The Oklahoma City Thunder recently celebrated their first-ever championship victory, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Their win signifies an era of remarkable league-wide parity, marking the seventh consecutive season with a new champion.
The question remains whether OKC will establish the next dominant era or if the streak of diverse champions will continue. Regardless, the Thunder`s triumph officially concludes the 2024-25 NBA season, immediately shifting focus to the pursuit of the newly crowned champions.
To analyze the landscape heading into what promises to be a significant NBA offseason, we`ve assessed all 30 teams based on their current position relative to competing for a title and the critical decisions they face this summer.
Teams are categorized into 10 distinct tiers, starting with genuine title contenders and progressing to franchises undertaking complete rebuilds, similar to where the Thunder were just four years ago.
(Note: Teams within each tier are listed alphabetically. Information on total players under contract, projected salary cap space, and tradable draft picks is included.)
- True NBA Title Contender
- Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14)
- Advantage in the East
- Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18)
- New York Knicks (51-31)
- Top Teams in the West Beyond the Champion
- Denver Nuggets (50-32)
- Houston Rockets (52-30)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33)
- Elite Contenders Impacted by Injuries
- Boston Celtics (61-21)
- Indiana Pacers (50-32)
- Milwaukee Bucks (48-34)
- Teams with Aging Star Power
- Golden State Warriors (48-34)
- LA Clippers (50-32)
- Los Angeles Lakers (50-32)
- Promising Young Teams with Growth Potential
- Detroit Pistons (44-38)
- Orlando Magic (41-41)
- San Antonio Spurs (34-48)
- Seeking a Stable Identity
- Dallas Mavericks (39-43)
- Memphis Grizzlies (48-34)
- Philadelphia 76ers (24-58)
- Teams Stuck in Purgatory
- Atlanta Hawks (40-42)
- Chicago Bulls (39-43)
- Miami Heat (37-45)
- New Orleans Pelicans (21-61)
- Phoenix Suns (36-46)
- Sacramento Kings (40-42)
- Toronto Raptors (30-52)
- Rebuilding Teams with Core Talent
- Charlotte Hornets (19-63)
- Portland Trail Blazers (36-46)
- At the Beginning of a Rebuild
- Brooklyn Nets (26-56)
- Utah Jazz (17-65)
- Washington Wizards (18-64)
True NBA Title Contender
Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14)
Total players under contract: 15
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 10 first-round picks, 17 second-round picks
Oklahoma City possesses an enviable wealth of assets. They just claimed their first championship with a team where no player is over 31 and only two are older than 27. With 15 players under contract and two incoming first-round picks this year, they`ll need to make roster adjustments this summer. Impressively, OKC won the championship without exceeding the luxury tax threshold and are projected to stay below it next season, allowing them to accumulate financial flexibility for the future as key players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren become eligible for rookie extensions and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander eyes a significant future supermax deal.
Advantage in the East
Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 1 first-round pick, 4 second-round picks
The Cavaliers enjoyed an excellent regular season, achieving the second-highest win total in franchise history, before their run ended abruptly in an Eastern Conference semifinal defeat to the Pacers. Although this series exposed some weaknesses, Cleveland has limited avenues to address them, particularly with decisions looming on players like Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill, who are due for substantial raises. Without significant trades, the Cavaliers are largely expected to maintain their current roster composition.
New York Knicks (51-31)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 1 first-round pick, 7 second-round picks
New York`s first major offseason move was parting ways with coach Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Finding a new coaching voice coincides with strategies to enhance the roster. Creative financial management might allow the Knicks to use the taxpayer`s midlevel exception while remaining below the second apron. The question is whether this can secure a transformative player or merely add depth beyond their core seven. Alternatively, could they trade core players for a bigger star? A potential Mikal Bridges extension is also a factor. Moving on from Thibodeau underscores the Knicks` ambition: they`ve clearly stated only a 2026 Finals appearance will be considered a successful next season.
Top Teams in the West Beyond the Champion
Denver Nuggets (50-32)
Total players under contract: 11
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 1 first-round pick, 1 second-round pick
But for a remarkable fourth-quarter performance from Thunder guard Luguentz Dort in Game 5 of the conference semifinals, Denver might have claimed a second title in three years. Instead, they face the disappointment of a second consecutive seven-game exit in the second round. The immediate priority is determining leadership in the front office after confirming David Adelman as head coach. The new general manager will quickly confront roster decisions. Firstly, they`ll assess the possibility of extending Christian Braun, a promising young guard. Beyond that, the Nuggets aim to improve their roster using limited assets to challenge OKC for Western Conference supremacy.
Houston Rockets (52-30)
Total players under contract: 11
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 4 first-round picks, 2 second-round picks
Following a strong season that saw them finish second in the conference and lose a tough seven-game series to the Warriors in the first round, Houston`s need for offensive improvement became evident. Their answer arrived dramatically just hours before Game 7 on Sunday, as they acquired future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant in a trade sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th overall pick to the other team. This significant move keeps the Rockets positioned to pursue another star should one become available later this offseason or next year. While Fred VanVleet has a substantial $44 million team option for next season, he is expected to remain in Houston, either on that deal or a renegotiated one.
Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33)
Total players under contract: 8
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: No first-round picks, 4 second-round picks
Achieving consecutive conference finals appearances is certainly cause for celebration in Minnesota. However, as Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez take full control as owners this summer, several crucial decisions loom. Will Tim Connelly, who can opt out of his current contract, continue leading the front office? What will be the fate of pending unrestricted free agents Julius Randle and Naz Reid (both holding player options), and Nickeil Alexander-Walker? Connelly expressed optimism about retaining all three at his season-ending press conference, and given the competitive nature of the West, Minnesota cannot afford any regression.
Elite Contenders Impacted by Injuries
Boston Celtics (61-21)
Total players under contract: 11
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 2 first-round picks, 5 second-round picks
Few NBA offseasons have presented a more compelling scenario than the one awaiting the Celtics. Due to Jayson Tatum`s left Achilles tear, a team that has dominated the East for nearly a decade faces significant uncertainties as new owner Bill Chisholm assumes control. Even before Tatum`s injury, there were doubts about Boston potentially fielding the NBA`s first $500 million roster; that now seems impossible. Boston`s approach this summer could be one of the league`s most impactful decisions, with potential widespread ripple effects. Additionally, the future of veteran Al Horford is uncertain. Could Horford choose to depart in the wake of Tatum`s injury? His skill set as a stretch-big is valuable to any contender, and he remains highly effective even at age 39.
Indiana Pacers (50-32)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 4 first-round picks, 8 second-round picks
Following their unexpected journey to the NBA Finals, where they came close to the franchise`s first championship, attention now turns to Tyrese Haliburton`s recovery from the right Achilles injury sustained early in Game 7. Indiana demonstrated resilience in the playoffs, but it`s difficult to envision them replicating this season`s success if Haliburton is sidelined for the entire next season. Meanwhile, they must decide on Myles Turner, arguably the best available free agent center and a crucial component of Indiana`s five-out offense. The Pacers are expected to re-sign Turner; the key question is whether they will incur the luxury tax penalty to do so.
Milwaukee Bucks (48-34)
Total players under contract: 7
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 1 first-round pick, 2 second-round picks
Like Boston, the Bucks face a decision with potential league-wide consequences: the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. After 12 seasons with the franchise, there are genuine concerns about the team`s competitiveness next season following Damian Lillard`s left Achilles tear. The organization is reportedly aiming to reduce luxury tax payments after significant spending in recent years, which could make retaining veteran Brook Lopez, a pending unrestricted free agent and franchise cornerstone, financially challenging.
Teams with Aging Star Power
Golden State Warriors (48-34)
Total players under contract: 9
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 4 first-round picks, 1 second-round pick
After acquiring Jimmy Butler III at the trade deadline, Golden State managed to win a playoff round before Stephen Curry`s injury led to their elimination by the Timberwolves in five games in the second round. Now, focus shifts to what will likely be another eventful summer in the Bay Area, starting with complex negotiations for restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State will likely either sign him to a new contract or execute a sign-and-trade to acquire reinforcements. Both options present challenges. Regardless, the Warriors must find ways to enhance their roster to keep pace in the highly competitive Western Conference.
LA Clippers (50-32)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 2 first-round picks, 4 second-round picks
The Clippers exceeded expectations this season, finishing fifth in the West and pushing the Nuggets to seven games in a compelling first-round series. Their top priorities involve resolving James Harden`s future, who holds a $36.3 million player option, and deciding on an extension for Norman Powell, who is coming off a career-best season and has a $20.4 million expiring contract in 2025-26. The Clippers may have most of the full midlevel exception available or could utilize that salary flexibility to make moves via trade.
Los Angeles Lakers (50-32)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 1 first-round pick, 1 second-round pick
Summer is consistently active for the Lakers, and this year is no exception. Beyond the franchise`s record-breaking $10 billion sale, they await LeBron James`s latest free agency decision. At 40, he can opt into his $52.6 million player option with or without an extension, or opt out for a new contract. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith faces similar choices with his $15.3 million option. Luka Doncic`s decision on signing an extension could leave the Lakers in suspense until next summer. Austin Reaves is eligible for an extension on his $13.9 million contract. Finally, after declining the Mark Williams trade in February, can the Lakers secure a rim-running center for Doncic?
Promising Young Teams with Growth Potential
Detroit Pistons (44-38)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: None (most likely)
Total tradable picks: 4 first-round picks, 13 second-round picks
The Pistons, who secured their first playoff win since 2008, have two distinct paths forward. Assuming they retain unrestricted free agents Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, and Dennis Schroder, they would likely operate as an over-the-tax team, seeking roster improvements via the full midlevel exception or trades. The alternative is letting those players depart, clearing cap space to pursue a free agent, potentially a floor-spacing big man to create more operating room for All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham. General manager Trajan Langdon`s first season focused on building a strong system around Cunningham to elevate his play; this is expected to guide Detroit`s offseason strategy.
Orlando Magic (41-41)
Total players under contract: 14
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 1 first-round pick, 11 second-round picks
After years of limited activity under president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman, Orlando made a significant commitment by trading four first-round picks and a pick swap to Memphis last week for guard Desmond Bane. Bane, an excellent shooter capable of self-creation and not a defensive weakness, perfectly fits a Magic roster desperately needing offense after finishing last in 3-point shooting this season. Bane strengthens Orlando without compromising their defensive identity and joins Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero (eligible for a max extension this summer), and Franz Wagner as the core group. Such trades are typically made believing they elevate the team to true contender status for the NBA Finals. Given Orlando hasn`t won a playoff series since 2010, this sets a high bar.
San Antonio Spurs (34-48)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 3 first-round picks, 15 second-round picks
Having acquired De`Aaron Fox in February and subsequently landing the second pick in this year`s NBA draft, San Antonio will be a key player in discussions about stars potentially changing teams this summer to pair with rising superstar Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs are confident Wembanyama will be fully healthy to start the season after his previous campaign was shortened by a deep vein thrombosis diagnosis. Another question in San Antonio concerns Chris Paul`s plans after a successful first season with the team.
Seeking a Stable Identity
Dallas Mavericks (39-43)
Total players under contract: 13
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 3 first-round picks, 2 second-round picks
Dallas has had a tumultuous ride. They surprised the league by trading Luka Doncic in February, only to follow up with another shock by jumping from 11th to first in the draft lottery last month, securing the right to draft phenom Cooper Flagg. With Flagg expected to be the cornerstone for the next decade, the Mavericks must decide on Kyrie Irving, who will miss most of next season with a torn left ACL and holds a $42.9 million player option. While Irving is anticipated to return, Dallas urgently needs additional ball-handling, especially during his absence.
Memphis Grizzlies (48-34)
Total players under contract: 11
Projected salary cap space: Fluid
Total tradable picks: 7 first-round picks, 6 second-round picks
Following a disappointing conclusion to their season, which included firing coach Taylor Jenkins and a playoff sweep by the Thunder, Memphis`s primary focus is securing an extension for Jaren Jackson Jr. Jackson is on an expiring $23.4 million contract significantly below his current market value, necessitating a renegotiation and extension for a long-term deal. This objective influenced their decision to trade Marcus Smart during the season. Assuming they extend Jackson, Memphis also needs to determine the future of restricted free agent Santi Aldama and guard Luke Kennard.
Philadelphia 76ers (24-58)
Total players under contract: 9
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 3 first-round picks, 7 second-round picks
Any predictions for Philadelphia largely depend on Joel Embiid`s health, which remains a significant question mark. The Sixers hope for something close to full strength from Embiid next season, alongside a better performance from Paul George and a healthy Jared McCain, after the rookie standout`s season was cut short by a left meniscus injury in December. Philadelphia had a positive start to their offseason by jumping to third in the lottery, allowing them to keep their top-six protected pick.
Teams Stuck in Purgatory
Atlanta Hawks (40-42)
Total players under contract: 11
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 3 first-round picks, 6 second-round picks
After dismissing GM Landry Fields in April and promoting Onsi Saleh to lead basketball operations, the initial question for owner Tony Ressler and the Hawks is whether they will hire a president of basketball operations above Saleh. (Ressler has stated Saleh will play a crucial role moving forward.) Once settled, a pivotal offseason awaits the Hawks, beginning with a decision on franchise player Trae Young. With one year remaining before a player option in 2026-27, will Atlanta commit to a long-term extension or consider moving on? Beyond that, Dyson Daniels, who won Most Improved Player after the Dejounte Murray trade, faces a fascinating extension discussion. The Hawks also have decisions regarding unrestricted free agents Caris LeVert and Larry Nance Jr.
Chicago Bulls (39-43)
Total players under contract: 12
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 5 first-round picks, 5 second-round picks
Perhaps no team is more stagnant than the Bulls, entering the summer with most of their roster under contract but facing significant choices. This includes restricted free agent Josh Giddey, acquired for Alex Caruso last summer. Giddey is expected to command a large contract; are the Bulls willing to pay it? Coby White`s performance has exceeded his contract to the point where an extension on his $12.9 million deal seems unlikely, potentially making him a trade candidate. The Bulls have minimal money committed for the 2026-27 season, but a Giddey extension would rapidly change that landscape.
Miami Heat (37-45)
Total players under contract: 12
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 2 first-round picks, 1 second-round pick
With the Jimmy Butler situation resolved, how will the Heat reclaim their position as an Eastern Conference powerhouse after hovering around the play-in tournament? Rookie Kel`el Ware had a solid season, and he, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo provide young foundational pieces. However, the path to significant improvement for Miami is unclear. A decision is needed on Duncan Robinson, whose $19.8 million expiring contract has $9.8 million guaranteed until early July. The Heat could also opt to preserve substantial cap space for the summer of 2026, which may offer a more active free-agent market.
New Orleans Pelicans (21-61)
Total players under contract: 13
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 5 first-round picks, 4 second-round picks
New lead executive Joe Dumars faces a busy summer. The Pelicans will likely be without Dejounte Murray for all of next season after he tore his right Achilles tendon, suggesting the team will again be near the bottom of the standings. With Zion Williamson representing the team at this year`s lottery, what does that imply for his future in New Orleans? He has three years remaining on his contract. Will New Orleans continue building around the core of Williamson, Murray, Trey Murphy III, and Herbert Jones, or shift towards a different direction?
Phoenix Suns (36-46)
Total players under contract: 11
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 2 first-round picks, 7 second-round picks
The first major move under the Suns` new leadership, guided by executive Brian Gregory and coach Jordan Ott, was trading Kevin Durant to the Rockets just hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Although Houston received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th pick, the deal won`t be finalized until July 6. By then, expect significant changes in Phoenix. Devin Booker is set for a massive two-year extension next month, and sources indicate the Suns plan to aggressively retool the roster around him to get back into playoff contention. This will be challenging, as the skill sets of Green, Booker, and Bradley Beal (who retains his no-trade clause) overlap, and the highly expensive Suns have limited avenues for improvement.
Sacramento Kings (40-42)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 6 first-round picks, 3 second-round picks
New executive Scott Perry inherits an unbalanced Kings roster. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk possess overlapping skill sets, and the De`Aaron Fox trade left the team without an obvious point guard option. Perry faces an intriguing decision regarding Keon Ellis, who has a $2.3 million team option and has developed into a useful 3-and-D guard, a valuable asset for a roster lacking defensive options. The Fox trade appeared to be the first step in a multi-part process; while Perry wasn`t involved in the initial move, he will be responsible for the subsequent ones.
Toronto Raptors (30-52)
Total players under contract: 13
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 4 first-round picks, 6 second-round picks
President of basketball operations Masai Ujiri declared Toronto would not endure a perpetual rebuild, and the Raptors have adhered to this by rapidly reshaping the roster over the past 18 months. They are now nearing the luxury tax threshold and face interesting decisions this summer after trading for Brandon Ingram and signing him to an extension in February. Due to a left ankle sprain that ended his season prematurely, this new-look Raptors group was never fully seen together after the trade.
Rebuilding Teams with Core Talent
Charlotte Hornets (19-63)
Total players under contract: 12
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 7 first-round picks, 11 second-round picks
The Hornets hoped to move up in the lottery for Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper but instead fell to seventh. After the complex Mark Williams trade in February (which was initially agreed upon but later rescinded), extension negotiations for him will be intriguing. As long as the franchise remains near the bottom of the East, questions about Charlotte`s long-term direction, particularly regarding star guard LaMelo Ball, will persist. Veterans Miles Bridges ($25 million this year, $22.8 million next) and Jusuf Nurkic (expiring $19.3 million) could also potentially be trade candidates. They also need to decide on restricted free agent Tre Mann, who missed most of the season with a back injury.
Portland Trail Blazers (36-46)
Total players under contract: 13
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 3 first-round picks, 5 second-round picks
Much is happening in Portland. The team is up for sale, and after a strong finish to the season, both general manager Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups received extensions. But where does Portland go from here? Anfernee Simons is on an expiring contract; will he receive an extension, or might he be traded? What about Deandre Ayton, who has a $35 million expiring contract and potentially hinders giving last year`s seventh overall pick, Donovan Clingan, a clear path to becoming the starting center?
At the Beginning of a Rebuild
Brooklyn Nets (26-56)
Total players under contract: 10
Projected salary cap space: $40-60 million
Total tradable picks: 9 first-round picks, 15 second-round picks
The Nets, like several others, hoped for lottery luck but instead moved back two spots to eighth. They enter the summer with the most cap space in the league but limited high-value targets to spend it on. They possess numerous draft picks, but it likely benefits them to experience another season near the bottom to utilize their own future draft pick (rights reacquired from Houston in the Mikal Bridges trade). Still, the Nets could use their cap space to accelerate the rebuild, absorb contracts for additional assets, or a combination of these strategies. Moving their two veterans under contract, Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson, is also a possibility.
Utah Jazz (17-65)
Total players under contract: 14
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 7 first-round picks, 7 second-round picks
After securing coach Will Hardy with a long-term extension and hiring Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations, Utah`s leadership is set. Now comes the difficult task: building a roster capable of competing in the challenging Western Conference. The first step involves deciding Lauri Markkanen`s future. Following last year`s unsuccessful “tank” for Flagg, could Markkanen be traded to acquire more assets and build around younger players, including the fifth pick in this year`s draft? Veterans John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson also have combined $60 million in expiring contracts that offer various trade possibilities.
Washington Wizards (18-64)
Total players under contract: 13
Projected salary cap space: None
Total tradable picks: 6 first-round picks, 14 second-round picks
Another team that missed out on lottery luck, the Wizards can at least point to valuable experience gained by young players like Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George during their season near the bottom of the league standings. However, don`t expect a drastically different approach next season. The young core will continue to play extensively, veterans like Marcus Smart (and his expiring $21 million contract) could be traded for additional assets, and Washington will likely remain among the league`s worst teams, positioning themselves for a high draft pick.
