Every NBA Team's Offseason To-Do List
The offseason is officially here for all 30 NBA teams.
You can bet they've already done loads of legwork on the draft, free agency and potential trades. Each probably has something of a to-do list that takes it from now to start of training camps in September.
Three potential bullet points from that list for each of the league's 30 teams can be found below.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30
Extend Dejounte Murray
The fit between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray was far from perfect in Year 1, but talent is talent. And a max extension for Murray, based on his previous contract, would come in well below the max salary an unrestricted free agent of his experience could command.
If the Atlanta Hawks could talk him into a four-year, $111.1 million extension, they'd likely be ecstatic. Twenty-plus points and six-plus assists on that salary and under a rising salary cap would have plenty of value.
Extend Onyeka Okongwu
Murray isn't the only Hawk who'll be extension eligible this summer. Twenty-two-year-old big man Onyeka Okongwu is entering the last year of his rookie contract, and he's shown more than enough to warrant consideration as a long-term piece.
Over the last two seasons, Okongwu has averaged 2.1 blocks per 75 possessions, and the Hawks' point differential is considerably better when he's on the floor.
Acquire Shooting
On a team with Young and Murray, having reliable kickout targets should be a priority. Both guards can get to the rim, and being able to spray the ball out to good shooters from there can be the foundation of a dangerous offense.
But the Hawks were 24th in the league in threes per game and 21st in three-point percentage in 2023-24. They could use more shooting.
Boston Celtics
2 of 30
Trade Jaylen Brown
Because he just made All-NBA, Jaylen Brown is eligible for a gargantuan five-year, $285.6 million extension. Jayson Tatum is almost certainly going to be one year behind with a similarly jaw-dropping deal.
And under the new collective bargaining agreement, which essentially introduces a hard cap in the form of its new "second apron," having two such contracts on the books is going to be incredibly onerous.
You darn-near have to be sure you can win a title with those two guys. And while the Boston Celtics can maybe talk themselves into that, the prospect of turning Brown into more than one role player or some future assets should be on the table.
Round Out the Coaching Staff
The ball is already rolling on this one, as Boston is reportedly hiring Sam Cassell as an assistant coach, but 34-year-old Joe Mazzulla needs all the help he can get.
And that's not necessarily a knock on him. Prior to his first season as an NBA head coach, Mazzulla had only been an assistant for the Celtics for two years. Three of the assistants he just had in 2023-24 are reportedly set to join Ime Udoka with the Houston Rockets.
Mazzulla needs help, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Acquire a Table-Setter
As good as Tatum is, the last two postseasons have shown us that he'd still benefit from the presence of a more traditional playmaker. His 5.8 assists in those 44 games are encouraging, but he also averaged 3.5 turnovers.
Boston needs to get the ball out of his hands (just a bit) and get him more scoring opportunities created by others.
Brooklyn Nets
3 of 30
Re-Sign Cameron Johnson
The Brooklyn Nets had a new, wing-heavy identity the moment they traded Kevin Durant for a package that included Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson. And the latter is entering restricted free agency this summer.
After he averaged 15.5 points and 2.5 threes, while shooting 40.4 percent from deep, he's sure to have some aggressive suitors there, so Brooklyn would be wise to try to get in first and avoid the potential headache of having to match a huge offer sheet from someone else.
Gauge the Market for Ben Simmons
This one's easier said than done. Ben Simmons missed all of 2021-22. And in 2022-23, he was limited to 42 games (33 starts) and averaged just 6.9 points per game. His trade value has never been lower.
But the Nets need to at least see if any team out there might take a flyer on him. For Brooklyn, which can already field a competitive roster with Bridges, Johnson and Nic Claxton, having Simmons on the books for $37.9 million this season (and $40.3 next season) is a far worse value than it might be for some other team.
Acquire Size
Brooklyn's ability to play small, switchy lineups is going to come in handy, but their first-round playoff matchup against Joel Embiid highlighted the need for a little more bulk coming off the bench behind Claxton.
Charlotte Hornets
4 of 30
Extend LaMelo Ball
Some of the shine seems to have already worn off LaMelo Ball, but his averages of 21.1 points, 7.9 assists, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 threes and 1.5 steals over the last two seasons scream All-Star.
That level and type of production coming from a player with wing size is incredibly valuable in the often positionless NBA, and the Charlotte Hornets should want him around as long as possible.
Trade Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier or Both
While it's clear Ball should be a core piece moving forward, there really aren't a lot of sure things on the roster after that. And turning some of the remaining veterans into draft picks (or at least younger players) would be a good way to mine for more core talent.
Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier may not have a ton of trade value at this point, but if the Hornets can get anything decent for them, they should probably take it. Those two aren't leading Charlotte to contention during the life of their current deals.
Acquire Shooting
When you have a high-end lead playmaker like Ball, it's imperative to surround him with as much shooting as possible. Last season, the Hornets were 29th in three-point percentage and tied for 27th in threes per game.
Chicago Bulls
5 of 30
Re-Sign Nikola Vučević
The Chicago Bulls have been in the neighborhood of mediocrity over the last two years, which might suggest they should be willing to move on from unrestricted free agent Nikola Vučević, but talent is talent. Letting it walk for nothing is a bad idea, and that's apparently what Artūras Karnišovas reportedly thinks.
Vučević is 32 years old, but he's averaged 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists as a Bull. For a team entering the offseason with DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball all on significant contracts, that'd be a tough amount of production to replace.
Extend Alex Caruso
Given the way he can defend either guard position, Alex Caruso's sub-$10 million salary is definitely below market. But he still has a small enough offensive role that Chicago might be able to extend him for less than the three years and $53.2 million for which he's eligible.
With the uncertainty surrounding Ball's health, having Caruso around for a few more years feels crucial.
Acquire Shooting
DeRozan still loves to finish from the mid-range, so having him on your team means you're starting at a disadvantage in the proverbial NBA "math problem" (he's had a below-average effective field-goal percentage in 12 of his 14 seasons).
Ideally, he'd only play in lineups with four three-point shooters (including some high-volume ones), but Chicago didn't really have the personnel to do that in 2022-23. It finished tied for last in threes per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers
6 of 30
Extend Cedi Osman
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a little different position than much of the rest of the league. Their most important players are all under contract for at least the next couple seasons. That means solidifying or on-the-fringes moves are probably on the list.
One of the former could be to extend 28-year-old reserve forward Cedi Osman. That would keep his salary low and lock in a competent backup who shot 37.2 percent from three this season and averaged double-figures in four of the last five seasons.
Re-Sign Caris LeVert
I could go either way on this one. Caris LeVert has been among the game's less efficient volume scorers throughout his career, and the Cavs have been better when he's off the floor.
But Cleveland has his Bird rights (meaning it can sign him despite being over the salary cap) and wing depth is critically important. Sure, he's not perfect, but a player who can explode for 20-30 points off the bench on a random night is valuable.
Acquire a Wing
Even if Osman is extended and LeVert is re-signed, Cleveland probably needs at least one more wing. That doesn't necessarily have to be a starter, but the Cavs' starting 3 situation (a revolving door with Isaac Okoro, LeVert, Lamar Stevens and Dean Wade in 2022-23) is evidence of a need for more depth there.
Dallas Mavericks
7 of 30
Re-Sign Kyrie Irving
The Dallas Mavericks took a real gamble when they sent out a first-round draft pick as part of a trade to land someone who'd enter unrestricted free agency the following summer.
If Kyrie Irving walks, the Mavs will be out a rotation player (Spencer Dinwiddie), their best perimeter defender (Dorian Finney-Smith), the aforementioned first and multiple second-round picks for nothing.
Yes, Kyrie was good (probably even great) for the few months he was a Maverick, but he hasn't even been in the playoffs with them. Re-signing him is imperative.
Extend Josh Green
Beyond 24-year-old superstar Luka Dončić, there isn't a ton of promising young talent on Dallas' roster. Retaining one of the few players who fits that description should be a priority.
On the year, Green averaged 9.1 points and shot 40.2 percent from three. He was one of the team's better defenders, and its point differential was far better when Green played.
Acquire a Long-Term Big
The Mavericks need a good pick-and-roll partner for Luka (and hopefully Kyrie).
Christian Wood seemingly could've been that, but he was jerked around by his role (or lack thereof) to the degree it's hard to imagine him coming back. Dwight Powell is aging into his 30s and is a few years removed from a ruptured Achilles. JaVale McGee is 35. And Maxi Kleber is more of a floor-spacing forward.
If Dallas can land a rim-running big who can provide value for more than the next year, it'll be in better shape.
Denver Nuggets
8 of 30
Nail the Draft
The Denver Nuggets don't have any cap space this summer. All five starters are locked into deals for at least the next two seasons (assuming Kentavious Caldwell-Pope picks up a 2024-25 player option).
And with the new collective bargaining agreement's so-called "second apron," landing cost-controlled talent in the draft is going to be critical for teams with crowded cap sheets.
Talk Bruce Brown Into Staying
This may be more than a long shot. Given the way Bruce Brown has performed as Denver's sixth man this postseason, it's hard to imagine him picking up a $6.8 million player option for 2023-24.
The Nuggets aren't without selling points, though. They can point to the success they and Brown have had together. Why cut that off after one year? They could try to convince him that another year with Nikola Jokić's playmaking could juice his value even more for free agency in 2024, when the salary cap will be bigger than it is now.
All of that may be grasping at straws, but Brown was a near-perfect fit in Denver. And the team should be dying to keep him.
Acquire a Backup 5
The Nuggets' non-Jokić minutes have been a problem throughout his career, but that crescendoed in 2022-23. Denver was plus-13.2 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor and minus-11.6 when he was off.
Finding a more reliable backup 5 could soften that on-off swing. Whether it's Ismael Kamagate (Denver's 2022 second-round pick who's looked like a solid rim-runner and -protector in Europe) or some other free agent looking to join a contender, the Nuggets need to improve on this spot.
Detroit Pistons
9 of 30
Bring Back Alec Burks
With the Detroit Pistons giving Monty Williams a contract that could exceed $100 million with incentives, they're surely expecting him to establish a winning culture quickly.
Doing so usually requires veterans. And with 31-year-old Alec Burks on a $10.5 million team option, bringing him back seems like a no-brainer.
Over the last four seasons, Burks has averaged 13.0 points, 2.6 assists and 1.9 threes in 26.1 minutes, while shooting 40.3 percent from deep.
Extend Isaiah Stewart
He hasn't quite developed into the floor-spacer Detroit is hoping he'll be, but Isaiah Stewart has still shown enough as a rim-runner, rebounder and occasional shot-blocker to warrant an extension of his current deal.
Acquire Shooting
A team with playmakers like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Killian Hayes should be interested in as much shooting as possible. Those creators need targets to spray out to for open threes, and Detroit just doesn't have enough three-point shooters right now.
In 2022-23, the Pistons were 20th in threes per game and 23rd in three-point percentage.
Golden State Warriors
10 of 30
Trade Jordan Poole
Even if Draymond Green declines his player option, the Golden State Warriors are likely looking at an offseason above the new collective bargaining agreement's "second apron."
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, teams over that level of salaries (around $179.5 million)...
- "...will no longer have access to the taxpayer midlevel exception."
- "...will be prevented from signing a player waived during the regular season if that player's pre-waiver salary was larger than the non-taxpayer midlevel exception."
- "...will no longer be able to aggregate salaries to trade for a single player making more money."
- "...will also no longer be able to use cash in trades."
On top of all that, teams over the second apron will also have to come closer to matching incoming and outgoing salaries in trades.
In short, getting under that line is going to be crucial, and the most obvious way for Golden State to do so is by trading Jordan Poole (ideally, to a team with cap space).
Extend Draymond Green
Shedding money (and probably talent) is going to be a constant challenge for the Warriors' foreseeable future, but that shouldn't include Draymond Green.
Over the course of Green's career, the Warriors are plus-12.8 points per 100 possessions when Green and Stephen Curry are on the floor and plus-5.6 when Curry plays without Green.
Acquire Size
For however long Nikola Jokić is in the West, teams that fancy themselves contenders will need to have multiple bodies to throw at him.
The Warriors traded one who may have had the potential to at least log 10-15 meaningful minutes in James Wiseman. And now the only two bigs under contract for next season (assuming Green picks up his player option) are the 6'6" Green and the 6'9" Kevon Looney.
Houston Rockets
11 of 30
Trade for Jaylen Brown
If Boston comes to the decision that Brown isn't worth the supermax for which he's now eligible, it might have to move him.
And the Houston Rockets have former Celtics coach Ime Udoka and enough cap space to land the All-NBA wing.
In the Spring, Yahoo! Sports' Jake Fischer listed Brown as a potential target of the Rockets.
Sign James Harden
These two bullet points could be an either-or situation. Landing both of Brown and Harden would be tricky, to say the least.
But the long-rumored reunion between Houston and James Harden may not have much validity without a competitive roster for Harden to lead. If he knows a Brown trade would be on the heels of his signing there, he might be more willing to come back.
And if the Rockets entered 2023-24 with Harden, Brown and one or two members of the current young core, Udoka could have the team competing for a playoff spot as soon as next year.
Gauge Jalen Green Market
Whether Houston pulls off some dramatic moves like those detailed above or not, it looks like it will at least see what it might be able to get for Jalen Green.
If that means moving up in a draft that includes Scoot Henderson, the Rockets might be tempted to do so.
Indiana Pacers
12 of 30
Extend Tyrese Haliburton
Few NBA players are more obvious extension candidates than 23-year-old point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
After making the All-Star team and averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 assists and 2.9 threes, while shooting 40.0 percent from three, it's abundantly clear he's the future of the Indiana Pacers.
Extend Buddy Hield
Having a high-end playmaker isn't as fun when he doesn't have shooters to pass to. And Buddy Hield remains one of the game's best and most prolific deep threats.
Over the last five years, he's averaged 17.8 points and 3.6 threes, while shooting 40.0 percent from deep.
Acquire a Wing
The rise of Jokić, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo means teams need to be well-equipped to counter size, but positionless basketball isn't going anywhere either.
The key going forward is going to be the ability to adjust on the fly. Wings with decent size can help accomplish that.
Los Angeles Clippers
13 of 30
Re-Sign Russell Westbrook
Over the last few months of the regular and postseason, few players did as much to change perceptions as Russell Westbrook.
He looked willing to accept a lesser role alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. And when Leonard went down after Game 2 in the first round, leaving the Los Angeles Clippers without both of their stars, Westbrook kept the team far more competitive than it had any business being.
Now, if the veteran point guard (who'll be 35 in November) is willing to re-sign on a modest deal, L.A. should absolutely be interested.
Duck the Second Apron
The "modest" part is crucial, though. As things stand now, the Clippers figure to be operating above the dreaded second apron.
If they release Eric Gordon (whose 2023-24 salary is non-guaranteed) and trade Marcus Morris without taking much money back, they can potentially get under that line.
That, of course, could devastate the team's depth, but dodging those penalties might make it worth it. This is the conundrum a number of teams now faces.
Acquire a Center (or Re-Sign Mason Plumlee)
At the moment, Ivica Zubac is the only center on L.A.'s books for 2023-24. As a matter of practicality, the Clippers need at least another big to back him up.
From a more philosophical standpoint, the team needs to be able to play big when the situation calls for it too. That's tougher when you only have one center.
Los Angeles Lakers
14 of 30
Re-Sign Austin Reaves
We're on the verge of a summer packed with rumors about the Los Angeles Lakers. Can they land Kyrie Irving? What about Chris Paul after he's potentially waived? Should they just re-sign D'Angelo Russell?
The Lakers are almost always attached to whatever big- (or even medium-) name player might be available, but their best course might be sticking with the one they're already on.
From March 1 through the end of the Lakers' playoff run, combo guard Austin Reaves averaged 17.5 points, 5.1 assists and 4.6 free throws, while shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 43.6 percent from deep.
He might be the long-term 1 hiding in plain sight.
Re-Sign Rui Hachimura
And if L.A. brings back one incumbent, it might as well do the same with Rui Hachimura. The 25-year-old forward shot 48.7 percent from three in the playoffs.
And during that same postseason, the Lakers were plus-22.0 points per 100 possessions when Hachimura and Reaves shared the floor with LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Dennis Schröder was the most common fifth man for those lineups).
Acquire a Point Guard
Whether it's Russell, Schröder, Irving or CP3, L.A. obviously needs at least one ball-handler to play alongside LeBron. Right now, the 38-year-old is the only one under contract for 2023-24.
Memphis Grizzlies
15 of 30
Extend Desmond Bane
Desmond Bane's averages for points, rebounds and assists have gone up in each season he's been in the NBA, peaking at 21.5, 5.0 and 4.4 in 2022-23.
That and his 42.5 career three-point percentage make him an obvious extension candidate for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Extend Tyus Jones
Ja Morant has averaged just over 60 appearances per season during his career. And with a suspension likely incoming for 2023-24, it's once again apparent that a reliable backup 1 is crucial for a team that rosters Ja.
Fortunately, Memphis may already have the best reserve point guard in the league. Over the last two seasons, Tyus Jones has averaged 15.5 points, 8.3 assists and 1.3 turnovers per 75 possessions when Morant is off the floor.
The star hasn't given many indications that availability will be a strong suit going forward, so securing Jones' leadership and production long-term would be huge.
Acquire a Wing
With Kyle Anderson on the Minnesota Timberwolves, De'Anthony Melton on the Philadelphia 76ers and Dillon Brooks unlikely to be re-signed by the Grizzlies, wing depth will have be a priority this summer.
Miami Heat
16 of 30
Trade Kyle Lowry
The Miami Heat gave us one of the coolest playoff stories in recent memory. Despite entering the postseason with the eighth seed and a roster packed with undrafted players, they made it all the way to the Finals.
But if they want to add some talent this offseason, they may have to move Kyle Lowry's expiring contract. Unless they're willing to trade Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro, Lowry's deal is probably the most movable.
A team hoping to open up cap space in 2024 may be willing to give up real value to acquire a deal that will end that summer.
Re-Sign Gabe Vincent
Of course, if Miami does move on from Lowry, it'll be in need of a point guard, and Gabe Vincent ably filled that role this postseason.
On a team that gets plenty of playmaking from Butler and Adebayo, the most important offensive skill for the 1 is probably shooting, and Vincent hit 40.2 percent of his triples in the playoffs.
Acquire Shooting
The Heat have had a wildly inconsistent stretch of shooting over the last couple years. They led the NBA in three-point percentage in 2021-22, but they were 27th in 2022-23. In the 2023 playoffs, they were first again.
Miami could probably talk itself into the most recent regular season being an aberration, but the wiser course would be to shore up the outside shooting. The more options Butler and Adebayo have to pass to, the better.
Milwaukee Bucks
17 of 30
Re-Sign Brook Lopez
A back surgery limited Brook Lopez to 13 appearances in 2021-22, and he just turned 35. Typically, those two points would severely limit a free agent's prospects, but Lopez more than proved his value, specifically to the Milwaukee Bucks.
In 2022-23, Lopez put up 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.7 threes, while shooting 37.4 percent from deep.
The Bucks were plus-7.8 points per 100 possessions when he played and minus-1.1 when he didn't.
Re-Sign Joe Ingles
On a team with Giannis Antetokounmpo, shooting is supremely important, and Joe Ingles can provide it at a reasonable price.
For his career, Ingles has hit 40.8 percent of his triples, and he was at 40.9 in 2022-23.
Acquire Ball-Handling
Far too often, Milwaukee's postseason offense boiled down to Giannis simply doing stuff. And when opponents have time to scheme for that, things bog down.
Over the last two regular seasons, his true shooting percentage is 61.9, but it falls to 54.8 in the playoffs.
If the Bucks added a bit more ball-handling and playmaking to the roster and gave Giannis more opportunities to score as a finisher rather than a creator, their postseason offense would be more viable.
Minnesota Timberwolves
18 of 30
Extend Anthony Edwards
Another obvious extension candidate, Anthony Edwards has averaged 28.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.5 threes, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in two playoff runs.
Of course, those postseasons were short (the Minnesota Tibmerwolves were eliminated in the first round in each of the last two years), but Edwards has clearly shown alpha upside.
Extend Jaden McDaniels
The Wolves were likely not going to beat the top-seeded Nuggets, but having Jaden McDaniels around couldn't have hurt.
Before a broken hand ended his campaign early, but McDaniels proved himself one of the game's better perimeter defenders over the course of the season.
Locking him and Edwards in to go along with Rudy Gobert would give Minnesota "best defense in the league" upside.
Acquire a Point Guard
Mike Conley is under contract for 2023-24, but he turns 36 in October and would probably benefit a bit of so-called load management (he's averaged just under 60 appearances per year over the last four seasons).
If he's going to get some rest in hopes of preserving him for the playoffs, Minnesota should be interested in more reliable backup 1s than Austin Rivers and Jordan McLaughlin.
New Orleans Pelicans
19 of 30
Extend Jonas Valančiūnas
Jonas Valančiūnas is sent to make $15.4 million in 2023-24, which is a very manageable number for a starting 5 under a rising salary cap.
If the New Orleans Pelicans can extend him for a couple more years at a similar rate, they should probably do it.
Over the last three seasons, he's averaged 16.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 27.7 minutes.
Acquire a Point Guard
CJ McCollum is New Orleans' nominal starting point guard, but he's always been more of a 2. The backups under contract for next season aren't exactly traditional table-setters either.
Having at least one change-of-pace guard who can set up easy looks for his teammates would raise the Pelicans' ceiling.
Acquire Rim Protection
New Orleans gave up a 71.6 field-goal percentage to opponents at the rim in the regular season, which was the worst mark in the league.
Of course, some of that has to be attributed to Valančiūnas, so extending him might make checking this box a little trickier. At the very least, the Pelicans could use a backup 5 or weakside rim protector at the 4 who could help cover for Valančiūnas' defensive shortcomings.
New York Knicks
20 of 30
Extend Immanuel Quickley
Immanuel Quickley's willingness to defend, ability to get threes up and occasional playmaking have made him one of the New York Knicks' most positively impactful players over the course of his career.
During his three seasons, New York is plus-7.1 points per 100 possessions with Quickley on the floor and minus-2.8 when he's off.
Making him a long-term piece of the backcourt feels like a no-brainer.
Trade Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier spent most of this season out of New York's rotation, and he'll essentially be on an expiring contract for 2023-24 (his $19 million for 2024-25 comes by way of a team option).
For a team in need of some future cap flexibility, acquiring Fournier's deal would make some sense.
Acquire Shooting
If the Knicks are going to keep pushing forward with Julius Randle and RJ Barrett (and a first-round playoff win suggests they will), they need as much shooting around the rest of the roster as they can get.
One or two other specialists to supplement the outside shooting of Jalen Brunson, Quickley and Quentin Grimes would push New York closer to contention.
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30
Extend Aleksej Pokusevski
Aleksej Pokusevski's numbers through three seasons won't blow anyone away, but he's only 21 years old and already leaving hints of upside.
Last season, the Serbian forward shot 36.5 percent from three. And among seven-footers with at least 1,500 minutes, he's 11th all time in career assist percentage.
Gauge Star Market
A recent trade with the Nuggets that landed them a 2029 first-round pick suggests the Oklahoma City Thunder are still in asset-accumulation mode, but this summer may be the time to at least consider accelerating the timeline.
OKC nearly made the postseason, and 24-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named First Team All-NBA. Cashing in a few of the picks from a massive stockpile to add a star teammate for SGA would almost certainly have this team back in the playoffs.
Acquire Size
For the second year in a row, point guard Josh Giddey led the Thunder in rebounds per game. This season, no one else on the team was over 5.0. And their starting bigs (Jaylin Williams, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Poku) were all at size disadvantages (in terms of height or weight) in most matchups.
Having at least one bruiser on the roster would be a boon that finished 27th in net rebounds this season.
Orlando Magic
22 of 30
Extend Cole Anthony
Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris and Jalen Suggs may have the inside track on the Orlando Magic's starting guard spots for 2023-24. Whoever they take with the No. 6 pick could have a say too.
But Cole Anthony has proven himself worthy of at least the "heat-check guy off the bench" role. Over the last two seasons, he's averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 assists and 1.7 threes in 28.9 minutes, while shooting 34.7 percent from deep.
And even if he isn't a long-term solution at the 1, securing him to a reasonable extension now could make him a valuable trade asset in the future.
Gauge Market for Jonathan Isaac
In the increasingly limited minutes Jonathan Isaac has actually been on the floor, he looks like he could be one of the game's most dynamic and versatile defenders and weakside rim protectors.
Unfortunately, he's only appeared in 45 games over the last four seasons. There's no way to know if, when or how much he'll play going forward.
Because of the structure of his contract, he might still have some value to someone else, though. Only $7.6 million of his 2023-24 salary is guaranteed. And all of his $17.4 million for 2024-25 is non-guaranteed. That means some team in need of cap flexibility might be willing to give up a little talent for the chance to take on Isaac and subsequently clean up their books a bit.
Acquire Shooting
With Fultz, Suggs, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Orlando has a decent mix of playmaking across multiple positions. There just aren't many high-level targets for those playmakers to kick out to. This season, the Magic were 26th in threes per game and tied for 24th in three-point percentage.
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
Re-Sign James Harden
As daunting as it may be to be the team on the hook for James Harden's last significant contract, the Philadelphia 76ers probably have to just buckle down and offer it.
They won't have the cap space to meaningfully replace him in free agency, and the 76ers have been comfortably better with him on the floor during his season and a half in Philadelphia.
When Joel Embiid is on the floor with Harden, the Sixers are plus-11.4 points per 100 possessions, compared to plus-5.6 when Embiid plays without him.
Extend Tyrese Maxey
Whether Harden is around or not, Philadelphia has to take care of its other starting guard.
The future of the team is likely in the hands of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the 22-year-old guard who just averaged 20.3 points, 3.5 assists and 2.7 threes, while shooting 43.4 percent from deep.
In the 3,000-plus minutes that Maxey has played without Harden over the last two seasons, he's averaged 5.3 assists per 75 possessions, which suggests he may be ready for more of a lead ball-handler's role.
Gauge Market for Tobias Harris
If Harden re-signs, the only meaningful way to shake up the roster might be trading Tobias Harris and his $39.3 million expiring contract.
He's been a solid contributor in Philadelphia over his four-plus seasons there, but if a team in need of cap flexibility is willing to part with talent in exchange for a deal that won't be on the books next summer, the Sixers should probably entertain it.
He turns 31 in July, and his 14.7 points in 2022-23 was his lowest output since 2015-16.
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30
Sort Out the Chris Paul Situation
In early June, we got a wave of news on the Phoenix Suns that could significantly impact both them and the NBA generally.
"Phoenix Suns have notified star Chris Paul that he will be waived, making the future Hall of Famer one of the top free agents this offseason," Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes tweeted. "Chris Paul plans to play for several more years and is eager to help a team contend for a championship..."
Shortly after that report, The Athletic's Shams Charania and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Paul and Phoenix were looking at various options to end his tenure there.
However it happens, the Suns have to figure it out fast.
The guarantee date for his $30.8 million salary in 2023-24 is June 28. If he's waived before then, Phoenix (or whatever team trades for him) would only be on the hook for $15.8 million.
Trade Deandre Ayton
As pressing as the personnel decision feels, the one on Deandre Ayton might be right there with it.
After signing an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers last summer (that the Suns obviously matched), Ayton never seemed quite on the same page with the organization in 2023-24. And now, Wojnarowski is reporting that the team will "explore trade opportunities" for the big man.
The Kevin Durant trade significantly hampered Phoenix's depth, and moving Ayton for a couple role players could go a long way toward repairing it.
Acquire a Wing
Whether through a trade or free agency, adding to that depth should likely come in the form of a wing.
One of the Suns' strengths over the last few years was the switchability and versatility of lineups that included some combination of Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder and Devin Booker.
Obviously, three of those players are now gone, and as good as Durant is, he can't be in three places at once.
Portland Trail Blazers
25 of 30
Gauge Market for Damian Lillard
Year after year, we have to wonder if this is the summer that the Portland Trail Blazers will finally move Damian Lillard.
Now, in 2023, the Finals weren't even over before rumors had already gone rampant.
While moving him is far from a no-brainer, essentially punting on the last couple of months two seasons in a row must have forced some uncomfortable realizations for the organization.
As Lillard enters his age-33 season, it may be that Portland simply won't be able to put a title-contending roster around him. If it can still get a massive, Durant- or Gobert-like package in exchange for him, it might have to consider a rebuild.
Re-Sign Jerami Grant
If, ultimately, the Blazers decide to stay the course, they need to surround him with as much talent as possible. And for a team that figures to have limited cap space this summer, losing unrestricted free agent Jerami Grant for nothing would be a catastrophe.
In his first season with Portland, Grant averaged 20.5 points and 2.3 threes, while shooting 40.1 percent from deep.
And while he was on the floor with Lillard and Jusuf Nurkić, the Blazers were plus-1.6 points per 100 possessions.
Acquire Rim Protection
Whether Lillard is around or not (but especially if he is), this team is in need of more interior defense.
Just under 40 percent of all shots taken against Portland were at the rim in 2023-24. It had the worst mark in the league. And that's a big part of why the Blazers finished the season 27th in defense.
They need more deterrence in the paint.
Sacramento Kings
26 of 30
Extend Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis is eligible for a four-year, $121.7 million extension. If the Sacramento Kings can get him to sign that, they absolutely should. A max deal for Sabonis in the 2024 offseason would pay him well over $200 million.
Of course, Sabonis and his agent know that too. So, getting the 27-year-old All-NBA center to sign the smaller extension could take a small miracle.
Trade Richaun Holmes
Richaun Holmes only appeared in 42 games and averaged 8.3 minutes in 2022-23, but his numbers in the seasons prior to this one suggest he can still be an effective backup 5.
If the Kings aren't going to utilize Holmes, they should move him for someone who fits better with coach Mike Brown.
Acquire a Defender
You don't even need to narrow this down to a particular area of defense. Sacramento, which finished 25th in points allowed per 100 possessions, could use wings, point-of-attack defenders or rim protection.
The only real defensive specialist on the roster right now is 6'2" Davion Mitchell.
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
Draft Victor Wembanyama
File this under the "duh" category.
Victor Wembanyama is a generational draft prospect. There hasn't been this much hype surrounding an individual incoming talent since LeBron James in 2003.
And from the moment the San Antonio Spurs won the draft lottery, their biggest and most important bullet point was essentially checked.
Wembanyama is San Antonio's future, and it starts this summer.
Extend Devin Vassell
Wembanyama will need at least some young talent with which to surround Wembanyama, and Devin Vassell proved himself worthy of one of those spots.
In 2022-23, the 22-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 3.6 assists and 2.7 threes, while shooting 38.7 percent from deep.
Having shooting around Wembanyama in the middle will be key for him being able to avoid double-teams and operate against mismatches inside.
Acquire a Veteran
The value of veteran leadership has been proven time and again. And maybe coach Gregg Popovich can provide some of that, but it means more when it comes from a teammate.
Starting Wembanyama off on the right foot could depend a lot on having a veteran (or two) around to set an example for him.
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30
Gauge Market for Pascal Siakam
The Toronto Raptors were one of the 2022-23 season's bigger disappointments. Despite the presence of multiple All-Stars (Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet) and the reigning Rookie of the Year (Scottie Barnes), Toronto missed the postseason entirely.
And with VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. potentially leaving in free agency this summer, the team could be in for a pretty dramatic shakeup.
Would a team that thinks it's one piece away from contention be willing to offer the Raptors something of real value for Siakam's $37.9 million expiring deal? Could they flip him for a couple role players and build around Barnes and O.G. Anunoby?
Given the way 2022-23 played out, Toronto at least has to be open to that possibility.
Re-Sign Jakob Poeltl
With or without Siakam, it now seems clear that a full-fledged embrace of positionless basketball isn't the way to go. Even teams with tons of 6'8", 6'9" talents like Toronto has to be able to pivot to a more old-school big when occasion requires.
It did that when it traded for Jakob Poeltl at the deadline. And even if he's not the team's long-term starter at center, having a real big on the roster will be crucial.
Acquire Shooting
For positionless basketball to truly work, shooting is important. One of the advantages of playing fast and small is spreading out the defense, but opponents don't need to worry much about the three-point line if the Raptors can't shoot.
In 2022-23, they were tied for 27th in threes per game and were 28th in three-point percentage.
Especially if they're going to build around Barnes and allow him to play more point forward, they need reliable shooters for him to kick out to.
Utah Jazz
29 of 30
Extend Lauri Markkanen
As is the case with Sabonis, Lauri Markkanen might just be too good to sign the extension for which he's eligible this summer. The Utah Jazz can offer him three years and 81.9 million, but if he has another season like 2022-23, he'll be in line for a max (or something close to it).
Utah should at least make the offer, though. Markkanen may have a soft spot for the organization and coach that really facilitated his breakout.
Trade Rudy Gay
The Jazz pushed the reset button about three quarters of the way down when they traded Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert last summer. They went the rest of the way when they moved Mike Conley at the trade deadline.
There are still a couple holdovers from the previous era, though. Jordan Clarkson could potentially decline a $14.3 million player option and move on, and that would leave Rudy Gay (who turns 37 in August).
If he picks up his $6.5 million player option (the likelihood of him getting more than that on the open market is low), the Jazz should be shopping him aggressively. At this point, he doesn't really help a team at the outset of a rebuild.
Move Up in the Draft
Utah already has a star in Markkanen, but real contention requires more than one.
The Jazz enter this draft with three first-round picks (Nos. 9, 16 and 28), which could allow them to move up into the star range. That doesn't necessarily mean getting to Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson either.
CEO Danny Ainge has had two fairly recent hits at No. 3 with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in Boston. If the Jazz can get into that top 3-6 range, perhaps Ainge can strike again.
Washington Wizards
30 of 30
Trade Bradley Beal
Given the size of his contract (he has a player option for $57.1 million in 2026-27), this may be easier said than done, but the Washington Wizards need to trade Bradley Beal.
His career to this point suggests he's not a No. 1 on a title contender, but the Wizards have had to pay him that way to keep him around. That's just the current nature of the league. If you don't max a near-star talent, he'll probably leave.
Operating that way has locked Washington into years of mediocrity, though. And the quickest way out is probably moving Beal (again, easier said than done). The increased flexibility and perhaps an infusion of picks and young talent could facilitate the long overdue restart.
Extend Deni Avdija
If they do manage to kickstart a rebuild, the Wizards accumulating and hanging onto young talent will be crucial. And there's at least one intriguing young piece already on the roster.
Deni Avdija, a 22-year-old Israeli forward, has struggled with his jumper in the NBA, but he's shown flashes of point forward ability and can be a key cog in a positionless defensive scheme.
Even with a career average of 8.1 points, Washington should be interested in keeping him around long-term.
Gauge Market of Other Veterans
Kristaps Porziņģis and Kyle Kuzma both have player options for 2023-24. If they pick those up, Washington should at least explore the possibility of trading both, Daniel Gafford, Monte Morris and Delon Wright.
If you're going to start over, it's better to go all in than drag it out.
.jpg?w=600 "Report: Lawrence Wants Out of NY")
.jpg?w=600 "Browns GM Speaks on Trade Buzz")
.jpg?w=600 "Jahmyr Gibbs' Back Tattoo 🎨")
