The 2024 NBA offseason has started and we have a much clearer picture of the big questions facing each franchise.

Which decisions on key players, trades and new contracts will matter most following Round 1 of the draft and ahead of the free agency window (officially opening June 30 at 6 p.m. ET)?

We’re breaking down for all 30 teams what to watch, what to learn from the draft, team needs, salary cap analysis, the impact of the collective bargaining agreement, the depth chart, dates to watch and likely free agents. ESPN draft insider Jeremy Woo contributed insights on second-round needs.

Notes: Depth charts include expected roles for players who are under contract for the 2024-25 season. There’s also an explainer for Bird rights at the end of this piece. The future draft assets rating from 1-10 takes into account first- and second-round picks each team possesses in the next seven years. For example, the Oklahoma City Thunder rate a 10, with 33 such picks, while the LA Clippers, with two, rate a 1.

Updated on Thursday morning following Round 1 of the NBA draft.

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 transactions: Zaccharie Risacher (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • Does the two-year body of work warrant trade discussions for Trae Young or Dejounte Murray?

  • The options to shed salary: Atlanta is a projected luxury tax and first-apron team.

  • The price point on a new contract for restricted free agent Saddiq Bey.

  • The Jalen Johnson rookie extension.

The 2024 draft

  • Second round: None

Team needs

  • Rim-protector and defensive depth on the perimeter

  • Playmaker who can create shots for others

  • Shooting off the bench

  • Improved availability from the rotation forwards (De’Andre Hunter, Bey, Johnson)

  • Forward depth

Future draft assets rating: 3 out of 10

The Hawks will send their 2025 and 2027 picks to San Antonio as part of the trade that brought Murray to Atlanta in 2022. San Antonio also has the right to swap firsts in 2026. The first allowable year the Hawks can trade a first is 2029. Atlanta has six second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $5.9 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Including first-round pick Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta has $176 million in salary next season. Because of the $5 million in unlikely bonuses of Murray, Hunter and Clint Capela, Atlanta is over the first apron.

CBA impact: The Hawks will trigger the $178.6 million first apron in July if they take back more money in a trade, acquire a player in a sign-and-trade or use a preexisting trade exception. Atlanta has a $23.0 million, a $2.6 million and a $2.3 million trade exception. The $189.6 million second apron is triggered if the Hawks aggregate outgoing contracts or send cash in a trade.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The deadline to exercise the $2.2 million team option of Garrison Mathews. The contract becomes guaranteed if the option is exercised; the $2.7 million contract of Bruno Fernando becomes guaranteed; the deadline to extend one-year qualifying offers for Bey, Vit Krejci and Seth Lundy.

Extension eligible: Young, Johnson and Capela (as of July 6); Mathews; Fernando (as of Oct. 2)

Free agent status

  • Saddiq Bey | Bird | Restricted free agent

  • Garrison Mathews | Bird | Team option

  • Wesley Matthews | Non-Bird | Unrestricted free agent

  • Trent Forrest | Early Bird | UFA

  • Vit Krejci | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Seth Lundy | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Dylan Windler | Non-Bird | UFA

Offseason transactions: Baylor Scheierman (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • The $315 million Jayson Tatum super max. Tatum is eligible to sign the largest contract in NBA history. The extension begins in 2025-26.

  • Extending Derrick White. The guard is eligible to sign a four-year, $126 million extension. The $28.1 million salary in the first year (2025-26) is the maximum allowed.

  • The one-year financial window before salaries increase. The Celtics will have two players on super max contracts (Tatum and Jaylen Brown) and a possible new contract for White in 2025-26.

  • Does it make sense to decline the Sam Hauser team option then sign him to a long-term contract? It is more expensive now, but the team risks losing Hauser to unrestricted free agency in 2025.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 54 (via DAL)

Team needs

  • Depth on the wings

  • Backup point guard

  • Frontcourt depth: ready to play

  • Kristaps Porzingis/Al Horford insurance

  • Offensive paint presence

  • Development jump from Payton Pritchard and Jordan Walsh

Future draft assets rating: 6 out of 10

Including their 2024 pick, the Celtics are allowed to trade as many as four first-round picks (also 2025, 2027 and 2031). They also can trade their 2026 first but not combined with either 2025 or 2027. San Antonio has the right to swap firsts in 2028 (top-one protected). The Celtics also will send Portland an unprotected 2029 first. The Celtics have five second-round picks available to trade.

Cash: $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: The Celtics finished the 2023-24 season in the second apron, and they are projected to remain there — at a projected $5 million — in 2024-25.

CBA impact: The Celtics are not allowed to aggregate contracts, acquire a player in a sign-and-trade, use the $5.1 million tax midlevel exception, take back more money in a trade, send out cash or use a preexisting trade exception.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The deadline to exercise the team options of Hauser and Neemias Queta; qualifying offers for JD Davison and Drew Peterson. Hauser is eligible for a qualifying offer if the team option is declined.

Extension eligible: White, Tatum and Jaden Springer (as of July 6); Hauser (as of July 9); Xavier Tillman (through June 30)

Free agent status

  • Xavier Tillman | Bird | UFA

  • Oshae Brissett | Non-Bird

  • Neemias Queta | Team | Non-Bird

  • Sam Hauser | Team | Early Bird

  • Luke Kornet | Bird

  • Svi Mykhailiuk | Non-Bird

  • Drew Peterson | Non-Bird | Restricted

  • JD Davison | Early Bird | Restricted

Offseason transactions: Bojan Bogdanovic (trade) and Nic Claxton (free agent)

Offseason priorities

  • Identifying a facilitator in the trade market, with Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder becoming free agents in 2025.

  • Does chasing the next disgruntled All-Star fit the timeline of new coach Jordi Fernandez?

  • How does Cam Thomas fit into the Nets’ future? Thomas averaged a career-high 22.5 points, and he is rookie-extension eligible, but it might be best for Brooklyn to wait because of his low free agent hold in 2025.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: None

Team needs

  • A consistent playmaker

  • Shooting

  • Perimeter defenders and wing depth

  • A starting-caliber playmaking wing

  • Veteran and experienced leadership or players who have won at a high level

Future draft assets rating: 10 out of 10

The Nets signaled the rebuild by sending Mikal Bridges to New York but now are stacked with future draft first-round picks. Including four unprotected firsts from New York (2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031), Brooklyn also has the right to swap a first with the Knicks in 2028. They also have a 2025 Milwaukee first if it falls outside of the top-4. More important, however, is the fact the Nets now have control over their own firsts in 2025 and 2026.

In a separate trade with Houston, Brooklyn received both prized draft assets that were sent as part of the James Harden trade. The Rockets still have the right to swap firsts with Brooklyn in 2027. Brooklyn has the least favorable 2024 first of Houston (if 11-30), Oklahoma City and Phoenix.

The Nets also have the least favorable of the 2029 Phoenix or Dallas first also. The Nets also have the right to swap their own first or Philadelphia’s (if the pick’s range is within Nos. 9-30) with Phoenix or New York in 2028. The Nets are allowed to trade up to 12 firsts and have a total of 15. Brooklyn also has 10 second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $6.9 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: After signing Nic Claxton, Brooklyn has $151 million in salary. They have the flexibility to use any one of their four trade exceptions ($20.4 million, $11.9 million, $9.5 million, $6.8 million) and still remain below the $171 million tax threshold.

CBA impact: Brooklyn has no trade restrictions in how it can add to its roster.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The deadline to extend one-year qualifying offers for Trendon Watford and Jacob Gilyard.

Extension eligible: Thomas, Simmons and Day’Ron Sharpe (as of July 6)

Free agent status

  • Dennis Smith | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Lonnie Walker | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Trendon Watford | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Keon Johnson | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Jacob Gilyard | Non-Bird | RFA

Offseason transactions: Tidjane Salaun (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • Does Miles Bridges fit with the vision of Charlotte’s new leadership? Bridges is one of the top free agent forwards, but does it make sense committing $60 million to him and LaMelo Ball next season? And if not, is it best to explore sign-and-trade options with Bridges and not lose him for nothing?

  • Is there a discussion to be had regarding LaMelo Ball’s lack of availability? Ball has missed 134 games in the past four seasons.

  • After the team went 10-20 after the February trade deadline, what direction does new general manager Jeff Peterson take with the current roster? Thirteen players under contract earning between $2 million and $16 million. Three NBA-caliber starters in Brandon Miller, Bridges and Ball. In his tenure in Brooklyn, Peterson was part of 20 different trades. However, that was a win-now team, not a rebuilding one such as Charlotte.

  • Determining the value of guaranteeing Davis Bertans’ remaining $11 million of his partially guaranteed deal to use as a trade aggregation. Bertans has an early termination option to guarantee at least $5.25 million of his $16 million deal.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 42 (via HOU)

Team needs

  • A healthy and reliable Ball

  • Catch-and-shoot threats

  • Rim protection

  • A replacement for Bridges if he is not signed

  • Guards who defend

  • Paint presence to rebound and push

  • Wing depth and size

Future draft assets rating: 7 out of 10

The Hornets owe San Antonio a top-14-protected first in 2025. They are allowed to trade their own first starting in 2027. From two separate trades, Charlotte has a 2027 first from Dallas and Miami. The Mavericks’ first is top-two protected. If the Heat convey their 2025 first to Oklahoma City, then the 2027 first owed to Charlotte is top-14 protected. The first is unprotected in 2028 if not conveyed in the prior season. They have seven second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $5.5 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Including first-round pick Tidjane Salaun, Charlotte has $105 million in guaranteed salary — well below the $141 million salary cap. However, the future of Bridges and the decision on whether to waive Bertans will dictate how much flexibility the Hornets have in the offseason. The Hornets have a $3.6 million trade exception available.

CBA impact: Charlotte has no restrictions in how it can add to its roster.

Dates to watch

  • June 28: The $4 million contract of Seth Curry becomes guaranteed; the last day to exercise the team option of JT Thor.

  • June 29: The deadline to extend a one-year qualifying offer to Amari Bailey; the last day for Bertans to decline his $16 million early termination option.

Extension eligible: Tre Mann, Bertans and Cody Martin (as of July 6); Thor

Free agent status

  • Miles Bridges | Bird | UFA

  • Davis Bertans | Bird | Early termination option

  • JT Thor | Team | Bird | RFA

  • Amari Bailey | Non-Bird | RFA

Offseason transaction: Josh Giddey (traded from Oklahoma City) and Matas Buzelis (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • How does the roster improve without relying on continuity? Chicago has lost in the play-in tournament in back-to-back seasons. The Bulls ranked 19th in offensive efficiency and 21st in defensive efficiency in 2023-24.

  • The cost to bring back forward DeMar DeRozan, who is eligible to sign a three-year, $129.7 million extension until June 30. He is an unrestricted free agent if a new contract is not reached.

  • The future of Zach LaVine, who has three years and $137 million left on his contract. LaVine had season-ending right foot surgery in February. Is the contract considered a negative trade asset, or can the Bulls find value to improve the team?

  • The Lonzo Ball rehab timeline. The guard has not played since January 2022.

  • Where does restricted free agent Patrick Williams fit long term? Williams had season-ending foot surgery and played 43 games last season. He played 82 games in 2022-23 and just 17 games in 2021-22. The Bulls’ only returning frontcourt player is Nikola Vucevic.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: None

Team needs

  • Off-ball and on-ball defenders

  • Bigs who can defend and rebound

  • Bench scoring

  • Forward depth

  • A bench facilitator

Future draft assets rating: 4 out of 10

The Bulls owe a first-round pick to the Spurs that is top-10 protected in 2025 and top-eight protected in 2026 or 2027. They have a first-round pick from Portland that is top-14 protected over the next four years. If the first is not conveyed, the Trail Blazers will send a 2028 second. The Bulls have three second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Including first-round pick Matas Buzelis, Chicago has $133.5 million in salary, well below the $171 million luxury tax threshold. However, if free agents DeRozan and Williams are signed, Chicago could exceed the luxury tax for the first time since 2015-16.

CBA impact: There are no current apron restrictions for Chicago. However, they could be against the first apron if they re-sign DeRozan and Williams and do not trade LaVine.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The deadline to exercise the player option of Torrey Craig.

  • June 29: The last day to extend one-year qualifying offers to Williams, Henri Drell and Adama Sanogo.

Extension eligible: Ball (as of July 6); DeRozan (through June 30)

Free agent status

  • Torrey Craig | Player | Non-Bird

  • DeMar DeRozan | Bird | UFA

  • Andre Drummond | Early Bird | UFA

  • Javonte Green | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Patrick Williams | Bird | RFA

  • Henri Drell | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Adama Sanogo | Non-Bird | RFA

Offseason transactions: Jaylon Tyson (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • The future of Donovan Mitchell. He is eligible to sign a four-year, $208.5 million extension starting in July. What is Plan B if Mitchell does not extend?

  • The continued evaluation of the backcourt of Mitchell and Darius Garland.

  • Does the frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen complement each other? Mobley is eligible to sign a five-year, $215 million rookie extension. Allen, with two years left on his contract, can extend for an additional three seasons.

  • Is restricted free agent Isaac Okoro seen as a priority? Cleveland could enter the luxury tax for the first time since 2018 if the forward is retained.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: None

Team needs

  • Long-term commitment from Mitchell

  • Identifying whether the Mitchell/Garland and Allen/Mobley partnerships can work

  • Consistency from the bench

  • Backup big who can roll and shoot

  • Better wing production

  • Veterans who have been around high-level winning environments

  • Craig Porter Jr. and Sam Merrill developing into dependable rotation players

  • Continuing an elite defensive identity with the new coach

Future draft assets rating: 2 out of 10

The Cavaliers can trade their 2031 first-rounder starting the night of the draft. From the Mitchell trade, they will send Utah unprotected firsts in 2025, 2027 and 2029. The Jazz also have the right to swap firsts with Cleveland in 2028. The Cavaliers can swap their own first in 2026, 2030 and 2031. Cleveland has eight second-rounders available.

Cash: $5.9 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Including the $11.8 million qualifying offer of Isaac Okoro, Cleveland is $1.8 million over the luxury tax and $5.6 million below the first apron. Cleveland has not paid the luxury tax since 2018, the last year LeBron James was on the roster.

CBA impact: There are no apron restrictions, but Cleveland does need to weigh the cost of retaining Okoro. The Cavs are currently $5.6 million below the first apron.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The deadline to extend one-year qualifying offers to Okoro, Emoni Bates and Mobley.

Extension eligible: Mitchell, Mobley and Allen (as of July 6); Dean Wade (as of Sept. 27)

Free agent status

  • Damian Jones | Early Bird | UFA

  • Isaac Okoro | Bird | RFA

  • Tristan Thompson |Non-Bird| UFA

  • Marcus Morris | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Isaiah Mobley | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Emoni Bates | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Pete Nance | Non-Bird | RFA

Offseason priorities

  • Creating financial flexibility to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr. The Mavericks are a projected tax team and have only the $5.1 million tax midlevel exception to sign the forward.

  • Did the playoffs warrant extension talks for Jaden Hardy? The shooting guard has one year left on his contract and can extend for an additional four seasons.

  • The 2025-26 expiring contract of Tim Hardaway Jr. The guard was out of the playoff rotation. His $16.2 million contract is one of the team’s few big trade assets. Dallas also has its 2025 and 2031 first-round picks available to trade.

  • Did Dante Exum show enough this season to warrant securing his non-guaranteed $3.15 million contract? Exum’s deal becomes fully guaranteed two days after the NBA draft. This season, he averaged 7.8 points per game and shot 49.1% from 3 across 55 games. His 19.8 minutes per game were his most since his rookie season in 2014-15.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 58 (via BOS)

Draft notebook

The Mavericks have the 58th and final pick of the draft, giving them an opportunity to grab the best available player on their board, or to potentially try to finalize a deal for a prospect they like before they hit the undrafted free agent market. They could theoretically look to buy in higher, but the Mavs are rolling over enough depth into next season that they might not need to add a rookie at this juncture with that level of urgency. — Woo

Team needs

  • A signed Jones

  • Another playmaker besides Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to create shots for others

  • Floor-spacing forwards

  • 3-and-D perimeter depth

  • Spacing development from at least one of the bigs, aside from Maxi Kleber

Future draft assets rating: 3 out of 10

Dallas owes Charlotte a top-two-protected first in 2027 and Brooklyn an unprotected first in 2029. The Thunder and Spurs have the right to swap firsts with the Mavericks in 2028 and 2030. Dallas is allowed to trade its own 2025 and 2031 firsts starting on the night of the draft. The Mavericks are also allowed to swap firsts in 2025, 2026 and 2031. Dallas has four seconds available.

Cash: $6.9 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: The Mavericks are $1.8 million over the luxury tax and $3.6 million below the first apron. They will exceed the first apron if the roster stays intact and Jones is brought back.

CBA impact: For the short term, Dallas is allowed to send out cash in a trade, take back more money and use the preexisting trade exceptions ($4.8 million and $4.0 million). They will be hard-capped at the $178.7 million first apron if any of the three resources are used.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The deadline to extend one-year qualifying offers to Brandon Williams and Greg Brown III; the $3.15 million contract of Exum becomes guaranteed.

  • June 30: The $2 million contract of Hardy becomes guaranteed. There is $400,000 in protection.

Extension eligible: Hardaway and Hardy (as of July 6); Gafford (as of Oct. 1); Kleber (as of Sept. 8)

Free agent status

  • Derrick Jones Jr. | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Markieff Morris | Early Bird | UFA

  • Brandon Williams | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Greg Brown III | Non-Bird | RFA

Offseason transactions: DaRon Holmes II (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • Does the second apron impact Denver re-signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? The guard has a $15.4 million player option and could be a free agent.

  • The alignment between general manager Calvin Booth and coach Michael Malone. Because of their financial limitations, Denver has prioritized building its depth through the draft: Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson, Vlatko Cancar, and Zeke Nnaji. Denver has a late first-round pick also.

  • The Jamal Murray extension. The guard is eligible to sign a four-year, $208.5 million extension.

  • Does the max contract of Michael Porter Jr. reflect his production on the court? Porter Jr. has three years, and $115 million left on his contract. He shot 37.1% from the field in the second-round playoff series loss to Minnesota.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: None

Team needs

  • 3-point shooters

  • Guards who can get downhill

  • Bench depth at wing and in the frontcourt

  • Value contributors

  • Developmental growth from the youth on the roster

  • A reserve facilitator

Future draft assets rating: 2 out of 10

The Nuggets are limited with draft assets and can move their 2024 first-rounder starting the night of the draft. From the Aaron Gordon trade, Denver will send Orlando a 2025 top-five-protected first. The pick is also top-five protected in 2026 if not conveyed. Two years after that condition is met, Denver will send Oklahoma City a top-five-protected first. The pick is top-five protected in the next two years (2028 and 2029).

Finally, the Nuggets will send the Thunder another top-five-protected pick two years after the first is sent. An example is Denver sending its 2025 first to Orlando, then 2027 and 2029 firsts to the Thunder. The Nuggets could trade their 2031 first, but there is no guarantee the receiving team receives it because of the pick protection in the preexisting years. Denver has one second available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $4.3 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Including their first-round pick and the player option of Caldwell-Pope, Denver has $190 million in committed salary. The Nuggets are a tax team if Caldwell-Pope returns.

CBA impact: Until June 30, Denver is a first-apron team. The Nuggets are not allowed to take back more money in a trade. If they aggregate contracts or send cash in a trade, then the $189.6 million second apron for next season will get triggered. They are a second-apron team if Caldwell-Pope is brought back. Denver is not allowed to aggregate contracts in a trade if it remains in the second apron.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The deadline to exercise the $15.4 million player option of Caldwell-Pope; the last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Collin Gillespie, James Huff and Braxton Key.

Extension eligible: Murray (as of July 6); Cancar (as of July 7); Caldwell-Pope (as of July 16); Gordon (as of Sept. 27); Porter Jr. (as of Sept. 29)

Free agent status

  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Player | Bird

  • Justin Holiday | Non-Bird | UFA

  • DeAndre Jordan | Early Bird | UFA

  • Vlatko Cancar | Bird

  • Braxton Key | Non-Bird | Restricted

  • James Huff | Non-Bird | Restricted

  • Collin Gillespie | Early Bird | Restricted

Offseason transactions: Ron Holland (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • What’s the vision of new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon? Armed with $62 million in cap flexibility, what direction does Detroit pick? Improve the roster at the cost of future flexibility, or stick to one-year contracts with a premium?

  • The search for the next head coach. Identifying the right person to fit the timeline of this roster.

  • The Cade Cunningham rookie extension. Is the smart play to reward him with a five-year, $215 million extension?

  • The price point of matching a Simone Fontecchio offer sheet. Fontecchio will be a restricted free agent and a coveted 3-and-D player in the offseason. Detroit gave Utah the 32nd pick in the draft (essentially a late first) for Fontecchio. How does relinquishing that asset factor into cost analysis?

  • What’s the value analysis of picking up Evan Fournier’s team option to use him as an aggregation piece prior to the trade deadline? He has a $19 million team option, which could be valuable as salary filler in a trade with a team needing cap space next summer, but will also require him taking up 13.48% of the cap to start the season.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 53 (via NYK)

Team needs

  • Shooting

  • Interior defense

  • A true veteran point guard

  • Repetition of winning habits

Future draft assets rating: 5 out of 10

Detroit owes a first-round pick to New York that is top-12 protected in 2025, top-10 protected in 2026 and top-nine protected in 2027. The next available first-round pick the Pistons can trade is in 2029. They have no incoming first-rounders via trade. They have eight second-round picks available.

Cash: $6.1 million (to send) | $2.4 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Detroit is in position to reshape its roster in free agency. The Pistons could have up to $66 million in cap space if Fournier’s $19 million team option is declined and Troy Brown Jr. and Stanley Umude are waived. The room includes first-round pick Ron Holland and the cap hold for restricted free agent Simone Fontecchio. Detroit has a $10.5 million trade exception to use before July 1.

CBA impact: The Pistons have to spend $127 million (90%) of the $141 million salary cap by the first day of the regular season.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The last day to extend one-year qualifying offers to Malachi Flynn, Fontecchio, James Wiseman and Jared Rhoden; the last day to exercise the $19 million Fournier team option; the last day to exercise the $2.1 million Umude team option.

  • June 30: The $4 million contract of Brown Jr. becomes guaranteed.

Extension eligible: Cunningham and Quentin Grimes (as of July 6); Fournier

Free agent status

  • James Wiseman | Bird | RFA

  • Simone Fontecchio | Early Bird | RFA

  • Evan Fournier | Bird | Team

  • Malachi Flynn | Bird | RFA

  • Jared Rhodan | Early Bird | RFA

  • Taj Gibson | Non-Bird | UFA

Offseason priorities

  • The future of Chris Paul and his $30 million non-guaranteed contract. Golden State can keep Paul but at the cost of entering the second apron. They can waive the guard but at the expense of a trade asset. Or they can trade him if ownership is comfortable taking back salary.

  • The cost to retain free agent Klay Thompson. He is eligible to extend up to four years prior to June 30. Does Golden State align his contract with Draymond Green’s, which has three years remaining? Are the front office and coach Steve Kerr comfortable with guards Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody as replacements if Thompson leaves?

  • The Stephen Curry extension. Curry is eligible to add one more season to the two he has left.

  • The rookie extensions of Jonathan Kuminga and Moody. Should the Warriors pay a premium for the upside of Kuminga?

  • Evaluating the rotation of the bigs. Does Green continue to start at center, or would the team operate better with another big alongside him? Who aside from Trayce Jackson-Davis is in the rotation?

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 52 (via MIL)

Draft notebook

The Warriors typically aren’t shy about spending, but they’re functioning as a second-apron team, which limits their opportunities to move into the draft. Considering their potentially tight cap situation, expect Golden State to offer the second-round pick exception (rather than a two-way contract) to help them land a prospect they like at No. 52 — a strategy they used last year to sign Jackson-Davis to a bargain deal. — Woo

Team needs

  • Stretch 4

  • Versatile wings

  • Backup point guard

  • Elite catch-and-shoot threats

  • Shooting off the bench

  • Floor-spacing development from Kuminga

  • Continued floor spacing from Green

Future draft assets rating: 5 out of 10

The Warriors are allowed to trade their 2025 first-round pick starting on the night of the draft. They have a maximum of two firsts allowable to move (2025/2027 or 2026/2028) in the next seven years. Golden State can also trade its 2030 first but only if it falls between Nos. 1-20. The Wizards will receive the Warriors’ 2030 first if between Nos. 21-30. They are allowed to swap their own first in the next seven years. The Warriors have four second-round picks available.

Cash: $5.9 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: The Warriors’ flexibility starting after July 1 is dependent on Paul’s $30 million non-guaranteed contract and free agent Thompson. If Paul is waived, Golden State is $37 million below the luxury tax and $57 million below the second apron.

CBA impact: Because Golden State is a second-apron team until June 30, it is not allowed to send out cash, aggregate contracts or take back more money in a trade. The restrictions are lifted starting July 1 if the Warriors go below the second apron.

Dates to watch

  • June 28: The $30 million contract of Paul becomes guaranteed.

  • June 29: The last day to tender a one-year qualifying offer to Lester Quinones.

Extension eligible: Thompson (through June 30); Curry, Paul, Kuminga and Moody (as of July 6); Looney (as of July 9)

Free agent status

  • Klay Thompson | Bird | UFA

  • Dario Saric | Non-Bird |UFA

  • Usman Garuba | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Lester Quinones | Early Bird |RFA

  • Jerome Robinson | Non-Bird | UFA

Offseason transactions: Reed Sheppard (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • Is the 2027 unprotected Phoenix first or the more favorable Dallas or Phoenix first in 2029 in play if an All-Star becomes available?

  • The rookie extensions: Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. Can Houston afford to write a blank check to both players, especially with Jabari Smith Jr. extension-eligible in 2025?

  • Improving the offense without losing the identity on the defensive end — Houston ranked 10th in defensive efficiency and 20th offensive efficiency.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 44 (via GSW)

Team needs

  • Need more willing playmakers, and pass-first players

  • Paint presence

  • Rim-protectors, including having a healthy Steven Adams back

  • Scoring efficiency development from Green

  • Wing and backcourt depth

Future draft assets rating: 7 out of 10

The Rockets would rank higher, but there are still pick obligations from the 2019 Chris Paul trade owed to Oklahoma City in the next two seasons. The Thunder have the right to swap firsts with Houston (top-10 protected) next year and also a top-4 protected first in 2025. The Rockets have a 2027 unprotected first from Phoenix and the more favorable 2029 first from Dallas or Phoenix. They also have the right to swap their own first in 2029 with the less favorable of Dallas and Phoenix. Houston could also have the right to swap firsts with the 2025 Phoenix first that Brooklyn has. Houston has five second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Houston will enter the offseason with $139 million in guaranteed salary but is over the $141 million cap because of $16 million in non-guaranteed contracts.

CBA impact: There are no restrictions for the Rockets.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Nate Hinton, Jermaine Samuels Jr. and Nate Williams.

Extension eligible: Green, Sengun and Tate (as of July 6); Adams (as of Oct. 1)

Free agent status

  • Reggie Bullock | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Aaron Holiday | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Boban Marjanovic | Bird | UFA

  • Nate Hinton | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Jermaine Samuels | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Nate Williams Jr. | Non-Bird | RFA

Offseason transactions: Pascal Siakam (agreed to a four-year $189.5 million contract

Offseason priorities

  • Is restricted free agent Obi Toppin a priority or luxury after Indiana obtained lottery pick Jarace Walker in the 2023 draft?

  • The extension options for T.J. McConnell. The veteran guard is entering the last year of his contract and can extend for an additional four seasons.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 36 (via TOR), No. 49 (via CLE) and No. 50 (via NOP)

Draft notebook

Indiana has three second-round picks and has done a good job finding value in the mid-to-late part of the draft, grabbing Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard in recent years. The Pacers don’t have any glaring needs that will be easily addressed with the 36th pick, so Indiana can consider all options and swing for upside if it chooses. Assuming they don’t want to have three rookies on the roster, the Pacers could look to sell one or two of their seconds, particularly with Nos. 49 and 50 being back-to-back. — Woo

Future draft assets rating: 5 out of 10

The Pacers have their own first in 2025 but are unable to trade any others until 2028 at the earliest. They will send Toronto a top-14 protected first in 2026, which becomes a top-4 protected in 2027 not conveyed by that year. They have nine seconds available.

Cash: $6.9 million (to send) | $6.9 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: The Pacers are approaching the $171 million luxury tax after agreeing to a new contract with Siakam. Including the $7.7 million Toppin qualifying offer, Indiana has $164.7 million in salary.

CBA impact: There are currently no restrictions for Indiana.

Dates to watch

  • June 27: McConnell’s $9.3 million contract becomes guaranteed. There is $5 million in protection.

  • June 29: The last day to exercise the $5.4 million player option of Jalen Smith; the last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Toppin, Oscar Tshiebwe and Isaiah Wong.

Extension eligible: Doug McDermott (through June 30); McConnell, Smith and Isaiah Jackson (as of July 6); Nembhard (as of July 22)

Free agent status

  • Doug McDermott | Bird | UFA

  • Jalen Smith | Player | Bird

  • Obi Toppin | Bird | RFA

  • James Johnson | Early Bird | UFA

  • Oscar Tshiebwe | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Isaiah Wong | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Quenton Jackson | Non-Bird | RFA

Offseason priorities

  • Did Kawhi Leonard’s three-year, $150 million extension set the bar for Paul George? George is eligible to sign a four-year, $221 million extension up until June 30. Are both sides willing to compromise on the next contract? If not, what is Plan B to replace George?

  • The budget to retain free agent James Harden. Are the Clippers negotiating against themselves with the next contract? Would Harden, who has earned $341 million in his career, take less with another team if he feels slighted?

  • The Terance Mann extension. The Clippers prioritized retaining the guard in the Harden trade. He is eligible starting in July to sign a four-year, $78.8 million extension. Mann is an unrestricted free agent in 2025 if there is no extension.

  • Balancing the checkbook now and in the future. The Clippers have paid $377 million in tax penalties the past four seasons and are a projected second-apron team in 2024-25.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 46 (via IND)

Draft notebook

The Clippers continue to spend aggressively and aren’t ripe with future draft picks. The 46th pick gives them an opportunity to shore up their depth and get younger on the margins. It would make sense for them to target more experienced prospects who can add value alongside their stars — or step in if they lose talent in free agency — potentially utilizing second-round exception money to help fill in the blanks on the back end of their roster. — Woo

Team needs

  • Depth at power forward and center: Floor spacers to limit double-teams on the Big 3 of Leonard, George and Harden

  • Backcourt shooting

  • Turn second-year forward Kobe Brown into a rotational player

  • Players who can give substantial minutes in the regular season to rest stars

Future draft assets rating: 1 out of 10

Because of prior trades, the earliest first the Clippers can trade is either 2030 or 2031 (but not both). The Clippers have two second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: The Clippers are projected to exceed $200 million in payroll if George and Harden return. They are a luxury tax team for a fifth straight season and once again a repeater tax team.

CBA impact: The Clippers are in the second apron until June 30. They are not allowed to send out cash in a trade, take back more money or aggregate salaries. They are a projected second-apron team if George and Harden are brought back.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The last day to exercise the player options for George ($48.8 million), Russell Westbrook ($4 million) and P.J. Tucker ($11.5 million). The deadline to exercise the team option for Kai Jones; the deadline to tender one-year qualifying offers to Brandon Boston Jr., Moussa Diabate and Xavier Moon.

Extension eligible: George; Boston (through June 30); Bones Hyland, Mann, Ivica Zubac, Amir Coffey, Tucker, Norman Powell (as of July 6)

Free agent status

  • Paul George | Player | Bird

  • James Harden | Bird | UFA

  • Mason Plumlee | Bird | UFA

  • P.J. Tucker | Player | Early Bird

  • Daniel Theis | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Kai Jones | Team | UFA

  • Russell Westbrook | Player | Early Bird

  • Moussa Diabate | Early Bird | RFA

  • Brandon Boston Jr. | Bird | RFA

  • Xavier Moon | Early Bird | RFA

Windy breaks down Paul George’s options in the offseason to McAfee

Brian Windhorst breaks down Paul George’s three options in the NBA offseason to Pat McAfee.

Offseason transactions: Dalton Knecht (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • The next LeBron James contract. James has a $51.4 million player option. If he declines the option, he would then become eligible to sign a three-year, $162 million contract with the Lakers. He would also be eligible to negotiate a no-trade clause. James can extend for two years and $112 million if he opts in.

  • The $18.7 million D’Angelo Russell player option. If Russell opts in, the Lakers are a first-apron team and restricted to how they add to their roster, either in free agency or a trade. However, Russell opting out gives the Lakers one fewer trade asset and a void to replace his offensive production (18 ppg).

  • Do the Lakers have enough trade assets to make any big deals? Outside of James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers could have 10 players earning between $2 million to $19 million. The Lakers can also trade up to three firsts (2024, 2029, 2031) and have multiple years in which they can swap firsts (2026, 2028, 2029, 2030 and 2031).

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 55 (via LAC)

Team needs

  • Another ball handler who can create for others

  • Crafty 3-and-D Players

  • Defensive lengthy wings

  • A playable and versatile backup center capable of finishing games with Davis

  • Improved health from key reserves

  • Defensive development from Austin Reaves

Future draft assets rating: 5 out of 10

The Lakers owe New Orleans an unprotected first in 2025 and a 2027 top-4 protected first to Utah. Besides its own first in June, Los Angeles can trade a 2029, 2030 or 2031 first. The maximum allowed is two (2029 and 2031). The Lakers have four second-round picks available to trade.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Including first-round pick Dalton Knecht, the Lakers are over the $178.7 million first apron next season and are $4.8 million below the $189.6 million second apron. They will get financial relief if Russell declines his player option. The Lakers are projected to be a repeater tax team for the fourth consecutive season if Russell opts in.

CBA impact: The Lakers must have an eye toward their 2024-25 finances if they make any trades. Currently they are allowed to take back more money in a trade, aggregate contracts to trade for a single player making a high salary, and send cash in a trade. However, using any of the three options prior to July 1 would trigger the second apron. The first apron also gets triggered if the Lakers take back more money than they send out in any trade.

Dates to watch

  • June 29: The deadline to exercise the player options of James ($51.4 million), Jaxson Hayes ($2.5 million), Cam Reddish ($2.5 million) and Russell ($18.7 million); the last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Max Christie, Colin Castleton and Skylar Mays.

Extension eligible: James (as of Aug. 18)

Free-agent status

  • LeBron James | Bird | Player

  • D’Angelo Russell | Bird | Player

  • Max Christie | Early Bird | RFA

  • Spencer Dinwiddie | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Jaxson Hayes | Non-Bird | Player

  • Cam Reddish | Non-Bird | Player

  • Taurean Prince | Non-Bird | UFA

  • Christian Wood | Non-Bird | Player

  • Colin Castleton | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Skylar Mays | Non-Bird | RFA

  • Harry Giles | Non-Bird | RFA

Legler: The Lakers couldn’t have gotten a better fit than Dalton Knecht

Tim Legler, Bobby Marks and CJ McCollum discuss the Lakers’ pick of Dalton Knecht and how he could fit into JJ Redick’s system.

Offseason transactions: Zach Edey (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • Balancing the budget: The Grizzlies are a luxury tax and first-apron team if they retain Luke Kennard. The guard has a $14.7 million team option.

  • The extension candidates: Jaren Jackson, Marcus Smart, Santi Aldama and Ziaire Williams.

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 39 (via BKN) and No. 57 (via OKC)

Team needs

  • Health

  • A backup lead guard as injury insurance to Ja Morant and Smart.

  • GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. to develop into dependable role players on a winning team

  • Shooting development from the core of the roster

  • More veteran voices in the locker room

Future draft assets rating: 8 out of 10

The Grizzlies control their own first over the next seven years. They also have the right to swap their own 2026 first for the less favorable of Phoenix, Orlando and Washington. The Grizzlies also have the right to swap their own 2030 first for the less favorable one among the Suns and Wizards. Memphis has six second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: The $14.8 million Kennard team option will determine whether Memphis enters free agency with the largest payroll in team history. Including Kennard and Zach Edey, the Grizzlies not only will exceed the luxury tax but are also $3 million over the first apron.

CBA impact: There are no restrictions on how the Grizzlies go about their business prior to July 1. However, the $178.7 million first apron for next season is triggered if Memphis takes back more money in a trade or uses the $12.6 million trade exception. Memphis has $182 million in projected salary.

Dates to watch

  • June 28: The deadline to exercise the $14.7 million team option of Kennard.

  • June 29: The $14.7 million contract of Kennard becomes guaranteed; the deadline to extend Jordan Goodwin a qualifying offer.

Extension eligible: Kennard; Aldama and Williams (as of July 6); Smart (as of July 25); Jackson (as of Oct. 1)

Free agent status

  • Luke Kennard | Bird | Team

  • Yuta Watanabe | Non-Bird

  • Jordan Goodwin | Non-Bird | RFA

Offseason transactions: Kel’el Ware (first round)

Offseason priorities

  • Prioritize getting their finances in order. Miami is a projected second-apron team and restricted in how they can add to its roster in free agency and trades. To get under, Miami could lose Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith — which will affect the team’s depth. Martin has a $7.1 million player option and Highsmith is an unrestricted free agent.

  • The Jimmy Butler extension. Butler has two years left on his contract ($48.8 million and $52.4 million) with the last year a player option. He is eligible to sign a two-year, $112 million extension (if the last year is declined) or a one-year $61.8 million deal. Does Butler become a distraction if an extension is not offered?

The 2024 draft

  • Second: No. 43 (own)

Team needs

  • Roster consistency

  • Facilitator at point guard

  • Wing depth if Martin leaves in free agency

  • Bench depth: Josh Richardson, Martin, Kevin Love and Thomas Bryant all have player options

  • Defensive versatility at the wing: Development from Tyler Herro

  • On-court cohesion between Herro and Rozier

Future draft assets rating: 3 out of 10

Because of the Terry Rozier trade, Miami is limited in first-round picks to send. The Heat owe a 2025 top-14 protected first to Oklahoma City that is unprotected in 2026 if not conveyed.

Once the first is sent, the Heat will then send Charlotte either a top-14 protected first in 2027 or an unprotected first in 2028. The earliest they can trade a first is in 2029. They have three second-round picks available.

Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $6.9 million (to receive)

Cap space breakdown: Starting July 1, Miami has $189.5 million in salary and is right at the second apron when into account first-round pick Kel’el Ware, the four players (Martin, Love, Bryant and Richardson) with player options, and the Herro unlikely bonuses.

CBA impact: The Heat are a first-apron team through June 30 and are not allowed to take back more money or use a preexisting trade exception. They are allowed to send out cash and aggregate contracts, but that will trigger the second apron for next season. Miami is a second-apron team starting on July 1 if Martin opts in or signs a new contract. Miami would then not be allowed to aggregate contracts in a trade or send out cash.

    Dates to watch

    • June 29: The last day to exercise the player options of Richardson ($3.1 million), Bryant ($2.8 million), Love ($4 million) and Martin ($7.1 million); the deadline to tender one-year qualifying offers to Cole Swider and Jamal Cain

    • July 15: The $2.1 million contract of Orlando Robinson is guaranteed

    Extension eligible: Highsmith (through June 30); Martin, Adebayo and Duncan Robinson (as of July 6); Butler (as of July 7); Rozier (as of July 30)

    Free agent status

    • Caleb Martin | Bird | Player

    • Thomas Bryant | Bird | Player

    • Kevin Love | Early Bird | Player

    • Delon Wright | Non-Bird | UFA

    • Josh Richardson | Non-Bird | Player

    • Haywood Highsmith | Bird | UFA

    • Jamal Cain | Early Bird | RFA

    • Alondes Williams | Non-Bird | RFA

    • Patty Mills | Non-Bird | UFA

    • Cole Swider | Non-Bird | RFA

    Offseason transactions: AJ Johnson (first round)

    Offseason priorities

    • A full training camp under Doc Rivers. Milwaukee is a win-now roster but with a limited body of work to evaluate under the veteran coach.

    • Player Development 101 with the bench: AJ Green, MarJon Beauchamp, Andre Jackson Jr., Chris Livingston and both draft picks. Because of financial restrictions, roster improvements will need to come from within. Milwaukee will likely lose starter Malik Beasley to free agency.

    • The Bobby Portis extension. Portis is eligible to extend for an additional four seasons. Is Milwaukee comfortable paying starter-type money to one of the top reserves? Portis has a player option and could be a free agent in 2025. Starter Brook Lopez is on an expiring contract.

    The 2024 draft

    • Second: No. 33 (via POR)

    Team needs

    • Depth at every position

    • Two out of the four young players (Beauchamp, Livingston, Jackson and Green) to develop into 15-to-20-minute contributors

    • Defensive mobility and versatility at the center position

    • A point-of-attack lead defender

    • A hustle, spark-plug type of player

    Future draft assets rating: 1 out of 10

    The trades to acquire Jrue Holiday in 2020 and Damian Lillard last season have depleted the Bucks’ future first-round picks. The Bucks will send their 2025 first-round pick to New Orleans (if the pick’s range is within Nos. 1-4) or New York (if within Nos. 5-30). The Pelicans also have the right to swap firsts in 2026 and have an unprotected 2027 first from Milwaukee. The Trail Blazers have the right to swap firsts in 2028 and 2030. Portland will also receive an unprotected first in 2029. The Bucks have one second-round pick available to trade (2031).

    Cash: $7.0 million (to receive)

    Cap space breakdown: For a fifth straight season, Milwaukee is projected to be a luxury tax team. The Bucks have $183 million in salary and are $12 million over the tax threshold. They are over the first apron and will exceed the second once their roster is filled out.

    CBA impact: Milwaukee is a projected second-apron team. The Bucks are not allowed to aggregate contracts, acquire a player in a sign-and-trade, use the $5.1 million tax midlevel exception, take back more money and send out cash in a trade.

      Dates to watch

      • July 8: The $2.1 million contract of Green becomes guaranteed.

      Extension eligible: Portis (as of July 6); Pat Connaughton (as of July 18)

      Free agent status

      • Thanasis Antetokounmpo | Bird

      • Malik Beasley | Non-Bird | UFA

      • Jae Crowder | Bird | UFA

      • Patrick Beverley| Non-Bird | UFA

      • TyTy Washington | Non-Bird | UFA

      Offseason transactions: Rob Dillingham (first round) and Terrence Shannon Jr. (first round)

      Offseason priorities

      • How much does the stalemate within ownership impact basketball operations? Current owner Glen Taylor and minority owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are going to mediation over control. Minnesota is projected to have the highest payroll in franchise history, will pay a luxury tax that could exceed $75 million, and is a second-apron team.

      • The bench. Minnesota returns Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker but could lose veterans Kyle Anderson, Monte Morris and Jordan McLaughlin in free agency. The Timberwolves return Wendell Moore Jr., Josh Minott and Leonard Miller. The three former draft picks played sparingly this season. The Wolves will also add two draft picks in the top 40. They will add first-round picks Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr.

      • Does it make sense exploring a Rudy Gobert extension? The NBA Defensive Player of the Year has two years left, including a player option in the last year. Both sides could agree to eliminate the player option and then extend at a lower salary. This option helps Minnesota financially in 2025 and also gives Gobert financial security.

      The 2024 draft

      • Second: No. 37 (via MEM)

      Team needs

      • Facilitator at backup point guard

      • A rotation-capable combo forward

      • An insurance big who can rebound at a high level

      Future draft assets rating: 1/2 out of 10

      The Timberwolves sent San Antonio an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and also the right to swap firsts in 2030. The Spurs trade combined with the picks sent out in the Rudy Gobert trade to Utah now leaves Minnesota with no first-round picks available to trade. The Timberwolves have three second-round picks available.

      Cash: $7.0 million (to receive)

      Cap space breakdown: The Timberwolves are projected to exceed $200 million in salary, the largest in franchise history, and are expected to pay the luxury tax for only the second time since 2007-08. The penalty is expected to exceed $90 million.

      CBA impact: There are no restrictions on the Timberwolves prior to July 1. The $189.6 million second apron for next season, however, will get triggered if Minnesota takes back more money in a trade, aggregate contracts, uses its $4 million trade exception or sends out cash. The Wolves are a projected $6.6 million over the second apron. Minnesota also does not have access to the $5.1 million tax midlevel exception and cannot acquire a player in a sign-and-trade.

      Dates to watch

      • June 29: The $2 million contract of Minott becomes guaranteed; the last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Luka Garza and Daishen Nix.

      Extension eligible: Morris and McLaughlin (through June 30); Gobert (as of July 6); Minott (as of July 22)

      Free agent status

      • Kyle Anderson | Early Bird | UFA

      • Jordan McLaughlin | Bird | UFA

      • Luka Garza | Early Bird | RFA

      • Daishen Nix | Non-Bird | RFA

      • Monte Morris | Bird | UFA

      • T.J. Warren | Non-Bird | UFA

      Offseason transactions: Yves Missi (first round)

      Offseason priorities

      • Is Brandon Ingram part of the Pelicans’ future? The forward is eligible to sign a four-year, $208.5 million extension in July. Ingram will be one of the best free agents available in the 2025 offseason if an agreement is not reached. Can New Orleans afford to lose him for nothing?

      • How does New Orleans fill the void at center? Starter Jonas Valanciunas is a free agent and a new contract could put the Pelicans in the tax. Should the Pelicans target a starting center under contract with their draft capital accumulated in prior trades? Or is the smart approach to explore trading for a facilitator?

      • The Trey Murphy III rookie extension.

      The 2024 draft

      • Second: None

      Team needs

      • Playmaker

      • Rim-protecting starting center, capable of closing games

      • Scoring on the wings

      • Shooting

      • Consistent offensive structure, discipline, IQ improvement

      Future draft assets rating: 9 out of 10

      The Pelicans control their own firsts over the next seven years. They also have a 2025 unprotected Lakers first and 2027 unprotected Milwaukee first. The Pelicans also have a top-four first in 2025 from the Bucks and the right to swap with them in 2026. New Orleans has two seconds available.

      Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $6.9 million (to receive)

      Cap space breakdown: The Pelicans are a luxury tax team next season if they bring back Valanciunas, a free agent. Including first-round pick Yves Missi, New Orleans has $157.7 million in salary and is $13.6 million below the tax threshold. The Pelicans have a $5.2 million trade exception.

      CBA impact: There are no apron restrictions for New Orleans prior to June 30.

      Dates to watch

      • June 29: The deadline to extend one-year qualifying offers of Dereon Seabron; the last day to exercise the $2 million team options of Jose Alvarado and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.

      Extension eligible: Naji Marshall and Valanciunas (through June 30); Alvarado, Ingram and Murphy (as of July 6); Larry Nance Jr. (as of Oct. 1); CJ McCollum (as of Sept. 26)

      Free agent status

      • Naji Marshall | Bird | UFA

      • Jonas Valanciunas | Bird | UFA

      • Jose Alvarado | Team | Bird

      • Cody Zeller | Non-Bird | UFA

      • Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | Team | RFA

      • Dereon Seabron | Early Bird | RFA

      Offseason transactions: Mikal Bridges (trade), OG Anunoby (free agent) and Pacome Dadiet (first round)

      Offseason priorities

      • The impact of triggering the first apron. Barring a trade, New York will lose center Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. They have only the second-round pick exception and veteran minimum to fill out their remaining open roster spots.

      • Is Brunson willing to take a discount with his next contract? He is eligible to sign a four-year, $157 million extension in July. If he waits until the 2025 offseason, the contract increases to $270 million.

      • The options to extend Julius Randle

      The 2024 draft

      • Second: No. 38 (via UTA) and No. 51 (via PHX)

      Team needs

      • Health

      • More controlled usage of the starters’ minutes

      • Shooting

      • Frontcourt depth, including a stretch-4

      • Developmental depth on the wings, including reserve 3-and-D players

      • Playmaking guard

      Future draft assets rating: 3 out of 10

      New York went all in with the Bridges trade at the cost of its future first-round picks. The Knicks will send Brooklyn their 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031 unprotected firsts. The Nets also have the right to swap firsts in 2028. The Knicks have a 2025 protected first from Detroit and Washington that is available to trade. The Pistons’ first is top-13 protected in 2025, top-11 protected in 2026 and top-nine protected in 2027. The Wizards’ first is top-10 protected in 2025 and top-eight protected in 2026. New York has 12 seconds available.

      Cash: $4.0 million (to send) | $5.7 million (to receive)

      Cap space breakdown: The Knicks triggered the $178.7 million first apron in the trade to acquire Bridges. Including first-round pick Pacome Dadiet, New York is $9.3 million below the first apron. They have four roster spots available.

      CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions in New York prior to June 30. However, using one of its three trade exceptions ($6.8 million, $5.2 million, $3.9 million), sending out cash, taking back more money or aggregating contracts would trigger the second apron. The Knicks are also hard capped at the $178.7 million first apron if they use a preexisting trade exception and take back additional salary.

      Dates to watch

      • June 29: The deadline to exercise the team options of Jericho Sims ($2 million) and DaQuan Jeffries ($2.5 million); the last day to tender one-year qualifying offers of Achiuwa, Sims, Charlie Brown Jr. and Duane Washington Jr.

      Extension eligible: Sims (as of July 9); Brunson and Mitchell Robinson (as of July 12); Randle (as of Aug. 3)

      Free agent status

      • Alec Burks | Bird | UFA

      • Isaiah Hartenstein | Early Bird | UFA

      • Shake Milton | Non-Bird | UFA

      • Precious Achiuwa | Bird | RFA

      • Jericho Sims | Team | Early Bird

      • DaQuan Jeffries | Team

      • Charlie Brown Jr. | Non-Bird | RFA

      • Jacob Toppin | Non-Bird | RFA

      • Duane Washington Jr. | Non-Bird | RFA

      Haliburton tells McAfee he’s excited to play against Knicks after big trade

      Tyrese Haliburton explains to Pat McAfee why he is excited to compete against the Knicks after the addition of Mikal Bridges to a roster with several of Bridges’ Villanova teammates.

      Offseason transaction: Alex Caruso (traded from Chicago), Nikola Topic (first round), Dillon Jones (first round)

      Offseason priorities

      • What is the best option to use cap space? Oklahoma City projects to have $33 million in room. There is a history of the Thunder spending on their own players and not signing high-priced free agents. There is a two-year window before the extensions of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams would begin.

      • The contract options of Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. Oklahoma City could exercise both of their team options and bring them back on low-cost contracts. However, Wiggins is an unrestricted free agent in 2025 if there is no new deal.

      The 2024 draft

      • Second: None

      Team needs

      • Depth on the wing

      • Insurance policy at the center position

      • A rebounding rim-protector who can play alongside Holmgren for stretches

      • A backup at the 2 or 3 position who can shoot the ball

      • Continued spacing development from Luguentz Dort

      • Experienced veterans

      Future draft assets rating: 10 out of 10

      The Thunder have 13 future first-round picks and 20 second-rounders. The most valuable assets out of their first-round picks include a 2026 unprotected first from the Clippers and a 2026 top-four-protected first from Houston. OKC also has the right to swap firsts with the Clippers in 2025 and 2027.

      Cash: $4.3 million (to send) | $5.9 million (to receive)

      Cap space breakdown: Including both first-round picks, Oklahoma City has $112 million in salary and a projected $29 million in room.

      CBA impact: The Thunder have to spend $15 million by the first day of the regular season.

      Dates to watch

      • June 29: The deadline to exercise the team options of Joe ($2.2 million) and Wiggins ($2 million); the last day to tender one-year qualifying offers for Keyontae Johnson, Olivier Sarr and Lindy Waters III. Oklahoma City can tender Wiggins a qualifying offer if his team option is declined.

      Extension eligible: Wiggins; Gordon Hayward (through June 30); Caruso (as of July 6); Jaylin Williams (as of July 19); Joe (as of Oct. 16)

      Free agent status

      • Isaiah Joe | Early Bird | Team

      • Gordon Hayward | Bird | UFA

      • Mike Muscala | Non-Bird | UFA

      • Aaron Wiggins | Bird | Team

      • Olivier Sarr | Early Bird | Restricted

      • Lindy Waters III | Team | Bird

      • Keyontae Johnson | Non-Bird | Restricted

      Offseason transactions: Tristan da Silva (first round)

      Offseason priorities

      • Maximizing cap space within a two-year window. The Magic could have between $33 million and $44 million in room but are facing extensions for Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner this offseason, and Paolo Banchero next July. There is a need for a facilitator and help from the perimeter.

      • With 11 players under contract for next season, can Orlando upgrade the roster without impeding the development of its own players?

      • The rookie extensions for Franz Wagner and Suggs.

      • The development of the 2023 lottery picks: Anthony Black and Jett Howard.

      The 2024 draft

      • Second: No. 47 (own)

      Team needs

      • Shooting

      • Point guard who can organize the offense and control pace

      • Injury insurance at center

      • Continuity and carryover of an elite defense

      • Spacing development from Banchero and Franz Wagner

      • Wing depth

      Future draft assets rating: 8 out of 10

      The Magic have their own first over the next seven years. They also have the right to swap firsts. From the Aaron Gordon trade in 2021, Denver will send a 2025 top-five-protected first. The first is top-five-protected in 2026 and 2027 if not conveyed in a prior season. Orlando has the right to swap its 2026 first for the less favorable of Phoenix and Washington. Orlando has 12 second-round picks available.

      Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

      Cap space breakdown: Orlando could create up to $30 million in room and still retain Jonathan Isaac, Moritz Wagner and Joe Ingles. The three players have either a team option or a non-guaranteed contract.

      CBA impact: Because of the minimum salary rule, Orlando has to spend 90% of the $141 million salary cap by the first day of the regular season.

      Dates to watch

      • June 29: The deadline to exercise the Ingels $11 million and the Moritz Wagner $8 million team options; the last day to exercise one-year qualifying offers to Chuma Okeke, Kevon Harris, Trevelin Queen and Admiral Schofield.

      • June 30: Caleb Houstan’s $2 million contract becomes guaranteed.

      Extension eligible: Gary Harris and Markelle Fultz (through June 30); Franz Wagner, Suggs and Isaac (as of July 6); Houstan (as of July 10); Wendell Carter Jr. (as of Oct. 1)

      Free agent status

      • Goga Bitadze | Early Bird | UFA

      • Markelle Fultz | Bird | UFA

      • Gary Harris | Bird | UFA

      • Joe Ingles | Team | Non-Bird

      • Chuma Okeke | Bird | RFA

      • Moritz Wagner | Team | Bird

      • Kevon Harris | Early Bird | RFA

      • Trevelin Queen | Non-Bird | RFA

      • Admiral Schofield | Early Bird | RFA

      Offseason transactions: Jared McCain (first round)

      Offseason priorities

      • Which players best complement Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey? The 76ers could have up to $65 million in cap space to use in free agency or in trades. Philadelphia also has up to five first-round picks available to use in a trade.

      • The Maxey contract. Because of his low free agent hold, expect the 76ers to utilize cap space first and then sign him.

      • Besides Maxey, which free agents of their own are a priority? Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry and Nicolas Batum all add value to the roster. Tobias Harris could be used in a sign-and-trade.

      • The Embiid extension. The 2023 MVP is eligible to extend his contract for three years and $193.5 million.

      The 2024 draft

      • Second: No. 41 (via CHI)

      Team needs

      • High-level starters who complement and provide spacing for Maxey, Embiid

      • Depth across the board

      • Perimeter defenders who can preserve Embiid in help scenarios

      • An All-Star-talent wing capable of being a playmaker

      • A quality insurance policy at the backup center position

      Future draft assets rating: 6 out of 10

      Trading Harden to the Clippers last season restored some of the draft equity Philadelphia had lost in prior trades. The 76ers can trade their 2024 first-round pick starting the night of the draft. They also have the least favorable 2026 first from Oklahoma City, Houston (if the pick’s range is within Nos. 5 to 30) and the Clippers. The Sixers also are owed an unprotected first from the Clippers in 2028 and have the right to swap firsts with them in 2029 (if within Nos. 4 to 30).

      In total, Philadelphia can trade up to five firsts starting in late June. The 76ers owe the Thunder a first-round pick from the Al Horford trade in 2020. The pick is top-six protected in 2025 and top-four protected in 2026. Two years after the draft obligation is met to the Thunder, Philadelphia will then send a top-eight-protected first to Brooklyn. The 76ers have five second-round picks available.

      Cash: $3.9 million (to send) | $5.0 million (to receive)

      Cap space breakdown: The 76ers are in the driver’s seat with cap space this offseason, but creating financial flexibility does come at a significant cost. Philadelphia could create up to $65 million in space, but that would require the 76ers renounce all their free agents except Maxey, waive their non-guaranteed contracts and trade first-round pick Jared McCain without taking back any salary. They have five trade exceptions that are no longer valid once they dip below the salary cap.

      CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions. Philadelphia has to spend at least $127 million of the salary cap by the first day of the regular season. The Sixers currently have $67 million in salary for 2024-25.

        Dates to watch

        • June 29: The last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Maxey and Terquavion Smith.

        Extension eligible: Harris, Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, KJ Martin and Robert Covington (through June 30); Embiid (as of July 18)

        Free agent status

        • Tyrese Maxey | Bird | RFA

        • Tobias Harris | Bird | UFA

        • De’Anthony Melton | Bird | UFA

        • Nicolas Batum | Bird | UFA

        • Kyle Lowry | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Cameron Payne | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Robert Covington | Bird | UFA

        • Buddy Hield | Bird | UFA

        • K.J. Martin | Bird | UFA

        • Kelly Oubre Jr. | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Mo Bamba | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Jeff Dowtin | Non-Bird | RFA

        • Terquavion Smith | Non-Bird | RFA

        The highlights that made the Sixers take Jared McCain in the NBA draft

        Check out some of the highlights that made the Philadelphia 76ers take Jared McCain as the No. 16 pick in the NBA draft.

        Offseason transactions: Ryan Dunn (first round)

        Offseason priorities

        • The cost to retain Royce O’Neale. The Suns’ tax bill will increase significantly, but not signing the forward leaves them with only the veterans minimum as a replacement. It also removes a future trade asset Phoenix can use.

        • Can Phoenix find a facilitator with limited available assets? The Suns can trade their 2024 and 2031 first but cannot aggregate contracts or take back more money in a trade.

        • The Kevin Durant extension. Durant has two years left on his contract and can extend for one year, $59.7 million.

        The 2024 draft

        • Second: No. 56 (via MIN)

        Team needs

        • Facilitator

        • High-level rotational players and frontcourt depth

        • Defensive development and consistency from the starting backcourt

        • Durant, Beal and Devin Booker play like max players

        • Stars to buy in and promote coach Mike Budenholzer’s vision

        Future draft assets rating: 1 out of 10

        Phoenix has its own first this year, 2026, 2028 and 2030, but the low ranking is a result of its inability to control its own first until 2031. The Suns owe Brooklyn or Houston unprotected firsts in 2025, 2027 and 2029. The Nets also have the right to swap their own first or Philadelphia’s (if the pick’s range is within Nos. 9-30) with Phoenix in 2028. The Wizards have the right to swap firsts in 2026 (if within Nos. 1-8), 2028 (if within Nos. 1-8) and 2030.

        Orlando or Memphis then has the right to swap its 2026 first with the less favorable of Phoenix’s and Washington’s. The Wizards also have the right to swap the least favorable of the Nets’, Suns’ and 76ers’ first in 2028. Memphis also has the right to swap the less favorable of Phoenix’s and Washington’s in 2030. The Suns have four second-round picks available.

        Cash: $7.0 million (to receive)

        Cap space breakdown: The Suns enter the offseason with $206 million in salary, the biggest payroll of any NBA team. They have a projected tax penalty of $116 million.

        CBA impact: Phoenix will remain a second-apron team. The Suns are not allowed to use any preexisting trade exception, send out cash, aggregate contracts or take back more money in a trade. They also are not allowed to acquire a player via a sign-and-trade.

        Dates to watch

        • June 29: The deadline to exercise the player options of Eric Gordon ($3.6 million), Damion Lee ($2.8 million) and Josh Okogie ($2.9 million); the last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Saben Lee and Ish Wainright.

        Extension eligible: O’Neale (through June 30); Durant (as of July 8); Jusuf Nurkic (as of July 6)

        Free agent status

        • Royce O’Neale | Bird | UFA

        • Bol Bol | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Drew Eubanks | Non-Bird

        • Eric Gordon | Non-Bird | Player

        • Damion Lee | Early Bird | Player

        • Isaiah Thomas | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Josh Okogie | Early Bird | Player

        • Thaddeus Young | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Udoka Azubuike | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Saben Lee | Non-Bird | RFA

        • Ish Wainright | Non-Bird | RFA

        Budenholzer on Suns: ‘I’d coach this team if it was on the moon’

        New Suns coach Mike Budenholzer expresses how grateful he is to be coaching the Suns.

        Offseason transactions: Deni Avdija (trade), Donovan Clingan (first round)

        Offseason priorities

        • How does Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III fit with the addition of Donovan Clingan?.

        • Who are the odd men out among veterans Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III and Deandre Ayton? Can the Trail Blazers trade one of these players to add shooting?

        The 2024 draft

        • Second: No. 34 (via CHA) and No. 40 (via ATL)

        Team needs

        • More shooting

        • Playmakers for the team

        • Spacing development from Henderson and Toumani Camara

        • A healthy roster that can get consistent reps with each other

        • Perimeter defensive improvement across the board

        • Understanding winning habits

        Future draft assets rating: 5 out of 10

        As part of the Deni Avdija trade, Portland will send Washington the second most favorable 2029 first of their own, Boston and Milwaukee. The Blazers also have the right to swap firsts with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030. Portland still owes Chicago a first-round pick that has top-14 protection through 2028. The Blazers have three second-round picks available.

        Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $4.0 million (to receive)

        Cap space breakdown: The Trail Blazers went under the luxury tax and first apron with the Malcolm Brogdon trade to Washington. Portland is now $4.1 million below the tax and $10 million below the first apron. They have a $8.7 million trade exception.

        CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions on Portland.

        Dates to watch

        • June 29: The deadline to tender one-year qualifying offers to Ashton Hagans, Ibou Badji and Justin Minaya; the deadline to exercise the team option for Dalano Banton.

        • July 20: The contracts of Jabari Walker ($2 million) and Camara ($1.9 million) become guaranteed.

        Extension eligible: Simons (as of July 6); Walker (as of July 13); Ayton (as of July 18); Williams (July 30)

        Free agent status

        • Moses Brown | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Ibou Badji | Non-Bird | RFA

        • Dalano Banton | Non-Bird | Team

        • Justin Minaya | Early Bird | RFA

        • Ashton Hagans | Non-Bird | RFA

        Offseason transaction: Malik Monk (free agent), Devin Carter (first round)

        Offseason priorities

        • Evaluating whether the current roster has plateaued. The Kings declined from 48 wins in 2022-23 to 46 wins this past season, losing in the play-in tournament. The same starting five returns from the past two seasons.

        • The De’Aaron Fox extension. Fox is eligible to sign a three-year, $166 million extension.

        The 2024 draft

        • Second: No. 45 (own)

        Team needs

        • Backup big

        • Keegan Murray to take a development step

        • A return to form from Kevin Huerter

        • Defensive leadership

        Future draft assets rating: 6 out of 10

        The Kings owe Atlanta a first-round pick that is top-12 protected in 2025 and top-10 protected in 2026. As a result, the first allowable first-round pick is two years after the pick to Atlanta is conveyed. Including the 2024 pick, Sacramento is allowed to trade four first-round picks. The Kings are also allowed to swap firsts in five seasons (2027 to 2031). The Kings have five second-round picks available.

        Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $3.3 million (to receive)

        Cap space breakdown: The Kings have $172 million in salary (including first-round pick Devin Carter) entering the offseason and right over the $171 million tax threshold. The last time Sacramento paid the luxury tax was 2003-04.

        CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions for Sacramento. However, the Kings will need to keep an eye on the $178.6 million first apron. The new contract with Monk and the unlikely bonuses of Sabonis and Trey Lyles, has Sacramento $3.9 million below the first apron. Sacramento has the $5.2 million tax midlevel exception available but will exceed the first apron if used.

        Dates to watch

        • June 29: The last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Kessler Edwards, Jordan Ford and Jalen Slawson.

        Extension eligible: Fox, Davion Mitchell and Chris Duarte (as of July 6); Huerter (as of Oct. 1)

        Free agent status

        • Alex Len | Bird | UFA

        • JaVale McGee | Non-Bird | UFA

        • Kessler Edwards | Early Bird | RFA

        • Jordan Ford | Early Bird | RFA

        • Jalen Slawson | Non-Bird | RFA

        Offseason transaction: Stephon Castle (first round)

        Offseason priorities

        • What did the first year of Victor Wembanyama teach the coaching staff and front office? The Spurs were minus-0.5 points per 100 possessions with Wembanyama at center and minus-13.1 when he played power forward. San Antonio has two top-eight draft picks, potential cap flexibility, controllable contracts and future draft assets. The Spurs need stability at point guard and shooters around Wembanyama.

        • Should San Antonio accelerate the rebuild at the cost of draft capital? Including their own, the Spurs could have up to four first-round picks in 2025.

        The 2024 draft

        • Second: No. 35 (own) and No. 48 (via LAL)

        Team needs

        • Shooters to complement Wembanyama

        • Bench upgrades across the board

        • Perimeter defenders in the starting lineup

        • Acquiring a three-level scorer and a roll-scoring ball handler

        • Competitive veterans

        • Energy reserves

        • Spacing development from Jeremy Sochan

        Future draft assets rating: 10 out of 10

        The Spurs rank behind only Brooklyn, Oklahoma City and Utah in most first-round picks over the next seven years. San Antonio is owed unprotected first-round picks from Atlanta in 2025 and 2027. The Spurs can also swap with the Hawks in 2026. San Antonio is also owed a first-round pick from Charlotte (top-14 protected in 2025, or else two second-round picks) and Chicago (top-eight protected in 2026 and 2027). San Antonio also has the right to swap firsts with Boston in 2028 (top-one protected) and Dallas (or Minnesota) in 2030 (unprotected). San Antonio has also a 2031 unprotected first from Minnesota. The Spurs have 18 second-round picks available.

        Cash: $7.0 million (to send)

        Cap space breakdown: The Spurs could have $27 million in room but would need to waive the contracts of Devonte’ Graham and Charles Bassey. Graham has a $12.7 million salary that is guaranteed for $2.8 million. The Bassey $2.5 million salary is non-guaranteed.

        CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions for the Spurs. By the first day of the regular season, San Antonio must spend $127 million in salary.

        Dates to watch

        • June 29: The last day to tender one-year qualifying offers to Dominick Barlow, David Duke Jr. and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

        • July 1: Graham’s $12.7 million contract becomes guaranteed, with $2.85 million protected.

        Extension eligible: Cedi Osman (through June 30); Graham (as of July 6)

        Free agent status

        • Cedi Osman | Bird | UFA

        • Sandro Mamukelashvili | Bird | RFA

        • Dominick Barlow | Early Bird | RFA

        • David Duke | Non-Bird | RFA

        Legler raves about Stephon Castle’s fit with Wemby and the Spurs

        Tim Legler explains why he’s excited about the Spurs selecting UConn’s Stephon Castle with the fourth pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

        Offseason transactions: Ja’Kobe Walter (first round)

        Offseason priorities

        • The $23 million Bruce Brown team option. The Raptors could open cap flexibility if the option is declined but would lose a future trade chip.

        • The cost to retain restricted free agent Immanuel Quickley. The average starting point guard salary is $26 million.

        The 2024 draft

        • Second: No. 31 (via DET)

        Team needs

        • Point guard depth

        • Bench scoring at the wings

        • Backup big

        • Quickley signed to a reasonable deal

        • Off-ball offensive development from Barnes

        Future draft assets rating: 7 out of 10

        The Raptors have their own first in the next seven years and a 2026 top-four-protected first from Indiana. The first is top-four protected in 2027 if not conveyed. Toronto has six second-round picks available.

        Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

        Cap space breakdown: The Raptors are in position to have cap space for the first time since 2015 if they decline the $23 million Brown option and renounce all their free agents except Quickley. If the option is declined, Toronto could create up to $28 million in room. The Raptors have a $10.1 million trade exception available.

        CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions for Toronto.

        Dates to watch

        • June 28: The last day to exercise the $23 million team option of Brown.

        • June 29: The last day to tender a one-year qualifying offer to Quickley.

        Extension eligible: Gary Trent Jr. (through June 30); Chris Boucher (as of July 7)

        Free agent status

        • Bruce Brown | Non-Bird | Team

        • Jordan Nwora | Bird | UFA

        • Gary Trent Jr. | Bird | UFA

        • Immanuel Quickley | Bird | RFA

        • Garrett Temple | Non-Bird | UFA

        Offseason transactions: Cody Williams (first round), Isaiah Collier (first round)

        Offseason priorities

        • What to do with up to $35 million in cap space. The Jazz can renegotiate and extend Lauri Markkanen’s contract but not until Aug. 7.

        • How aggressive will the front office be to improve the roster? The Jazz have seven first-round picks from the Cavaliers, Lakers and Timberwolves over the next seven years. Five of those firsts are unprotected.

        The 2024 draft

        • Second: No. 32 (via WAS)

        Team needs

        • Offseason development from Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George into full-time starters

        • Consistency and rim protection with the starting lineup

        • Size and defensive leadership in the starting backcourt

        • A go-to ballhandling scorer who can complement Markkanen

        Future draft assets rating: 10 out of 10

        Utah will have unprotected firsts from both Cleveland and Minnesota in 2025 and in 2027. The Jazz are also owed a 2029 unprotected first from Cleveland and a top-five-protected 2029 first from Minnesota. Utah also has the right to swap firsts with Minnesota or Cleveland (top-eight protected) in 2028. Utah is also owed a top-five-protected first from the Lakers in 2027. Utah will send their own 2025 first to Oklahoma City if it falls outside of the top 10. They have three second-round picks available.

        Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $6.1 million (to receive)

        Cap space breakdown: The Jazz are one of five teams that could have cap space exceeding $30 million. Including Markkanen’s partially guaranteed contract salary and both first-round picks, Utah has $34 million in room. The financial flexibility does not include the non-guaranteed salaries of Omer Yurtseven, Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Darius Bazley. The Jazz have $6.5 million and $3 million trade exceptions that are no longer available if they are below the salary cap.

        CBA impact: There are no trade restrictions. Utah has until the first day of the regular season to spend $127 million of the salary cap.

          Dates to watch

          • June 28: The $18 million contract of Markkanen becomes guaranteed, with $6 million protected.

          • June 29: The deadline to extend one-year qualifying offers to Kira Lewis Jr., Micah Potter and Johnny Juzang.

          Extension eligible: Talen Horton-Tucker (through June 30); Markkanen and John Collins (as of July 6); Collin Sexton (as of Sept. 3)

          Free agent status

          • Kira Lewis Jr. | Bird | RFA

          • Talen Horton-Tucker | Bird | UFA

          • Kris Dunn | Early Bird | UFA

          • Luka Samanic | Early Bird | RFA

          • Johnny Juzang | Early Bird | RFA

          • Micah Potter | Early Bird | RFA

          Offseason transactions: Malcolm Brogdon (trade), Alex Sarr (first round), Bub Carrington (first round), Kyshawn George (first round)

          Offseason priorities

          • What is the price point to retain point guard Tyus Jones? The Wizards used Jordan Poole there at times this season and struggled.

          • How can the Wizards take the next step with their roster? Washington has two first-round picks but returns 13 players who won 15 games.

          • The Corey Kispert rookie extension.

          The 2024 draft

          • Second: None

          Draft notebook

          The Wizards’ front office has roots in Oklahoma City and figures to be on a similarly patient curve in rebuilding the roster, without pressure to win for at least a couple of seasons. Washington should simply take the best prospect on the board at No. 2 — whether that’s Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Donovan Clingan or someone else — or look to move back and pick up future assets if that opportunity is there. The Wizards’ other selections should give them chances to be creative in adding long-term prospects to develop for the future. — Woo

          Team needs

          • Starting point guard

          • A big step in the development of Bilal Coulibaly

          • A capable back-to-the-basket scoring threat

          • A point-of-attack defender who can control the defensive pace of the game

          Future draft assets rating: 7 out of 10

          The Wizards have built up their draft assets since June but still owe New York a top-10-protected first in 2025. Their pick is top-eight protected in 2026. The earliest they can trade their own first is in 2028. Washington has the right to swap firsts with Phoenix in 2026, 2028 and 2030. Golden State will send its first in 2030, but only if it falls outside of the top 20. They have the second most favorable 2029 first of Portland, Boston and Milwaukee.

          Cash: $7.0 million (to send) | $7.0 million (to receive)

          Cap space breakdown: The Wizards have $140 million in guaranteed salary and an additional $17.6 million of non-guaranteed contracts. The Wizards have a $12.4 million, a $9.8 million, a $5.4 million and a $3.5 million trade exception.

          CBA impact: The Wizards are hard capped at the $178.7 million first apron.

          Dates to watch

          • June 29: The $11 million contract of Landry Shamet becomes guaranteed; the last day for Richaun Holmes to exercise his $12.9 million player option; the deadline to extend one-year qualifying offers to Isaiah Livers, Jules Bernard, Jared Butler and Eugene Omoruyi.

          Extension eligible: Holmes; Marvin Bagley III, Shamet and Kispert (as of July 6)

          Free agent status

          • Anthony Gill | Bird | UFA

          • Richaun Holmes | Player | Bird | UFA

          • Tyus Jones | Bird | UFA

          • Tristan Vukcevic | Team | Non-Bird | RFA

          • Jules Bernard | Non-Bird | RFA

          Bird rights explainer

          Bird rights

          A team can exceed the cap to sign a free agent who has played three consecutive seasons with his current team. Bird rights transfer to a new team in a trade.

          Early Bird rights

          Teams can exceed the cap to sign a player who has spent two consecutive seasons with a team (without being waived, carries over in a trade), but they are restricted to 175% of his previous salary or 105% of the average player salary. A team can exceed either limit with available cap space. A contract signed using the early Bird exception must be for a minimum of two years, not including options. It cannot exceed four years.

          Non-Bird rights

          A free agent who has played one season with a team can sign for 120% of his previous contract or 120% of the minimum salary exception. Teams can exceed either limit but only with cap space or an exception.

          Restricted free agent

          A free agent either coming off his first-round rookie contract or who has signed a three-year contract and has three or fewer years of service can be given a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent. In that case, his current team would have the right to match any offer. If the player is coming off a one-year or two-year deal, the maximum salary in the first year on an offer sheet from another team cannot exceed the full midlevel.

          Note: A first-round pick who had his third-year or fourth-year option in his rookie-scale contract declined cannot be extended a qualifying offer and becomes an unrestricted free agent. His current team is limited to offering a contract with a first-year salary worth up to the value of the declined option.