Ranking All 30 NBA Teams By Potential Offseason Chaos
The NBA offseason has already begun for over two-thirds of the league. Even the teams still fighting it out in the playoffs likely have at least one eye on their summertime priorities.
If you think you know what to expect as June approaches, you clearly havenโt paid attention to the upheaval of offseasons past.
Weโre ranking all 30 teams according to their potential for changeโthe more sweeping or identity-altering, the better.
Only the Brooklyn Nets project to have significant salary-cap space this offseason, so whatever chaos we see wonโt take the form of a free-agent frenzy. That still leaves fraught extension negotiations, fearful selloffs spurred by the second apron and, of course, blockbuster trades that could involve everyone from Kevin Durant to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Throw in some lingering coaching and front office uncertainty, and this summer has seriously explosive potential across the NBA.
30. Utah Jazz
1 of 30
Free Agents: John Collins (PO), Kenyon Martin Jr. (NG), Svi Mykhailiuk (NG), Johnny Juzang (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler
Utah recently locked down head coach Will Hardy with an extension that runs through 2031. The gesture might be meant to compensate Hardy for how rough the last three rebuilding seasons have been, but it also signals stability through the rest of the decade.
With that issue settled, the Jazz can continue hunting for cornerstones with their two first-round picks in the 2025 draft while also considering deals for Lauri Markkanen, whose trade restriction has expired.
The Jazz could package up the expiring salaries of Collins, Sexton and Jordan Clarkson with some of their future first-rounders if they want to reel in a big name on the trade market. But this rebuild is still in its infancy, so the likeliest path involves slow growth and minimal upheaval.
29. Washington Wizards
2 of 30
Free Agents: Khris Middleton (PO), Malcolm Brogdon (UFA), Richaun Holmes (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: Khris Middleton, Jordan Poole, Marcus Smart
Middleton seems like a lock to pick up his $34 million player option, and itโs hard to imagine the Wizards committing extension years and dollars to either Poole or Smart. So, Washingtonโs main offseason priorities will be building through the draft by using its No. 6 pick and the Memphis Grizzliesโ No. 18 selection.
The Wizards erased whatever cap space they might have had by taking on Middleton and Smart at the trade deadline, valuing the draft picks they got along with those veterans more than the cash they could have spent on a weak free-agent class.
General manager Will Dawkins has taken a patient approach to rebuilding the Wizards, and that should continue through what figures to be a calm and measured offseason. Things could heat up at the trade deadline, when the Wizards should have up to $70 million in expiring salaries to dangle.
28. Portland Trail Blazers
3 of 30
Free Agents: Matisse Thybulle (PO), Dalano Banton (UFA), Jabari Walker (RFA), Duop Reath (NG), Toumani Camara (NG), Rayan Rupert (TO)
Notable Extension Candidates: Deandre Ayton, Anfernee Simons, Robert Williams III, Matisse Thybulle, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara
If the Blazers donโt commit to any of their extension-eligible candidates this offseason, they could have up to $70 million in spending power during the summer of 2026, when a more robust free-agent class should hit the market. The more aggressive approach this offseason would involve shopping the expiring deals of Ayton, Williams and Thybulle (assuming he opts in) for win-now help to supplement a young core that showed real growth this past year.
In light of the Blazers' strong, youth-led close to the campaign, itโs hard to imagine them using those expiring deals to take on longer, worse contracts with future draft equity attached. They already have several young core pieces and shouldnโt stunt their growth by taking a step backward.
Sharpeโs extension talks could be interesting, as heโs shown real offensive potential and carries a high-lottery draft pedigree. But the Blazers can wait and use the leverage of restricted free agency next summer. It also makes sense to wait on a Camara extension. Heโs one of the best defenders in the league, but Portland can retain him for just $2.2 million in 2025-26 and $2.4 million in 2026-27.
27. Toronto Raptors
4 of 30
Free Agents: Chris Boucher (UFA), Garrett Temple (UFA), Jamison Battle (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji
Toronto handled its biggest piece of business early, handing Brandon Ingram a three-year, $120 million extension after acquiring him ahead of the trade deadline. Ingram joins a core of young players including Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett whoโll be expected to deliver wins as soon as this coming season.
The Ingram acquisition might marginalize Barrett, making him a trade candidate. If Toronto wants any of the rookies who logged considerable time last yearโJamal Shead, Jamison Battle, Jonathan Mogbo or JaโKobe Walterโto see role increases, a Barrett move could also facilitate that. Furthering the roster crunch, the Raptors will also add the No. 9 overall pick in this year's draft to the mix.
Chris Boucher should have a solid market as an unrestricted free agent, and Toronto might not be willing to commit to bringing him back if it decides to extend Agbaji, who hit a career-best 39.9 percent of his threes last year while solidifying himself as one of the better wing defenders in the league.
26. Detroit Pistons
5 of 30
Free Agents: Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schrรถder, Malik Beasley, Lindy Waters III, Paul Reed
Notable Extension Candidates: Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren
The offensive creation and shooting that Schrรถder, Hardaway and Beasley provided were integral in Detroit smashing expectations and making the playoffs this year. Retaining at least two of those players will top the Pistonsโ offseason priority list.
Beasley finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting and shot the lights out, which makes him the one who could get away. The Pistons donโt have his Bird rights, so the most they can offer him without carving out cap space or using an exception is a starting salary of $7.2 million.
While they could wait for restricted free agency in 2026, the Pistons might also choose to sign Duren and Ivey to rookie-scale extensions. Neither is a max-level talent, but it wouldnโt be a shock to see deals in the range of four years and $100 million. Those negotiations could get thorny, but they wonโt create anything close to chaos.
If the Pistons go sniffing around Kevin Durant, this ranking will be way too low.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
6 of 30
Free Agents: James Harden (PO), Drew Eubanks (NG), Nicolas Batum (PO), Amir Coffey (UFA), Patty Mills (UFA), Jordan Miller (RFA), Ben Simmons (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Norman Powell
A season of overachievement ended in a tough seven-game loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. The Clippersโ approach to the offseason could depend on whether they believe the current core is capable of doing better than that next year.
Thatโs not to say L.A. is a threat to tank (it doesnโt control any of its first-round picks until 2030), and a free-agency overhaul is off the table because the Clips figure to use most of their spending power on a new deal for Harden. But top executive Lawrence Frank will have to decide how wise it is to commit on an extension for Harden thatโll take him into his late 30s. Breakthrough wing Norman Powell is also eligible for an extension as he enters the last year of his current deal.
Expect the Clippers to bring Harden back on a two-year extension worth $70-90 million after he opts out, leaving Powellโs extension as the only potentially fraught negotiation.
24. Chicago Bulls
7 of 30
Free Agents: Tre Jones (UFA), Josh Giddey (RFA), Jevon Carter (PO), Talen Horton-Tucker (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Nikola Vuฤeviฤ, Kevin Huerter, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Jevon Carter, Dalen Terry
The Bulls control their first-round pick for the first time since 2021, and they have only one unpalatable long-term contract on the books. (Patrick Williamsโ five-year, $90 million pact runs through 2029.)
While Chicago is always a candidate to make a risky, win-now trade, Giddeyโs restricted free agency is the most likely source of offseason fireworks. The Bulls have the leverage of matching rights, and the dearth of cap space around the league should keep offer sheets reasonable, but this is the team that handed Williams $90 million (plus a player option) last summer. Chicago is perfectly capable of overbidding even when no bidding war exists.
Between Vooch, Huerter and Collins, the Bulls also have $57 million in expiring contracts to dangle in trades. White and Dosunmu technically fit into that group as well, and neither earns enough on his current deal to make an extension realistic.
23. Indiana Pacers
8 of 30
Free Agents: Myles Turner (UFA), Isaiah Jackson (RFA), Thomas Bryant (UFA), Quenton Jackson (RFA), Tony Bradley (TO), James Johnson (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith
Chaos is not something often associated with the Indiana Pacers. It is even less applicable when they will be working off consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearancesโand maybe more.
Still, the Pacers will be approaching a few inflection points regardless of how the rest of the playoffs shake out.
Indiana will enter the summer around $20 million under the tax and is historically frugal. A new contract for Turner could eat up that wiggle room (if not more). Are the Pacers more likely to cut costs and keep him, simply pay the tax or let him walk?
Mathurinโs extension eligibility looms as another potential crossroads. He has improved his toughness and utility within the flow of the offense, but he is redundant on offense to some extent and not nearly good enough defensively to routinely check premier wings.ย
Moving players on their rookie-scale contracts is complicated because they make so little money. But if the Pacers fall short of a title, they will have room for improvement, and multiple deep playoff runs with this core imply urgency. Dangling Mathurin, perhaps Jarace Walker, picks and additional salaries is Indyโs ticket to a bigger swing. Whether it needs to take one is the question.
22. Charlotte Hornets
9 of 30
Free Agents: Josh Okogie (NG), Tre Mann (RFA), DaQuan Jeffries (NG), Seth Curry (UFA), Taj Gibson (UFA), Moussa Diabate (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: Jusuf Nurkiฤ, Grant Williams, Josh Green, Mark Williams
Despite the lack of actual reports suggesting a LaMelo Ball trade is in the offing, speculation about the point guardโs future persists. Part of that owes to durability issues that limited Ball to a total of 105 games over the last three years.
Charlotte, a deliberate long-term planner, may not want to deal with such uncertainty. This team isnโt anchored to Ballโs timeline and could view draft capital and cost-controlled players as a preferable alternative to a maxed-out former All-Star who hasnโt stayed healthy since 2022.
The Hornets are operating carefully and wonโt chase dangerous, win-now fixes. But the potential for a foundation-shaking trade involving Ball feels real enough to warrant a fairly high ranking by itself.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder
10 of 30
Free Agents: Ajay Mitchell (TO), Jaylin Williams (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, Kenrich Williams, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams
Much depends on how far the Thunder advance in the playoffs. If they go all the way, they figure to spend the offseason figuring out which of their many extension candidates to lock down (and for how much).
Things could get expensive in a hurry. SGA is a lock for another max-level extension as soon as he wants to ink one (heโs currently under contract through 2026-27). Jalen Williams is likely in line for his rookie-scale max, and Holmgren should also command that much.
OKC still has its hoard of future first-rounders available, so it will be able to get off any potentially bad money should that become necessary down the line.
A disappointing playoff exit might spur more trade action, but this is a young group coming off one of the better regular seasons weโve seen in the last few decades. You generally donโt mess with that level of success.
20. Golden State Warriors
11 of 30
Free Agents: Gary Payton II (UFA), Kevon Looney (UFA), Jonathan Kuminga (RFA), Trayce Jackson-Davis (NG), Gui Santos (TO), Quinten Post (TO)
Notable Extension Candidates: Draymond Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis
Jonathan Kumingaโs restricted free agency will be the Warriorsโ most consequential variable this summer unless they get into the sweepstakes for Giannis Antetokounmpo or another star. Even then, Kuminga would likely feature prominently, as the talented-but-inconsistent forward could find himself anchoring a sign-and-trade.
With only the Brooklyn Nets wielding real spending power, Kuminga may find offer sheets scarce. Golden State could retain him on the cheap, but itโs also possible that the relationship between team and player is too far gone. Kuminga found himself out of the rotation several times in 2024-25 despite showing flashes of elite athleticism and scoring punch.
Greenโs extension talks will be short. His deal currently expires after 2026-27, just like Stephen Curryโs and Jimmy Butlerโs. Thatโs a pretty clear โhard outโ date for the Dubsโ current core.
19. New York Knicks
12 of 30
Free Agents: Precious Achiuwa (UFA), Cameron Payne (UFA), Delon Wright (UFA), P.J. Tucker (TO), Landry Shamet (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Deuce McBride
Like a few of the other teams here, the end of the playoffs will determine whether the New York Knicks should be higher or lower on this list. Still, after making it further than anyone predicted, they may treat the offseason as more of a chance to preserve continuity while futzing and fiddling on the margins.
Bridgesโ extension eligibility is a biggie. He can sign a four-year deal worth around $156.2 million. If he follows Jalen Brunsonโs lead, everything is copacetic. If he decides he wants to explore 2026 free agency, the Knicks may be forced to poke around the trade market.
Mitchell Robinsonโs play during the postseason may show New York it doesnโt need to aggressively pursue a higher-end big man behind and alongside Towns. Then again, his availability is forever in question.ย
Regardless, the Knicksโ overall rotation needs to be deeper than six or seven players on any given night. However, meaningful expansion will be difficult when they are already over the first apron, have no outright first-rounders to trade and donโt have what youโd call expendable salary on the books.
Giannis Antetokounmpoโs potential interest in leaving Milwaukee for a bigger city like New York may serve to complicate matters. The Knicks don't have enough to land him in a vacuum. But if he pulls his best James Harden impression, they could try gauging the market for everyone not named Jalen Brunson in hopes of accumulating enough assets to join the running.
18. Atlanta Hawks
13 of 30
Free Agents: Clint Capela (UFA), Caris LeVert (UFA), Larry Nance Jr. (UFA), Garrison Matthews (UFA), Vit Krejci (NG), Mouhamed Gueye (NG), Dominick Barlow (TO)
Notable Extension Candidates: Trae Young, Georges Niang, Dyson Daniels, Mouhamed Gueye
A Trae Young trade remains a possibility, particularly if he and the Hawks canโt come to terms on an extension. Considering Young can opt out of his current deal at the end of 2025-26, suitors might not be willing to offer real assets without the assurance that he'll stick around beyond next season.
Atlanta should be encouraged by what it saw from Dyson Daniels, who won this year's Most Improved Player award, and Zaccharie Risacher, who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. Combined with better health for Jalen Johnson next year and another small step forward for projected starting center Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks will have four 25-and-under starters to build around regardless of whether Young is still on the team.
Whomever takes over for former general manager Landry Fields will have to make the call on Young and then determine the franchiseโs overall direction accordingly.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
14 of 30
Free Agents: Julius Randle (PO), Naz Reid (PO), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (UFA), Josh Minott (TO), Luka Garza (TO), Joe Ingles (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Donte DiVincenzo, Leonard Miller
Did the Minnesota Timberwolves make the Karl-Anthony Towns trade for basketball reasons, or for financial reasons? Weโre about to find out.
Minnesota will enter the summer slightly more than $4 million into the tax and almost $13 million beneath the second apron if Randle and Reid both exercise their player options. That should give the Wolves enough wiggle room to re-sign Alexander-Walker while staying below the second apron.ย
However, projections change considerably if Randle and/or Reid opts out. Randle will probably get less per year than the $30.9 million heโs owed in 2025-26. Reid, on the other hand, could be due for a significant raise from his $15 million player option.
Convincing both to opt in and then extending them is the cleanest course. But this all presumes the new governorship regime of Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are even willing to stay in luxury-tax territory, which isnโt a guarantee. Serious trades will follow if theyโre not.
This all says nothing of lead executive Tim Connellyโs future. He essentially has the equivalent of a player option. Minnesotaโs chaos factor also goes through the roof if its interest in trading for Kevin Durant is real.
16. Brooklyn Nets
15 of 30
Free Agents: DโAngelo Russell (UFA), DeโAnthony Melton (UFA), Ziaire Williams (RFA), Cam Thomas (RFA), DayโRon Sharpe (RFA), Trendon Watford (UFA), Keon Johnson (TO)
Notable Extension Candidates: Cam Johnson
Despite being the only team with significant cap space (a projected $45 million), the Brooklyn Nets aren't likely to turn the summer upside down by reeling in free agents. A majority of that money figures to go toward absorbing bad contracts with draft assets attached.
Whatever future picks Brooklyn secures will supplement the four first-roundersโNo. 8 (own), No. 19 (via MIL), No. 26 (via HOU), No. 27 (via NYK)โit has in this yearโs draft.
The Nets could package some of their later first-rounders to move up a few spots, which would increase their chaos potential. And this ranking will be way too low if the Nets dive into restricted free agency by sending offer sheets to the likes of Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey or Quentin Grimes.
15. Miami Heat
16 of 30
Free Agents: Duncan Robinson (ETO), Davion Mitchell (RFA), Alec Burks (UFA), Pelle Larsson (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Nikola Joviฤ
Franchise center Bam Adebayo expects team president Pat Riley to make โa lot of changes this summer,โ and the Miami Heatโs history of ambitious moves suggests heโs right. At the same time, itโll be hard for Miami to have the best offer if Giannis Antetokounmpo or any other top-line star becomes available.
The Heat can trade their own first-rounders in 2030 and 2032, plus the 2025 first-rounder they got from the Warriors in the Jimmy Butler deal. Thatโs not a market-beating package, even if Miami attaches Tyler Herro, young players and some expiring salary.
The Heat need offensive weapons around Herro and Adebayo, but bringing back Mitchell, a restricted free agent who showed out defensively late in the year, is also a priority.
Miami projects a hatred of mediocrity that should spur change, particularly now that the team has just one 50-win season in the last decade. Thereโs a will to get better here, but finding the way will be tricky.
14. Orlando Magic
17 of 30
Free Agents: Moritz Wagner (TO), Gary Harris (TO), Cory Joseph (TO), Caleb Houstan (TO)
Notable Extension Candidates: Paolo Banchero, Cole Anthony
The Orlando Magic know they need offensive upgrades, and they have the tools to get them. The only question ahead of what needs to be an offseason of major improvement is just how aggressive the front office will be.
This brain trust watched the team finish 22nd on offense in 2023-24 and determined organic growth and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the only acquisition of consequence last summer, would solve the problem. Smash cut to Orlando finishing 26th in points per 100 possessions this past year.
With no cap room and a payroll projection roughly $11 million over the tax, any changes Orlando makes will have to come via trade. Swapping out defense-first pieces for some scoring and playmaking seems like the obvious move.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers
18 of 30
Free Agents: Dean Wade (NG), Ty Jerome (UFA), Sam Merrill (UFA), Tristan Thompson (UFA), Craig Porter Jr. (NG), Javonte Green (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Darius Garland, DeโAndre Hunter, Max Strus, Dean Wade
Will Clevelandโs front office (or fanbase) accept injuries as an excuse for the teamโs shocking second-round dismissal at the hands of the Pacers? Or will that elimination spur some action this summer?
Other than Jerome and Merrill, everyone who regularly featured in the rotation is under contract next year. The Cavsโ core of Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are all inked through at least 2027-28, which assures continuity if thatโs what the team wants.
With roughly $168 million owed to that quartet plus Hunter next season, Cleveland could look to create some flexibility by offloading Isaac Okoro, Max Strus or other nonessential salary.
Short playoff runs after stellar regular seasons create frustration and can lead to rash action, but the Cavs are fairly locked in and might be wise to just run it back.
12. Los Angeles Lakers
19 of 30
Free Agents: LeBron James (PO), Dorian Finney-Smith (PO), Jaxson Hayes (UFA), Markieff Morris (UFA), Alex Len (UFA), Jordan Goodwin (TO), Shake Milton (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: Luka Donฤiฤ, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Austin Reaves, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent
The Lakers need to upgrade at center over Hayes, but only because they walked back their trade deadline deal for Mark Williams. Their willingness to give up a first-round pick, a pick swap and Dalton Knecht in the scuttled trade illustrates how serious they were about addressing that positional weaknessโand that was before the need became even clearer in their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Donฤiฤ can extend for up to four years and $229 million, and James has a player option he could decline in order to get another one-plus-one deal, as has been his preference. The news cycle will get cranking if James signals he might take a pay cut to go elsewhere, but thatโll just be noise.
Extensions for Reaves, Finney-Smith and Hachimura should be major priorities with so few free-agent upgrades on the market.
The biggest potential for chaos could come from the Donฤiฤ negotiations. He might prefer a shorter deal to get back into free agency sooner, and just imagine the reaction to Los Angeles trying to work conditioning incentives into any new deal for its found-money superstar.
11. Denver Nuggets
20 of 30
Free Agents: Dario Sariฤ (PO), Russell Westbrook (PO), DeAndre Jordan (UFA), Vlatko Cancar (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Nikola Jokiฤ, Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, Peyton Watson
It might be a mistake to judge the Nuggets against the overwhelming Thunder team that gave them such a hard time in the West semis. At its best, OKC turns every opponent into a frazzled mess, and Denver felt the frenzy several times in that series.
The Nuggets changed head coaches extremely late in the 2024-25 season and got results, as the team recaptured some magic under interim head coach David Adelman. Perhaps the executive who takes over for former general manager Calvin Booth will decide that switching coaches was the most necessary change that the Nuggets needed to make.
If the new decision-makers feel differently, expect to hear some trade rumblings related to Porter Jr. or perhaps even Jamal Murray. Denverโs ability to make major alterations is fairly limited unless it swings a significant deal, which feels less likely now than it did during parts of the regular season.
10. Sacramento Kings
21 of 30
Free Agents: Trey Lyles (UFA), Jake LaRavia (UFA), Keon Ellis (TO), Doug McDermott (UFA), Jae Crowder (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray
The Kings removed the interim tag from Doug Christieโs head coach title and then hired Mike Woodson, who has decades of experience, as an associate head coach. That feels like a setup for a quick Christie ouster if things go sideways, sowing the seeds for in-season chaos.
Maybe that wonโt manifest until next year (if it does at all), but Domantas Sabonisโ concerns about the teamโs direction in the wake of the DeโAaron Fox trade and the removal of former general manager Monte McNair (welcome back, Scott Perry!) provide no shortage of possible upheaval.
More broadly, other than a brief period of apparent harmony in 2022-23 that produced a playoff trip, the Kings have been defined by shortsighted moves and capricious decision-making under owner Vivek Ranadivรฉ. As long as heโs in charge, chaos should be the expectation.
9. Memphis Grizzlies
22 of 30
Free Agents: Marvin Bagley III (UFA), Luke Kennard (UFA), Santi Aldama (RFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, John Konchar
We probably shouldnโt rule out a Ja Morant trade given the talented guardโs failure to improve, penchant for fineable/suspendable behavior and persistent injuries over the last handful of seasons. But the real business for Memphis will begin with Jacksonโs extension talks.
If the All-Star forward earns All-NBA honors for his stellar 2024-25 season, the Grizzlies will be able to offer him a five-year extension worth up to $345 million. If he doesnโt make an All-NBA team, Memphis will be limited to four years and $146 million.
Suffice it to say, thereโll be a lot of room for negotiations. Jackson could be a new test case for teamsโ willingness to rubber-stamp supermax money for players who arenโt first-tier superstars in the second-apron era.
As the Grizzlies try to determine whether their core of Morant, Jackson and Desmond Bane is good enough to stay intact following last yearโs disappointing close, theyโll also have to evaluate Aldamaโs restricted free agency.
8. Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
Free Agents: Kelly Oubre Jr. (PO), Andre Drummond (PO), Quentin Grimes (RFA), Eric Gordon (PO), Kyle Lowry (UFA), Guerschon Yabusele (UFA), Lonnie Walker IV (TO), Jared Butler (TO), Justin Edwards (TO)
Notable Extension Candidates: None
Whatever the Sixers do this summer, two things are certain. First, weโll feel worse about Phillyโs changes than the ones it made in 2024: signing Paul George, giving Tyrese Maxey his cap-space-saving delayed max contract, adding Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond and, last but not least, drafting Jared McCain. All of that earned the Sixers offseason grades in the โAโ range.
And second: Whatever moves the Sixers make will likely work out better than they did last year. Because how could things go any worse?
Shockwaves will result if Philadelphia tries to offload Joel Embiid in the wake of another year lost to injury, but donโt expect suitors to lineup for the right to pay the former MVP a quarter-billion dollars over the next four years.
Beyond that, the Sixers need to retain Yabusele, who reestablished his NBA credentials last season, and make sure theyโre ready to match any offer sheets for Grimes, who broke out after the trade deadline.
If the 76ers can turn their No. 3 overall pick into win-now help, things could get very interesting.
7. Dallas Mavericks
24 of 30
Free Agents: Kyrie Irving (PO), Dwight Powell (PO), Dante Exum (UFA), Spencer Dinwiddie (UFA), Brandon Williams (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: Kyrie Irving, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dwight Powell
How safe is Nico Harrisonโs job? A lot safer now that the Dallas Mavericks have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft. The chance to land Cooper Flagg should appease fans who spent the last several months chanting and making signs calling for Harrison's ouster.ย
The luck of the lottery shouldn't necessarily save Harrison. Ownership could still cast him as a scapegoat for the Luka Donฤiฤ trade and its 0 percent approval rating. And can he really be trusted to handle the trade offers that'll surely come in for Flagg, or the deals that'll need to be swung to balance out the roster?
Otherwise, the Mavs have some extension decisions to make on Washington and Gafford, and Irvingโs torn ACL means he's unlikely to opt out in search of a free-agent deal elsewhere. Perhaps Dallas can get him to re-up at a cheap rate given his injury. Either way, the Mavs are going to need a point guard for 2025-26 until he's able to return.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
25 of 30
Free Agents: Bruce Brown Jr. (UFA), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (UFA), Brandon Boston Jr. (TO), Elfrid Payton (TO)
Notable Extension Candidates: Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones
New executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars inherits a Pelicans squad with all of its own draft picks, an important factor to keep in mind when assessing the teamโs options this summer. A teardown tank is on the table.
Thatโd start with trading Williamson, whose contract comes with availability- and conditioning-based guarantees. The last several years have illustrated how difficult it is to build around a chronically injured player, and the Pels might just decide theyโre done with the experiment.
There might be a market for McCollumโs expiring $30.7 million salary, particularly if the Pelicans take back longer-term money with picks attached. Moving on from Murray, whoโs owed $97 million over the next three years and is coming off a torn Achilles, will be far harder.
A new lead executive, a potential star trade and a roster that could be viewed as either a sleeping giant or a lost cause? Thatโs a recipe for an interesting offseason.
5. Houston Rockets
26 of 30
Free Agents: Fred VanVleet (TO), Steven Adams (UFA), Jeff Green (UFA), Jock Landale (NG), JaeโSean Tate (UFA), Aaron Holiday (TO),ย
Notable Extension Candidates: Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Jock Landale, Tari Eason
"I will give you an inside betting tip that I think continuity is very, very likely,โ Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone told reporters shortly after his team bowed out of the first round of the playoffs in seven games.
Donโt expect that to tamp down speculation about Houstonโs trade possibilities this summer. While organic growth makes sense for the Rockets, who are loaded with under-25 talent, they have the ability to swing a consolidation deal for a star that might be too tempting to pass up.
Phoenix and Devin Booker seem mutually committed to one another, but Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and any other top-line star on the market will draw Houstonโs interest.
The Rockets must also determine the best path forward with VanVleet, who has a $44.9 million team option for next year. Houston could pick it up and dangle FVV as a massive matching (and expiring) salary in a trade, but it could also value his contributions enough to decline the option and negotiate a smaller, multiyear deal.
4. San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
Free Agents: Chris Paul (UFA), Jordan McLaughlin (UFA), Charles Bassey (UFA), Sandro Mamukelashvili (UFA), Bismack Biyombo (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: DeโAaron Fox, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie, Blake Wesley
With Gregg Popovich moving into his โEl Jefeโ role and Mitch Johnson firmly ensconced as the head coach, the Spursโ major business will be draft and trade-focused. They lucked into the No. 2 overall pick and could go almost any direction with it.
San Antonio could take the best player available. It could package the pick up with several others and make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo. Maybe there's a deal to be struck with Dallas for No.1.
DeโAaron Fox is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension, and one assumes the Spurs knew a long-term commitment was part of the bargain upon acquiring the former All-Star from the Sacramento Kings at the trade deadline.
A deal is likely to get done, but the Spurs arenโt required to offer the full four years or $229 million. If they try to squeeze Fox a bit, perhaps because theyโre not convinced heโs good enough to be their No. 2 option next to Victor Wembanyama, things could get interesting.
3. Boston Celtics
28 of 30
Free Agents: Al Horford (UFA), Luke Kornet (UFA), Torrey Craig (UFA), Jordan Walsh (NG)
Notable Extension Candidates: Kristaps Porziลฤฃis
Second-apron life always gives way to major change when you live it long enough. The Boston Celtics are scheduled to enter Year 2 of that existence. They are around $20 million into the second apron before factoring in a new contract for Al Horford.
Many believed the 2024 champs would wait another summer before doing anything seismic. But that was before Jayson Tatumโs devastating Achilles injury.ย
The 27-year-old superstar figures to miss most or all of next season as he recovers. Boston can be good without himโmaybe even top four in the East. Contending while heโs sidelined is out of the question, though.
It will be fascinating to see how the Celtics approach this entire situation. They have a number of paths they can travel down. Whichever one they choose, itโll likely include moving on from some combination of Horford, Porziลฤฃis and Jrue Holiday, with an outside shot it also features shopping Jaylen Brown and/or Derrick White.
2. Phoenix Suns
29 of 30
Free Agents: Cody Martin (NG), Vasilije Miฤiฤ (TO), Nick Richards (NG), Mason Plumlee (UFA), Tyus Jones (UFA), Damion Lee (UFA), Monte Morris (UFA), Bol Bol (UFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Cody Martin, Vasilije Miฤiฤ, Nick Richards
If the Suns bring everyone back by guaranteeing salaries and picking up team options on a handful of players, they could have a combined payroll and tax of $450 million in 2025-26, surging deep into the second apron yet again.
A nearly certain Kevin Durant trade should assure some turnover. Whether that makes the Suns any cheaper or more flexible remains to be seen. Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who hired his former assistant coach at Michigan State, Brian Gregory, as his new general manager, has long resisted a rebuild.
It doesnโt seem like Devin Booker is going anywhere, though moving him would be the surest way to get the Suns out of their current quagmire. But everyone else should be viewed as a trade candidate, and Phoenix will again work to get Bradley Beal to sign off on a move.
The Suns also need to find a head coach to replace the fired Mike Budenholzer.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
30 of 30
Free Agents: Brook Lopez (UFA), Bobby Portis (PO), Pat Connaughton (PO), Kevin Porter Jr.ย (PO), AJ Green (NG), Jericho Sims (UFA), Taurean Prince (UFA), Gary Trent Jr. (UFA), Ryan Rollins (RFA)
Notable Extension Candidates: Damian Lillard, Kyle Kuzma, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Chris Livingston
This isnโt the first time weโve entered an offseason with Giannis Antetokounmpoโs future surrounded by uncertainty, but this one feels different. For one thing, Giannis isnโt up for an extension, which triggered speculation about his plans in the past. Instead, Antetokounmpo is coming off yet another disappointing playoff exit with very little to look forward to.
He's more open to looking around than ever before, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Damian Lillardโs Achilles injury will likely cost him all of next season, so Milwaukee will have $54 million in unmovable salary to overcome while still trying to manage a free-agent period that could see Lopez, Prince and Trent head for the exits. Bereft of first-round picks to trade, expensive, aging and sure to be without their second-best player next year, the Bucks are staring down a bleak future.
Thatโs why a potential Antetokounmpo trade will be among this summerโs biggest talking points. Both he and Milwaukee could be best served by fresh starts.
Stats courtesy of NBA.com, Basketball Reference and Cleaning the Glass. Salary info via Spotrac.
Grant Hughes covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Bluesky and subscribe to the Hardwood Knocks podcast, where he appears with Bleacher Report's Dan Favale.
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