NBA Offseason Team Analysis 2025

• 2024-25 record: 17-64

• Draft picks in June: No. 1/2 (own), No. 22 (via Minnesota), No. 44 (via Dallas) and No. 52 (via LA Clippers). Note: Draft ties will be broken after the regular season.

• Odds for the No. 1 pick: 14%

• Free agents: John Collins (P), Micah Potter (R) and Oscar Tshiebwe (R)

Roster Status:

Trading key players in 2022 initiated a rebuild. After initial overperformance, the Jazz deliberately bottomed out to secure better draft positioning.

Jazz GM Justin Zanik stated their focus is on developing young talent for both present and future success, emphasizing that growth takes time.

The Jazz concluded the season with the youngest roster, similar in age to Oklahoma City, but with significantly fewer wins.

Despite a season of 60 losses, there are positives. Rookie Isaiah Collier led rookies in assists and set a Jazz rookie record. Walker Kessler was second in the league in blocks. The 2025 draft provides an opportunity to further strengthen the roster with a high lottery pick and additional selections. With all players under contract and significant expiring contracts, Utah has trade flexibility.

Offseason Finances:

With draft picks and existing contracts, Utah is expected to operate over the cap. Decisions on non-guaranteed contracts and John Collins` player option will be key. The Jazz will have access to various exceptions for signings and a trade exception.

Top Front Office Priority:

The draft is paramount. The Jazz have drafted five first-round picks in the past two years, but none are yet considered franchise cornerstones. This draft could change that. Decisions are also needed regarding veterans Markkanen, Collins, Clarkson, and Sexton, all potentially tradeable assets.

Extension Candidate:

Walker Kessler is a prime extension candidate. He has consistently averaged over two blocks per game in his first three seasons and improved his scoring and rebounding.

Team Needs:

Internal improvement on offense and defense is crucial. The Jazz need to reduce turnovers and improve their transition defense. Overall defensive ranking needs significant improvement.

Future Draft Assets:

The Jazz possess a substantial collection of future first-round picks and second-round picks, providing flexibility for trades and roster building.

• 2024-25 record: 17-64

• Draft picks in June: No. 1/2 (own), No. 18/19 (via Memphis), No. 40 (via Phoenix). Note: Draft order ties will be broken after the regular season. The first from Memphis is top-14 protected.

• Odds for the No. 1 pick: 14%

• Free agents: Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton (P), Tristan Vukcevic (R) and JT Thor (R)

Roster Status:

The Wizards are in the early stages of a rebuild, focused on deconstruction and laying a foundation, as stated by GM Will Dawkins.

This season highlighted the growing pains of rebuilding, with the youngest team in the NBA experiencing significant losing streaks.

Positives include the development of Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr. The team`s performance improved after acquiring veterans Middleton and Smart. The return of Saddiq Bey from injury should also be beneficial. The Wizards are positioned to add another high lottery pick.

Offseason Finances:

Trades for Middleton and Smart provided draft assets. Washington has cap flexibility with non-guaranteed contracts and potential decisions on player options. They will have access to exceptions and trade exceptions.

Top Front Office Priority:

Navigating their draft picks is crucial. The Wizards have multiple picks and decisions to make on how to use them, potentially mirroring past strategies of trading picks to move up in the draft. Veteran player value and potential trades for more draft capital are also key considerations. The future of Jordan Poole and his contract is another significant factor.

Extension Candidate:

Currently, no players on rookie scale contracts are extension-eligible.

Team Needs:

Significant improvement is needed on both offense and defense, particularly in perimeter shooting and defense. Rebounding and perimeter defense from the big man position are priorities.

Future Draft Assets:

The Wizards have a large number of future draft picks, including first-rounders acquired in recent trades, providing substantial flexibility for future roster moves.

• 2024-25 record: 19-62

• Draft picks in June: No. 3 (own), No. 33 (own) and No. 34 (via New Orleans). Note: first-round draft position will be set by the May 12 draft lottery.

• Odds for the No. 1 pick: 14%

• Free agents: Seth Curry, Taj Gibson, Tre Mann (R) and Wendell Moore Jr.

Roster Status:

The Hornets` goal for 2024-25 was to build a foundation rather than chase short-term playoff success, according to GM Jeff Peterson.

Despite another season with over 50 losses, the Hornets are taking a long-term approach, accumulating draft picks. Injuries to key players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller impacted the season, leading to inconsistent lineups. However, limited data suggests a core lineup with Ball and Miller shows promise.

The upcoming draft offers a chance to add a potential franchise player to a young core.

Offseason Finances:

Acquiring Jusuf Nurkic at the deadline impacts their cap situation. Charlotte is close to the salary cap but will have exceptions available.

Top Front Office Priority:

Three key priorities: LaMelo Ball`s future and durability, Miles Bridges` contract situation, and Tre Mann`s new contract price point. Ball`s injury history and impact on team performance are significant. Bridges` long-term value is also a key decision. Mann`s restricted free agency needs to be addressed.

Extension Candidate:

Mark Williams is a key extension candidate after a trade was rescinded. He showed improvement but defensive consistency is a concern.

Team Needs:

Beyond health and consistency, developing Tidjane Salaun and improving team shooting are key needs. The Hornets struggled with effective field goal percentage.

Future Draft Assets:

The Hornets control their future first-round picks and have additional firsts from trades, providing ample assets for future moves.