With the 2023 NBA Finals and 2023 NBA draft behind us, the league's attention now turns fully to the offseason, and free agency, which began Friday at 6 p.m. ET.
The NBA's annual player movement moratorium -- during which most contracts can't be signed and trades can't be made official -- will begin July 1. Everything that gets reported during the moratorium can become official after the league sets the final salary cap and luxury tax numbers for the 2023-24 season.
While only a few teams enter this offseason with significant cap space to work with, all 30 teams have things they need to address this summer -- and some of those priorities have already shifted in the few days the offseason action has been underway (just ask the Wizards). We have a complete team-by-team guide to free agency, including what to watch, available exceptions, key dates, current roster status and every team's free-agent list.
MORE: Best available free agents | Spending tiers
Atlanta Hawks
Offseason transactions: Rudy Gay (trade) Kobe Bufkin (draft), Seth Lundy (draft) and Mouhamed Gueye (draft)
Who to Watch: Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey and Onyeka Okongwu
The John Collins salary cap clearing trade now opens up flexibility to pursue extensions for Murray, Bey and Okongwu.
Murray is eligible to sign a four-year, $114 million extension with a starting salary of $25.5 million in 2024-25. That salary is $17 million less than the maximum salary in the first year.
Okongwu ranked fifth in total second-chance points and in the top 10 in offensive rebounding percentage after Feb. 5. A new contract for Okongwu would start in 2024-25, the last year Clint Capela is under contract.
After being acquired at the trade deadline, Bey started six games, averaging 14.7 points, 50.7% from the field and 40.5% on 3s. He has a 56.3% effective field goal percentage under Snyder, up from 49.5% with the Pistons and Hawks before Snyder's arrival. Both players are eligible to sign a five-year extension until Oct. 23.
Available exceptions: $12.4 million non-tax, $4.5 million biannual, veteran minimum and trade ($25.3 million and $2.6 million)
Below the $165M luxury tax: $9.3 million
Below the $172M first apron: $13.1 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $23.5 million
Key dates:
July 21: The contract of Tyrese Martin ($1.7M) becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Okongwu, Bey and Capela
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option for AJ Griffin and fourth-year team option for Jalen Johnson.
Players under contract: 15
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Rim protector
3-point shooting
Extension-eligible: Murray, Capela (as of Aug. 13), Vit Krejci (as of Aug. 15), Bey (rookie) and Okongwu (rookie)
Free agent status:
Aaron Holiday | Non-Bird
Trent Forrest | Restricted | Non-Bird
Boston Celtics
Offseason transactions: Kristaps Porzingis (trade), Jordan Walsh (draft)
Who to watch: Jaylen Brown
Brown was one of seven players to average 27 points and shoot at least 50% after the All-Star break. He earned All-NBA honors and is eligible to sign a five-year, $295 million supermax extension once the moratorium is lifted on July 6 (if the Celtics offer it). The contract would be the richest in NBA history.
Since the NBA instituted the Designated Veteran Extension rule (supermax) in 2017, 11 of the 12 players who met the All-NBA criteria have signed the designated extension. The lone exception was Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio. Under the supermax rules, teams are required to offer an extension for a total of six seasons (including what is left on the player's existing contract) but not mandated to offer a first-year salary starting at 35% of the salary cap. In 2020, Rudy Gobert signed a supermax extension that was $23 million less than the extension of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If Brown were to be traded before signing a supermax extension, he'd be ineligible to sign the extension with his new team. If he signs the extension, he is ineligible to be dealt for a full season.
The deadline for Brown to sign the supermax extension is Oct. 23.
What else to watch:
Restricted free agent Grant Williams
The health of Malcolm Brogdon
The extension options for Kristaps Porzingis
Available exceptions: Veteran minimum and trade ($1.8 million)
Over the $165M luxury tax: $8.2 million
Over the $172M first apron: $3.2 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $7.3 million
Key dates:
Aug. 1: The contract of Justin Champagnie increases from $0 to $50K in protection
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard
Oct. 24: The contract of Champagnie becomes fully guaranteed
Players under contract: 11
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
3-and-D wing
Frontcourt depth
Ball handler
Extension eligible: Jayson Tatum (not supermax), Jaylen Brown, Derrick White (as of Sept. 30), Malcolm Brogdon (as of Oct. 1) and Payton Pritchard (rookie)
Free agent status:
Blake Griffin | Non-Bird
Grant Williams | Restricted | Bird
JD Davison | Restricted | Non-Bird
Mfiondu Kabengele | Non-Bird
Brooklyn Nets
Offseason transactions: Noah Clowney (draft), Dariq Whitehead (draft) and Jalen Wilson (draft)
Who to watch: Cameron Johnson
Johnson averaged 16.6 points with Brooklyn, up from 13.9 with Phoenix and is one of the top forwards available in free agency. In the Nets' four-game loss to the 76ers in the first round, Johnson averaged 18.5 points and shot 42.9% on 3-pointers.
Johnson is a restricted free agent and Brooklyn has the right to match an offer sheet. A conservative approach would likely have the Nets inheriting a lucrative contract.
The Nets have paid $323 million in tax penalties the prior three seasons and are $10 million below the tax before free agency begins.
If Johnson's next contract starts with a $20 million salary for 2023-24, Brooklyn would need to move at least $15 million in salary to avoid the tax. If the Nets don't, they'll be over the tax and the new "first apron" in the collective bargaining agreement that starts in July. They are also in the repeater tax (fourth time in five seasons) and will pay a significant penalty if the current roster stays intact.
The good news is that the Nets have five players earning between $6.8 million and $20 million on expiring contracts, including Royce O'Neale's partially guaranteed $9.5 million salary.
What else to watch:
The health of Ben Simmons
The tradable wings: Joe Harris, Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith and O'Neale
The extension options for Spencer Dinwiddie
Available exceptions: Veteran minimum and trade ($18.1 million, $4.5 million, $1.8 million, $1.8 million and $1.6 million)
Below the $165M luxury tax: $12.5 million
Below the $172M first apron: $16.5 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $27 million
Key dates:
July 5: The $2.2 million contract of Edmond Sumner becomes guaranteed
July 10: The $2.5 million salary protection for O'Neale increases to $9.5 million
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Simmons
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the fourth-year team options for Thomas and DayRon Sharpe.
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Rebounding
3-point shooting
Frontcourt depth
Extension eligible: Seth Curry (through June 30), O'Neale, Dinwiddie, Harris and Simmons
Free agent status:
Seth Curry | Bird
Cameron Johnson | Restricted | Bird
Yuta Watanabe | Non-Bird
David Duke Jr. | Early Bird
Dru Smith | Non-Bird
Charlotte Hornets
Offseason transactions: Brandon Miller (draft), Nick Smith Jr. (draft), James Nnaji (draft) and Amari Bailey (draft)
Who to watch: LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington
Ball is eligible for a five-year, $207 million rookie max extension, but has played only 162 games in three seasons. If the conversation is focused on the impact Ball has on the court during the regular season while also taking into account his upside, he is worth it. He averaged a career-high 23.3 points and 8.4 assists this season. The Hornets were 13-23 with Ball on the court this season and 14-32 with him inactive. However, Ball has played in zero playoff games -- neither had Zion Williamson before signing his max extension -- was ineffective in Charlotte's two play-in losses and has proved to be less than durable. Charlotte could take the same approach as New Orleans did with Williamson and include a games played clause that reduces the guaranteed amount of the contract and protects the organization if Ball continues to miss time.
Despite not playing this season, Bridges is still a restricted free agent if the Hornets tender him a $7.7 million qualifying offer before June 29. The forward was suspended 30 games (20 games were credited for missing the entire 2022-23 season) after pleading no contest to felony domestic violence. He'll miss the first 10 games of the season with whichever team he signs with.
Washington was the most durable player on the roster this past season, missing only four games because of a foot injury in February. He averaged career highs in points (15.7) and minutes (32.7).
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual and veteran minimum
Below the luxury tax: $56 million
Note: The Hornets could create cap space if they let Bridges and Washington walk
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The deadline to extend the rookie contract of Ball
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year option for Mark Williams and fourth-year option for James Bouknight and Kai Jones
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Starting frontcourt
Bench depth
Perimeter scoring
Extension-eligible: Ball (rookie), Gordon Hayward and JT Thor
Free agent status:
Miles Bridges | Restricted | Bird
P.J. Washington | Restricted | Bird
Svi Mykhailiuk | Non-Bird
Kelly Oubre Jr. | Early Bird
Dennis Smith Jr. | Non-Bird
Theo Maledon | Restricted | Non-Bird
Xavier Snead | Non-Bird
Chicago Bulls
Offseason transactions: Julian Phillips (draft) and Nikola Vucevic (extension)
Who to watch: Nikola Vucevic
The news that Lonzo Ball will likely miss the entire 2024-25 season and the fact that Patrick Beverley, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White are free agents, leaves the Bulls' backcourt vulnerable.
The Vucevic extension leaves Chicago with $27 million to split among the three guards if the goal is to remain below the $165 million luxury tax.
Dosunmu and White are restricted free agents and Chicago can exceed the cap to bring them back. The Bulls would need to dip into their $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception to sign Beverley to a contract worth more than the veteran's minimum.
DeMar DeRozan has averaged at least 20 points per game in each of the past 10 seasons. He is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $179 million extension. Patrick Williams is eligible to sign up to a five-year extension. After missing 65 games in 2021-22 with a wrist injury, Williams played in all 82 games this past season. He averaged a career high 10.2 points and shot greater than 46.5% from the field for a third consecutive season.
What else to watch:
The extension options for Patrick Williams
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual and veteran minimum
Below the luxury tax: $27 million
Below the $172M first apron: $33 million
Key dates:
July 7: The $1.8 million contract of Marko Simonovic becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Williams, Alex Caruso, Lonzo Ball
Oct. 24: The contract of Carlik Jones increases from $0 to $250K in protection
Players under contract: 9
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
3-point shooting
Ball handler
Starting point guard
Extension-eligible: DeRozan (as of July 11), Simonovic (as of July 12), Ball (as of July 8), Caruso (as of July 8) and Williams (rookie)
Free agent status:
Ayo Dosunmu | Restricted | Early Bird
Javonte Green | Bird
Derrick Jones Jr. | Player | Bird
Coby White | Restricted | Bird
Patrick Beverley | Non-Bird
Terry Taylor | Restricted | Non-Bird
Cleveland Cavaliers
Offseason transactions: Emoni Bates (draft)
Who to watch: Caris LeVert
Finding a compromise on a new contract for LeVert (something like two years, $36 million) is a priority this offseason.
LeVert was wildly inconsistent during the regular season, especially playing off the ball. Per Cleaning the Glass, LeVert ranked in the bottom percentile in effective field goal percentage and shot 36.4% during the regular season on attempts outside of 5 feet. LeVert averaged 12.5 points and shot 46.6% from 3 after the All-Star break.
If LeVert leaves for nothing, Cleveland would have the $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception to replace him.
What else to watch:
The direction with the $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel
The Donovan Mitchell extension
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual, trade ($3.9 million) and veteran minimum
Below the luxury tax: $36 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Mitchell and Isaac Okoro
Players under contract: 10
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Perimeter shooting
Starting small forward
Bench depth
Extension-eligible: LeVert (through June 30), Osman, Mitchell and Lamar Stevens
Free agent status:
Caris LeVert | Bird
Raul Neto | Non-Bird
Robin Lopez | Non-Bird
Danny Green | Non-Bird
Dylan Windler | Bird
Mamadi Diakite | Non-Bird
Isaiah Mobley | Restricted | Non-Bird
Dallas Mavericks
Offseason transactions: Dereck Lively II (draft), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (draft) and Richaun Holmes (trade)
Who to watch: Kyrie Irving
Irving is eligible to sign a five-year, $276 million contract and while there is no doubt that he is a max player, there should be some concern over the length of a new deal.
Irving has played fewer than 65 games in four consecutive seasons and considering that Luka Doncic could become a free agent in 2026, the Mavericks should not commit to Irving for more than three seasons. There also is the question on whom Dallas is bidding against. The Lakers are not likely to have cap space and the teams that do -- Indiana, San Antonio, Houston, Orlando -- either have their point guard of the future or are in the middle stages of rebuilding. Irving could take less money elsewhere or a team that is currently over the cap could create flexibility.
That would bring to a big decision Dallas could face: Can the Mavericks afford to lose Irving and Jalen Brunson in consecutive offseasons for nothing?
If Irving signs for a contract starting at $47 million, Dallas cannot use the full $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception because of the $172 million hard cap.
What else to watch:
How does this roster improve outside of re-signing Irving?
Identifying the trade value of Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, JaVale McGee and Reggie Bullock
Available exceptions: $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel, $4.5 million biannual, trade ($3.2 million) and veteran minimum
Below the luxury tax: $52 million
Below the $172M first apron: $59 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Hardaway and Josh Green
Players under contract: 10
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Wing defender
Bench depth
Extension eligible: Irving (through June 30), Dwight Powell (through June 30), Christian Wood (through June 30), Bullock, Hardaway (as of July 9) and Green (rookie)
Free agent status:
Kyrie Irving | Bird
Frank Ntilikina | Early Bird
Markieff Morris | Non-Bird
Justin Holiday | Non-Bird
Christian Wood | Bird
Theo Pinson | Early Bird
Dwight Powell | Bird
McKinley Wright | Non-Bird
Denver Nuggets
Offseason transactions: Julian Strawther (draft), Jalen Pickett (draft) and Hunter Tyson (draft)
Who to watch: Bruce Brown Jr.
Brown declined his $6.8 million player option for next season. Because the Nuggets are a tax team and Brown has non-Bird rights, the maximum starting salary that Denver can offer the guard is $7.8 million. For Brown to receive a greater payday, he would need to sacrifice financially for one season and then become a free agent again in 2024. He would then be allowed to sign a contract starting at $13.4 million. The financial downside is that Denver already has $169 million in committed 2024-25 salary and likely will be over the second apron.
What else to watch:
The Jamal Murray extension
The bench: Seven players drafted in the past three years
Available exceptions: Veteran minimum and three trade exceptions ($9.1 million, $2.2 million and $1.9 million)
Note: Denver could have access to the $5 million tax midlevel if Brown and Jeff Green do not return.
Above the $165M luxury tax: $1 million
Below the $172M first apron: $6 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $16 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Murray and Zeke Nnaji
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year options for Christian Braun and Peyton Watson
Players under contract: 10
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Perimeter defender
Shot blocking
Bench scoring
Extension eligible: Murray and Nnaji (rookie)
Free agent status:
Bruce Brown Jr. | Non-Bird
Jeff Green | Early Bird
DeAndre Jordan | Non-Bird
Thomas Bryant | Non-Bird
Reggie Jackson | Non-Bird
Ish Smith | Early Bird
Jack White | Restricted | Non-Bird
Collin Gillespie | Restricted | Non-Bird
Detroit Pistons
Offseason transactions: Ausar Thompson (draft) and Marcus Sasser (trade)
What to watch: Cap space
The Pistons enter the offseason with $30 million in cap space.
How Detroit maximizes its spending power is dependent on which playbook from the past three offseasons Weaver follows.
In his first season, Detroit signed starters Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee to lucrative contracts. In 2021, the Pistons broke up their space to sign role players Trey Lyles, Kelly Olynyk, Hamidou Diallo, Frank Jackson and Cory Joseph. In 2022, the Pistons used $20 million of their flexibility to acquire the contracts of Burks and Nerlens Noel and added two second-round picks from New York.
What else to watch:
The future of Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic
The rookie extensions: Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart and James Wiseman
Available exceptions: $7.7 million room midlevel and veteran minimum
Below the salary cap: $28 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The deadline to extend the contracts of Hayes, Stewart and Wiseman
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team options for Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren and the fourth-year team option for Cade Cunningham
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
A healthy Cunningham
Stretch power forward
Extension-eligible: Burks (as of July 18), Livers, Wiseman (rookie), Hayes (rookie) and Stewart (rookie)
Free agent status:
Hamidou Diallo | Bird
Cory Joseph | Bird
Rodney McGruder | Bird
Buddy Boeheim | Non-Bird
Jared Rhoden | Restricted | Non-Bird
Golden State Warriors
Offseason transactions: Chris Paul (trade), Brandin Podziemski (draft) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (draft)
Who to watch: Draymond Green and Klay Thompson
Removing Jordan Poole's four-year, $127 million salary and replacing him with Paul, who has one guaranteed year left on his contract, gives Golden State a clear runway to bring back Green and explore an extension for Thompson.
The question now is if Golden State commits more than three seasons and an average salary of $30 million to the 33-year-old Green, who ranks in the top 10 in total minutes played (including the playoffs) since the 2014-15 season.
The Warriors finished this season with a defensive rating of 109.6 with Green on the court and 115.3 when he was off. He held opponents to 39% shooting as the closest defender. That ranked second among players to contest at least 500 shots, trailing only Kevin Durant, according to Second Spectrum tracking.
In the unlikely scenario that Green leaves, Golden State is still above the second apron and would have only the veteran minimum exception to replace him.
After missing the better part of 2½ seasons, Thompson played 69 games in 2022-23, posting the third-best scoring average of his career. While he shot over 40% from deep for the ninth time in 10 seasons, he shot under 60% on layups and dunks for the first time since 2014-15. His 47% shooting on 2-pointers was his worst in a season under Steve Kerr.
He is eligible to sign a four-year, $220 million extension, but a contract that size is reckless considering that Thompson would be set to earn $61 million in 2027-28, when he turns 37. Additionally, the Warriors have no players (including Stephen Curry), under contract past 2026-27. Curry has three years left on his deal.
What else to watch:
The bench: Paul and a group of recent first-round picks.
Available exceptions: Veteran minimum and trade ($1.3 million)
Above the $165M luxury tax: $14.7 million
Above the $172M first apron: $8.7 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $1.7 million
Key dates:
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the fourth-year team options for Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga.
Players under contract: 9
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Stretch power forward
Bench versatility
Bench depth
Extension-eligible: Green (through June 30) and Thompson
Free agent status:
Draymond Green | Bird
Donte DiVincenzo | Non-Bird
JaMychal Green | Non-Bird
Andre Iguodala | Early Bird
Ty Jerome | Non-Bird
Anthony Lamb | Non-Bird
Lester Quinones | Restricted | Non-Bird
Houston Rockets
Offseason transactions: Amen Thompson (draft) and Cam Whitmore (draft)
What to watch: Cap space
The question facing the Rockets' front office is if there is a middle ground to improve the roster in free agency (or also in trades) while retaining future flexibility and not compromising the development of their young core?
Houston has the third-youngest roster in the NBA but has finished with 14, 20 and 21 wins in the past three seasons since James Harden was traded to Brooklyn.
Speaking of Harden, the Rockets enter the offseason with a league high $64 million in cap space, enough to sign the former MVP to a contract starting at $47 million.
However, the smart play would be to break up cap space and spend on multiple players (Fred VanVleet, Bruce Brown Jr. and Dillon Brooks for example) instead of one.
What else to watch:
The expiring contract of Kenyon Martin Jr.
Available exceptions: $7.7 million room midlevel and veteran minimum
Below the $136M salary cap: $66 million
Key dates:
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team options for Jabari Smith Jr., TyTy Washington Jr. and Tari Eason and the fourth-year team options for Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Starting point guard
Player development
Perimeter defenders
Extension eligible: Martin
Free agent status:
Boban Marjanovic | Non-Bird
Darius Days | Non-Bird | Restricted
Trevor Hudgins | Non-Bird | Restricted
Willie Cauley-Stein | Non-Bird
D.J. Augustin | Non-Bird
Frank Kaminsky | Non-Bird
Indiana Pacers
Offseason transactions: Jarace Walker (draft), Ben Sheppard (draft), Mojave King (draft) and Isaiah Wong (draft)
Who to watch: Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton is likely to join an elite company this offseason.
Not since 2013, when Indiana signed Paul George, has a Pacers player signed a Designated Rookie Veteran extension. Haliburton is eligible to sign a five-year, $207 million contract, the largest in franchise history.
The only item to negotiate should be whether the extension includes All-NBA escalator language and a player option. If Haliburton earned All-NBA in the 2023-24 season, the total value of the contract would increase from $204 million to $245 million. Since the 2021 offseason, seven players have signed rookie max extensions with two players, Luka Doncic and Trae Young, having a player option. All seven players also had a variation of All-NBA escalator language in their contracts.
What else to watch:
Does Indiana rent out cap space for one year?
The veterans: T.J. McConnell, Buddy Hield and Myles Turner
Available exceptions: $7.7 million room midlevel and veteran minimum
Below the $136M salary cap: $32 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Haliburton, McConnell, Aaron Nesmith and Daniel Theis
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option for Bennedict Mathurin and fourth-year team options for Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Frontcourt depth
3-point shooting
Wing defender
Extension eligible: Haliburton (rookie), Nesmith (rookie), McConnell, Hield and Theis
Free agent status:
Oshae Brissett | Bird
George Hill | Early Bird
James Johnson | Non-Bird
Kendall Brown | Non-Bird | Restricted
Gabe York | Non-Bird
LA Clippers
Offseason transactions: Kobe Brown (draft) and Jordan Miller (draft)
Who to watch: Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden
The Clippers shuffled through John Wall, Reggie Jackson, Terance Mann and eventually Westbrook at point guard in 2022-23.
Because Westbrook signed a one-year contract and the Clippers are a tax team, the most they can sign the guard to is $3.8 million. If Westbrook leaves, that would leave Mann as the projected starting point guard next season. The Clippers averaged 117 points and went 12-7 in the games Mann started at point guard in 2022-23.
Leonard and George have $48 million player options for the 2024-25 season and can be extended an additional four years for $220 million (Leonard starting on July 12 and George on Sept. 1). But is that a wise investment considering that George and Leonard have played only 41% of regular season and playoff games since 2019?
And finally, should the Clippers entertain trading for Harden even if they only have him for one year?
LA has the expiring contracts of Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris Sr. and Norman Powell to move in a deal. They also have the possibility of including two first-round picks (2028 and 2030).
What else to watch:
The expiring contracts: Covington, Morris and Batum
Available exceptions: Veteran minimum and trade ($2.1 million)
Above the $165M luxury tax: $18.4 million
Above the $172M first apron: $11.3 million
Above the $182.5M second apron: $868K
Key dates:
June 30: The $1.8 million contract of Brandon Boston Jr. becomes guaranteed
July 2: The $1.8 million contract of Jason Preston becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend Mann's contract
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Health
Stability at point guard
Backup center
Extension eligible: Mason Plumlee (through June 30), George (as of Sept. 1), Leonard (as of July 12), Preston (as of July 9), Boston (as of July 9), Marcus Morris Sr. and Mann (as of Oct. 1)
Free agent status:
Xavier Moon | Non-Bird
Mason Plumlee | Bird
Moussa Diabate | Restricted | Non-Bird
Russell Westbrook | Non-Bird
Los Angeles Lakers
Offseason transactions: Jalen Hood-Schifino (draft) and Maxwell Lewis (draft)
Who to watch: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and roster flexibility
Reaves and Hachimura are a priority.
In the final 11 games of the regular season, Reaves averaged 19.8 points and 6.1 assists on 58/46/90 shooting splits. When he shared the floor with LeBron James and Anthony Davis during the regular season, the Lakers outscored their opponents by 14.3 points per 100 possessions. Reaves averaged 16.9 points and shot 44.2% on 3-pointers in the postseason. He ranked third on the team in scoring in the postseason, only behind James and Davis.
Reaves is a restricted free agent and because he signed a two-year contract, the maximum the Lakers can sign him is to a four-year $53 million contract. Because of the Arenas provision, the Lakers can match any offer sheet even if a team backloads the contract.
The Lakers extended Hachimura a $7.7 million qualifying offer, making the forward a restricted forward. In the playoffs, Hachimura shot 58.8% from the field, 52.8% on 3-pointers and ranked third in the NBA (only behind Bruce Brown Jr. and Malcolm Brogdon) in points scored off the bench.
In the likely scenario that both are re-signed, the Lakers could use the $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, re-sign free agent Lonnie Walker IV and remain comfortably below the luxury tax.
The Lakers could create $30 million in room, but that would require all their free agents except for Reaves to be renounced.
There is a scenario where the Lakers could have $19 million in room, but that would require Hachimura to sign for a contract that starts at $12 million.
What else to watch:
An extension for Davis
Available exceptions: $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel, $4.5 million biannual, veteran minimum and trade ($2.7 million, $2.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.8 million)
Below the luxury tax: $65 million
Players under contract: 6
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Ball handler
3-point shooting
Frontcourt depth
Extension eligible: D'Angelo Russell (through June 30), Davis (as of Aug. 4) and Vanderbilt
Free agent status:
Troy Brown Jr. | Non-Bird
D'Angelo Russell | Bird
Malik Beasley | Bird
Tristan Thompson | Non-Bird
Wenyen Gabriel | Non-Bird
Rui Hachimura | Restricted | Bird
Austin Reaves | Restricted | Early Bird
Dennis Schroder | Non-Bird
Lonnie Walker IV | Non-Bird
Scotty Pippen Jr. | Non-Bird
Memphis Grizzlies
Offseason transactions: Marcus Smart (trade), Gregory Jackson II (draft) and Tarik Biberovic (draft)
What to watch: The search for a starting small forward
The Grizzlies are not expected to bring Dillon Brooks back, leaving a gaping hole at small forward.
Memphis has former first-round picks Ziaire Williams and David Roddy as options to replace him, or the Grizzlies could use their $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
The group of available small forwards that fit a portion of the mid-level criteria include Georges Niang, Kelly Oubre Jr., Torrey Craig, Jalen McDaniels, Josh Richardson, Joe Ingles and Cam Reddish.
Williams started 31 games as a rookie in place of Brooks, but dealt with various injuries in 2022-23. The Grizzlies could also do a sign-and-trade to get back assets rather than letting Brooks walk, but Brooks would have to agree and his new contract would have to be at least three years (though only the first year has to be guaranteed).
What else to watch:
The rookie extension of Desmond Bane
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual and veteran minimum
Below the $165M luxury tax: $24 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Desmond Bane
Players under contract: 14
Two-Way players: 1
Team needs:
Starting small forward
3-point shooting
Extension eligible: Brooks (thru 6/30), Bane (rookie), Xavier Tillman, Luke Kennard (as of 9/30)
Free-agent status:
Dillon Brooks | Bird
Miami Heat
Offseason transactions: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (draft)
Who to watch: Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and star searching
The Heat have Vincent's Bird rights and can exceed the cap to re-sign him despite their high payroll.
Vincent started 34 games this season in place of Kyle Lowry, averaging 10.8 points on 43% shooting from the field, 36% on 3s and 90% at the line. In the Game 3 win against Boston in the Eastern Conference finals, Vincent scored a career-high 29 points and made six 3-pointers.
The Heat have to decide if Strus is a priority or luxury especially with Tyler Herro's $120 million extension set to begin. Strus played the most games (80) of any Heat player in 2022-23, averaging 11.5 points on 35% shooting from 3. A hypothetical $10 million salary for each player would cost the Heat an additional $70 million in luxury tax penalties.
Because of the projected second apron next year, Miami also has a one-year window if it wishes to aggregate salaries and trade for an All-Star player like Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.
Starting next offseason, the Heat could face additional challenges in trading a package of Herro, Duncan Robinson and draft compensation for a player earning $45 million.
What else to watch:
Bam Adebayo's extension
Available exceptions: Veteran minimum and trade ($4.7 million)
Over the $165M luxury tax: $11.7 million
Over the $172M first apron: $7.1 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $3.4 million
Key dates:
July 15: The $1.9 million contract of Haywood Highsmith becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Adebayo
Oct. 31: The last date to exercise the third-year team option for Nikola Jovic
Players under contract: 10
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Guard depth
Frontcourt size
3-point shooting
Extension eligible: Lowry and Adebayo (as of July 14)
Free agent status:
Max Strus | Bird
Kevin Love | Non-Bird
Gabe Vincent | Bird
Omer Yurtseven | Bird
Jamal Cain | Restricted | Non-Bird
Orlando Robinson | Restricted | Non-Bird
Udonis Haslem | Bird
Milwaukee Bucks
Offseason transactions: Andre Jackson Jr. (draft) and Chris Livingston (draft)
Who to watch: Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez
Since the 2020-21 season, Milwaukee has paid $136 million toward the luxury tax. That figure is likely to increase if Lopez and Middleton sign new contracts.
Lopez led the NBA in total blocks and total contested shots per Second Spectrum tracking. His 1,362 shots contested were 445 more than any player. Lopez held opponents to 50.2% shooting at the rim, third-best among players to defend at least 100 shots per Second Spectrum. He also helped on more drives than any other player in the league, which played a role in the Bucks having the second-best defense against drives in the regular season.
Middleton has played more than 20,000 minutes since the 2013-14 season. During the four-season span from 2017-18 to 2020-21, he shot 44.4% on off-the-dribble jumpers, which ranked fourth-best among 44 players with at least 1,000 attempts per Second Spectrum tracking, trailing only Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. But in the past two seasons, that percentage has dropped to 39.5%, which ranks middle of the pack.
Middleton has missed 67 games over the past two seasons with various injuries after missing just 73 games in his first eight seasons in Milwaukee.
Because the Bucks will be a repeater tax team (fourth straight season), signing both players and then building out the bench likely will see them pay a significant tax penalty.
What else to watch:
The Giannis Antetokounmpo extension (starting in September)
The depth of the roster
Available exceptions: $12.4 million non-tax, $4.5 million biannual and veteran minimum
Note: Milwaukee likely does not have the $5 million taxpayer midlevel if Lopez and Middleton are both re-signed.
Below the $165M luxury tax: $50 million
Below the $172M first apron: $52 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $62 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Antetokounmpo
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option for MarJon Beauchamp
Players under contract: 7
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Middleton and Lopez
Wing depth
Frontcourt depth
Extension eligible: Grayson Allen (as of Oct. 1), Antetokounmpo (as of Sept. 22) and Middleton (through June 30)
Free agent status:
Thanasis Antetokounmpo | Bird
Joe Ingles | Non-Bird
Jae Crowder | Bird
Brook Lopez | Bird
Wesley Matthews | Early Bird
Khris Middleton | Bird
Goran Dragic | Non-Bird
Meyers Leonard | Non-Bird
AJ Green | Restricted | Non-Bird
Minnesota Timberwolves
Offseason transactions: Leonard Miller (draft) and Jaylen Clark (draft)
Who to watch: Anthony Edwards
Expect an extension for Edwards to be a priority.
The All-Star is eligible to sign a five-year, $207 million extension that could increase to $249 million if All-NBA escalator language is included. In the games without Karl-Anthony Towns, Edwards averaged 25.5 points and shot 38% from 3. He ranked in the top 10 in total points off drives per Second Spectrum.
A rookie max extension for Edwards would make the Timberwolves the second team in 2024-25 with three players on a max deal. The other is the Denver Nuggets, who won the championship this past season (after beating the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs). The Phoenix Suns have four max players.
What else to watch:
The Jaden McDaniels rookie extension
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual, veteran minimum and trade ($4.4 million and $3.7 million)
Below the luxury tax: $7.6 million
Below the $172M first apron: $4.6 million
Key dates:
June 30: The $2.3 million contract of Jordan McLaughlin becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Edwards, McDaniels and Rudy Gobert
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option for Wendell Moore Jr.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
3-point shooting
Bench depth
A healthy Towns
Extension-eligible: Jaylen Nowell (through June 30), Edwards (rookie), McDaniels (rookie), McLaughlin (as of Sept. 5) and Gobert (as of Sept. 30)
Free agent status:
Austin Rivers | Non-Bird
Nathan Knight | Early Bird
Jaylen Nowell | Bird
Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Bird
Luka Garza | Restricted | Non-Bird
Matt Ryan | Restricted | Non-Bird
New Orleans Pelicans
Offseason transactions: Jordan Hawkins (draft)
What to watch: The luxury tax and Herbert Jones
The Pelicans roster is top heavy, with 66% of salary committed to Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram.
As a result, New Orleans is $2.8 million below the luxury tax and will exceed the threshold if Jones, a restricted free agent, signs a new contract. The Pelicans have early Bird rights on Jones and the maximum contract they can sign him to is four years, $53 million.
The former second round pick has started 94% of the games he has played since last season, averaging 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds. Jones ranked in the top-10 in deflections and charges drawn and ranked in the 98th percentile at his position in steals per Cleaning the Glass.
What else to watch:
The health of Williamson
Available exceptions: $5 million taxpayer midlevel and veteran minimum
Below the luxury tax: $7.2 million
Below the $172M first apron: $14.3 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $24.1 million
Key dates:
July 7: The $5.4 million contract of Garrett Temple becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Brandon Ingram and Kira Lewis Jr.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option for Dyson Daniels and fourth-year team option for Trey Murphy III.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 2
Team needs:
Point guard that controls the game
Rim protector
A healthy Williamson
3-point shooting
Extension eligible: Lewis (rookie), Marshall, Temple (as of July 8), Jonas Valanciunas (as of Oct. 20), Ingram (as of July 14)
Free agent status:
Herbert Jones | Restricted | Early Bird
Willy Hernangomez | Early Bird
Josh Richardson | Bird
Jaxson Hayes | Bird
New York Knicks
Offseason transactions: None
Who to watch: Josh Hart and Immanuel Quickley
Hart opted in to his $12.9 million contract and is now eligible to sign up to a four-year, $81 million extension.
Among all guards in the regular season, Hart ranked third in rebounds (behind Luka Doncic and Josh Giddey) and second in offensive rebounds (behind only Giddey). Opponents shot 41% when Hart was the contesting defender in his 25 games with the Knicks. That ranked in the top-10 among more than 100 players to contest 250 shots after Feb. 10 according to Second Spectrum tracking.
The opt-in now allows New York to use the full $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
In 21 games as a starter, Quickley averaged 22.6 points, 5.1 assists, 47% from the field and 40% on 3-pointers. He ranked in the top 10 in field goal percentage allowed as the closest defender among players to defend at least 500 shots per Second Spectrum.
The guard is eligible to sign a five-year extension up until Oct. 23.
What else to watch:
Rookie extension for Obi Toppin
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual and veteran minimum
Below the luxury tax: $8.5 million
Below the $172M first apron: $11 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $21.4 million
Key dates:
July 16: The Jericho Sims $600K in protection increases to $1.2 million
Aug.16: The Sims $1.9 million contract becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Immanuel Quickley and Julius Randle
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the fourth-year team option for Quentin Grimes
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Bench scoring
Defensive-minded power forward
Roster continuity
Extension-eligible: McBride, Hart, Evan Fournier, Quickley (rookie) and Obi Toppin (rookie)
Free-agent status:
Josh Hart | Bird
Derrick Rose | Bird
Duane Washington Jr. | Non-Bird | Restricted
Trevor Keels | Non-Bird | Restricted
Oklahoma City Thunder
Offseason transactions: Cason Wallace (draft) and Keyontae Johnson (draft)
What to watch: Cap space and patience
Like any young team that tastes success, the question always turns to what is next.
The answer in Oklahoma City is to stick with the principles that have led to building a sustainable roster.
The Thunder entered the offseason with $32 million in cap space but used $17 million to acquire Davis Bertans, which allowed Oklahoma City to move up two slots in the first round and select guard Cason Wallace.
In the new collective bargaining agreement, teams are required to spend $122.4 million (90%) of the $136 million salary cap by the first day of the regular season. If their opening night payroll comes in lower than that, the team is required to pay the difference to the NBA, and it gets distributed to all players in the league. Starting in 2024-25 if a team fails to meet the salary floor then it is no longer eligible for the end-of-season cash distribution to non-taxpaying teams.
The Thunder also have a treasure chest of draft assets and young players to target an All-Star who might be made available. However, the timeline is different from 2017 when they acquired All-Star Paul George in a blockbuster trade. The Thunder are still very much in the middle stages of development and analyzing their own roster. Until there is a greater body of work to see who fits, Oklahoma City should be in a holding pattern.
What else to watch:
Balancing the roster: 15 players under contract
Available exceptions: $7.7 million room midlevel and veteran minimum
Below the salary cap: $15 million
Key dates:
June 30: The $1.9 million contract of Jeremiah Robinson-Earl becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Aleksej Pokusevski
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team options for Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Ousmane Dieng and the fourth-year team options for Josh Giddey and Tre Mann.
Players under contract: 15
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
3-point shooting
Shot blocker
Player development
Extension eligible: Dario Saric (through June 30), Pokusevski (rookie) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (if team option is exercised)
Free agent status:
Dario Saric | Bird
Olivier Sarr | Non-Bird
Orlando Magic
Offseason transactions: Anthony Black (draft) and Jett Howard (draft)
What to watch: Cap flexibility
The Magic project to have $22 million in cap space, which could double if Gary Harris and Jonathan Isaac are waived. Orlando could upgrade the shooting guard position or take a conservative approach, retaining future flexibility.
The Magic ranked 24th in 3-point shooting percentage and Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner are the only players on guaranteed contracts in 2024-25 (Orlando's two first-round picks will join that group once they're signed).
Last offseason the Magic had the option to create room but elected to retain their own free agents: Harris, Bol Bol and Mo Bamba. The last time Orlando had cap space was in 2017, the first year under president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman.
What else to watch:
The crowded backcourt: Black, Suggs, Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony
Anthony's rookie extension
Available exceptions: $7.7 million room midlevel and veteran minimum
Below the salary cap: $22 million
Key dates:
June 30: The contracts of Bol ($2M), Fultz ($17M) and Harris ($13M) become guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Isaac, Anthony and Chuma Okeke
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option for Banchero and fourth-year team options for Suggs and Franz Wagner
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Starting shooting guard who can complement Banchero and Franz Wagner
Wing depth
Shooting (24th in 3-pt%)
Extension eligible: Fultz, Isaac (as of Sept. 30), Okeke (rookie) and Anthony (rookie)
Free agent status:
Moritz Wagner | Bird
Admiral Schofield | Early Bird
Michael Carter-Williams | Early Bird
Philadelphia 76ers
Offseason transactions: None
Who to watch: James Harden and Tyrese Maxey
Harden opted in to his $35.6 million contract for next season and as Adrian Wojnarowski reported, the two sides are now expected to explore a trade.
The challenge for Philadelphia to get full value in a trade is that Harden is in the last year of his contract, is not extension eligible and will turn 35 years old in the 2024 offseason.
Teams are likely hesitant to give up valuable assets knowing that the former MVP could leave as a free agent in 2024.
In his 41 starts this season, Maxey averaged 22.3 points, shot 49.2% from the field and 45.5% from 3. In the minutes Maxey and Harden shared the court, the 76ers outscored opponents by 153 points. Maxey ranked in the top 10 in effective goal percentage in transition this season, according to Second Spectrum tracking.
Maxey is likely not a max player (although you can make the argument that neither is Darius Garland, who did get a max rookie extension) but could see a starting salary at $31 million. The first-year salary is 21% of the cap, comparable to the extensions Jordan Poole and Tyler Herro signed last October.
He is eligible to sign an extension up until Oct. 23.
What else to watch:
The expiring contracts: Danuel House Jr., Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton, Furkan Korkmaz
Available exceptions: $5 million taxpayer midlevel and veteran minimum
Note: A Harden contract that starts at $47.6 million eliminates Philadelphia from having the $5 million taxpayer midlevel exception.
Below the luxury tax: $7.2 million
Below the $172M first apron: $14.3 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $24.7 million
Key dates:
July 3: The $8 million contract of Melton becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Maxey
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the fourth-year team option for Jaden Springer
Players under contract: 9
Two-way players: 0
Team needs: Perimeter scoring Bench depth 3-and-D wing
Extension eligible: Shake Milton (through June 30), Jalen McDaniels (through June 30), Reed (through June 30), Maxey (rookie), Harris, Melton and Korkmaz (as of July 9)
Free agent status:
Montrezl Harrell | Non-Bird
Jalen McDaniels | Bird
Shake Milton | Bird
Georges Niang | Early Bird
Paul Reed | Bird | Restricted
Mac McClung | Restricted
Louis King | Restricted
Phoenix Suns
Offseason transactions: Bradley Beal (trade), Jordan Goodwin (trade), Isaiah Todd (trade) and Toumani Camara (draft)
What to watch: Roster depth
The Bradley Beal trade has Phoenix with four players on max contracts and pushed up against the $182.5 million second apron. As a result, the Suns do not have the $5 million taxpayer midlevel and have limited options for how they can build out their bench.
Phoenix could bring back Josh Okogie, Torrey Craig, Jock Landale, T.J. Warren, Darius Bazley and Bismack Biyombo, and then try to find bargains in free agency. Landale, Biyombo and Craig have early Bird rights, meaning the Suns can sign them to new contracts with a starting salary of up to $11.9 million (and a minimum of two seasons). Landale is also a restricted free agent.
Okogie and Warren signed a one-year minimum contract last offseason and cannot sign a contract exceeding $2.8 million. Bazley has Bird rights, and Phoenix can sign him to a first year salary up to 25% of the salary cap.
What else to watch:
Is Deandre Ayton part of the future or a trade asset?
Available exceptions: Veteran minimum and trade ($5 million)
Over the $165M luxury tax: $10 million
Over the $172M first apron: $3 million
Below the $182.5M second apron: $7.4 million
Players under contract: 8
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Bench scoring
Frontcourt depth
Stability at point guard
Extension eligible: Payne
Free-agent status:
Bismack Biyombo | Early Bird
Torrey Craig | Early Bird
Jock Landale | Restricted | Early Bird
Damion Lee | Non-Bird
Terrence Ross | Non-Bird
Josh Okogie | Non-Bird
Darius Bazley | Bird
T.J. Warren | Non-Bird
Saben Lee | Restricted | Non-Bird
Portland Trail Blazers
Offseason transactions: Scoot Henderson (draft), Kris Murray (draft) and Rayan Rupert (draft)
What to watch: The Damian Lillard timeline and Jerami Grant
Lillard has to ask himself the hard question: Does the current roster fit the timeline of competing for a championship?
If it doesn't, does he ask out for the first time in his career or does the All-NBA guard patiently wait for the young roster to develop and for general manager Joe Cronin to make upgrades to the roster?
The Trail Blazers do not have cap space and -- outside of trading Anfernee Simons or Shaedon Sharpe -- the roster upgrades this offseason will likely consist of re-signing free agents Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle.
Grant averaged 18.8 points on 38% shooting from 3 after the All-Star break. However, he saw his percentage drop significantly from 62% on layups and dunks prior to the All-Star break to 49% after the break per Second Spectrum. Portland would not have any cap space if it loses Grant to another team.
What else to watch:
The restricted free agents: Thybulle
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual, veteran minimum and trade ($8.3 million and $2.6 million)
Below the $165M luxury tax: $40.5 million
Below the $172M first apron: $47.7 million
Key dates:
June 30: The $1.8 million contract of Trendon Watford becomes guaranteed
July 20: The $1.7 million contract of Jabari Walker becomes guaranteed
Aug. 1: The $1.7 million contact of Jeenathan Williams becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Keon Johnson
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third year team option for Sharpe
Players under contract: 10
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Defensive identity
Starting frontcourt
Bench depth
Extension eligible: Grant (through June 30)
Free agent status:
Drew Eubanks | Early Bird
Jerami Grant | Bird
Matisse Thybulle | Restricted | Bird
Cam Reddish | Bird
Kevin Knox II | Team | Non-Bird
Ryan Arcidiacono | Non-Bird
Justise Winslow | Early Bird
Ibou Badji | Restricted | Non-Bird
John Butler Jr. | Restricted | Non-Bird
Brian Windhorst speculates that the Kings could have something up their sleeve after their moves on draft night.
Sacramento Kings
Offseason transactions: Harrison Barnes (extension), Colby Jones (draft) and Jalen Slawson (draft)
What to watch: Cap space and Domantas Sabonis
The Kings still have three different paths, even after inking Barnes to an extension:
Use their available cap space to renegotiate Sabonis' $22 million contract and then extend him for an additional four seasons. In this scenario, Sabonis' 2023-24 salary is increased to $30 million and then extended for a maximum of four years and $192 million. In this scenario, the Kings could retain Trey Lyles and still have $10 million in room available. They would also have the $7.7 million room midlevel exception.
They could bypass renegotiation talks with Sabonis and use $18 million in space to fill out the roster. They could also keep Lyles in this scenario.
The last is to act as a team over cap space and preserve the $12.4 million non-tax midlevel exception. The Kings could also bring back Lyles but would not be allowed to renegotiate a new contract for Sabonis.
What else to watch:
The De'Aaron Fox extension
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual and veteran
Note: The Kings will have the $7.7 million room exception if they create cap space
Under the luxury tax: $50.3 million
Key dates:
July 10: The $2.4 million contract of PJ Dozier becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The last day to extend Fox's contract
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option for Keegan Murray and fourth-year team option for Davion Mitchell
Players under contract: 8
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Starting power forward
Shot blocker
Wing defender
Extension eligible: Sabonis (renegotiation eligible also) and Fox (as of July 8).
Free agent status:
Harrison Barnes | Bird
Terence Davis | Bird
Matthew Dellavedova | Non-Bird
Alex Len | Early Bird
Trey Lyles | Early Bird
Chimezie Metu | Bird
Neemias Queta | Restricted | Early Bird
Keon Ellis | Restricted | Non-Bird
Bobby Marks goes through the different moves San Antonio can make to build around Victor Wembanyama.
San Antonio Spurs
Offseason transactions: Victor Wembanyama (draft) and Sidy Cissoko (draft)
What to watch: Tre Jones and cap flexibility
The Spurs once again have cap space. If their free agent holds are wiped clean -- except for Jones, a restricted free agent -- San Antonio projects to have $35 million in space.
Jones is eligible to sign a four-year extension until June 30, after which he'll become a restricted free agent. Jones averaged a career-high 12.9 points and 6.6 assists this season. The Spurs had a 13.9% turnover percentage when Jones was on the floor. That rises to 16.0% when he is off.
The Spurs will also decide if they look to improve the roster via free agency or trades, or if they continue picking up draft assets while taking on unwanted contracts. The trades to acquire Devonte' Graham and Khem Birch netted San Antonio a first-round pick and six seconds. They also received a future second from Miami for taking back Dewayne Dedmon's contract.
What else to watch:
Devin Vassell's rookie extension
Available exceptions: $7.7 million room and veteran minimum
Below the salary cap: $33 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contracts of Vassell and Graham
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team options for Malaki Branham, Jeremy Sochan and Blake Wesley
Players under contract: 11
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Starting point guard and center
Shooting to surround Wembanyama
Bench depth
Extension eligible: Jones (through June 30), Birch, Graham, Vassell (rookie) and Zach Collins (as of July 11)
Free agent status:
Keita Bates-Diop | Bird
Tre Jones | Restricted | Bird
Romeo Langford | Bird
Sandro Mamukelashvili | Early Bird
Dominick Barlow | Restricted | Non-Bird
Julian Champagnie | Restricted | Non-Bird
Toronto Raptors
Offseason transactions: Gradey Dick (draft)
Who to watch: Masai Ujiri
Unlike the trade deadline when Toronto's only big move was adding Jakob Poeltl, Ujiri and his front office now face contractual decisions with their top six players (outside of Scottie Barnes), starting with All-Star Fred VanVleet.
Is there a comfort level on a contract with a starting salary of $30 million, or do the Raptors look for sign-and-trade opportunities, similar to two years ago with Kyle Lowry?
Next is the salary level on a new deal with Poeltl.
Gary Trent Jr. opted in to his contract and is eligible to sign an extension. Do the Raptors ink him to a two-year deal and then look for trade suitors?
Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby are extension eligible and can become free agents in 2024.
The change in extension rules gives Toronto an extra $16 million they can offer Anunoby in a deal. A four-year, $116 million deal would start at $26.1 million and replace his $19.2 million player option in 2024-25.
Siakam is eligible to sign a four-year, $192 million max extension in July.
What else to watch:
Siakam's extension
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual and veteran minimum
Below the $165M luxury tax: $39.5 million
Key dates:
June 30: The $8 million contract of Thaddeus Young becomes guaranteed
July 18: The $1.9 million salary of Joe Wieskamp becomes guaranteed
Oct. 23: The deadline to extend the contracts of Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option for Barnes
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Guard depth
Shot blocking
Perimeter shooting
Extension eligible: Poeltl (through June 30), Siakam, VanVleet (through June 30), Trent, Anunoby (as of Sept. 30), Achiuwa (rookie) and Flynn (rookie)
Free agent status:
Fred VanVleet | Bird
Jakob Poetl | Bird
Will Barton | Non-Bird
Jeff Dowtin | Restricted | Non-Bird
Ron Harper Jr. | Restricted | Non-Bird
Dalano Banton | Early Bird
Utah Jazz
Offseason transactions: John Collins (trade) Taylor Hendricks (draft), Keyonte George (draft) and Brice Sensabaugh (draft)
What to watch: Cap flexibility and Jordan Clarkson
The Jazz got a jump on free agency when they agreed to acquire starting power forward John Collins and the $78 million left on his contract.
Collins' $25.3 million salary for 2023-24 goes into cap space, leaving the Jazz with $7.5 million of flexibility. That could increase to $11.5 million if Luka Samanic and Vernon Carey Jr. are waived.
The next order of business is to find common ground on a new contract for Clarkson. The former Sixth Man of the Year started all 61 games he played in 2022-23, averaging career-highs in points (20.8), field-goal attempts (16.9) and assists (4.4).
What else to watch:
Balancing the roster: 16 players under contract
Available exceptions: $7.7 million room and veteran minimum
Below the salary cap: $7.5 million
Key dates:
July 18: The contract protection of Luka Samanic increases from $0 to $400K
Oct. 23: The last day to extend the contract of Lauri Markkanen
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team options for Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji
Players under contract: 16
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Starting point guard
3-point shooting
Frontcourt depth
Extension eligible: Clarkson (through June 30 and next season if player option exercised), Olynyk, Talen Horton-Tucker and Markkanen (as of Aug. 6)
Free agent status:
Udoka Azubuike | Fourth-year restriction
Juan Toscano-Anderson | Non-Bird
Johnny Juzang | Restricted | Non-Bird
Washington Wizards
Offseason transactions: Jordan Poole (trade), Tyus Jones (trade), Danilo Gallinari (trade), Mike Muscala (trade), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (trade), Ryan Rollins (trade), Landry Shamet (trade), Bilal Coulibaly (draft) and Tristan Vukcevic (draft)
Who to watch: Michael Winger
At his introductory news conference new team president Michael Winger gave a preview of what the offseason could look like.
"Full authority to reset the team, if that's what we decide to do,'' Winger said. "We just haven't sat down and figured it out yet.''
Five transactions later, Winger and his front office have indeed reset the roster, but the front office still has work to do this offseason.
It starts with the free agency of Kyle Kuzma and determining if the forward fits with the retooling of the roster. If not, is there a sign-and-trade opportunity that would gain the Wizards draft compensation?
Next is a guard-heavy roster that features Poole, Jones, Coulibaly, Shamet, Monte Morris, Delon Wright and Corey Kispert. It is hard to see the Wizards starting training camp with all seven players on the roster.
What else to watch:
Balancing the roster: 16 players under contract
Available exceptions: $12.4 million midlevel, $4.5 million biannual, trade ($12.4 million, $5.4 million , $2.7 million, $1.6 million) and veteran minimum
Below the luxury tax: $43 million
Key dates:
Oct. 23: The deadline to extend the contract of Deni Avdija
Oct. 23: The last day to exercise the third-year team option for Johnny Davis and fourth-year team option for Kispert
Players under contract: 16
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Frontcourt depth
Extension eligible: Morris and Avdija (rookie)
Free agent status:
Taj Gibson | Non-Bird
Kyle Kuzma | Bird
Kendrick Nunn | Early Bird
Jay Huff | Non-Bird
Bird rights explainer
Bird rights
A team can exceed the cap to sign a free agent who has played three consecutive seasons with his current team. Bird rights transfer to a new team in a trade.
Early Bird rights
Teams can exceed the cap to sign a player who has spent two consecutive seasons with a team (without being waived, carries over in a trade), but they are restricted to 175% of his previous salary or 105% of the average player salary. A team can exceed either limit with available cap space. A contract signed using the early Bird exception must be for a minimum of two years, not including options. It cannot exceed four years.
Non-Bird rights
A free agent who has played one season with a team can sign for 120% of his previous contract or 120% of the minimum salary exception. Teams can exceed either limit but only with cap space or an exception.
Restricted free agent
A free agent either coming off his first-round rookie contract or who has signed a three-year contract and has three or fewer years of service can be given a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent. In that case, his current team would have the right to match any offer. If the player is coming off a one-year or two-year deal, the maximum salary in the first year on an offer sheet from another team cannot exceed the full midlevel.
NOTE: A first-round pick who had his third-year or fourth-year option in his rookie-scale contract declined cannot be extended a qualifying offer and becomes an unrestricted free agent. His current team is limited to offering a contract with a first-year salary worth up to the value of the declined option.