2024 NBA offseason: Most impactful trades, signings, more

There are no trophies handed out for winning the NBA offseason.

However, the Philadelphia 76ers’ signing of Paul George, the Mikal Bridges trade to the New York Knicks, the departure of Klay Thompson from Golden State and the Cleveland Cavaliers extending Donovan Mitchell could play a role in which team is crowned the next NBA champion in June 2025.

The offseason transactions — from orchestrated trades to free agent signings to contract extensions to adding draft picks — affect how each of the 30 teams will conduct its business on and off the court as the start of the 2024-25 season looms three months from now.

Let’s look at each of the 30 teams’ key offseason moves and what to keep an eye on leading up to training camp in late September.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS

Offseason player transactions: Zaccharie Risacher (first round, signed a four-year, $57 million contract), Dyson Daniels (trade), Larry Nance Jr. (trade), EJ Liddell (trade), Cody Zeller (sign-and-trade; three years, $11 million), Vit Krejci (signed a four-year, $10 million contract), Keaton Wallace (two-way)

The impact transaction: The Dejounte Murray trade. The trade broke up the backcourt pairing of Murray and Trae Young, but also saw Atlanta get under the luxury tax and begin to build back its draft assets.

The Hawks still owe the San Antonio Spurs their own 2025 and 2027 unprotected firsts (the Spurs also have the right to swap firsts in 2026) but now have a valuable unprotected 2025 Los Angeles Lakers first. They also have the least favorable of New Orleans’ or Milwaukee’s first in 2027.

What to watch for: A Jalen Johnson rookie extension. The Murray trade cleared out $114 million in salary and forged a path to sign Johnson long term. The forward averaged career highs in points (16.1) and 3-point percentage (35.3%). Overall, Johnson has increased his scoring average from 5.6 last season to 16.1 this season.

Since general manager Landry Fields joined the front office in October 2020, Atlanta has signed a player to a rookie extension in each of the past three offseasons (Young, Kevin Huerter, De’Andre Hunter and Onyeka Okongwu). Young is eligible until Oct. 21 to sign a three-year, $157 million extension.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Hawks at No. 22

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Offseason player transactions: Baylor Scheierman (first round, signed a four-year, $12.8 million contract), Anton Watson (second round), Luke Kornet (signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract), Derrick White (signed a four-year, $126 million extension), Jayson Tatum (signed a five-year, $314 million extension), Neemias Queta (signed a three-year, $7.2 million contract), Xavier Tillman (signed a two-year, $5.8 million contract), Drew Peterson (two-way), JD Davison (two-way), Tristan Enaruna (Exhibit 10)

The impact transaction: The Tatum and White extensions were headliners, but the biggest transaction in Boston could be happening in the near future. As reported in early July, the Celtics’ majority ownership group plans to sell a majority interest in the team this year or early next year.

The new ownership will have its hands full as Boston could exceed $500 million in salary and tax penalties in 2025-26 because of the Tatum and Jaylen Brown supermax contracts, coupled with long-term extensions of White and Jrue Holiday.

What to watch for: The Sam Hauser extension. The Celtics have until June 30 to sign the second year forward to a new contract or perhaps lose him to free agency. By exercising his $2 million team option this offseason, Hauser could be an unrestricted free agent without an extension.

Since the All-Star break, Hauser averaged 11 points and shot 44.4% on 3-pointers. He had scored in double figures twice off the bench in the playoffs, including a career-high 17 points in the game-clinching series win against the Miami Heat.

Because Boston is a repeater tax team next year and the NBA is set to implement more stringent penalties, a new contract for Hauser starting at $8 million adds over $60 million in tax penalties.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Celtics at No. 1

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Offseason player transactions: Bojan Bogdanovic (trade), Nic Claxton (signed a four-year, $100 million contract), Shake Milton (sign-and-trade; signed a three-year, $9 million contract), Trendon Watford (signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract), Ziaire Williams (trade)

The impact transaction: We can laud the Nets over the haul of draft picks (an unprecedented five first-round picks, including four unprotected) they acquired in the Mikal Bridges trade to the Knicks. But it is the trade with the Houston Rockets that made the biggest impact on the Nets this offseason. By regaining control of their 2025 and 2026 firsts, Brooklyn could add a high lottery pick in each of the next two seasons.

What to watch for: The futures of Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson. Finney-Smith has two years left on his contract but has a $15.4 million player option in 2025-26.

Johnson has three years and $66 million remaining on his deal. One hindrance to a Johnson trade is the $4.5 million in unlikely bonuses in his contract. The incentives count toward the apron for any team looking to acquire the 28-year-old forward.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Nets at No. 30

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Offseason player transactions: Tidjane Salaun (first round, signed a four-year, $34 million contract), KJ Simpson (second round and two-way), Reggie Jackson (trade), Josh Green (trade), Devonte’ Graham (trade and waived), Miles Bridges (signed a three-year, $75 million contract), Taj Gibson (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract), Seth Curry (signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract)

The impact transaction: The Miles Bridges signing stands out, but the impactful transaction for the Hornets came in a series of trades.

Charlotte, which is over the salary cap, created enough flexibility to acquire Graham (he was eventually waived), Green and Jackson and still sign Bridges. The Jackson and Graham trade also netted Charlotte four second-round picks.

What to watch for: How does Grant Williams fit with the team long term? Williams has three years and $41 million left on his contract, and he has value with the Hornets and teams that are looking for a stretch 4 (hello, Philadelphia 76ers).

Williams averaged a career-high 13.9 points and 50.3% from the field in 29 games with Charlotte after being traded from Dallas last season.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Hornets at No. 26

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Offseason player transactions: Jalen Smith (signed a three-year, $27 million), Patrick Williams (signed a five-year, $90 million contract), Josh Giddey (trade), Chris Duarte (trade), Matas Buzelis (first round; signed a four-year, $23.9 million contract), Adama Sanogo (two-way), Marcus Domask (Exhibit 10)

The impact transaction: Acquiring Josh Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder and then drafting Matas Buzelis fit the timeline for the Bulls to upgrade their roster. Buzelis ranked among the top players in points scored in summer league and should play significant minutes this season.

The Bulls missed out on the regular-season window to extract maximum value from an Alex Caruso or DeMar DeRozan trade. But the final scorecard with both players traded includes Giddey, two future seconds, Chris Duarte and a $17.6 million trade exception.

What to watch for: As long as he is on the Bulls’ roster, Zach LaVine will be the center of attention. He is owed $138 million over the next three seasons, and more important, has a 15% trade bonus in his contract. If ZaVine is traded before the start of the season, Chicago would owe him $12.4 million and the acquiring team would inherit a $6.2 million additional salary charge for the next two seasons.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Bulls at No. 25

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(first round; signed a four-year, $16.1 million contract ), Donovan Mitchell (signed a three-year, $150.3 million extension)

The impact transaction: The Mitchell extension puts to rest what could have been an offseason of turmoil for the Cavs. The All-Star guard is under contract for at least the next three seasons (he has a player option in the fourth), so the focus this offseason turns to new coach Kenny Atkinson and his acclimation to a roster that returns the same starting five.

What to watch for: Did the $224 million rookie extensions for Cade Cunningham, Franz Wagner and Scottie Barnes set the bar for a new contract for forward Evan Mobley? And if so, is extending Mobley to the same contract a smart play considering the roster limitations under the new CBA?

A max extension would have Cleveland committed to $120 million between Mobley, Mitchell and Darius Garland next season. Mobley earned All-NBA Defensive first-team honors in 2023 and continues to play a big role in Cleveland’s top-10 ranking in defensive efficiency the past two seasons.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Cavaliers at No. 10

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Offseason player transactions: Melvin Ajinca (second round), Quentin Grimes (trade), Klay Thompson (sign-and-trade, signed a three-year, $50 million contract), Naji Marshall (signed a three-year, $27 million contract), Emanuel Miller (Exhibit 10), Jazian Gortman (Exhibit 10)

The impact transaction: Give Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison credit for not sitting back and being content with a roster that just reached the Finals. Over the salary cap and pressed against the luxury tax, the Mavericks swapped out Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green for Thompson and Grimes.

The financial flexibility from moving off the $29 million owed to Hardaway and Green then allowed Dallas to sign Marshall.

What to watch for: Two weeks into the offseason, the Mavericks’ roster is set with 14 players on guaranteed contracts. Dallas does have the option to extend guard Jaden Hardy. The 2022 second-round pick averaged 7.4 points and shot 60% from deep in the conference finals.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Mavericks at No. 5

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Offseason transactions: DaRon Holmes II (first round; signed a four-year, $15.2 million contract), DeAndre Jordan (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract), Vlatko Cancar (signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract), PJ Hall (two-way), Trey Alexander (two-way), Dario Saric (signed a two-year $10.6 million contract)

The impact transaction: Outside of the Clippers, no team was more impacted by the new apron rules than Denver. Reluctant to go into the second apron, the Nuggets lost starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Orlando and now will rely on former first-round picks Christian Braun and Julian Strawther. Since his arrival in Denver, Caldwell-Pope started 152 games the past two seasons. During the regular season, opponents shot 40.6% when Caldwell-Pope was the closest defender per Second Spectrum. That led the NBA among players to defend 500-plus shots.

What to watch for: Do not expect extension talks with Jamal Murray to pick up until after the Olympics are completed in mid-August. Murray will have a decision to make regarding his next contract. He is entering the last year of his contract and eligible to sign a four-year, $208.5 million extension. The $46.5 million contract would begin in 2025-26 and have Murray earning $57.7 million in the last year. Murray could also bet on himself, play out the season and then sign a five-year contract next offseason. The extra year could earn him an additional $61 million. He would also sign for a supermax contract if he was named All-NBA next year, which he has never achieved. Bypassing guaranteed money comes at a significant risk. Since tearing his left ACL in April 2021, Murray has missed 150 regular-season games. The deadline to extend is June 30.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Nuggets at No. 7

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Offseason player transactions: Ron Holland (first round; signed a four-year, $37.5 million contract), Bobi Klintman (second round; signed a four-year, $8 million contract), Wendell Moore Jr. (trade), Tim Hardaway Jr. (trade), Tobias Harris (signed a two-year, $52 million contract), Daniss Jenkins (two-way), Malik Beasley (signed a one-year, $6 million contract), Simone Fontecchio (signed a two-year, $16 million contract)

The impact transaction: The Pistons finished last season with the worst record in the league (14-68) and ranked 27th in offensive efficiency. After finishing 26th in 3-point shooting, new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon prioritized shooting.

The Pistons signed Harris, Beasley and Fontecchio then acquired Hardaway from Dallas. Detroit also signed Cade Cunningham to a five-year, $224 million rookie max extension.

What to watch for: The Pistons reached the minimum salary floor (90% of the salary cap) when they claimed Paul Reed off waivers, but they still have $14 million in cap space and the $8 million room midlevel exception.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Pistons at No. 28

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Offseason player transactions: Quinten Post (second round), Lindy Waters III (trade), De’Anthony Melton (signed a one-year, $12.8 million contract), Kyle Anderson (sign-and-trade; signed a three-year, $27 million contract), Buddy Hield (sign-and-trade; signed a four-year, $40 million contract), Reece Beekman (two-way)

The impact transaction: The Warriors had two options this offseason with Klay Thompson: sign the future Hall of Famer and continue living in the luxury tax and first apron, or reroute him to a team such as Dallas in a sign-and-trade.

Thompson to the Mavericks not only resulted in future financial flexibility but also brought back veterans Anderson and Hield as part of the trade. Golden State would also sign Melton to the $12.8 million non-tax midlevel exception.

What to watch for: Extensions for Stephen Curry, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. Curry is extension eligible, but because of the over-38 rule, Golden State is allowed to only add one more season. A one-year, $62.6 million extension would keep Curry, 36, in a Warriors uniform through 2026-27.

The Warriors have until October to sign Kuminga and Moody to new contracts. Kuminga averaged career highs in points (16.1), rebounds (4.8), assists (2.2) and field goal percentage (52.9%). Moody started nine games, averaging 12.6 points and shooting 39.5% on 3-pointers in those starts, and the Warriors were 28-18 when Moody played more than 15 minutes this season.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Warriors at No. 16

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(first round; signed a four-year, $49.5 million contract), AJ Griffin (trade), Aaron Holiday (signed a two-year, $10 million contract), N’Faly Dante (two-way), Jermaine Samuels (Exhibit 10), Nate Hinton (Exhibit 10)

The impact transaction: The Rockets took the calculated risk of trading back to Brooklyn its 2025 first and then eliminating swap rights in 2026. The trade resulted in Houston picking up four key draft assets, including an unprotected 2027 Phoenix first and the more favorable of Phoenix’s or Dallas’ first in 2029.

What to watch for: Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green are eligible to sign rookie extensions worth up to $224 million over five years. Will the Rockets need to prioritize one player’s deal over the other’s?

Sengun averaged career highs in points (21.1), rebounds (9.3), assists (5.0) and steals (1.2). He averaged 14.7 paint points this season, fifth most in the NBA. During the Rockets’ 11-game winning streak in March, Green averaged 30.2 points while shooting 50% from the field and 45% on 3-pointers.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Rockets at No. 20

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Offseason player transactions: Obi Toppin (signed a four-year, $60 million contract), Pascal SIakam (signed a four-year, $189.5 million contract), James Wiseman (signed a two-year, $4.8 million contract), Johnny Furphy (second round; signed a four-year, $8.6 million contract), Tristen Newton (second round) and Enrique Freeman (second round)

The impact transaction: Trading for Siakam in January and then signing the forward to a four-year, $189 million contract proved to be a win-win for the Pacers. Siakam gets rewarded with a max contract, and Indiana avoids adding a $56 million salary in a fifth season.

In his 41 games with Indiana during the regular season, Siakam shot a career high 54.9% from the field, 38.6% on 3-pointers and 58% effective field goal percentage. For the fifth straight season, he averaged at least 20 points per game. Signing sixth man Obi Toppin while also staying below the luxury tax is an under-the-radar transaction this offseason. Toppin averaged a career-high 10.3 points and is one of 17 players this season to appear in all 82 games.

What to watch for: Knowing that starter Andrew Nembhard is in line for a significant pay increase (Nembhard is extension eligible starting on July 22), does Indiana focus on signing backup TJ McConnell to a long-term contract?

McConnell averaged career highs in points (11.5) and assists (5.1) in the playoffs. He became the first player to have 10 assists off the bench in multiple games in a single postseason since Lou Williams did it in 2019, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He is eligible to sign a new contract up until June 30 and is an unrestricted free agent if no agreement is reached.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Pacers at No. 9

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Offseason transaction: Cam Christie (second round; signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract), Derrick Jones Jr. (signed a three-year, $30 million contract), Nicolas Batum (signed a two-year, $9.6 million contract), Kris Dunn (sign-and-trade; three-year, $17 million contract), Mo Bamba (signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract), Trentyn Flowers (two-way), Kai Jones (Exhibit 10)

The impact transaction: The Clippers went from a team that constantly pushed all their chips to the middle to one searching for a new identity. The loss of All-Star Paul George stings, but the Clippers solidified their frontcourt by signing Derrick Jones, Nicolas Batum and Mo Bamba. The Clippers also retain their flexibility in the future with the two-year, $70 million James Harden contract.

What to watch for: The Clippers traded Russell Westbrook to Utah, and now the priority is finding veteran PJ Tucker a new home. Tucker is on an expiring $11.5 million contract. The Clippers also have a decision with Terance Mann. Mann is in the last year of his contract and eligible to sign a four-year, $81 million extension.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Clippers at No. 18

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(signed a two-year, $101 million contract), Dalton Knecht (first round; signed a four-year, $18.5 million contract), Bronny James (second round; agreed to a four-year, $7.9 million contract), Max Christie (signed a four-year, $32 million contract), Armel Traore (two-way), Blake Hinson (two-way), Colin Castleton (two-way)

The impact transaction: LeBron James summed it up when talking about the Lakers’ inactivity on major player moves this offseason. “It takes two to tango,” he told ESPN of the Lakers’ failed attempts. The Lakers hired coach JJ Redick and selected Knecht and Bronny in the draft. However, the same roster that lost to Denver in the first round of the playoffs also returns 13 players.

What to watch for: Expect the Lakers’ quiet offseason to continue. Bronny James taking $1 million less off his first-year salary helps, but the Lakers are still $45,000 below the second apron.

“I think if the right deal comes and we have to put in draft picks, we will,” general manager Rob Pelinka said during the news conference to introduce Knecht and Bronny.

“We’re now in the apron world. We’ve seen contending teams or championship-level teams have to lose players. That’s a result of the apron world we’re living in. So, does it make trades more challenging? Yes. Does it make good trades impossible? No.”

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Lakers at No. 17

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Offseason player transactions: Zach Edey (first round; signed a four-year, $26.2 million contract), Jaylen Wells (second round; signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract) and Cam Spencer (second round, two-way), Mamadi Diakite (trade)

The impact transaction: The Grizzlies kept quiet in free agency, but they improved their roster by adding Edey with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft.

“We have options now,” Grizzlies general manager Rich Kleiman said when introducing the 7-foot-4 rookie. “In our frontcourt now, there’s a lot of different ways we can play.”

In his first summer league game, Edey scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

What to watch for: The Grizzlies made a financial decision when declining the $14.8 million team option of Luke Kennard. The move allowed Memphis to go under the luxury tax and first apron. The Grizzlies are $10 million below the tax and can bring back Kennard at a lesser cost.

Last season, Kennard ranked second in 3-point percentage (45%) among players with four or more attempts per game.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Grizzlies at No. 13

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(signed a three-year, $166 million extension), Pelle Larsson (second round; signed a three-year, $5.4 million contract), Kevin Love (signed a two-year, $8 million contract), Dru Smith (two-way), Alec Burks (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract), Haywood Highsmith (signed a two-year, $10.8 million contract), Thomas Bryant (signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract), Zyon Pullin (two-way), Keshad Johnson (two-way)

The impact transaction: Losing Caleb Martin to Philadelphia was a tough loss. However, Miami signed Highsmith to a team-friendly contract for two years and $10.8 million. Highsmith held 2024 All-Stars to a 40.3% effective field goal percentage, third best among players to defend 100-plus shots, per Second Spectrum.

Also worth noting: The Adebayo extension does not impact the Heat now, but it does keep one of the league’s top defenders under contract for at least the next five seasons (the last year is a player option).

What to watch for: The future of Jimmy Butler will hover around the organization all season. Butler has two years left on his contract and will become a free agent if he declines the $52.4 million player option for next season. The Heat could also tack on another season or two if the option is declined.

The Heat will also be continually linked when an All-Star becomes available. However, Miami is $1.5 million below the second apron, is top heavy in contracts (five players earn a total of $150 million this season) and has two first-round picks to move.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Heat at No. 19

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Offseason player transactions: AJ Johnson (first round; signed a four-year, $14.6 million contract), Tyler Smith (second round; signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract), Delon Wright (agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract), Taurean Prince (signed a one-year, $3 million contract), Stanley Umude (two-way)

The impact transaction: The Bucks added athleticism in the draft with Johnson and Smith but were limited financially to add more in free agency. However, Milwaukee did find value with Prince at the veterans minimum. With the Lakers last season, Prince played in 78 games, his most since 2017-18. He has shot at least 39% on 3-pointers in each of his past four seasons.

What to watch for: Does Milwaukee view Bobby Portis Jr. as more of a trade asset or an important part of its future? Portis has outplayed the four-year, $48.6 million contract he signed in 2022 and could become a free agent next offseason if he declines his $13.4 million player option. For the second time in his career, Portis shot better than 50% from the field and 40% on 3-pointers. He is eligible to sign a four-year, $81 million extension this season.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Bucks at No. 8

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Offseason player transactions: Luka Garza (signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract), Rob Dillingham (first round; signed a four-year, $28.5 million contract), Terrence Shannon Jr. (first round; signed a four-year, $13.1 million contract), Jesse Edwards (two-way), PJ Dozier (signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract), Joe Ingles (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract), Daishen Nix (two-way)

The impact transaction: Limited in both finances and in draft equity, the Timberwolves could only do so much this offseason to improve a roster that lost in the Western Conference finals. What was left of their draft assets — the right to swap picks in 2030 and their unprotected 2031 first — was sent to San Antonio for the rights of Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft.

Dillingham and Shannon (the Wolves’ No. 27 pick) help to solidify a bench that lost Kyle Anderson and Monte Morris in free agency.

What to watch for: Besides a resolution to the ongoing ownership dispute, keep an eye on extension talks with Rudy Gobert. The three-time All-Star center has two years left on his contract and can become a free agent next offseason if he declines his player option.

While it is unlikely Minnesota would extend him to a four-year, $243 million extension, Gobert could decline the $46.6 million player option and then extend for a lower salary but with more years attached.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Timberwolves at No. 3

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Offseason player transactions: Yves Missi (first round; signed a four-year, $15.6 million contract), Antonio Reeves (second round), Dejounte Murray (trade), Daniel Theis (signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract), Jamal Cain (two-way), Karlo Matkovic (second round; signed a three-year, $5.4 million contract)

The impact transaction: The Murray trade. The Pelicans took a calculated risk in surrendering two first-round picks (including the valuable Lakers 2025 unprotected first) and a package of players headlined by 2022 lottery pick Dyson Daniels. The Murray addition strengthens a backcourt that already has CJ McCollum.

What to watch for: Brandon Ingram. The 2020 All-Star is eligible to sign a four-year, $209 million extension and is an unrestricted free agent if no agreement is reached by June 30, 2025. The Pelicans have to ask whether paying a combined $145 million to Ingram, Zion Williamson, Murray and McCollum in 2025-26 is smart business.

New Orleans would be top heavy in salary, especially if Trey Murphy III is also extended in the offseason. The bigger risk, however, is the distraction of Ingram coming back on an expiring contract if extension talks stall.

The Pelicans are in a position to either pay Ingram or look for trade suitors, which could have a domino effect on their roster considering there is a void at center.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Pelicans at No. 14

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(signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension), Mikal Bridges (trade), OG Anunoby (signed a five-year, $212.5 million contract), Pacome Dadiet (first round; signed a four-year, $13 million contract), Tyler Kolek (second round; signed a four-year, $9.1 million contract), Kevin McCullar Jr. (second round), Cameron Payne (signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract), Ariel Hukporti (second round, two-way), Keita Bates-Diop (trade)

The impact transaction: Multiple transactions impacted the Knicks’ offseason. It started in late June when New York went all-in, surrendering an unprecedented five first-round picks (including four unprotected) to acquire Mikal Bridges. Then a day later, New York signed Anunoby to a five-year contract.

Those two transactions, however, were topped when Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension

What to watch for: Did the Brunson extension set the precedent regarding a new contract for Julius Randle? Starting on Aug. 3, Randle is eligible to sign a four-year, $181 million extension. Randle would be the only player on the Knicks’ roster in 2025-26 with a salary more than $40 million.

The loss of Isaiah Hartenstein to Oklahoma City has left New York with a void at backup center. By restructuring the Bridges trade, the Knicks have the flexibility to bring back Precious Achiuwa to help fill that role.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Knicks at No. 4

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(signed a five-year, $48 million contract), Aaron Wiggins (signed a five-year, $47 million contract), Alex Caruso (trade), Nikola Topic (first round, signed a four-year, $23 million contract), Dillon Jones (first round, signed a four-year, $13.5 million contract) and Ajay Mitchell (second round, two-way)

The impact transaction: The priority entering the offseason in Oklahoma City was to maximize a two-year window to utilize salary cap space before likely extensions for Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander begin.

The Caruso trade from Chicago set the tone, followed by the free agent signings of Hartenstein, Joe and Wiggins. Those three contracts descend in salary and have a team option in the last year.

What to watch for: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort both playing for the Canadian Olympic team in Paris. Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP contender last season, and All-NBA defender Dort look to win Canada its first Olympic medal since 1936 in Berlin.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Thunder at No. 2

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Offseason player transactions: Tristan da Silva (first round; signed a four-year, $17.6 million contract), Goga Bitadze (signed a three-year, $25 million contract), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (signed a three-year, $66 million contract), Gary Harris (signed a two-year, $15 million contract), Jonathan Isaac (renegotiation and extension; five years, $85 million; 2024-25 salary increased from $17.4 million to $25 million), Franz Wagner (signed a five-year, $224 million extension), Moritz Wagner (signed a two-year, $22 million contract)

The impact transaction: The big signing took place when Orlando signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year, $66 million contract.

Caldwell-Pope is not only a high-level defender but one of the NBA’s more durable players. Since the 2013-14 season, Caldwell-Pope has played in 96% of regular-season games. He has never missed more than four consecutive games.

The Magic also focused on continuity, re-signing free agents Bitadze, Harris and Moritz Wagner then renegotiating the contract of Isaac.

What to watch for: After signing Franz Wagner to a five-year, $224 million extension, Orlando’s attention shifts to Jalen Suggs. The quarterback of a Magic defense that ranked in the top 10 in defensive estimated plus-minus, Suggs is eligible to sign an extension until Oct. 21. He tied for eighth in steals and ranked in the top 10 in defensive estimated plus-minus. Suggs shot a career-high 47.1% from the field and 39.7% on 3-pointers.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Magic at No. 11

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(first round; signed a four-year, $19.5 million contract), Adem Bona (second round; signed a four-year, $8 million contract), Tyrese Maxey (signed a five-year, $204 million contract), Paul George (signed a four-year, $212 million contract), Andre Drummond (signed a two-year, $10 million contract), Kelly Oubre Jr. (signed a two-year, $16.3 million contract), Eric Gordon (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract), Justin Edwards (two-way), David Jones (two-way), Caleb Martin (signed a four-year, $40 million contract), Kyle Lowry (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract), KJ Martin (signed a two-year, $16 million contract)

The impact transaction: Let’s bridge the impact transaction to extend to last year when Philadelphia and Tyrese Maxey agreed to table their extension talks. Because of the Maxey $13 million free agent hold instead of a $35 million cap hit, the 76ers not only signed George but also added Martin and Drummond.

They also signed Gordon to the veterans minimum and Oubre with the $8 million room midlevel exception.

What to watch for: Joel Embiid has three years left on his contract and is eligible to sign an extension. The three-year, $193.5 million extension starts in 2026-27 and represents $134.5 million in new money. The $59 million player option in the original contract is now replaced with a $59.7 million new salary.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: 76ers at No. 6

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Offseason player transactions: Ryan Dunn (first round; signed a four-year, $13 million contract), Oso Ighodaro (second round; signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract), Royce O’Neale (signed a four-year, $44 million contract), Jalen Bridges (two-way), Collin Gillespie (two-way), Mason Plumlee (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract), Damion Lee (signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract) and Bol Bol (signed a one-year, $2.3 million contract), Monte Morris (signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract), Josh Okogie (signed a two-year, $16 million contract)

The impact transaction: The Suns managed to work around the second apron restrictions, re-signing O’Neale, Okogie and Monte Morris (a free agent).

O’Neale is one of four players in the NBA to record 150 3-pointers, 50 steals and 40 blocks in each of the past two seasons. Morris averaged a career-high 5.3 assists two years with the Washington Wizards and fills a much needed void at point guard. The $8 million Okogie salary gives the Suns a tradable asset in mid-January.

What to watch for: A Kevin Durant extension. Durant, 35, has two years left on his contract ($51.2 million and $54.7 million) and is eligible to sign a one-year extension, which would pay him $59.7 million in 2026-27, when the two-time NBA champion turns 38.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Suns at No. 12

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Offseason player transactions: Deni Avdija (trade), Donovan Clingan (first round; signed a four-year, $31.1 million contract), Justin Minaya (two-way), Bryce McGowens (two-way)

The impact transaction: The Trail Blazers got under the luxury tax and first apron with the Avdija trade while also improving their roster. Avdija had a breakout season with the Wizards in 2023-24, averaging 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He finished sixth in voting for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.

What to watch for: The Trail Blazers are in the unique position of rebuilding in the West with the fourth-youngest roster but also having veterans such as Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III, Deandre Ayton and Matisse Thybulle under contract next season. Those six players would have trade value if Portland were to make them available.

Williams has one of the best contracts ($12.4 million and $13.2 million) and is a NBA Defensive Player of the Year candidate when healthy (he missed all but six games in 2023-24). He should be expendable with Portland drafting center Donovan Clingan at No. 7.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Trail Blazers at No. 27

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Offseason player transactions: Malik Monk (signed a four-year, $78 million contract), Devin Carter (first round; signed a four-year, $22.1 million contract), Jalen McDaniels (trade), Isaiah Crawford (two-way), Isaac Jones (two-way), DeMar DeRozan (sign-and-trade, three years for $77 million), Jordan McLaughlin (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract)

The impact transaction: It started in mid-June with re-signing Monk and ended on July 6 when Sacramento orchestrated the DeRozan sign-and-trade. Acquiring DeRozan was aggressive considering San Antonio now has the right to swap firsts in 2031 (the Kings also trade two seconds to Chicago) and Sacramento could enter the luxury tax for the first time since 2003-04 if Domantas Sabonis is named an All-Star.

The front office showed that despite winning 95 games the past two seasons combined, the Kings were not content with returning the same starting five.

What to watch for: Besides a possible extension for De’Aaron Fox, the last remaining question in Sacramento is the future of Kevin Huerter. The Kings’ backcourt is crowded with the signing of Monk, trade of DeRozan and the emergence of Keon Ellis. Huerter has two years and $34.8 million left on his contract.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Kings at No. 15

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(signed a one-year, $12 million contract), Stephon Castle (first round; signed a four-year, $41.4 million contract), Juan Nunez (second round), Harrison Ingram (second round), Harrison Barnes (trade)

The impact transaction: The Spurs, with the youngest roster in the NBA last offseason, added two veterans in Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Paul signed a one-year, $12 million deal, while Barnes was acquired in the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade.

The Spurs also added another valuable draft asset in the right to swap firsts with Sacramento in 2031. Paul, who ranked second with a 5.17 assist-to-turnover ratio last season, should help a San Antonio team that ranked 24th in turnover percentage in 2023-24.

What to watch for: The Spurs continue to sit on a stockpile of draft assets. Including their own first, San Antonio has 10 tradable firsts over the next seven years. The Spurs have unprotected firsts from Atlanta (2025 and 2027) and Sacramento (2031).

They also have the right to swap firsts in three separate years — 2029 (Boston if 2-30), 2030 (Minnesota or Dallas) and 2031 (Sacramento).

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Spurs at No. 21

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Offseason player transactions: Scottie Barnes (signed a five-year, $225 million extensionImmanuel Quickley (signed a five-year, $175 million contractJa’Kobe Walter (first round), Jonathan Mogbo (second round; signed a three-year, $6.1 million contract), Jamal Shead (second round; signed a three-year, $6.1 million contract), Ulrich Chomche (second round, two-way), Davion Mitchell (trade), Sasha Vezenkov (trade), Garrett Temple (signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract), Brenden Carlson (two-way)

The impact transaction: The retooling of the roster in Toronto started in December with the Anunoby trade and continued when Siakam was sent to Indiana. The Raptors are in a period of transition but have identified Barnes and Quickley as two foundation players to build around. Barnes and Quickley both signed five-year contracts that did not include player options.

What to watch for: The expiring contracts of Chris Boucher and Bruce Brown Jr. The Raptors exercised the $23 million Brown team option before free agency and now have a sizable trade asset. Boucher has a $10.8 million contract.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Raptors at No. 24

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Offseason transactions: Drew Eubanks (agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract), Cody Williams (first round; signed a four-year, $29.9 million contract), Isaiah Collier (first round; signed a four-year, $12.9 million contract), Kyle Filipowski (second round), Johnny Juzang (signed a four-year $12 million contract), Russell Westbrook (traded and waived).

The impact transaction: We are still in a holding pattern regarding what transaction impacted the Jazz. They did find good value in the draft, selecting Williams (forward) with the 10th pick, Collier (guard) late in the first round and Filipowski (forward) in the early second.

What to watch for: Circle Aug. 6 on the calendar as the first day that Utah is allowed to renegotiate and then extend the contract of Lauri Markkanen. The Jazz are sitting on a league-high $27 million in cap space and increase the $18 million Markkanen salary this year and then extend out the next four years. If Markkanen signs an extension after Aug. 6, he is not allowed to be traded this season. Because of the minimum salary floor rule, Utah is mandated to spend $21 million by the first day of the regular season.

• Latest ESPN Power Rankings: Jazz at No. 23

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(trade), Alex Sarr (first round; signed a four-year, $51 million contract), Bub Carrington (first round; signed a four-year, $21.3 million contract), Kyshawn George (first round; signed a four-year, $21.3 million contract), Jonas Valanciunas (signed a three-year, $30 million contract), Saddiq Bey (signed a three-year, $20 million contract), Richaun Holmes (signed a two-year, $25.9 million contract), Tristan Vukcevic (two-way), Saddiq Bey (signed a three-year, $20 million contract), Taevion Kinsey (two-way)

The impact transaction: Drafting Sarr at No. 2 in the 2024 draft and trading for Valanciunas should improve a Washington defense that ranked last in second-chance points per game allowed and 29th in paint points per game allowed.