Atlanta Hawks
Front office discussions: What is the identity of this team? The Hawks have been below .500 before and have been since Quin Snyder took over in March. Is it too premature to start evaluating the Trae Young and Dejounte Murray backcourt? Does Atlanta prioritize 2024 finances now or wait until the offseason? Atlanta will be a luxury tax team in 2024-25 if Saddiq Bey is re-signed. And what is the value of Patty Mills, Garrison Mathews and other depth players?
Off the board: Dejounte Murray (Jan. 9 trade restriction) and Onyeka Okongwu (poison-pill restriction)
Players with trade value: Trae Young ($40.1M, Player 2026), Saddiq Bey ($4.6M, RFA 2024), Jalen Johnson ($2.9M, RFA 2025) and Clint Capela ($20.6M, UFA 2025)
Free agents in July: Patty Mills ($6.8M, UFA), Bey (RFA), Wesley Matthews ($2.1M, UFA) and Garrison Mathews ($2M, Team)
Controllable contracts: Kobe Bufkin ($4.1M, RFA 2027), AJ Griffin ($3.7M, RFA 2026), Mouhamed Gueye ($1.1M, Team 2026) and Bruno Fernando ($2.6M, Team 2025)
Long-term salary: De'Andre Hunter ($20.1M, UFA 2027) and Bogdan Bogdanovic ($18.7M, Team 2026)
Draft capital: The Hawks owe San Antonio unprotected first-round picks in both 2025 and 2027. The Spurs also have the right to swap firsts in 2026. Atlanta has a top-15 protected first-round pick from Sacramento in 2024 (top-12 protected in 2025 and top-10 protected in 2026). It will turn into 2026 and 2027 second-round picks if not conveyed by the Kings. The Hawks are allowed to trade the Kings' first-round pick and their own first-round pick in 2029 or 2030. They are allowed to swap their own first in 2024, 2028, 2029 and 2030. Atlanta also has five second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Atlanta is $9.7 million below the luxury tax. The Hawks have three trade exceptions ($23M, $2.6M and $2.3M).
Boston Celtics
Front office discussions: Is there enough frontcourt depth to this roster? Boston has a $6.2M trade exception, up to eight second round-picks and an open roster spot. Do two-way contract players like Drew Peterson and Neemias Queta have any value as potential reserves, especially as frontcourt injury insurance? What is the comfort level from ownership to increase the luxury tax penalty? In the past two seasons, the Celtics have paid $110M.
Off the board: Jayson Tatum ($32.6M, Player 2025) and Jaylen Brown (July 26 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Payton Pritchard* ($4M, UFA 2028)
Note: Pritchard has a manageable poison-pill restriction that does not prevent Boston from moving him if needed.
Free agents in July: Jrue Holiday ($36.9M, Player), Luke Kornet ($2.4M, UFA), Oshae Brissett ($2.2M, Player), Dalano Banton ($2M, Team), Svi Mykhailiuk ($2M, UFA), Sam Hauser ($1.9M, Team) and Lamar Stevens ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Jordan Walsh ($1.1M, Team 2026)
Long-term salary: Kristaps Porzingis ($36M, UFA 2026), Derrick White ($18.4M, UFA 2025) and Al Horford ($10M, UFA 2025)
Draft capital: Boston is allowed to trade a maximum of two first-round picks in the next four years (2024 and 2026). The Celtics can also trade a 2025 first-round pick, but that cannot be combined with the 2024 and 2026 picks. Boston has the right to swap those picks in every season except in 2028 (the Spurs already have swap rights if 2 through 30) and 2029. The Celtics also owe Portland a 2029 first-round pick and have eight second-round picks available.
The finances: The Celtics are $18.2M over the luxury tax and have a projected tax bill of $39.1M. They have two trade exceptions ($6.2M and $1.8M). Boston is not allowed to sign a player waived during the season who had a preexisting salary in 2023-24 greater than $12.4M.
Brooklyn Nets
Front office discussions: Has the failed Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden experiment made Brooklyn pause the search for its next star? Brooklyn has five first-round picks from other teams, including four unprotected. What is the best approach to use its two large trade exceptions ($19.9M and $18.1M)? Should Brooklyn take back salary with draft picks or improve the roster with the possibility of going into the luxury tax? Does starting point guard and pending free agent Spencer Dinwiddie fit into the future? Is Dorian Finney-Smith's on-court play more valuable than adding another first-round pick?
Off the board: Cameron Johnson (Jan. 15 signing restriction) and Mikal Bridges ($21.7M, UFA 2026)
Players with trade value: Dorian Finney-Smith ($13.9M, Player 2025), Royce O'Neale ($9.5M, UFA 2024), Nic Claxton ($9.6M, UFA 2024) and Lonnie Walker IV ($2M, UFA 2024)
Free agents in July: Dinwiddie ($20.4M, UFA), O'Neale (UFA), Claxton (UFA), Walker (UFA), Dennis Smith ($2M, UFA), Trendon Watford ($2M, UFA) and Harry Giles III ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Noah Clowney ($3.1M, RFA 2027), Dariq Whitehead ($2.9M, RFA 2027), Cam Thomas ($2.2M, RFA 2025) and Day'Ron Sharpe ($2.2M, RFA 2025)
Long-term salary: Johnson ($25.7M, UFA 2027) and Ben Simmons ($37.9M, UFA 2025)
Draft capital: The Nets have unprotected first-round picks from Phoenix in 2025, 2027 and 2029. They also have the right to swap picks with the Suns in 2028. The Nets own a top-eight protected first-round pick from Philadelphia in 2027 or 2028 and also have an unprotected 2029 first-round pick from Dallas. The Nets owe Houston unprotected first-round picks in 2024 and 2026, and the Rockets have the right to swap in 2025 and 2027. Besides the draft capital acquired in previous trades, Brooklyn is allowed to trade or swap its 2028, 2029 or 2030 first-rounders. The Nets have five second-round picks available.
The finances: The Nets are $8M below the luxury tax. They have seven trade exceptions ($19.9M, $18.1M, $6.8M, $4.5M, $1.8M, $1.8M and $1.6M).
Charlotte Hornets
Front office discussions: Is Miles Bridges part of the future, and if not, does Charlotte look to move him? Bridges would need to approve any trade, and the acquiring team would not inherit his Bird rights. What can the expiring contract of Gordon Hayward bring back? What's a realistic ceiling with this group's core, and is the new ownership group content with their progression?
Off the board: LaMelo Ball (poison-pill restriction), Bridges (Jan. 15 signing restriction), P.J. Washington (Jan. 15 signing restriction) and Ish Smith (Jan. 24 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Hayward ($31.5M, UFA 2024)
Free agents in July: Hayward (UFA), Bridges ($7.9M, UFA), James Bouknight ($4.6M, UFA), Frank Ntilikina ($2M, UFA), Smith ($2M, UFA) and J.T. Thor ($1.8M, Team)
Controllable contracts: Brandon Miller ($10.9M, RFA 2027), Mark Williams ($3.9M, RFA 2026), Nick Smith Jr. ($2.4M, RFA 2027) and Bryce McGowens ($1.7M, Team 2025)
Long-term salary: Washington ($16.8M, UFA 2026), Terry Rozier ($23.2M, UFA 2026), Cody Martin ($7.6M, UFA 2026) and Nick Richards ($5M, UFA 2026)
Draft capital: The Hornets owe San Antonio a top-14 protected first-rounder in 2024, and the pick is top-14 protected in 2025. The Hornets are allowed to trade their 2027, 2028, 2029 or 2030 first-round picks, and they can swap those picks in every season except 2024 and 2025. They have seven second-round picks available.
The finances: Charlotte is right at the $136 million salary cap.
Chicago Bulls
Front office discussions: Can Chicago retool its roster without blowing it up? Do expiring contracts and young players in a possible Zach LaVine trade have more value than future first-round picks? How much stock do the Bulls put in the games that LaVine did not play this season? Is Chicago comfortable keeping DeMar DeRozan past the trade deadline knowing it could lose him in free agency? DeRozan is eligible to sign a three-year, $129 million extension up until June 30.
Off the board: Coby White (Jan. 15 signing restriction) and Ayo Dosunmu (Jan. 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Alex Caruso ($9.5M, UFA 2025), DeRozan ($28.6M, UFA 2024) and Nikola Vucevic ($18.5M, UFA 2026)
Free agents in July: DeRozan (UFA), Lonzo Ball ($20.5M, Player), Patrick Williams ($9.8M, RFA), Andre Drummond ($3.4M, UFA) and Torrey Craig ($2.5M, Player)
Controllable contracts: Dalen Terry ($3.4M, RFA 2026), Julian Phillips ($1.6M, Team 2026) and Terry Taylor ($2M, UFA 2025)
Long-term salary: =LaVine ($40.1M, Player 2026), Jevon Carter ($6.2M, Player 2025), White ($11.1M, UFA 2025) and Dosunmu ($6.5M, UFA 2026)
Draft capital: The Bulls owe San Antonio a top-10 protected first in 2025. That pick is also top-eight protected in 2026 and 2027. Chicago can trade a first-round pick two years after the pick to San Antonio is conveyed. The Bulls are allowed to swap their own first in 2024, 2028, 2029 or 2030. The Trail Blazers owe Chicago a first-round pick that is top-14 protected over the next five seasons. Chicago has two second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Chicago is $1.7 million below the luxury tax and $6.4 million below the first apron. It has a $10.2M disabled player exception and can use it to sign or trade a player with one year left on his contract.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Front office discussions: When do the Cavs start considering the future of Donovan Mitchell if the play on the court continues as a .500 team? Mitchell could be a free agent in 2025 if he does not sign an extension in the offseason. Does the Cavaliers' front office have the authority to go into the luxury tax? Cleveland is $752K below the luxury tax and has an open roster spot. Given his personal situation, what is Ricky Rubio's current value on the market? Is there a defensive-minded lead guard on the market who would fit well as a reserve and can create easier shots for teammates? Does the final roster spot go to two-way player Craig Porter Jr. after the trade deadline?
Players with trade value: Mitchell ($33.2M, Player 2025) and Isaac Okoro ($8.9M, RFA 2024)
Free agents in July: Okoro (RFA), Damian Jones ($2.6M, UFA) and Tristan Thompson ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Sam Merrill ($2M, UFA 2025), Evan Mobley ($8.9M, RFA 2025), Dean Wade ($5.7M, UFA 2026) and Rubio ($6.1M, UFA 2025) and Ty Jerome ($2.4M, UFA 2025)
Long-term salary: Darius Garland ($34M, UFA 2028), Jarrett Allen ($20M, UFA 2026), Caris LeVert ($15.4M, UFA 2025), Georges Niang ($8.8M, UFA 2026) and Max Strus ($14.5M, UFA 2027)
Draft capital: The Cavaliers owe three first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) to Utah. The Jazz also have the right to swap firsts in 2028. The Cavaliers are not allowed to trade a first-round pick. Cleveland can swap firsts in 2024 and 2030. Cleveland has two second-round picks available to use in a trade.
The finances: Cleveland is $752,132 below the luxury tax and $7.8M below the first apron.
Dallas Mavericks
Front office discussions: How can Dallas balance the roster with more defensive-minded players? The Mavericks ranked No. 25 defensively in back-to-back seasons. What is the value of Richaun Holmes and their 2026 first-round pick?
Off the board: Luka Doncic ($40.1M, Player 2026)
Players with trade value: Tim Hardaway Jr. ($17.9M, UFA 2025) and Jaden Hardy ($1.7M, RFA 2025)
Free agents in July: Derrick Jones Jr. ($2M, UFA), Richaun Holmes ($12M, Player 2024) and Markieff Morris ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Dereck Lively II ($4.8M, RFA 2027), Olivier-Maxence Prosper ($2.7M, RFA 2027), Seth Curry ($4M, UFA 2025), Dwight Powell ($4M, Player 2025) and Dante Exum ($3M, UFA 2025)
Long-term salary: Kyrie Irving ($37M, Player 2025), Grant Williams ($12.4M, UFA 2027), Maxi Kleber ($11M, UFA 2026) and Josh Green ($4.8M, UFA 2027)
Note: Green has a manageable poison-pill restriction that does not prevent Dallas from moving him if needed.
Draft capital: The Mavericks owe New York a top-10 protected first in 2024 or 2025. They will send Brooklyn an unprotected first in 2029. They are allowed to trade a first but only two years after the pick to New York is conveyed. The earliest is 2026, and it cannot have protection that extends past 2027. The Mavericks can swap firsts in 2026, 2027 or 2028. The Spurs have the right to swap firsts in 2030. Dallas has two second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: The Mavericks are $3.6M below the luxury tax and $8.6M below the first apron. They have a $4.9M trade exception.
Denver Nuggets
Front office discussions: Are the young reserves off the board if a trade materializes that can improve the bench now but might negatively impact the future? Who is expendable if a player bought out of their contract becomes available? The Nuggets have 15 players under contract.
Off the board: Nikola Jokic ($47.6M, Player 2027) and Jamal Murray ($33.8M, UFA 2025)
Players with trade value: Zeke Nnaji ($4.3M, Player 2027)
Note: Nnaji has a manageable poison-pill restriction that does not prevent Denver from moving him if needed.
Free agents in July: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($14.7M, Player), Reggie Jackson ($5M, Player), Justin Holiday ($2M, UFA), Vlatko Cancar ($2.2M, Team) and DeAndre Jordan ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Christian Braun ($2.9M, RFA 2026), Peyton Watson ($2.3M, RFA 2026), Julian Strawther ($2.4M, RFA 2027), Jalen Pickett ($1.7M, Team 2026) and Hunter Tyson ($1.1M, Team 2026)
Long-term salary: Michael Porter Jr. ($33.4M, UFA 2027) and Aaron Gordon ($22.3M, Player 2025)
Draft capital: The Nuggets owe Orlando a top-five protected first in 2025, 2026 or 2027. They will send Oklahoma City a top-five protected first, two years after the Magic first is conveyed. They will send an additional first to the Thunder, two years after the original first is conveyed. The pick is top-five protected. They can trade their 2024 first but only on the night of the draft. The Nuggets can trade swap rights to their 2024 first now. Denver has three second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Denver is $12.6M over the luxury tax and is projected to pay a $22.7M penalty. The Nuggets are $5.7M below the second apron. Denver is not allowed to sign a player waived during the season who had a preexisting salary in 2023-24 greater than $12.4M.
Detroit Pistons
Front office discussions: What is the value of cap space in the 2024 offseason? Should Detroit use its potential cap space to add players who have long-term deals in trades now, rather than waiting to sign free agents in July? Does a history of free agency struggles in Detroit influence the value of long-term contracts in trade talks? For example, does it make sense to target Zach LaVine if the trade cost does not involve draft picks? Do the veterans on expiring contracts (Monte Morris, Joe Harris and Alec Burks) fit into the future? If not, should Detroit look to move each player even if the return is only second-rounders? Does Bojan Bogdanovic have the same trade value as last year? The forward played his first game Dec. 2 and has a partially guaranteed contract in 2024-25.
Off the board: Kevin Knox II (Feb. 8 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Bogdanovic ($20M, UFA 2025), Morris ($9.8M, UFA 2024), Marvin Bagley III ($12.5M, UFA 2025) and Burks ($10.5M, UFA 2024)
Free agents in July: Morris (UFA), Burks (UFA), Joe Harris ($19.9M, UFA), James Wiseman ($12.1M, RFA), Killian Hayes ($7.4M, RFA) and Isaiah Livers ($1.8M, RFA)
Controllable contracts: Ausar Thompson ($7.9M, RFA 2027), Jalen Duren ($4.3M, RFA 2026), Cade Cunningham ($11M, RFA 2025), Jaden Ivey ($7.6M, RFA 2026) and Marcus Sasser ($2.6M, RFA 2027)
Long-term salary: Isaiah Stewart ($5.3M, Team 2027)
Note: Stewart has a manageable poison-pill restriction that does not prevent Detroit from moving him if needed.
Draft capital: Detroit owes New York a top-18 protected first-round pick in 2024. The pick has top-12 protection in 2025, top-10 in 2026 and top-9 in 2027. The Pistons can trade the first two years after the first to New York is conveyed. The Pistons have seven second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: The Pistons are $1.5M over the salary cap.
Golden State Warriors
Front office discussions: Is this roster good enough to be "pushed over the top" by a one-year star rental, similar to Kawhi Leonard in Toronto, if one becomes available? Is Stephen Curry the only player on the roster who is deemed untouchable? Is Chris Paul viewed as an expiring contract? Paul has a $30.8M non-guaranteed contract in 2024-25, and retaining him would put Golden State in the luxury tax. Does the front office explore trade options for Klay Thompson, a four-time champion and the second-longest-tenured player on the roster? What do trade options look like for Andrew Wiggins? If they do trade Wiggins, are there players on expiring contracts on the trade market who would allow them to compete this season and preserve flexibility for 2024 free agents? Do the Warriors add size with the last roster spot?
Off the board: Curry ($51.9M, UFA 2026)
Players with trade value: Thompson ($43.2M, UFA 2024), Paul ($30.8M, UFA 2025), Jonathan Kuminga ($6M, RFA 2025) and Moses Moody ($3.9M, RFA 2025)
Free agents in July: Thompson (UFA), Gary Payton II ($8.7M, Player), Cory Joseph ($2M, UFA) and Dario Saric ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Brandin Podziemski ($3.4M, RFA 2027), Trayce Jackson-Davis ($1.1M, Team 2026) and Gui Santos ($1M, Team 2025) and Kevon Looney ($7.5M, UFA 2025)
Long-term salary: Andrew Wiggins ($24.3M, Player 2026) and Draymond Green ($22.3M, Player 2026)
Draft capital: Golden State owes Portland a top-four protected first in 2024. It is top-one protected in 2025 and unprotected in 2026. The earliest the Warriors can trade a first is in 2026. They will also send Washington a top-20 protected first in 2030. Golden State can swap picks in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 (if 1-20). The Warriors have three second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: The Warriors are $42.6M over the luxury tax and are projected to pay a $192.5M tax penalty. Golden State is not allowed to sign a player waived during the season who had a preexisting salary in 2023-24 greater than $12.4M.
Houston Rockets
Front office discussions: Is there enough body of work this season to send out first-round picks to add players at the deadline? What can the expiring Victor Oladipo contract and multiple second-round picks bring back? Is there a mobile, defensive-minded center available on the market who can come off the bench for Alperen Sengun?
Off the board: Nobody
Players with trade value: Oladipo ($9.5M, UFA 2024), Jock Landale ($8M, UFA 2027) and Jae'Sean Tate ($6.5M, Team 2024)
Free agents in July: Oladipo (UFA), Jeff Green ($9.6M, Team), Tate (Team), Reggie Bullock Jr. ($2M, UFA), Aaron Holiday ($2M, UFA) and Boban Marjanovic ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Jalen Green ($9.9M, RFA 2025), Jabari Smith Jr. ($9.3M, RFA 2026), Amen Thompson ($8.8M, RFA 2027), Sengun ($3.5M, RFA 2025), Tari Eason ($3.5M, RFA 2026) and Cam Whitmore ($3.2M, RFA 2027)
Long-term salary: Fred VanVleet ($40.8M, Team 2025) and Dillon Brooks ($22.6M, UFA 2027)
Draft capital: The Rockets have two unprotected firsts from the Nets in 2024 and 2026. They also have the rights to swap firsts with Brooklyn in 2025 and 2027. They owe Oklahoma City a top-four protected first in both 2024 and 2026. The Thunder have the right to swap firsts in 2025 if Houston's falls outside of the top 10. The Rockets are allowed to trade their own first starting in 2028. Houston has five second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Houston is $22 million below the luxury tax and has a $4.5M trade exception.
Indiana Pacers
Front office discussions: Are the Pacers at a point of their retool to take a big swing on an All-Star-type player? How do the Pacers balance winning now with taking advantage of the expiring contract of Buddy Hield? Is Indiana comfortable going into free agency with Hield if a trade of its liking does not materialize? Similar to Myles Turner's situation last January, should Indiana consider renegotiating Hield's $19.3 million salary with the $9.6 million of remaining cap space? Is there a trade to balance the roster with more defensive-minded players? What trade value does T.J. McConnell's contract have? Is he expendable with Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Bruce Brown, and Andrew Nembhard as capable ball handlers?
Off the board: Haliburton (poison-pill restriction) and James Johnson (March 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Aaron Nesmith ($5M, UFA 2027), McConnell ($8.7M, UFA 2025) and Hield ($19.3M, UFA 2024)
Note: Nesmith has a manageable poison-pill restriction that does not prevent Indiana from moving him if needed.
Free agents in July: Hield (UFA), Johnson (UFA), Brown ($22M, Team), Obi Toppin ($6.8M, RFA), Jalen Smith ($5M, Player), Jordan Nwora ($3M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Mathurin ($6.9M, RFA 2026), Jarace Walker ($6.1M, RFA 2027), Isaiah Jackson ($2.7M, RFA 2025), Ben Sheppard ($2.5M, RFA 2027) and Nembhard ($2.1M, Team 2025)
Long-term salary: Turner ($20.9M, UFA 2025)
Draft capital: The Pacers have their own first in the next seven years. They have the least favorable 2024 first of the Thunder, Clippers, Rockets (if 5-30) and Jazz (if 11-30). Indiana has 10 second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Indiana is $8.3M below the salary cap.
LA Clippers
Front office discussions: Does P.J. Tucker, with two years left on his contract, have value in a trade without attaching a draft pick? Who is the odd man out if a player bought out of their contract becomes available? The Clippers have 15 players on guaranteed contracts. Are the 2030 first-round pick and Terance Mann, the Clippers last two big trade assets, in play if a trade that helps in the short term materializes?
Off the board: Josh Primo (Feb. 15 signing restriction) and Daniel Theis (Feb. 17 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Terance Mann ($10.6M, UFA 2025)
Free agents in July: Paul George ($45.6M, Player 2024), Kawhi Leonard ($45.6M, Player 2024), James Harden ($35.7M, UFA), Tucker ($11M, Player), Mason Plumlee ($5M, UFA), Russell Westbrook ($3.9M, Player) and Brandon Boston Jr. ($1.8M, RFA), Theis (UFA)
Controllable contracts: Amir Coffey ($3.7M, UFA 2025), Kobe Brown ($2.4M, RFA 2027) and Bones Hyland ($2.3M, RFA 2025)
Long-term salary: Norman Powell ($18M, UFA 2026) and Ivica Zubac ($10.9M, UFA 2025)
Draft capital: The Clippers owe their 2024 and 2026 unprotected firsts to Oklahoma City. The Thunder have the right to swap firsts in 2025 and 2027. The Clippers will send Philadelphia a 2028 unprotected first. The 76ers also have the right to swap firsts in 2029 (if 4-30). The Clippers are allowed to trade their 2030 first and can also swap the first. The Clippers have two second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: The Clippers are $34.8M over the luxury tax and projected to pay a $142.3M tax penalty. LA is not allowed to sign a player waived during the season who had a preexisting salary in 2023-24 greater than $12.4M.
Los Angeles Lakers
Front office discussions: With the new CBA, can the Lakers build out a championship team with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and a third player earning more than $40M each annually in the future? Because of the hard cap, Los Angeles would need to trade three or four players in a hypothetical Zach LaVine deal. Is Austin Reaves considered close to untouchable even if an All-Star-type player is available? Do the Lakers have enough draft capital to target a player like the Trail Blazers' Jerami Grant or the Wizards' Kyle Kuzma? Los Angeles has one first-round pick and up to four years of swap rights. How much do a healthy Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura dictate the direction at the trade deadline?
Off the board: James ($47.6M, Player 2024), Davis (Feb. 6 signing restriction), Vanderbilt (March 18 signing restriction), Reaves (Jan. 15 signing restriction) and Hachimura (Jan. 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: D'Angelo Russell, ($17.3M, Player 2024) and Hachimura ($15.7M, UFA 2026)
Free agents in July: Russell (Player), Taurean Prince ($4.5M, UFA), Christian Wood ($2.7M, Player), Jaxson Hayes ($2.2M, Player), Cam Reddish ($2.2M, Player) and Max Christie ($1.7M, RFA)
Controllable contracts: Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3.7M, RFA 2027) and Maxwell Lewis ($1.1M, Team 2026)
Long-term salary: Davis ($40.6M, Player 2027), Reaves ($12M, Player 2026), Vanderbilt ($4.7M, Player 2027) and Vincent ($10.5M, UFA 2026)
Draft capital: The Lakers owe New Orleans a 2024 unprotected first. The Pelicans can defer the pick to 2025. The Lakers will send a 2027 top-four protected first to Utah. The Lakers are allowed to trade first-round picks in 2029 or 2030. They cannot trade both. Los Angeles can also trade the right to swap firsts in 2026, 2028, 2029 and 2030. The Lakers have four second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: The Lakers are $1.26M over the luxury tax and are projected to pay a $4.9M penalty. They are $4.9M below the first apron and cannot exceed the threshold.
Memphis Grizzlies
Front office discussions: With Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke under contract for the foreseeable future, does Memphis look to add at the deadline, despite sitting at the bottom of the standings? The Grizzlies can trade up to four first-round picks and have a $7.5M trade exception and a $6.3M disabled player exception. Memphis is not projected to have cap flexibility in the 2024 offseason. Does roster depth at the wing make Luke Kennard expendable? Kennard has a team option next season.
Off the board: Desmond Bane (poison-pill restriction) and Bismack Biyombo (Feb. 1 trade restriction)
Players with trade value: Marcus Smart ($18.3M, UFA 2026)
Free agents in July: Biyombo (UFA), Kennard ($14.8M, Team) and Xavier Tillman ($1.9M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Ziaire Williams ($4.8M, RFA 2025), Jake LaRavia ($3.2M, RFA 2026), David Roddy ($2.7M, RFA 2026), John Konchar ($2.4M, UFA 2027), Derrick Rose ($3.2M, UFA 2025) and Santi Aldama ($2.2M, RFA 2025)
Long-term salary: Morant ($34M, UFA 2028), Jackson ($27.1M, UFA 2026), Steven Adams ($12.6M, UFA 2025), Clarke ($12.5M, UFA 2027)
Draft capital: The Grizzlies have their own first-round pick in the next seven years. Memphis has the right to swap its own 2024 first for the less favorable of Phoenix's first and Washington's first (if not conveyed to New York). The Grizzlies also have the right to swap their 2030 first for the less favorable of the Suns' first and Wizards' first. Memphis has two second-round picks available.
The finances: Memphis is $11.9M below the luxury tax. The Grizzlies have a $7.5M trade exception and $6.3M disabled player exception.
Miami Heat
Front office discussions: How much is ownership willing to go into the luxury tax this season? Miami has an open roster spot and three trade exceptions but a $29.4 million tax bill. What is the comfort level of taking back salary that stretches into the 2024-25 season? The Heat have Kyle Lowry's $29.7 million expiring contract and up to two first-round picks to offer in a trade. Is Miami content with paying the luxury tax next season and exceeding the second apron? Or do the Heat hold on to Lowry, who is playing his best basketball since signing in 2021? Does the emergence of Jaime Jaquez Jr. make Duncan Robinson or Caleb Martin available in trade talks? Martin has a player option for next season. Are there any players available that can help with speeding up the pace of the game? Miami is currently fifth in forced turnovers per game, but 26th in pace, and 25th in percentage of points scored in transition.
Off the board: Bam Adebayo ($32.6M, UFA 2026), Jimmy Butler ($45.2M, Player 2025) and Dru Smith (Jan. 21 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Lowry ($29.7M, UFA 2024), Haywood Highsmith ($1.9M, UFA) and Martin ($6.8M, Player 2024)
Free agents in July: Martin (Player), Lowry (UFA), Kevin Love ($3.8M, Player), Josh Richardson ($2.9M, Player), Thomas Bryant ($2.5M, Player) and Highsmith (UFA)
Controllable contracts: Jaquez ($3.5M, RFA 2027), Nikola Jovic ($2.4M, RFA 2026), Orlando Robinson ($1.8M, RFA 2025) and Smith ($1.8M, RFA 2025)
Long-term salary: Tyler Herro ($27M, UFA 2027) and Robinson ($18.2M, ETO 2025)
Draft capital: The Heat owe Oklahoma City a top-14 protected first-round pick in 2025. The first is unprotected in 2026 if not conveyed in the prior season. Miami can trade two first-round picks: 2027 (if the first is conveyed in 2025), 2028, 2029 and 2030. The Heat can swap firsts in 2024, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030. The Heat have two second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Miami is $15.2M over the luxury tax and projected to pay a $29.4M penalty. The Heat have three trade exceptions ($9.5M, $7.2M and $4.7M). The Heat are not allowed to sign a player waived during the season who had a preexisting salary in 2023-24 greater than $12.4M.
Milwaukee Bucks
Front office discussions: Is there enough experience on the Bucks' coaching staff? Milwaukee has not replaced veteran Terry Stotts since he left before the season. Can Milwaukee address its defensive liabilities, especially in the backcourt, with limited trade assets? Financially, with how top heavy the roster is in salary, does it make more sense to retool certain areas via buyouts (even with the limitations) and stand pat at the deadline? Who is the odd man out if Milwaukee needs to clear a roster spot? What is Pat Connaughton's value, and how comfortable is Milwaukee with including him in trade talks if a defensive specialist becomes available?
Off the board: Damian Lillard ($45.6M, Player 2026), Giannis Antetokounmpo (April 23 signing restriction), Brook Lopez (Jan. 15 signing restriction) and Cameron Payne (Jan. 1 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Connaughton ($9.4M, Player 2025) and Bobby Portis ($9.4M, Player 2025)
Free agents in July: Payne ($2M, UFA), Thanasis Antetokounmpo ($2M, UFA), Malik Beasley ($2M, UFA), Robin Lopez ($2M, UFA) and Jae Crowder ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: MarJon Beauchamp ($2.6M, RFA 2026), AJ Green ($1.9M, UFA 2026), Andre Jackson Jr. ($1.1M, Team 2026) and Chris Livingston ($1.1M, Team 2026)
Long-term salary: Khris Middleton ($29.3M, Player 2025) and Lopez ($25M, UFA 2025)
Draft capital: The Bucks owe a 2025 first to New Orleans (if 1-4) or to New York (if 5-30), a 2027 first to New Orleans and a 2029 first to Portland. In addition, the Pelicans have the right to swap firsts in both 2024 and 2026. The Trail Blazers have the right to swap firsts with Milwaukee in 2028 (if the first to Chicago has not been conveyed) and in 2030. The Bucks are not allowed to trade or swap any first. They have two second-round picks available.
The finances: Milwaukee is $18M over the luxury tax and is projected to pay a $58.2M penalty. The Bucks are not allowed to sign a player waived during the season who had a preexisting salary in 2023-24 greater than $12.4M.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Front office discussions: What trade options exist for a veteran reserve guard who can help facilitate and control pace? Does Minnesota have a quality trade package to target the Wizards' Tyus Jones? Is ownership willing to go into the tax if the right deal comes along?
Off the board: Anthony Edwards (poison-pill restriction), Jaden McDaniels (poison-pill restriction) and Naz Reid (Dec. 27 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Mike Conley ($24.4M, UFA 2024), Reid ($12.9M, Player 2025) and Kyle Anderson ($9.2M, UFA 2024)
Free agents in July: Conley (UFA), Anderson (UFA) and Jordan McLaughlin ($2.3M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Shake Milton ($5M, UFA 2025), Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4.7M, UFA 2025), Troy Brown Jr. ($4M, UFA 2025), Wendell Moore Jr. ($2.4M, RFA 2026), Leonard Miller ($1.8M, Team 2026) and Josh Minott ($1.7M, Team 2025)
Long-term salary: Karl-Anthony Towns ($36M, Player 2027) and Rudy Gobert ($41M, Player 2025)
Draft capital: The Timberwolves owe Utah 2025 and 2027 unprotected first-round picks. They will also send the Jazz a 2029 top-five protected first. Utah also has the right to swap firsts in 2026. The Wolves are not allowed to trade a first but can swap firsts in 2024, 2028 and 2030. The Timberwolves have four second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Minnesota is $2.4M below the luxury tax and $7.8M below the first apron. The Wolves have a $3.7M trade exception.
New Orleans Pelicans
Front office discussions: Is ownership comfortable paying the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history? The Pelicans would need to trade a player like Kira Lewis Jr. to get under. With a deep roster, which player is expendable if a trade materializes? The Pelicans' roster is top heavy in salary (Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram earning a total of $100M), and Jonas Valanciunas, Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, Jordan Hawkins, Naji Marshall, Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance Jr. either start or are part of the rotation. What is the average market cost for a reserve big who can protect the paint and end defensive possessions?
Off the board: Jones (Jan. 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Valanciunas ($15.4M, UFA) and Marshall ($1.8M, UFA)
Free agents in July: Valanciunas (UFA), Marshall (UFA), Lewis ($5.7M, RFA), Cody Zeller ($2M, UFA) and Jose Alvarado ($1.8M, Team)
Controllable contracts: Daniels ($5.8M, RFA 2026), Hawkins ($4.3M, RFA 2027), Murphy ($3.4M, RFA 2025) and E.J. Liddell ($1.8M, Team 2025)
Long-term salary: McCollum ($35.8M, UFA 2026), Williamson ($34M, UFA 2028), Ingram ($33.8M, UFA 2025), Jones ($12M, UFA 2027) and Nance ($10.4M, UFA 2025)
Draft capital: New Orleans owns all of its first-round picks in the next seven years. The Pelicans have an unprotected first from the Lakers in 2024. That pick can be deferred to 2025. The Pelicans also have a first from Milwaukee in 2025 (if 1-4) and an unprotected first in 2027. They have the right to swap firsts with the Bucks in 2024 and 2026. New Orleans has two second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: The Pelicans are a luxury tax team for the first time in franchise history. They are $2.9M over the threshold and are projected to pay a $4.4M penalty.
New York Knicks
Front office discussions: With Mitchell Robinson out for an extended period, is there enough frontcourt depth? Can a roster with Julius Randle and RJ Barrett as the Knicks' second- and third-best players, compete for a championship? In eight playoff games, Randle has shot 34.4% from the field and 28.3% on 3s. Does New York continue to take a conservative approach with its draft capital? The first-round picks from Detroit and Washington are unlikely to convey in the near future. Is there a priority to move Evan Fournier now or risk the possibility of letting his contract expire in the offseason. Fournier has a $17.8M team option and exercising that or taking back salary in 2024-25 could put New York in the luxury tax if free agents Immanuel Quickley and Isaiah Hartenstein re-sign.
Off the board: Jalen Brunson ($26.3M, Player 2025), Josh Hart (Feb. 10 signing restriction) and Taj Gibson (March 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Quentin Grimes ($2.4M, RFA 2025) and Immanuel Quickley ($4.2M, RFA 2024)
Free agents in July: Quickley (RFA), Evan Fournier ($18.9M, Team), Isaiah Hartenstein ($9.2M, UFA), DaQuan Jeffries ($2.1M, UFA), Jericho Sims ($1.9M, Team), Miles McBride ($1.8M, RFA), Ryan Arcidiacono ($2M, UFA) and Gibson ($1.4M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: None
Long-term salary: Randle ($28.3M, Player 2025), Barrett ($23.8M, UFA 2027), Robinson ($15.7M, UFA 2026) and Donte DiVincenzo ($10.9M, UFA 2027)
Draft capital: The Knicks have their own first-round pick in the next seven years. They have a top-10 protected first from Dallas in 2024 or 2025. In addition, New York is owed protected firsts from Detroit, Washington and Milwaukee. The Pistons' first is top-18 protected in 2024, top-13 protected in 2025, top-11 protected in 2026 and top-nine protected in 2027. The Wizards' first is top-12 protected in 2024, top-10 protected in 2025 and top-eight protected in 2026. The first from Milwaukee is top-four protected in 2025. New York has 10 second-round picks available to use in trades.
The finances: New York is $2.8M below the luxury tax and $4.7M below the first apron. The Knicks have a $6.8M trade exception.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Front office discussions: Is the roster stable and mature enough to take on a player who is not homegrown? Oklahoma City is the youngest team in the NBA and tied for second with the most players on their roster drafted. They have three players -- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Davis Bertans and Kenrich Williams -- who were acquired via trade, and three -- Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins -- who were signed as free agents. (Dort and Wiggins were undrafted free agents who have spent their entire careers in OKC.) Does Oklahoma City take a quality-over-quantity approach and consolidate their stockpile of draft picks? The Thunder could have up to 35 first- and second-round picks in the next seven years. How sustainable is the early success of this roster? Are the Thunder comfortable with their frontcourt depth if they have to play a team like Denver or the Lakers in the playoffs? The Thunder have recent first-round picks Aleksej Pokusevski and Tre Mann whom they can package.
Off the board: Gilgeous-Alexander ($33.4M, UFA 2027)
Players with trade value: Williams ($6.2M, Team 2026) and Mann ($3.2M, RFA 2025)
Free agents in July: Bertans ($17M, ETO), Pokusevski ($5M, RFA), Joe ($1.9M, Team) and Wiggins ($1.8M, Team)
Controllable contracts: Chet Holmgren ($10.4M, RFA 2026), Josh Giddey ($6.6M, RFA 2025), Cason Wallace ($5.2M, RFA 2027), Jalen Williams ($4.6M, RFA 2026), Ousmane Dieng ($4.8M, RFA 2026) and Jaylin Williams ($2M, Team 2025)
Long-term salary: Dort ($15.3M, Team 2026) and Vasilije Micic ($7.7M, Team 2025)
Draft capital: The Thunder have their own first-round picks in the next seven years and the possibility of an additional seven firsts. In 2024, Oklahoma City has a top-5 protected first from Houston, unprotected first from the Clippers and top-10 protected first from Utah. The least favorable of those picks will go to the Pacers. In 2025, the Thunder have a top-10 protected first from Utah, top-14 protected first from Miami and top-6 protected first from Philadelphia. They also have the right to swap firsts with the Clippers and Rockets (if 11-30). The Heat's first is unprotected in 2026 if not conveyed in the prior season. The least favorable first among their own, the Rockets' (if 5-30) and the Clippers' will go to Philadelphia in 2026. The 76ers' first is top-4 protected in 2027 if not conveyed in 2025 or 2026. The Thunder also have the right to swap firsts with the Clippers in 2027.
And finally, Oklahoma City will receive a top-5 protected first from Denver in 2027, 2028 or 2029. If the first is conveyed in 2027, Oklahoma CIty will receive a 2029 top-5 protected first from the Nuggets. The pick is top-5 protected in 2030 if not conveyed in 2027.
The Thunder have 21 second-round picks available to use in a trade.
The finances: The Thunder are $18.4M below the luxury tax.
Orlando Magic
Front office discussions: Is the strong start sustainable? Is there a trade that can add shooting without jeopardizing the development of the roster, locker room chemistry, future cap flexibility and draft equity? The Magic rank 19th in 3-point field goal percentage and 28th in 3-point field goal attempts. Who is expendable if an opportunity opens up to bring in shooting? Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris are on expiring contracts. Jonathan Isaac has a partially guaranteed contract this season and a $17.4 million non-guaranteed salary next year.
Off the board: Paolo Banchero ($11.6M, RFA 2026)
Players with trade value: Harris ($13M, UFA 2026) and Isaac ($17.4M, UFA 2025)
Free agents in July: Harris (UFA), Fultz ($17M, UFA), Joe Ingles ($11M, Team), Moritz Wagner ($8M, Team), Chuma Okeke ($5.2M, RFA) and Goga Bitadze ($2.1M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Jalen Suggs ($7.3M, RFA 2025), Anthony Black ($7.2M, RFA 2027), Franz Wagner ($5.5M, RFA 2025), Jett Howard ($5M, RFA 2027) and Caleb Houstan ($2M, Team 2025)
Long-term salary: Wendell Carter Jr. ($13.1M, UFA 2026) and Cole Anthony ($5.5M, Team 2026)
Note: Anthony has a manageable poison-pill restriction that does not prevent Orlando from moving him if needed.
Draft capital: The Magic have their own first-round picks in the next seven years. Orlando will receive a 2025 top-5 protected first from Denver. The pick is top-5 protected in 2026 and 2027. Orlando has the right to swap its 2026 first for the less favorable between the Suns' and Wizards' pick. The Magic have 12 second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Orlando is $5.1M below the salary cap.
Philadelphia 76ers
Front office discussions: If a player becomes available now who impacts the roster, do the 76ers trade for him to secure high-level talent, or do they feel comfortable enough waiting until free agency to use cap space to secure potential A-level talent? With two cornerstone players in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, does Philadelphia need a third star or complementary players who fit? What is Embiid's temperament, and how does that affect whether or not to go for a star now, to compete with Boston, Miami and Milwaukee, or wait until the summer? With Embiid and Jaden Springer being the only guaranteed contracts going into the summer, who are players that they may want to bring back, and who do they see as not a part of the team's future?
Off the board: Embiid ($47.6M, Player 2026) and Maxey ($4.3M, RFA 2027)
Players with trade value: Marcus Morris ($17.1M, UFA 2024), Nicolas Batum ($11.7M, UFA 2024), Robert Covington ($11.7M, UFA 2024) and De'Anthony Melton ($8M, UFA 2024)
Note: The contracts of Batum, Covington, Morris and KJ Martin cannot be aggregated until Jan. 1.
Free agents in July: Maxey (RFA), Tobias Harris ($39.3M, UFA), Morris (UFA), Batum (UFA), Covington (UFA), KJ Martin ($1.9M, UFA), Furkan Korkmaz ($5.4M, UFA), Danuel House Jr. ($4.3M, UFA), Mo Bamba ($2M, UFA), Patrick Beverley ($2M, UFA) and Kelly Oubre Jr. ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Paul Reed ($7.7M, UFA 2026) and Springer ($2.3M, RFA 2025)
Long-term salary: None
Draft capital: The 76ers will send Oklahoma City a top-6 protected first in 2025 (top-4 protected in 2026). Two years after the first to the Thunder is conveyed, Brooklyn will receive a top-8 protected first from Philadelphia (the pick is top-8 protected the following season if not conveyed in the prior year). In 2026, Philadelphia has the least favorable first from Oklahoma City, Houston (if 5-30) and the Clippers. The 76ers have an unprotected first from the Clippers in 2028 and the right to swap firsts in 2029 (if 4-30). They can swap their own first in 2024, 2029 and 2030. The 76ers have six second-round picks available to use in a trade.
The finances: Philadelphia is $4.3M over the luxury tax and projected to pay a $6.4M penalty. The 76ers have a $6.8M trade exception.
Phoenix Suns
Front office discussions: Does Phoenix get a chance to evaluate this roster when healthy prior to the deadline so it can determine undiscovered needs? Is a healthy Bradley Beal comparable to a trade deadline acquisition? Beal has played six games this season. Should Phoenix target a point guard like Tyus Jones at the cost of Grayson Allen and Nassir Little? Besides their own players, the Suns have two trade exceptions ($6.5M and $5M) and three second-round picks. Once the trade deadline is over, the trade exceptions are no longer available in the offseason because of the second apron rules. What is the priority of need for the final roster and two-way spot? The Suns are allowed to also sign a player bought out of his contract, but only if his preexisting salary was less than $12.4 million.
Off the board: Durant ($47.6M, UFA 2026), Devin Booker ($36M, UFA 2028) and Beal ($46.7M, Team 2026, no trade clause)
Players with trade value: Allen ($8.9M, UFA 2024) and Little ($6.2M, UFA 2027)
Free agents in July: Allen (UFA), Eric Gordon ($3.2M, Player), Josh Okogie ($2.8M, Player), Damion Lee ($2.5M, Player), Keita Bates-Diop ($2.3M, Player), Drew Eubanks ($2.3M, Player), Yuta Watanabe ($2.3M, Player), Bol Bol ($2M, UFA), Chimezie Metu ($2M, UFA) and Jordan Goodwin ($1.9M, Team)
Controllable contracts: None
Long-term salary: Jusuf Nurkic ($16.9M, UFA 2026)
Draft capital: Washington has the right to swap firsts with Phoenix in 2024 if the Wizards' first (if 13-30) to New York is not conveyed. Phoenix can trade its 2024 first but not until the night of the draft. The Wizards also have the right to swap firsts in 2026 (if 9-30), 2028 (if 9-30) and 2030. Orlando then has the right to swap its 2026 first with the less favorable from Phoenix or Washington. Memphis has the right to swap the less favorable firsts of Phoenix and Washington in 2030. The Suns owe Brooklyn unprotected firsts in 2025, 2027 and 2029. Brooklyn also has the right to swap firsts with Phoenix in 2028. The Wizards then have the right to swap the least favorable first from the Nets, Suns or the 76ers first in 2028. Phoenix has three second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: The Suns are $21.5M over the luxury tax and projected to pay a $50.7M tax penalty. The Suns have four trade exceptions ($6.5M, $5M, $1.8M and $1.1M).
Portland Trail Blazers
Front office discussions: Jerami Grant is in the first year of a $160M contract and having a career season. With a roster that is rebuilding, should the future of Grant be addressed at the deadline or in the offseason? If a team offers two first-round picks and a young player on a controllable contact, does Portland walk away? How does Portland weigh the locker room influence (and play on the court) of Malcolm Brogdon versus a trade asset? Is he too important right now to move?
Off the board: Jerami Grant (Jan. 15 signing restriction) and Matisse Thybulle (Jan. 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Grant ($27.6M, Player 2027) and Brogdon ($22.5M, UFA 2025)
Free agents in July: Moses Brown ($2M, UFA), Ish Wainright ($1.9M, RFA) and Skylar Mays ($1.8M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Scoot Henderson ($9.8M, RFA 2027), Shaedon Sharpe ($6.3M, RFA 2026), Kris Murray ($2.8M, RFA 2027), Jabari Walker ($1.7M, RFA 2025), Toumani Camara ($1.1M, Team 2026) and Rayan Rupert ($1.1M, Team 2025)
Long-term salary: Deandre Ayton ($32.5M, UFA 2026), Anfernee Simons ($24.1M, UFA 2026), Robert Williams III ($11.6M, UFA 2026) and Thybulle ($10.5M, Player 2025)
Draft capital: The Trail Blazers owe Chicago a top-14 protected first-round pick. The pick's protection extends to 2028. Portland will receive a 2024 first from Golden State if 5-30. The first is top-1 protected in 2025 and unprotected in 2026. The Trail Blazers have unprotected firsts from Boston and Milwaukee in 2029. Portland has the right to swap firsts with Milwaukee in 2028 and 2030. The swap rights in 2028 are extinguished if the Trail Blazers send Chicago their first in that year. The Blazers have five second-round picks available.
The finances: Portland is $3.5M below the luxury tax and $9.1M below the first apron. The Blazers have three trade exceptions ($8.8M, $8.3M and $1.5M). Portland also has a $5.8M disabled player exception.
Sacramento Kings
Front office discussions: Is there enough trustable paint protection to help slow down the Nuggets, Lakers, or Pelicans in the paint during a seven-game series? Sacramento allows 51.2 points per game in the paint (20th in the NBA). Is the Kings wing play strong enough to get out of the first round of the playoffs? Do the Kings explore trading for Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby if either player becomes available? A trade package likely would include a combination of Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Keegan Murray and draft assets. It would also see Sacramento with three max players in the future.
Off the board: De'Aaron Fox ($32.6M, UFA 2026), Harrison Barnes (Dec. 29 signing restriction), Domantas Sabonis (Jan. 6 signing restriction) and Trey Lyles (Jan. 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Barnes ($17M, UFA 2026), Davion Mitchell ($5.1M, RFA 2025) and Kevin Huerter ($15.7M, UFA 2026)
Free agents in July: Malik Monk ($9.9M, UFA), Alex Len ($2M, UFA), JaVale McGee ($2M, UFA) and Kessler Edwards ($1.9M, RFA)
Controllable contracts: Keegan Murray ($8.4M, UFA 2026), Chris Duarte ($4.1M, UFA 2025) and Colby Jones ($2M, Team 2026)
Long-term salary: Sabonis ($30.6M, UFA 2028), Lyles ($8M, UFA 2025) and Sasha Vezenkov ($6.3M, Team 2025)
Draft capital: The Kings will send Atlanta a top-14 protected first in 2024. The pick is top-12 protected in 2025 and top-10 protected in 2026. They are allowed to trade a first two years after the pick to Atlanta is conveyed. The Kings can swap their own first in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030. Sacramento has five second-round picks available to use in a trade.
The finances: Sacramento is $18.4M below the luxury tax.
San Antonio Spurs
Front office discussions: How important are veterans Doug McDermott and Cedi Osman in terms of habit and professional development? If the Spurs trade them, how does it affect the mental growth of the young players? How valuable is the near $40M in cap space this upcoming summer? Do the Spurs value it enough to make pre-deadline moves to capitalize, or are they comfortable making moves now, for the future, that may eat up the space? What have we learned about Victor Wembanyama's best surrounding fits throughout the first half of his rookie season? Is he better next to another big, or does San Antonio prefer him playing at center?
Off the board: Victor Wembanyama ($12.2M, RFA 2027), Zach Collins (April 22 signing restriction) and Devin Vassell (poison-pill restriction)
Players with trade value: Doug McDermott ($12.1M, UFA 2024) and Cedi Osman ($6.7M, UFA 2024)
Free agents in July: McDermott (UFA), Osman (UFA) and Sandro Mamukelashvili ($2M, RFA)
Controllable contracts: Devonte' Graham ($12.1M, UFA 2025), Jeremy Sochan ($5.3M, RFA 2026), Malaki Branham ($3.1M, RFA 2026), Julian Champagnie ($3M, Team 2026), Charles Bassey ($2.6M, UFA 2026), Sidy Cissoko ($1.1M, UFA 2026) and Blake Wesley ($2.5M, RFA 2026)
Long-term salary: Tre Jones ($8.9M, UFA 2025) and Keldon Johnson ($20M, UFA 2027)
Draft capital: The Spurs have their own first-round pick in the next seven years. The Hornets owe them a first-round pick that is top-14 protected in 2024 and 2025. The Raptors owe them a first-round pick that is top-6 protected in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The Hawks will send the Spurs unprotected firsts in 2025 and 2027. San Antonio has the right to swap firsts with Atlanta in 2026. The Spurs will receive a top-10 protected pick from Chicago in 2025. The first is also top-8 protected in 2026 and 2027. In 2028, the Spurs have the right to swap firsts with Boston (top-1 protected). They also have the right to swap firsts with Dallas in 2030. The Spurs have 16 second-round picks available to use in a trade.
The finances: The Spurs are right at the $136M salary cap.
Toronto Raptors
Front office discussions: Does the play on the court suggest that Toronto can be more than a play-in team? And if not, is the front office comfortable holding on to pending free agents Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. past the deadline? The Raptors were 26-30 last February and eventually lost Fred VanVleet in free agency. Can the Raptors upgrade the roster without trading Siakam or Anunoby? Toronto has $40M in expiring contracts (Trent, Thaddeus Young, Otto Porter Jr., Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn) but cannot trade a first-round pick until 2026. Toronto could have $70M in cap space but the Raptors have not built rosters through free agency in the past. Does adding shooting help to make the offense (24th in efficiency) more tolerable? The ball moves well (fourth in assists per game) but shooting is an issue (26th in 3FG% and 29th in FT%).
Off the board: Jakob Poeltl (Jan. 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Pascal Siakam ($37.9M, UFA 2024), OG Anunoby ($18.6M, Player) and Gary Trent Jr. ($18.6M, UFA)
Free agents in July: Siakam (UFA), Anunoby (Player), Trent (UFA), Thaddeus Young ($8M, UFA), Otto Porter Jr. ($6.3M, UFA), Precious Achiuwa ($4.4M, RFA), Malachi Flynn ($3.9M, RFA) and Garrett Temple ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Scottie Barnes ($8M, RFA 2025), Gradey Dick $4.5M, RFA 2027), Christian Koloko ($1.7M, RFA 2025) and Jalen McDaniels ($4.5M, UFA 2025)
Long-term salary: Poeltl ($19.5M, Player 2025), Dennis Schroder ($12.4M, UFA 2025) and Chris Boucher ($11.8M, UFA 2025)
Draft capital: The Raptors will send San Antonio a top-6 protected first in 2024. The pick is top-6 protected in 2025 and 2026. They are allowed to trade a first-round pick two years after the pick to San Antonio is conveyed. Toronto has three second-round picks available to trade.
The finances: Toronto is $3.1M below the luxury tax and $8.9M below the first apron.
Utah Jazz
Front office discussions: What is the vision for this team's identity moving forward, and what is the next step in terms of talent acquisition? Utah ranks in the bottom 10 in offensive and defensive efficiency. The Jazz have the seventh-youngest roster and are projected to have $40M in cap space next offseason. Utah also has $70M in salary tied up with John Collins, Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton. Will the demand for Kelly Olynyk's shooting create a price point issue during the summer, and if so, is it best to move him now, using his Bird rights as a selling point to teams over the cap?
Off the board: Jordan Clarkson (Jan. 7 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Collin Sexton ($17.3M, UFA 2026), Kelly Olynyk ($12.2M, UFA 2024), Talen Horton-Tucker ($11M, UFA 2024) and Lauri Markkanen ($17.3M, UFA 2025)
Free agents in July: Olynyk (UFA), Horton-Tucker (UFA), Simone Fontecchio ($3M, RFA), Kris Dunn ($2.6M, UFA) and Luka Samanic ($2.1M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Taylor Hendricks ($5.6M, RFA 2027), Ochai Agbaji ($4.1M, RFA 2026), Keyonte George ($3.9M, RFA 2027), Walker Kessler ($2.8M, RFA 2026), Omer Yurtseven ($2.8M, UFA 2025) and Brice Sensabaugh ($2.5M, RFA 2027)
Long-term salary: Clarkson ($23.5M, UFA 2026) and John Collins ($25.3M, Player 2025)
Draft capital: The Jazz own 14 first-round picks. They have a combined five unprotected firsts (two in 2025, two in 2027, and 2029) from Cleveland and Minnesota. The Timberwolves will also send a top-5 protected first in 2029. The Jazz have a top-5 protected 2027 first from the Lakers. Utah can swap a first with Minnesota or Cleveland in 2026 (if in the top
and with Cleveland in 2028. The Jazz owe Oklahoma CIty a top-10 protected first in 2024 (top-10 protected in 2025, top-8 in 2026). Utah has two second-round picks available to use in a trade.
The finances: The Jazz are right at the $136M salary cap.
Washington Wizards
Front office discussions: How valuable is Kyle Kuzma to the future of the franchise? Kuzma is having a career season and is in Year One of a four-year, $90M contract that descends. He does however have a $11.1 million trade bonus (as of Feb.
that Washington would be responsible for paying. Where does Jordan Poole fit into the rebuild of the roster? The Wizards' net rating when Kuzma and Poole share the floor (22.7 minutes per game) is minus-9.6. That is the worst in the league for any combination that's played more than six games, regardless of minutes. Does Washington kick the can on cap flexibility in the offseason if there is a trade to acquire future draft assets attached to contracts that extend into 2024-25? The Wizards are projected to have $54 million in room. What do assets from a Tyus Jones and Danilo Gallinari return package look like from a team on the brink of contention? The two veterans are on expiring contracts.
Off the board: Kyle Kuzma (Jan. 15 signing restriction)
Players with trade value: Kuzma ($25.6M, UFA 2027), Danilo Gallinari ($6.8M, UFA 2024) and Tyus Jones ($14M, UFA 2024)
Free agents in July: Jones (UFA), Delon Wright ($8.2M, Gallinari (2024), Mike Muscala ($3.5M, UFA) and Anthony Gill ($2M, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Landry Shamet ($10.3M, UFA 2026), Bilal Coulibaly ($6.6M, RFA 2027), Johnny Davis ($5.1M, RFA 2026), Corey Kispert ($3.7M, RFA 2025), Patrick Baldwin Jr. ($2.3M, RFA 2026) and Ryan Rollins ($1.7M, RFA 2025)
Note: Shamet's contract is non-guaranteed in 2024-25 with a team option the following season.
Long-term salary: Jordan Poole ($27.5M, UFA 2027), Daniel Gafford ($12.4M, UFA 2026) and Deni Avdija ($6.2M, UFA 2028)
Note: Avdija has a manageable poison-pill restriction that does not prevent Washington from moving him if needed.
Draft capital: The Wizards owe New York a first-round pick that is top-12 protected in 2024, top-10 protected in 2025 and top-8 protected in 2026. They have the right to swap their own 2024 first with Phoenix if the pick is not conveyed to New York. They also have the right to swap firsts with the Suns in 2026, 2028 and 2030 first. The Warriors will send a top-20 protected first to Washington in 2030. The Wizards have 13 second-round picks available.
The finances: Washington is $25.5M below the luxury tax. The Wizards have four trade exceptions ($12.4M, $9.8M, $5.4M and $3.3M).
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