The NBA free agency period officially commences on Monday at 6 p.m. ET. Anticipation is high regarding which teams are poised to make the most significant moves.
Will the Los Angeles Lakers successfully acquire a rim-running center to complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James? Which franchises might target restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga? Will the Indiana Pacers secure the return of center Myles Turner? And what strategic decisions will the Brooklyn Nets make with their considerable salary cap flexibility?
ESPN NBA insiders Chris Herring, Zach Kram, Bobby Marks, and Kevin Pelton offer their analysis on how each of the 30 teams can optimize their offseason, including a specific strategic move recommended for every franchise this summer to enhance their prospects.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Offseason Success Strategy: With all 15 players under full NBA contracts through the 2025-26 season and only one rotational player (Alex Caruso) in the top 10 for playoff minutes being over the age of 27, the Thunder`s primary focus is securing contract extensions. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are eligible for rookie extensions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could sign a supermax veteran extension now or potentially wait until 2026 to add five full years to his contract. Signing all three would ensure Oklahoma City`s core remains intact throughout their prime years.
Recommended Move: Attempt to convince Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams to accept slightly less than their maximum eligible salaries. While the Thunder should be prepared to offer the max if necessary, securing discounts in the current second-apron salary cap environment would have significant implications for retaining Oklahoma City`s supporting roster members.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Offseason Success Strategy: Following Naz Reid`s return on a new five-year, $125 million agreement, Minnesota faces a challenging financial situation, particularly with Julius Randle and Nickeil Alexander-Walker potentially entering free agency (Randle holds a player option). While retaining all three players is possible, it would create salary constraints and limit future flexibility. A more practical approach would be to prioritize keeping Reid and Randle, relying on developing sophomores Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. to contribute in Alexander-Walker`s role next season.
Recommended Move: Converting Randle`s player option into a multi-year agreement, perhaps a three-year contract with a non-guaranteed fourth year, as suggested by Bobby Marks, would strike a balance between pursuing immediate success and maintaining future flexibility. Randle is a consistently effective regular-season player who elevated his performance as a valuable playoff contributor this spring.
Denver Nuggets
Offseason Success Strategy: The team should heed Nikola Jokic`s advice following 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.” The Nuggets` reserves played the third-fewest regular-season minutes and scored the fourth-fewest points per game. However, improving depth faces obstacles. Similar to last offseason, their options are limited to developing former draft picks (Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson, and DaRon Holmes II) or using the $5.7 million tax midlevel exception and veteran minimum deals. Exploring trades is an option but might necessitate trading starter Michael Porter Jr. Due to being a first-apron team, the Nuggets cannot acquire more salary in a trade than they send out.
Recommended Move: First, they must avoid repeating last year`s error of signing a player with the $5.7 million exception who doesn`t become part of the rotation (like Dario Saric). While DaRon Holmes II`s return from Achilles injury will help, finding a backup center for Jokic remains a priority. The Nuggets should use the tax midlevel exception to sign Luke Kornet to a two-year, $11.7 million contract. The free agent big man averaged 6.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 18 minutes per game for Boston last season, and the Celtics were +14.3 points per 100 possessions with him on the court.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Offseason Success Strategy: Theoretically, Cleveland could keep its roster fully intact, but this would incur luxury tax penalties exceeding a quarter of a billion dollars for the upcoming season alone. This scenario is likely unsustainable, especially after a second-round playoff exit. The probable path forward involves the Cavaliers reducing payroll and possibly trading one or two key players, similar to Boston`s moves with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, to avoid the severe second-apron restrictions.
Recommended Move: Assuming ownership is unwilling to pay a prohibitive tax bill, expect at least one, if not two, key rotation players like Jarrett Allen or Max Strus to be moved to alleviate the cap pressure. The Cavaliers have indicated they are unlikely to retain free agent Ty Jerome, highlighted by trading Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball and extending Sam Merrill on a four-year deal – strategic moves as they anticipate Darius Garland`s return from toe surgery. Retaining any other significant players would only further increase next season`s salary obligations.
Houston Rockets
Offseason Success Strategy: One could argue Houston has already achieved a successful offseason. Within two weeks, the Rockets acquired Kevin Durant via trade and finalized new contracts for Fred VanVleet, Aaron Holiday, Jae`Sean Tate, and Jeff Green. They also extended coach Ime Udoka`s contract. The Durant trade was significant not just for adding a top-10 player but also for maintaining much of the team`s existing depth.
Recommended Move: Expanding this to multiple necessary actions: First, signing Dorian Finney-Smith (if he opts out of his Lakers contract) to a two-year, $28 million deal. VanVleet`s restructured contract (reducing his $44.9 million team option to approximately $20 million) grants Houston the financial flexibility to utilize the full non-tax midlevel exception without exceeding the first apron. This would require waiving Jock Landale`s non-guaranteed $8 million contract. Second, and most importantly, securing extensions for Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason. Smith and Eason are eligible until October 20, while Durant has until June 30, 2026, to sign a two-year extension.
Indiana Pacers
Offseason Success Strategy: Nearly every key player from the Pacers` Finals run is scheduled to return in 2025-26, with two exceptions. Tyrese Haliburton`s absence following an Achilles rupture in Game 7 is unavoidable. However, the Pacers can ensure Myles Turner`s return by negotiating a new long-term contract for the free agent center. This is crucial for Indiana, as they lack depth at the center position, and there are no easily accessible external replacements if Turner departs.
Recommended Move: Re-sign Myles Turner to a contract such as three years and $80 million. While Turner`s value might potentially be higher (perhaps $90 million over three years), the limited salary cap space across the league means he may struggle to generate a competitive bidding war. This proposed offer provides Turner with a significant raise and long-term stability while helping Indiana manage salary for future extensions needed next summer and beyond.
New York Knicks
Offseason Success Strategy: Beyond finding a coach and implementing a new system, the Knicks require a deeper bench. A common criticism of former coach Tom Thibodeau was his limited use of reserves, a point likely supported by the Knicks` backups scoring fewer points and playing fewer minutes than any other team`s. However, the acquisitions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns last summer created a more top-heavy roster. As demonstrated by recent championship teams like the Thunder and Celtics, greater depth is essential for ultimate success.
Recommended Move: Utilize the $5.7 million exception, potentially staying just below the second apron, to acquire a useful player. This could involve adding a skilled shooter like Luke Kennard or a versatile wing such as Bruce Brown – players capable of starting but also effective off the bench. Separately, the team must address Mikal Bridges` contract situation, as he is eligible for an extension. The question is how high the Knicks are willing to go for his new deal, and whether trading him for additional roster depth might become a sensible option.
Golden State Warriors
Offseason Success Strategy: The trade for Jimmy Butler III revitalized the Warriors` championship contention window but also highlighted the team`s need for frontcourt shooting to complement Butler and Draymond Green. Addressing this need this offseason could be challenging, especially with limited matching salary unless Golden State can execute a complex sign-and-trade involving restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The most strategic approach might be re-signing Kuminga to a contract that keeps the team below the second apron, allowing the contract to be used in a trade later in the season to acquire needed pieces.
Recommended Move: Re-signing veterans Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II to one-year contracts at the veteran minimum, if feasible. Given their experience, Looney and Payton could earn nearly as much at the minimum as they might elsewhere for smaller exceptions. Crucially, only $2.3 million would impact Golden State`s salary cap sheet for each player.
Los Angeles Lakers
Offseason Success Strategy: Besides extending Luka Doncic on August 2, a key goal is finding a center in the mold of Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II to pair with the All-NBA guard. GM Rob Pelinka openly stated during his end-of-season press conference that acquiring a center is the top priority: “We know this offseason one of our primary goals is going to be to add size in our frontcourt at the center position.” Finding the right fit will be difficult. Los Angeles has only the $5.7 million exception available for a relatively weak class of free agent centers. However, the team possesses over $60 million in expiring contracts (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.
Recommended Move: Pursue a trade for the Trail Blazers` Robert Williams III and then sign Brook Lopez using the tax midlevel exception. While this would bring in two starting-caliber centers, Williams has played 40 or fewer games in each of the last three seasons, indicating potential injury concerns. As the Lakers are over the first apron and cannot receive more salary in a trade than they send out, any package for Williams would likely involve a combination of Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and/or Shake Milton.
LA Clippers
Offseason Success Strategy: The Clippers` main objective is extending James Harden`s contract, followed by strategically improving the roster depth. The Clippers have a strong core of two-way players but limited depth on the bench, which is particularly concerning given the team`s age and injury history. If Nicolas Batum (who declined his $4.9 million player option) leaves this summer, only Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. would remain as reliable reserves.
Recommended Move: Bring free agent point guard Chris Paul back to Los Angeles, reuniting him with James Harden and bolstering the team`s backcourt depth. Last season, with Harden and Kawhi Leonard off the court, the Clippers` offense averaged just 107.6 points per 100 possessions, ranking in the 14th percentile league-wide according to Cleaning the Glass. Even in his 40s, Paul remains an effective playmaker, has a positive history with the franchise, and played all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season.
Detroit Pistons
Offseason Success Strategy: Coming off a playoff appearance and a significant turnaround season, the Pistons do not necessarily need to make major splashes this summer. Their focus should be on carefully deciding which of their free agent wings – Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder – to bring back, potentially adding one difference-making player from outside the roster. For those hoping for more dramatic moves, remember that 23-year-old guard Jaden Ivey (who averaged nearly 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists efficiently) will be returning from injury.
Recommended Move: Sign restricted free agent Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies. While difficult to acquire, the 24-year-old stretch-four would provide the Pistons with needed reliability at the backup power forward position, an area impacted during the playoffs when Isaiah Stewart was sidelined by injury.
Boston Celtics
Offseason Success Strategy: The Celtics have already completed their most critical offseason task: successfully ducking under the second apron by trading Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday for Georges Niang and Anfernee Simons, respectively. These moves are projected to save Boston approximately $260 million in combined salary and taxes next season. However, with Porzingis gone and Al Horford and Luke Kornet becoming free agents, Boston lacks reliable frontcourt depth. Their goal should be to address this need while remaining below the punitive second-apron threshold.
Recommended Move: If the Celtics can reroute Niang and trade Sam Hauser – who should be a desirable asset given his career 42% three-point shooting and underrated defense – it could free up around $18 million in additional cap space. This would provide enough room to re-sign both Al Horford and Luke Kornet, preserving the core structure of Boston`s roster in anticipation of Jayson Tatum`s return in a year.
Orlando Magic
Offseason Success Strategy: The Magic, similar to the Rockets, completed a significant portion of their offseason business before free agency officially began. They acquired Desmond Bane and drafted Jase Richardson and Noah Penda. They are also likely to extend Paolo Banchero with a five-year, $247 million rookie maximum contract. Despite adding Bane and having Jalen Suggs healthy, there is still a need for a veteran playmaker. Last season, the Magic ranked last in the league in assists per game.
Recommended Move: Sign Tyus Jones to a contract, potentially a two-year, $14 million deal with a player option in the second season. Jones had a 5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season in Phoenix and has averaged at least 10 points in three consecutive seasons. He has consistently ranked in the 90th percentile in assists-to-usage over five of the past seven seasons, according to Cleaning the Glass.
Dallas Mavericks
Offseason Success Strategy: The combined impact of trading for Anthony Davis and drafting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick has resulted in a crowded frontcourt for the Mavericks and insufficient ball-handling depth to manage stretches when Kyrie Irving is sidelined (he recently had a knee injury absence). Ideally, Dallas would trade Daniel Gafford (eligible for trade despite an extension) and potentially other forward depth for a guard capable of running the offense during Irving`s absences and then shifting to a wing role upon his return.
Recommended Move: While Jrue Holiday would have fit this role, his former Celtics teammate Derrick White could also be a target. Could a package involving Gafford, P.J. Washington, and 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 timeline, which is centered around Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Memphis Grizzlies
Offseason Success Strategy: The Grizzlies already executed one of the offseason`s biggest moves by trading their third star, Desmond Bane, to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a first-round swap. With that trade completed, Memphis`s next priority is securing a contract extension for star big man Jaren Jackson Jr.
Recommended Move: An extension and potential renegotiation for Jaren Jackson Jr., the former Defensive Player of the Year, who would otherwise be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer. Memphis can make further roster adjustments (John Konchar is a potential trade candidate) and renounce certain free agent cap holds (like Luke Kennard and Marvin Bagley III) to gain more salary cap flexibility and offer Jackson Jr. a larger extension. Securing him and potentially reaching a new agreement with restricted free agent Santi Aldama would be crucial steps forward.
Milwaukee Bucks
Offseason Success Strategy: Keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo content is paramount. The Bucks face significant challenges building a fully competitive roster next season, particularly with Damian Lillard making $54 million while recovering from an Achilles tear. Their greater concern will be navigating this “gap year” without a trade request from Giannis. This requires utilizing every available resource to assemble a more competitive supporting cast around Antetokounmpo, including decisions on whether to re-sign or replace free agents Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr.
Recommended Move: Trade for Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, whose salary could fit into Milwaukee`s $7.2 million trade exception. Wade might be available from Cleveland, a second-apron team that could significantly save money by trading him. He would be an excellent addition to Milwaukee`s frontcourt. Although injury-prone, Wade is a reliable shooter (37% career from three) and a solid defender, and the Cavaliers have consistently performed better with him on the court.
San Antonio Spurs
Offseason Success Strategy: Maintain flexibility to pursue a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. While current reports don`t suggest an imminent move, the Spurs, with their numerous future draft picks, can afford to be patient. San Antonio should keep their options open by acquiring players this summer, either through trade or the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, whose value would be relevant if included in a future deal for Antetokounmpo. Any additions that help space the floor for the Spurs` young guards and De`Aaron Fox in the meantime would be beneficial.
Recommended Move: 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 likely need an exception to re-sign him for significantly more than the minimum, making him a realistic target for San Antonio.
Miami Heat
Offseason Success Strategy: Find a way to acquire restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The Heat lack the cap space to sign Kuminga directly to an offer sheet, meaning they would need to entice Golden State with a package of players and draft picks. Miami is permitted to trade up to two future first-round picks. The addition of Kuminga would inject much-needed athleticism into a starting lineup featuring Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Kel`el Ware.
Recommended Move: Acquiring Kuminga involves complexities. Firstly, Miami intends to sign Davion Mitchell to a two-year, $24 million contract, placing them near the first apron, which would be triggered in a sign-and-trade scenario. Secondly, Kuminga`s outgoing salary would only count as half his actual salary for trade matching purposes. Therefore, a third team, perhaps Brooklyn, would likely need to facilitate the trade by taking on a player like Duncan Robinson to make the deal financially viable.
Atlanta Hawks
Offseason Success Strategy: The Hawks made a significant positive step recently by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, a rim protector and floor spacer, from the salary-shedding Celtics in a three-team trade. The subsequent steps involve two main objectives: attempting to extend four-time All-Star Trae Young on a contract slightly below the maximum – a reasonable goal considering the team`s repeated play-in appearances despite him earning a max salary – and acquiring a reliable veteran backup point guard to strengthen the rotation, which should feel more competitive in the currently wide-open, injury-affected Eastern Conference.
Recommended Move: Make a strong effort to orchestrate a sign-and-trade deal to acquire free agent wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker from Minnesota. The Timberwolves recently committed $125 million over five years to Naz Reid and still need to address Julius Randle`s future. Minnesota`s financial considerations might create an opportunity for the Hawks, who are currently below the salary cap and hold a $13 million trade exception from the Bogdan Bogdanovic deal, to make a key acquisition. Alexander-Walker is precisely the type of versatile player who would improve their enhanced rotation.
Sacramento Kings
Offseason Success Strategy: Despite concerns about the Kings` lack of a traditional point guard, their offense ranked 12th in efficiency after the All-Star break. Their 22nd-ranked defense was the primary reason Sacramento missed a second consecutive playoff appearance. With below-average defenders like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis being their leading scorers, the Kings need to surround them with as many capable defenders as possible. Ideally, this includes adding another forward-sized player capable of guarding perimeter threats when Keegan Murray is assigned defensively.
Recommended Move: A trade centered around sending DeMar DeRozan to Dallas in exchange for P.J. Washington and draft picks. The Mavericks` need to acquire less salary than they trade out complicates the specifics, but Dallas could include players like Klay Thompson or Naji Marshall and Dwight Powell to facilitate the deal.
Philadelphia 76ers
Offseason Success Strategy: Three positive developments emerged from the 76ers` otherwise difficult season: Jared McCain, who led all rookies in points per game; Quentin Grimes, who averaged 21.9 PPG after arriving in a midseason trade; and Guerschon Yabusele, who provided strong all-around contributions in his NBA return. McCain will be back next season after recovering from a meniscus tear, but Philadelphia must be proactive in retaining the other two: Grimes is a restricted free agent, and Yabusele is unrestricted.
Recommended Move: Beyond re-signing Grimes and Yabusele, the 76ers could aim for a more impactful move by structuring a trade centered around sending Paul George to the Denver Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr. This deal 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 get younger and gain future financial flexibility with Porter. Given the outcome of George`s first season in Philadelphia, the team should explore resetting their roster if possible.
Portland Trail Blazers
Offseason Success Strategy: Having traded Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday, the Trail Blazers` next priority is finding a new team for forward Jerami Grant. Grant`s absence for most of the season`s final months (missing all but two games after March 1) allowed Portland to postpone acknowledging that he no longer merits starting ahead of Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. Grant`s contract still has three years and over $100 million remaining, meaning the Blazers might need to incentivize another team to take on his salary, likely in exchange for a shorter contract.
Recommended Move: Extend Toumani Camara`s contract for as long as possible. Portland could add three years and $64.5 million to his minimum team option for 2025-26, or decline that option and offer $89.2 million over four years. Indiana made the latter move with Andrew Nembhard last summer and certainly doesn`t regret it.
Chicago Bulls
Offseason Success Strategy: On draft night, Bulls GM Marc Eversley stated his intention not to “skip steps” in the team`s rebuilding process. This is a sensible approach for a franchise that has lacked clear direction for nearly a decade. The Bulls would appear misguided making aggressive win-now moves to capitalize on a perceived weak Eastern Conference; they are not as close to contention as their 17-10 record post-All-Star break might suggest.
Recommended Move: Extend restricted free agent guard Josh Giddey, who approached a triple-double average from mid-February onwards. However, Chicago – which has previously retained players like Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Patrick Williams on inflated contracts – should exercise caution with their offer to Giddey. He still has notable limitations in playoff settings and is unlikely to attract many significant outside offers. Only Brooklyn possesses meaningful cap space, and the Nets are unlikely to show strong interest in Giddey after drafting multiple players at the same position in the first round. If the Bulls` offer approaches the range of Immanuel Quickley`s deal (five years, $175 million), they would be making a mistake.
Phoenix Suns
Offseason Success Strategy: Find a way for Bradley Beal to agree to a contract buyout. Even without a no-trade clause, moving Beal`s remaining $110 million over two seasons would be extremely difficult. If Beal were to reduce his salary by $28 million (equivalent to a two-year non-tax midlevel exception amount) and subsequently be waived, Phoenix would not only save over $200 million but also operate below both aprons. This would allow the Suns to acquire more salary in trades and, crucially, aggregate outgoing contracts.
Recommended Move: Sign Chris Paul to a contract, perhaps a one-year, $3.6 million deal. It would be fitting for the Suns to bring back the player they traded away to acquire Beal. The 40-year-old Paul could serve as a mentor to Jalen Green and contribute on the court. In addition to playing all 82 games in 2024-25, Paul has averaged at least seven assists in four of the past five seasons.
New Orleans Pelicans
Offseason Success Strategy: While acquiring Jordan Poole might not have been an ideal move, it did provide the Pelicans access to their non-taxpayer midlevel exception, which can be used to add depth. New Orleans particularly needs players with size capable of playing power forward, given Zion Williamson`s injury history. The challenge is that free agency offers limited options for this specific need.
Recommended Move: Pursue Sacramento forward Jake LaRavia, who is in a unique contract situation. Because the Kings acquired LaRavia after the Grizzlies declined his rookie option, Sacramento is restricted to offering him a starting salary of $5.2 million. The Pelicans could potentially double that amount to entice him away.
Toronto Raptors
Offseason Success Strategy: Following the departure of long-time president Masai Ujiri, the Raptors` next steps should focus on reducing salary commitments while improving the overall roster balance. For a team potentially not reaching the playoffs next year, Toronto carries significant salaries, with Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett alone projected to earn $137 million in 2025-26, potentially pushing the Raptors into luxury tax territory. Trading RJ Barrett, who will earn nearly $28 million this year, for two or three players would both distribute the salary more evenly and alleviate roster congestion, providing more manageable contracts for future trade discussions.
Recommended Move: Trade RJ Barrett for future assets and a couple of smaller contracts. The team is reportedly open to trading the left-handed wing, who is entering his prime and coming off his two best seasons (averaging at least 20 points in both, with a career-high in assists in 2024-25). Could Toronto find a team willing to trade a future first-round pick to acquire Barrett`s scoring? Such a pick could be valuable in a potential package if Giannis Antetokounmpo were to seek a trade from Milwaukee.
Brooklyn Nets
Offseason Success Strategy: Above all, the Nets should maximize opportunities to accumulate additional assets and position themselves at or near the top of next year`s draft lottery. Last season was an exception; the Nets` unexpectedly strong start – even reaching play-in position as late as December 20 – compelled them to trade away talent multiple times (Dorian Finney-Smith, Dennis Schroder) during the season to curb their winning pace. This resulted in the Nets finishing with the 8th pick in the lottery. Trading key players earlier this time could better position the team for a top draft pick.
Recommended Move: Trade veteran forward Cameron Johnson, who holds the most market value on the Nets` roster. As a capable two-way player and a career 39% three-point shooter, Johnson would fit well on any contending team. Aside from trading Johnson, and ensuring there are 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.
Charlotte Hornets
Offseason Success Strategy: Under new leadership, the Hornets have adopted a patient, measured approach to their rebuild, a strategy unlikely to change this summer. Charlotte traded Mark Williams (again) on draft night, acquiring two additional first-round picks in the process, and addressed their need for shooting by drafting Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley. The 2025-26 roster appears mostly set. The primary offseason task will be finding ways to improve the health and availability of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who combined to play only 74 games in 2024-25.
Recommended Move: Announce Moussa Diabate as the starting center. The former Clipper signed a two-way contract with the Hornets last year and was quietly effective in 71 games (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 Ball, Miller, and Diabate played together, the Hornets had a plus-5.4 net rating, albeit in a small sample size. Diabate is on a non-guaranteed contract for next season, but with Mark Williams traded, he should be given the opportunity to seize the starting center role.
Utah Jazz
Offseason Success Strategy: Originally, success was centered around Ace Bailey reporting for summer league, but that changed when he arrived in Salt Lake City on Saturday. It may sound simple, but 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 to how competitive the Jazz can be next season.
Recommended Move: Sign Walker Kessler to a contract extension, perhaps a five-year, $130 million deal. 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 can afford to be aggressive. 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 in points (11.1), rebounds (12.2), and assists (1.7) last season and led the NBA in field goal percentage (66.3%).
Washington Wizards
Offseason Success Strategy: Washington likely completed its most significant move by trading Jordan Poole to New Orleans for guard CJ McCollum. The Wizards are projected to have around $90 million in cap space next summer. Some of this cap space might be used to convert the expiring contracts of McCollum, Khris Middleton, and Marcus Smart into longer-term deals.
Recommended Move: Contact the Denver Nuggets to discuss swapping Khris Middleton for Michael Porter Jr. and Dario Saric. This move would reduce Denver`s luxury tax bill for the upcoming season and save the Nuggets $40.8 million in salary for 2026-27. Denver would likely require a significant sweetener, such as the Wizards` 2032 first-round pick, to part with Porter, but the call is worth making.
