with an unprotected first-round pick in either 2031 or 2032. The Lakers also hold the right to swap first-round picks in five of the next seven seasons, offering potential trade assets.
One move they should make: Trade for Robert Williams III from the Trail Blazers and subsequently sign Brook Lopez using the tax midlevel exception. While this might seem like bringing in two starting centers, Williams has struggled with injuries, playing 40 or fewer games in each of the last three seasons. Because the Lakers are over the first apron and restricted from taking back more salary in a trade, any package for Williams would likely involve a combination of Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and/or Shake Milton.
— Marks
LA Clippers
How they ace their offseason: The Clippers` foremost objective is to extend James Harden, and then focus on enhancing an already strong roster around the edges. The Clippers boast an excellent two-way core but lack significant depth on the backend, a vulnerability that could be particularly detrimental given the team`s age and injury history. If Nicolas Batum (who declined his $4.9 million player option) departs this summer, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. would be among the few reliable reserves available.
One move they should make: Bring veteran point guard Chris Paul back to Los Angeles, reuniting him with James Harden and significantly bolstering the team`s backcourt depth. Last season, when both Harden and Kawhi Leonard were off the court, the Clippers` offensive rating was just 107.6 points per 100 possessions, ranking in the bottom 14th percentile league-wide, according to Cleaning the Glass. Even entering his 40s, Paul remains a capable playmaker, possesses positive history with the franchise, and remarkably played all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season.
— Kram
Detroit Pistons
How they ace their offseason: The Pistons, coming off a playoff appearance and one of the most dramatic turnarounds in NBA history, don`t necessarily need to make a blockbuster move to have a successful summer. Their key tasks involve carefully deciding which of their free-agent wings – Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder – they wish to bring back, while potentially adding one difference-making external signing. For those expecting more aggressive moves, remember they anticipate the return of 23-year-old guard Jaden Ivey (who averaged nearly 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists with good efficiency) from injury.
One move they should make: Attempt to sign restricted free agent Santi Aldama away from the Memphis Grizzlies. While difficult to pry Aldama from Memphis, the 24-year-old, known for his floor spacing, would provide valuable reliability at the backup power forward position, a spot where the Pistons were hindered during the playoffs when Isaiah Stewart was sidelined by injury.
— Herring
Boston Celtics
How they ace their offseason: The Celtics have already completed the most critical objective of their offseason: successfully maneuvering under the second apron by trading Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday for Georges Niang and Anfernee Simons, respectively. These transactions are projected to save Boston approximately $260 million next season in combined salary and luxury taxes. However, with Porzingis gone and Al Horford and Luke Kornet entering free agency, Boston lacks reliable big men on their roster. They should aim to address this deficiency while maintaining their position below the punitive second-apron threshold.
One move they should make: If the Celtics can reroute Georges Niang and trade Sam Hauser – who should be an appealing target for other teams as a career 42% 3-point shooter and underrated defender – it would free up an additional $18 million in cap space. This maneuver would create sufficient room to re-sign both Al Horford and Luke Kornet, thereby keeping Boston`s core roster structure largely intact in preparation for Jayson Tatum`s return in a year.
— Kram
Orlando Magic
How they ace their offseason: The Magic are similar to the Rockets in that they conducted much of their key business before the official start of free agency. They acquired Desmond Bane and then drafted Jase Richardson and Noah Penda. They are also highly likely to sign Paolo Banchero to a maximum five-year rookie extension valued at $247 million. Even with the addition of Bane and Jalen Suggs` expected health, there remains a need to sign a veteran playmaker. Last season, the Magic ranked last in the league in assists per game.
One move they should make: Sign Tyus Jones to a two-year contract worth $14 million, including a player option in the final year. Jones demonstrated an excellent 5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season in Phoenix and has averaged at least 10 points per game for three consecutive seasons. According to Cleaning the Glass, he has ranked in the 90th percentile in assists-to-usage ratio in five of the past seven seasons, highlighting his efficiency as a facilitator.
— Marks
Dallas Mavericks
How they ace their offseason: The combined effects of trading for Anthony Davis and drafting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick have resulted in frontcourt congestion for the Mavericks and insufficient ballhandling depth to cover for Kyrie Irving`s absence due to a knee injury. Ideally, Dallas would trade Daniel Gafford (eligible for trade despite his extension) and other forward depth to acquire a guard capable of running the offense while Irving is sidelined, who could then transition to a wing role upon Irving`s return.
One move they should make: While Jrue Holiday would have been a suitable target, his former Celtics teammate Derrick White could also fill this role. Would a package including Gafford, P.J. Washington, and future draft picks entice Boston to trade White, who will be 32 by the 2026-27 season? White`s age aligns better with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison`s strategic timeline, which is built around the prime years of Davis and Irving.
— Pelton
Memphis Grizzlies
How they ace their offseason: The Grizzlies have already completed one of the most significant transactions of the offseason by trading their third star, Desmond Bane, to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four future first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. With this trade finalized, Memphis` next major priority is to secure a contract extension for their star big man, Jaren Jackson Jr.
One move they should make: Negotiate an extension, and potentially a renegotiation, for Jaren Jackson Jr., the former Defensive Player of the Year, who is otherwise scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Memphis can execute trades (John Konchar could be a trade candidate) and renounce certain free agent cap holds (such as Luke Kennard and Marvin Bagley III) to create more salary cap space and offer Jackson a more lucrative extension. Securing Jackson and reaching a new agreement with restricted free agent Santi Aldama would represent significant positive steps for the franchise.
— Herring
Milwaukee Bucks
How they ace their offseason: The primary goal for the Bucks is keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo satisfied. While it will be challenging to assemble a truly competitive roster next season with Damian Lillard earning $54 million while recovering from an Achilles tear, the team`s greater concern is navigating this “gap year” without prompting a trade request from Giannis. This means utilizing every available option to build a more competitive supporting cast around Antetokounmpo, including making decisions on whether to re-sign or replace free agents Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr.
One move they should make: Trade for Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, whose contract would fit into Milwaukee`s $7.2 million trade exception. Wade might be considered expendable in Cleveland, a team facing second-apron penalties that would save substantial money by trading him. He would be an excellent addition to Milwaukee`s frontcourt. Although Wade has a history of injuries, he is a solid shooter (career 37% from 3-point range) and a strong defender, and the Cavaliers have consistently performed better when he is on the court.
— Kram
San Antonio Spurs
How they ace their offseason: By strategically keeping the path clear for a potential trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. Based on current reports, there`s no indication that the Bucks star is being moved imminently, but with their accumulated extra draft picks extending years into the future, the Spurs are in a position to be patient. San Antonio should prioritize acquiring players this summer, either through trade or using the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, who could retain their value if included in a future deal for Antetokounmpo down the road. The more these players can help space the floor for the Spurs` young guards and De`Aaron Fox in the interim, the better.
One move they should make: Pair Victor Wembanyama with his frontcourt teammate from the French national team, Guerschon Yabusele. Yabusele is an unrestricted free agent, and the Philadelphia 76ers would need to use an exception to re-sign him for significantly more than the minimum, making him a realistic and appealing target for San Antonio.
— Pelton
Miami Heat
How they ace their offseason: Find a way to acquire restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The Heat lack the salary cap space to sign Kuminga directly to an offer sheet and would need to entice Golden State with a package of players and draft picks. The Heat are permitted to trade up to two future first-round picks. The addition of Kuminga would inject much-needed athleticism into a starting lineup that currently includes Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Kel`el Ware.
One move they should make: Trading for Kuminga involves several complexities. Firstly, because Miami intends to sign Davion Mitchell to a two-year, $24 million contract, they are currently right at the first apron threshold, which would be triggered in a sign-and-trade scenario. Secondly, Kuminga`s outgoing contract would count for only half of his salary for trade matching purposes. Because of these factors, a third team, potentially Brooklyn, would likely need to be involved to absorb a player like Duncan Robinson to facilitate the overall transaction.
— Marks
Atlanta Hawks
How they ace their offseason: The Hawks made one significant move in the right direction this past week by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, a valuable rim protector and floor spacer, from the salary-shedding Celtics in a three-team trade. The next steps involve a dual focus: Attempting to extend four-time All-Star Trae Young on a contract potentially below the maximum – a reasonable pursuit given the team`s consistent placement in the play-in rounds despite him earning maximum salary – and acquiring a reliable veteran backup for the point guard position to strengthen a rotation that should feel optimistic about its prospects in a wide-open, injury-affected Eastern Conference.
One move they should make: Try their utmost to orchestrate a trade where Minnesota signs and then trades free-agent wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Atlanta. The Timberwolves recently committed five years and $125 million to Naz Reid and still need to determine their plan regarding Julius Randle moving forward. Minnesota`s financial considerations could provide an opportunity for the Hawks, who are below the salary cap and possess a $13 million trade exception from sending Bogdan Bogdanovic to the Clippers, to swoop in and make a key acquisition. Alexander-Walker is precisely the type of versatile player who would enhance their improved rotation.
— Herring
Sacramento Kings
How they ace their offseason: Despite significant focus on the Kings` perceived lack of a true point guard, the team ranked 12th in offensive efficiency after the All-Star break last season. Their 22nd-ranked defense was the primary reason Sacramento fell short of securing a second consecutive playoff berth. With below-average defenders as their leading scorers (referencing DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis mentioned elsewhere in the original article context, though not explicitly stated here for Sacramento), the Kings must surround them with as many capable defenders as possible. Ideally, they would add another player with forward size, particularly useful when Keegan Murray is assigned to defend perimeter players.
One move they should make: A trade centered around sending DeMar DeRozan to Dallas in exchange for P.J. Washington and future draft picks. The Mavericks` requirement to receive less salary than they send out complicates the trade parameters, but Dallas could potentially include players like Klay Thompson or Naji Marshall and Dwight Powell to facilitate a deal that works financially for both sides.
— Pelton
Philadelphia 76ers
How they ace their offseason: Three positive developments emerged from the 76ers` otherwise disappointing season: Jared McCain, who led all rookies in points per game; Quentin Grimes, who averaged 21.9 PPG after being acquired in a midseason trade; and Guerschon Yabusele, who provided strong all-around contributions upon his return to the NBA. While McCain is expected back next season after a meniscus tear, Philadelphia must be proactive in retaining the other two: Grimes is a restricted free agent, and Yabusele is unrestricted.
One move they should make: Beyond re-signing Grimes and Yabusele, the 76ers could aim for a more ambitious move by building a trade package around Paul George for Michael Porter Jr. This potential trade could benefit both teams: The Nuggets have previously shown interest in George, and he would raise their ceiling around Nikola Jokic, while the 76ers would become younger and gain future financial flexibility with Porter. Given how Paul George`s first season in Philadelphia unfolded, the team should explore reset opportunities if available.
— Kram
Portland Trail Blazers
How they ace their offseason: Now that the Blazers have swapped Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday, the next priority is finding a new destination for forward Jerami Grant. Grant`s absence for all but two games after March 1st helped Portland avoid the immediate reality that he no longer warrants starting at forward ahead of Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. Grant still has three years and over $100 million remaining on his contract, which means the Blazers may need to incentivize a team to take on his deal by accepting a shorter contract in return.
One move they should make: Extend Toumani Camara`s contract for as long as possible. Portland has the option to add three years and $64.5 million to his minimum team option for the 2025-26 season, or decline that option and offer a four-year deal worth $89.2 million. Indiana made the latter move with Andrew Nembhard last summer and has surely not regretted it, highlighting the potential value of securing promising young players long-term.
— Pelton
Chicago Bulls
How they ace their offseason: On draft night, Bulls GM Marc Eversley expressed his intention not to “skip steps” in the team`s ongoing semi-rebuild. This seems like a cautious approach for a franchise that has lacked clear direction for much of the past decade. The Bulls would appear misguided if they made aggressive win-now moves simply to capitalize on a relatively weak Eastern Conference field; they are not as close to true contention as their 17-10 record after the All-Star break might suggest in isolation.
One move they should make: Extend restricted free agent guard Josh Giddey, who averaged nearly a triple-double from mid-February onwards last season. However, Chicago – known for retaining players like Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Patrick Williams at inflated values in recent offseasons – should exercise restraint with their offer to Giddey. He still has notable limitations in a playoff environment and is unlikely to attract many outside suitors. Only Brooklyn possesses significant cap space, and the Nets are unlikely to be interested in Giddey after using multiple first-round picks on players at his position. If the Bulls` offer approaches the range of Immanuel Quickley`s recent deal (five years, $175 million), they would likely be making a mistake.
— Kram
Phoenix Suns
How they ace their offseason: Find a way for Bradley Beal to agree to a contract buyout. Even without a no-trade clause, Beal`s remaining $110 million over the next two seasons makes his contract incredibly difficult to trade. If Beal were to reduce his salary by $28 million (equivalent to a two-year non-tax midlevel exception) and then be waived, Phoenix would not only save over $200 million in salary and taxes but also gain the ability to operate under both apron thresholds. This would allow the Suns to take back more salary in trades and, crucially, aggregate outgoing contracts, significantly improving their trade flexibility.
One move they should make: Sign Chris Paul to a one-year contract worth $3.6 million. It would be a fitting narrative for the Suns to sign the player they traded away to acquire Beal. The 40-year-old Paul could serve as a mentor for Jalen Green and contribute effectively on the court. In addition to playing all 82 games in 2024-25, Paul has averaged at least seven assists per game in four of the past five seasons, demonstrating continued effectiveness as a facilitator.
— Marks
New Orleans Pelicans
How they ace their offseason: My ideal offseason plan for the Pelicans certainly would not have included trading for Jordan Poole, although making that move did provide New Orleans access to their non-taxpayer midlevel exception to add roster depth. Specifically, the Pelicans can utilize as many players with size capable of playing power forward as possible, given Zion Williamson`s injury history. The challenge is that the free-agent market offers very few such players who would be available to them.
One move they should make: Pursue Sacramento forward Jake LaRavia, who is in an unusual contractual situation. Because the Kings acquired LaRavia after the Grizzlies declined his rookie option, Sacramento is limited to offering him a starting salary of just $5.2 million in a new deal. The Pelicans, having available resources, could potentially offer double that amount to entice him away, providing much-needed size and versatility.
— Pelton
Toronto Raptors
How they ace their offseason: Following the departure of long-time president Masai Ujiri, the Raptors` subsequent moves should focus on reducing salary commitments while simultaneously improving the roster`s overall balance. For a team potentially not making the playoffs next season, Toronto carries substantial salary obligations, with Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett alone projected to earn $137 million in 2025-26, a figure that could push the Raptors into luxury tax territory. Trading RJ Barrett, who is set to earn nearly $28 million this coming year, for two or three players would not only make the team less top-heavy but also alleviate the roster logjam by converting one large salary into more manageable contracts that are easier to include in future trade discussions.
One move they should make: Trade RJ Barrett for future assets and a couple of smaller contracts. The team is reportedly open to dealing the left-handed wing, who is entering his prime and is coming off the two best seasons of his career – averaging at least 20 points in both and logging a career-high in assists per game in 2024-25. Can Toronto find a team willing to part with a future first-round pick to add Barrett`s scoring punch? If so, such a pick could be a valuable asset in a potential package should Giannis Antetokounmpo eventually decide he wishes to leave Milwaukee.
— Herring
Brooklyn Nets
How they ace their offseason: The Nets` primary goal is maximizing opportunities to accumulate more assets and ensuring they are at or near the top of next year`s draft lottery standings. This past season played out differently after Brooklyn got off to a better-than-expected start – even holding a play-in spot as late as December 20th with an 11-16 record – which ultimately forced them to trade talent multiple times (Dorian Finney-Smith, Dennis Schroder) during the season to slow their winning pace. This resulted in the Nets finishing 8th in the draft lottery. Making trades earlier this time could position the club better to secure a top draft pick.
One move they should make: Trading veteran forward Cameron Johnson, the player on the Nets` roster with the most market value. As a capable two-way player and a career 39% shooter from 3-point range, Johnson fits well on any contending team. Aside from trading Johnson, while ensuring they retain enough experienced veterans to mentor their record-breaking five first-round draft picks, the Nets` priority should be signing restricted free agent and leading scorer Cam Thomas to a reasonable long-term contract moving forward.
— Herring
Charlotte Hornets
How they ace their offseason: Under new leadership, the Hornets have adopted a patient, deliberate approach to their rebuild, and this strategy seems unlikely to change this summer. Charlotte traded Mark Williams (again) on draft night, acquiring two first-round picks in return, and addressed their need for shooting by drafting Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley. The roster for 2025-26 appears largely settled, and the main offseason focus will be on finding ways to improve the health outcomes for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who combined to play only 74 games during the 2024-25 season.
One move they should make: Announce Moussa Diabate as the starting center. The former Clipper signed a two-way contract with the Hornets last year and was quietly impressive in 71 appearances (eight starts) for Charlotte. When the 6-foot-11 Frenchman shared the court with LaMelo Ball, the Hornets outscored their opponents, according to PBP Stats. When that duo was joined by Brandon Miller, the Hornets posted a positive net rating of plus-5.4. While this came in a small sample size, the Hornets need to capitalize on any positive indicators. Diabate is on a non-guaranteed contract for next season, but with Mark Williams traded, he should have the opportunity to seize the starting center role.
— Kram
Utah Jazz
How they ace their offseason: Initially, the key event was Ace Bailey reporting to summer league, but that changed when he arrived in Salt Lake City on Saturday. While seemingly simple, the development of Bailey, Walter Clayton Jr., and recent draft picks Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams, Keyonte George, Brice Sensabaugh, and Taylor Hendricks will be crucial in determining the Jazz`s competitiveness next season.
One move they should make: Sign Walker Kessler to a five-year contract extension worth $130 million. Utah could potentially have over $70 million in cap space in 2026, and despite Kessler`s relatively low $14.6 million free agent hold, the Jazz have the flexibility to be aggressive in securing his future. Kessler is the first player since Tim Duncan (1997-2000) to average at least two blocks per game in each of his first three NBA seasons. He also achieved career highs last season in points (11.1), rebounds (12.2), and assists (1.7) while leading the NBA in field goal percentage at 66.3%.
— Marks
Washington Wizards
How they ace their offseason: Washington has likely already completed its most significant move by trading Jordan Poole to New Orleans in exchange for guard CJ McCollum. The Wizards are projected to have approximately $90 million in salary cap space next summer, some of which they might use by converting the expiring contracts of McCollum, Khris Middleton, and Marcus Smart into longer-term deals, securing their future core or using them as trade assets.
One move they should make: Contact the Denver Nuggets about swapping Khris Middleton for Michael Porter Jr. and Dario Saric. This transaction would reduce Denver`s luxury tax burden for the upcoming season and save the Nuggets a substantial $40.8 million in salary for the 2026-27 season. Denver would certainly require a strong replacement for Porter to consider parting with their 2032 first-round pick, but initiating the conversation would be worthwhile for Washington.
— Pelton
