NBA Free Agency 2025: How All 30 Teams Can Ace Their Offseason

NBA free agency is officially scheduled to begin on Monday at 6 p.m. ET. As the window opens, the key question is: which teams are poised to make the most significant moves? Will the Los Angeles Lakers finally secure a rim-running center to complement their stars, Luka Doncic and LeBron James? Which franchises will actively pursue restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga? Will the Indiana Pacers manage to retain their center, Myles Turner? And what strategic decisions will the Brooklyn Nets make with their substantial cap space?

ESPN NBA insiders Chris Herring, Zach Kram, Bobby Marks, and Kevin Pelton offer their expert analysis on how each of the 30 teams can best navigate their offseason. They highlight one crucial move that each franchise should consider this summer to maximize their success.

Note: Teams are ordered according to ESPN`s post-Finals NBA Power Rankings.

Oklahoma City Thunder

How they ace their offseason: The Thunder`s primary focus is securing contract extensions, as all 15 players are under full NBA contracts through the 2025-26 season, and only one rotation player (Alex Caruso) in the top 10 for playoff minutes is older than 27. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are eligible for rookie extensions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can sign a supermax extension now or wait until 2026 for a five-year addition to his deal. Signing these three would ensure Oklahoma City`s core remains intact through their peak years.

One move they should make: Attempt to convince Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams to accept contracts slightly below their maximum value. While the Thunder should certainly offer max deals if needed, securing even small discounts is crucial in the second-apron era, impacting their ability to retain supporting players.

— Pelton

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Minnesota Timberwolves

How they ace their offseason: With Naz Reid returning on a new five-year, $125 million deal, Minnesota faces a complex financial situation as both Julius Randle and Nickeil Alexander-Walker could enter free agency (Randle holds a player option). While retaining all three is possible, it would be financially restrictive and limit future salary flexibility. A more pragmatic approach would be to prioritize Reid and Randle, banking on the development of rising sophomores Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. to potentially fill the role left by Alexander-Walker next season.

One move they should make: Replacing Randle`s player option with a three-year contract including a non-guaranteed fourth year, as recently suggested by Bobby Marks, would offer a good balance between competing in the present and maintaining future flexibility. Randle is known as a reliable regular-season performer who also elevated his game during the playoffs this spring.

— Kram

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Denver Nuggets

How they ace their offseason: They should follow the advice of Nikola Jokic, who stated after their second-round loss that the team needs “more depth.” He noted that teams with longer rotations seem to be winning, citing Indiana, OKC, and Minnesota. The Nuggets` reserves had the third-fewest regular-season minutes and fourth-fewest points per game. However, improving depth is challenging. Similar to last offseason, their options are limited to relying on former draft picks (Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson, DaRon Holmes II) or using the $5.7 million tax midlevel exception and veteran minimum deals. Trading for depth is an option but would likely involve sacrificing a starter like Michael Porter Jr. As a first-apron team, the Nuggets cannot acquire more salary in a trade than they send out.

One move they should make: Firstly, they must avoid repeating last year`s mistake of using the $5.7 million exception on a player who doesn`t make the rotation. While last year`s first-round pick, Holmes, will return after an Achilles injury and provide a boost, finding a backup center for Jokic remains a priority. The Nuggets should utilize the tax midlevel exception to sign Luke Kornet to a two-year, $11.7 million contract. The free agent big man averaged 6.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 18 minutes per game for Boston last season. The Celtics were significantly better with him on the court.

— Marks

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Cleveland Cavaliers

How they ace their offseason: In theory, they could keep the entire roster together, but this would result in over a quarter of a billion dollars in luxury taxes for the upcoming season alone, which is likely unsustainable, especially after a second-round playoff exit following a 64-win season. The more probable path for Cleveland involves reducing payroll and potentially parting ways with one or two key players – similar to how Boston managed its roster with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis – to stay below the restrictive second apron.

One move they should make: Assuming the ownership is reluctant to pay an excessive tax bill, anticipate at least one core rotation player – Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, or possibly both – being traded to alleviate the salary crunch. The Cavaliers have indicated they are unlikely to bring back free agent Ty Jerome, a decision reinforced by trading Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball and signing Sam Merrill to a four-year deal. These moves were made with Darius Garland`s return from toe surgery in mind. Keeping any other players will only increase next season`s salary obligations.

— Herring

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Houston Rockets

How they ace their offseason: One could argue that Houston has already achieved its main offseason goals. Within two weeks, the Rockets traded for Kevin Durant and finalized new contracts for Fred VanVleet, Aaron Holiday, Jae`Sean Tate, and Jeff Green. They also extended coach Ime Udoka`s contract. The acquisition of Durant was significant not only for adding a top-10 player but also because it allowed the team to largely maintain its existing depth.

One move they should make: This should be expanded to include multiple actions. First, sign Dorian Finney-Smith (if he opts out of his Lakers contract) to a two-year, $28 million deal. The restructured VanVleet contract (reducing his $44.9 million team option to approximately $20 million) provides Houston the financial flexibility to use the full non-tax midlevel exception without exceeding the first apron. This move would require waiving Jock Landale`s $8 million non-guaranteed contract. The second, and most critical, step is to sign extensions with Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason. Smith and Eason are eligible until October 20, while Durant has until June 30, 2026, to sign a two-year extension.

— Marks

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Indiana Pacers

How they ace their offseason: Every key player from the Pacers` recent Finals run is expected to return for the 2025-26 season, with two notable exceptions. The team cannot control Tyrese Haliburton`s absence following his Achilles rupture in Game 7. However, they can ensure Myles Turner`s return by negotiating a new long-term contract for the unrestricted free agent center. This is a crucial step for the Pacers, as they lack depth at the center position, and there are no easily available external replacements if Turner departs.

One move they should make: Re-sign Turner to a three-year, $80 million contract. In isolation, Turner might command a higher salary – potentially $90 million over three years – but the limited cap space across the league might make it difficult for him to attract a bidding war. This proposed compromise would offer Turner a significant raise and long-term stability while helping Indiana conserve funds needed for other extensions in future summers.

— Kram

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New York Knicks

How they ace their offseason: Beyond securing a new coach and implementing a system, the Knicks critically need to enhance their bench depth. A persistent criticism of former coach Tom Thibodeau was his infrequent use of reserves, a point that likely holds truth as the Knicks` backups scored less and played fewer minutes than any other team`s. However, trading for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns last summer made the team more top-heavy. As seen with the recent championship runs by the Thunder and Celtics, deeper rotations are essential for winning at the highest level.

One move they should make: Utilize the $5.7 million exception, potentially staying just below the second apron, to acquire a valuable player. This could mean adding a sharpshooter like Luke Kennard or a versatile wing such as Bruce Brown – players capable of starting but also effective coming off the bench. Separately, but importantly, the team must determine the path forward with Mikal Bridges, who is eligible for an extension. How high are the Knicks willing to go on a new deal for him? And is there a scenario where trading him for additional roster depth makes strategic sense?

— Herring

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Golden State Warriors

How they ace their offseason: The trade for Jimmy Butler III reopened the Warriors` championship contention window but simultaneously highlighted the team`s need for frontcourt shooting to complement Butler and Draymond Green. Addressing this need this offseason could be difficult, especially with limited matching salary unless Golden State can execute a complex sign-and-trade involving restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The most strategic move for the Warriors might be re-signing Kuminga to a contract that keeps them below the second apron and can be used as a trade asset later in the season to acquire needed pieces.

One move they should make: Re-sign veterans Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II, ideally to one-year deals at the veteran minimum. Given their experience, Looney and Payton could potentially earn nearly as much at the minimum with Golden State as they might elsewhere on smaller exceptions. Crucially, only $2.3 million for each would count against Golden State`s salary cap sheet.

— Pelton

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Los Angeles Lakers

How they ace their offseason: Beyond extending Luka Doncic on August 2nd, finding a center in the mold of Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II to pair with the All-NBA guard is a top priority. GM Rob Pelinka explicitly stated at his season-ending press conference that signing or trading for a center is the primary goal: “We know this offseason one of our primary goals is going to be to add size in our frontcourt at the center position.” Finding such a player will be tricky. Los Angeles only possesses the $5.7 million exception to target players in a relatively weak free agent center class. However, they do have over $60 million in expiring contracts (Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and potentially Dorian Finney-Smith if he opts in) along with an unprotected first-round pick in 2031 or 2032. The Lakers also hold the right to swap first-round picks in five of the next seven seasons.

One move they should make: Trade for Robert Williams III from the Trail Blazers and then sign Brook Lopez using the tax midlevel exception. While this would bring in two starting-caliber centers, Williams has played 40 or fewer games in each of the last three seasons due to injury concerns. As the Lakers are over the first apron and restricted from acquiring more salary than they trade away, any package for Williams would likely be centered around a combination of Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and/or Shake Milton.

— Marks

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LA Clippers

How they ace their offseason: The Clippers` foremost priority is extending James Harden`s contract, then focusing on enhancing their already strong roster at the margins. The team possesses an excellent two-way core but lacks significant back-end depth, which could be particularly problematic given the age and injury history of the roster. If Nicolas Batum (who declined his $4.9 million player option) leaves this summer, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. would be among the only reliable reserves.

One move they should make: Bring free agent point guard Chris Paul back to Los Angeles, reuniting him with James Harden and boosting the team`s backcourt depth. Last season, with Harden and Kawhi Leonard off the court, the Clippers averaged just 107.6 points per 100 possessions, according to Cleaning the Glass, ranking in the 14th percentile league-wide. Even entering his 40s, Paul remains a capable playmaker, has a history with the franchise, and just completed a full 82-game season with the San Antonio Spurs.

— Kram

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Detroit Pistons

How they ace their offseason: The Pistons, coming off a playoff appearance and one of the biggest turnarounds in league history, don`t necessarily need to make a major splash this summer to have a successful offseason. Their focus should be on carefully prioritizing which of their free agent wings – Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder – to retain, while potentially making one external signing for a difference-making player. For those hoping for more aggressive moves, remember they will have 23-year-old guard Jaden Ivey (who averaged nearly 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists efficiently) returning from injury.

One move they should make: Attempt to sign restricted free agent Santi Aldama away from the Grizzlies. While challenging to pry Aldama from Memphis, the 24-year-old floor-spacing forward would provide the Pistons with added reliability at the backup power forward position, a role they struggled to fill in the playoffs after Isaiah Stewart`s injury.

— Herring

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Boston Celtics

How they ace their offseason: The Celtics have already completed their most critical offseason task by ducking under the second apron through trades sending Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday out for Georges Niang and Anfernee Simons, respectively. These transactions are projected to save Boston around $260 million in combined salary and taxes next season. However, with Porzingis gone and Al Horford and Luke Kornet becoming free agents, Boston currently lacks reliable big men on the roster. The team should aim to fill this void while remaining below the punitive second-apron threshold.

One move they should make: If the Celtics can reroute Niang and trade Sam Hauser – who is a desirable target as a career 42% 3-point shooter and underrated defender – it would open up approximately $18 million in additional cap space. This space would be sufficient to re-sign both Horford and Kornet, effectively keeping the core structure of Boston`s roster intact for Jayson Tatum`s return the following year.

— Kram

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Orlando Magic

How they ace their offseason: The Magic, similar to the Rockets, completed a significant portion of their offseason business before free agency officially began. They acquired Desmond Bane and drafted Jase Richardson and Noah Penda. They are also likely to offer Paolo Banchero a five-year, $247 million rookie maximum extension. Despite adding Bane and having Jalen Suggs healthy, there remains a need for a veteran playmaker. Last season, the Magic ranked last in the league in assists per game.

One move they should make: Sign Tyus Jones to a two-year, $14 million contract with a player option in the second year. Last season in Phoenix, Jones maintained a 5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and has averaged at least 10 points per game for three consecutive seasons. Over the past seven seasons, he has ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in assists-to-usage five times, according to Cleaning the Glass.

— Marks

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Dallas Mavericks

How they ace their offseason: The combination of trading for Anthony Davis and selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick has resulted in a crowded frontcourt and insufficient ballhandling depth, particularly needed when Kyrie Irving was sidelined with a knee injury. Ideally, Dallas would trade Daniel Gafford (eligible despite his extension) and other forward depth for a guard who can manage the offense during Irving`s absences and then shift to a wing role upon his return.

One move they should make: While Jrue Holiday would have fit this role, his former Celtics teammate Derrick White could also be a target. Would a package including Gafford, P.J. Washington, and draft picks entice Boston to trade White, who will be 32 by the 2026-27 season? White`s timeline aligns better with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison`s strategy, which is centered around Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

— Pelton

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Memphis Grizzlies

How they ace their offseason: The Grizzlies already executed one of the offseason`s most significant moves by trading their third star, Desmond Bane, to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a first-round swap. With that major transaction completed, Memphis` next critical step is securing a contract extension for their star big man, Jaren Jackson Jr.

One move they should make: An extension, possibly involving a renegotiation, for Jackson Jr., the former Defensive Player of the Year. He would otherwise become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Memphis can make trades (John Konchar is a potential trade candidate) and renounce certain free agent cap holds (like Luke Kennard and Marvin Bagley III) to create more financial flexibility and offer Jackson a larger extension. Securing him and finalizing a new deal for restricted free agent Santi Aldama would be significant steps forward for the franchise.

— Herring

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Milwaukee Bucks

How they ace their offseason: The primary goal is to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo content. Building a fully competitive roster next season will be challenging with Damian Lillard earning $54 million while recovering from an Achilles tear. The Bucks will be more focused on successfully navigating this “gap year” without triggering a trade request from Giannis. This means utilizing every available resource to construct a more competitive roster around Antetokounmpo, including decisions on whether to re-sign or replace free agents Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr.

One move they should make: Trade for Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, who could fit into Milwaukee`s $7.2 million trade exception. Wade might be expendable in Cleveland, a second-apron team that would save significant money by trading him. However, he would be an excellent addition to Milwaukee`s frontcourt. Despite being injury-prone, Wade is a solid shooter (37% from 3-point range in his career) and a strong defender, and the Cavaliers have consistently performed better with him on the court.

— Kram

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San Antonio Spurs

How they ace their offseason: The Spurs should prioritize keeping their pathway clear for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. While current reports don`t suggest an imminent move for the Bucks star, the Spurs, with extra draft picks years into the future, are in a position to wait. San Antonio should aim to acquire players this summer via trade or the non-taxpayer midlevel exception who would retain their value if included in a future deal for Antetokounmpo. Players who can help space the floor for the Spurs` young guards and De`Aaron Fox in the meantime would be particularly beneficial.

One move they should make: Pair Victor Wembanyama with his frontcourt teammate from the French national team, Guerschon Yabusele. Yabusele is an unrestricted free agent. The Philadelphia 76ers would need to use an exception to re-sign him for significantly more than the minimum, making him a realistic target for San Antonio given their cap flexibility.

— Pelton

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Miami Heat

How they ace their offseason: Find a way to acquire restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The Heat lack the necessary cap space to sign Kuminga outright to an offer sheet, meaning they would need to entice Golden State with a package of players and draft picks. The Heat are permitted to trade up to two future first-round picks. The addition of Kuminga would inject much-needed athleticism into a starting lineup featuring Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Kel`el Ware.

One move they should make: Trading for Kuminga presents several complexities. First, because Miami intends to sign Davion Mitchell to a two-year, $24 million contract, they are right at the first apron, which would be triggered in a sign-and-trade scenario. Second, for trade calculation purposes, Kuminga`s outgoing salary only counts as half of his actual salary. Due to these factors, a third team, potentially Brooklyn, would likely need to be involved to absorb a player like Duncan Robinson to facilitate the deal.

— Marks

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Atlanta Hawks

How they ace their offseason: The Hawks made a significant positive step this past week by acquiring rim protector and floor spacer Kristaps Porzingis from the salary-shedding Celtics in a three-team trade. The subsequent steps are two-fold: attempt to extend four-time All-Star Trae Young on a contract below the maximum – a reasonable goal given the team`s repeated play-in appearances with him earning max money – and secure a reliable veteran backup point guard to strengthen a rotation that should feel confident about its prospects in a relatively open, injury-affected Eastern Conference.

One move they should make: Work aggressively to facilitate a sign-and-trade deal with Minnesota to acquire free agent wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The Timberwolves recently committed five years and $125 million to Naz Reid and still need to address Julius Randle`s future. Minnesota`s financial considerations could allow the Hawks, who are below the salary cap and possess a $13 million trade exception from sending Bogdan Bogdanovic to the Clippers, to swoop in and make a key acquisition. Alexander-Walker is precisely the kind of versatile player worth adding to their improved rotation.

— Herring

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Sacramento Kings

How they ace their offseason: Despite the focus on the Kings` lack of a traditional point guard, their offense ranked 12th in efficiency after the All-Star break. It was a 22nd-ranked defense that prevented Sacramento from securing a second consecutive playoff berth. With below-average defenders as their leading scorers (DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis), the Kings must surround them with as many capable defenders as possible. Ideally, they would add another player with forward size to use defensively on the perimeter when Keegan Murray is assigned there.

One move they should make: Execute a trade centered around sending DeRozan to Dallas in exchange for P.J. Washington and draft picks. The parameters are complicated by the Mavericks` need to take back less salary than they send out, but Dallas could potentially include Klay Thompson or Naji Marshall and Dwight Powell to make the deal work. White`s timeline aligns better with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison`s strategy, which is centered around Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

— Pelton

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Philadelphia 76ers

How they ace their offseason: Three positive developments emerged from the 76ers` otherwise disappointing season: Jared McCain, who led all rookies in points per game; Quentin Grimes, who averaged 21.9 PPG after being acquired in a midseason trade; and Guerschon Yabusele, who was a solid all-around contributor upon his return to the NBA. McCain is expected back next season after tearing a meniscus, but Philadelphia must be proactive in retaining the other two: Grimes is a restricted free agent, and Yabusele is unrestricted.

One move they should make: Beyond re-signing Grimes and Yabusele, the 76ers could pursue a more ambitious move by constructing a trade package around Paul George for Michael Porter Jr. This trade could benefit both teams: the Nuggets have shown prior interest in George, and he would raise their ceiling alongside Nikola Jokic, while the 76ers would get younger and gain future financial flexibility with Porter. Given how George`s first season in Philadelphia transpired, the team should explore a reset if the opportunity arises.

— Kram

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Portland Trail Blazers

How they ace their offseason: Now that the Blazers have exchanged Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday, the next order of business is finding a new team for forward Jerami Grant. Grant missing all but two games after March 1st helped Portland avoid immediately addressing the fact that he no longer merits starting at forward ahead of Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. Grant still has three years and over $100 million remaining on his contract, meaning the Blazers may need to provide incentives for another team to take on the contract in exchange for a shorter deal.

One move they should make: Extend Toumani Camara`s contract for as long as possible. Portland could add three years and $64.5 million to his minimum team option for 2025-26, or decline the option and offer $89.2 million over four years. Indiana chose the latter approach with Andrew Nembhard last summer and has certainly not regretted it.

— Pelton

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Chicago Bulls

How they ace their offseason: On draft night, Bulls GM Marc Eversley indicated he did not want to “skip steps” in the team`s gradual rebuilding process. This seems like a sensible approach for a franchise that has lacked clear direction for much of the past decade. The Bulls would appear ill-advised to make aggressive, win-now moves attempting to capitalize on a less dominant Eastern Conference field; they are not as close to contention as their 17-10 record after the All-Star break might suggest.

One move they should make: Extend restricted free agent guard Josh Giddey, who nearly averaged a triple-double from mid-February onward. However, Chicago – which has previously overpaid to retain Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Patrick Williams in recent offseasons – should be cautious not to overspend on Giddey, who still has clear limitations in playoff settings and is unlikely to have many outside suitors. Only Brooklyn has significant cap space, and the Nets likely have little interest in Giddey after drafting multiple players at the same position in the first round. If the Bulls` offer approaches, for instance, Immanuel Quickley`s range (five years, $175 million), they will have made a mistake.

— Kram

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Phoenix Suns

How they ace their offseason: Find a way for Bradley Beal to agree to a contract buyout. Even without a no-trade clause, moving Beal`s $110 million owed over the next two seasons would be incredibly difficult. If Beal reduces his salary by $28 million (equivalent to a two-year non-tax midlevel exception amount) and is then waived, Phoenix would not only save over $200 million but also operate below both salary aprons. This would allow the Suns to take back more salary in trades and, more importantly, aggregate outgoing contracts, providing significantly more flexibility.

One move they should make: Sign Chris Paul to a one-year, $3.6 million contract. It would be fitting for the Suns to sign the very player they traded away to acquire Beal. The 40-year-old Paul could not only serve as a mentor to Jalen Green but also contribute on the court. In addition to playing all 82 games in 2024-25, Paul has averaged at least seven assists in four of the past five seasons.

— Marks

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New Orleans Pelicans

How they ace their offseason: Ideally, my vision for their offseason would not have included trading for Jordan Poole. However, making that move did provide the Pelicans access to their non-taxpayer midlevel exception to add depth. Specifically, New Orleans could use as many players with power forward size as possible given Zion Williamson`s injury history. The challenge is that free agency offers few such players.

One move they should make: Pursue Sacramento forward Jake LaRavia, who is in an unusual contractual situation. Because the Kings acquired LaRavia after the Grizzlies declined his rookie option, Sacramento is limited to offering him a starting salary of $5.2 million. The Pelicans potentially could double that amount to entice him away.

— Pelton

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Toronto Raptors

How they ace their offseason: Following the departure of long-time president Masai Ujiri, the Raptors` subsequent moves should involve reducing salary commitments and developing a more balanced roster. For a team that might not make the playoffs next season, Toronto has considerable salary tied up in Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett. These four players alone are projected to earn $137 million in 2025-26, potentially pushing the Raptors into luxury tax territory. Trading Barrett, who is set to earn nearly $28 million this year, for two or three players would not only distribute salary more evenly but also ease roster congestion by bringing in more manageable contracts that could be included in future trade discussions.

One move they should make: Trade Barrett for future assets and a couple of smaller contracts. The team is reportedly open to trading the left-handed swingman, who is entering his prime after completing the two best seasons of his career – averaging at least 20 points in both, and logging a career-high in assists per game in 2024-25. Could Toronto find a team willing to offer a future first-round pick to acquire Barrett`s scoring ability? If so, such a pick could be valuable in a potential package if Antetokounmpo were to seek a move away from Milwaukee.

— Herring

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Brooklyn Nets

How they ace their offseason: Above all else, the Nets must maximize opportunities to accumulate more assets and position themselves at or near the top of next year`s draft lottery. Last season was a different scenario after the Nets surprisingly started better than expected – even holding a play-in spot as late as December 20th with an 11-16 record – which led them to trade away talent multiple times (Dorian Finney-Smith, Dennis Schroder) during the season to slow their winning pace. This ultimately resulted in the Nets finishing 8th in the lottery. Trading earlier this time around could better position the team to secure a high draft pick.

One move they should make: Trade veteran forward Cameron Johnson, the Net with the most market value. As a versatile two-way player and a career 39% 3-point shooter, Johnson is a valuable addition for any contending team. Besides trading Johnson, while ensuring there are enough experienced veterans to mentor their record-breaking five first-round picks, the Nets` priority should be signing restricted free agent and leading scorer Cam Thomas to a reasonable long-term contract.

— Herring

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Charlotte Hornets

How they ace their offseason: Under new management, the Hornets have adopted a deliberate, patient approach to their rebuilding efforts, and this strategy appears likely to continue this summer. Charlotte traded Mark Williams (again) on draft night, acquiring two first-round picks in the process, and addressed their need for shooting by drafting Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley. The roster for 2025-26 seems largely settled. The main focus for the offseason will be finding ways to improve the health outcomes for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who combined played only 74 games in 2024-25.

One move they should make: Announce Moussa Diabate as the starting center. The former Clipper signed a two-way contract with the Hornets last year and was quietly effective in 71 games (eight starts) for Charlotte. When the 6-foot-11 Frenchman shared the court with Ball, the Hornets outscored their opponents, according to PBP Stats. When that duo was joined by Miller, the Hornets posted a +5.4 net rating, albeit in a small sample size. While Diabate is on a non-guaranteed contract for next season, with Mark Williams gone, he should seize the opportunity to become the starting center.

— Kram

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Utah Jazz

How they ace their offseason: Originally, the key offseason event was Ace Bailey reporting for summer league, but that changed when he landed in Salt Lake City on Saturday. It might sound simple, but the development of Bailey, Walter Clayton Jr., and recent draft picks Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams, Keyonte George, Brice Sensabaugh, and Taylor Hendricks will be crucial to determining how competitive the Jazz can be next season.

One move they should make: Sign Walker Kessler to a five-year, $130 million extension. Utah could potentially have over $70 million in cap space in 2026, and despite Kessler`s relatively low $14.6 million free agent hold, the Jazz can afford to be aggressive. Kessler is the first player since Tim Duncan (1997-2000) to average at least two blocks per game in each of his first three NBA seasons. Last season, Kessler also achieved career highs in points (11.1), rebounds (12.2), and assists (1.7) and led the NBA with a 66.3% field goal percentage.

— Marks

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Washington Wizards

How they ace their offseason: Washington has likely already made its most significant move by trading Jordan Poole to New Orleans for guard CJ McCollum. The Wizards are projected to have approximately $90 million in cap space next summer, some of which they might use by converting the expiring contracts of McCollum, Khris Middleton, and Marcus Smart into longer-term deals.

One move they should make: Contact the Nuggets about swapping Middleton for Michael Porter Jr. and Dario Saric. This move would significantly reduce Denver`s luxury tax bill for the upcoming season and save the Nuggets $40.8 million in salary in 2026-27. Denver would likely need a better replacement for Porter to part with their 2032 first-round pick, but the conversation is worth having.

— Pelton

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