As the 2025 NBA playoffs unfold and the 14 lottery teams are set, our focus shifts to how each eliminated NBA franchise should navigate their upcoming offseason, covering the draft, free agency, and potential trade activity.
Which teams eliminated from contention are just one move away from competing for a championship? Which lottery-bound clubs will secure the top pick and the opportunity to select Cooper Flagg? How quickly can teams like the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and Charlotte Hornets accelerate their rebuilding efforts?
We`re analyzing the potential strategic moves for every franchise, including an assessment of their current roster, financial standing, key front-office priorities, players to watch for extensions, team needs, and future draft capital.
Eliminated in Playoffs
Detroit Pistons
- 2024-25 record: 44-38
- Draft picks in June: No. 37 (via Toronto)
- Free agents: Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder, Paul Reed and Daniss Jenkins (R)
State of the roster: The Detroit Pistons were arguably the biggest success story of the NBA season. After winning just 14 games the previous year, they more than tripled their win total, marking a significant improvement and becoming one of the few teams in league history to achieve such a jump (over 30 wins). The challenging rebuild that began in 2008 has shown considerable progress, at least for now. There are several key factors behind this turnaround.
Cade Cunningham`s health and the strategic roster construction around him have been pivotal, leading to the former No. 1 pick earning his first All-Star selection and likely All-NBA honors. After signing a rookie extension last July, Cunningham is under contract for the next five seasons.
The hiring of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has also instilled a clear identity in Detroit. This season, the Pistons ranked 10th in defensive efficiency, ninth in opponent field goal percentage, fifth in paint points allowed, and ninth in blocks. Last year, they were ranked in the 20s across these categories, including 25th in efficiency.
Under GM Trajan Langdon, Detroit prioritized surrounding their young core with veteran shooters like Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, and Dennis Schroder. The Pistons improved significantly in 3-point shooting, climbing from last place to a respectable 17th this season.
Building on this momentum is the next challenge. While Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson are all under contract for next season, the Pistons face decisions regarding their veterans. Schroder, Beasley, and Hardaway Jr. are all free agents. Financially, Detroit is well-positioned to either retain these three or aggressively pursue options in free agency and trades, even with the first year of Cunningham`s max extension starting. No player other than Cunningham is set to earn over $27 million next year, and Detroit holds 22 draft picks over the next seven years.
Offseason finances: Cade Cunningham`s potential All-NBA selection significantly impacts the Pistons` spending power. If his salary for next season is adjusted from $38.6 million to $46.4 million, Detroit is projected to have $19 million in cap space entering the offseason. Alternatively, they could choose to operate over the cap if they re-sign Hardaway and Schroder. In that scenario, they would have access to the $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception and the $5.1 million biannual exception.
Top front office priority: As is typical for a team that exceeds expectations, there are hurdles in replicating this season`s success and advancing in the Eastern Conference. The primary challenge for the Pistons` front office is carefully balancing the re-signing of their free agents with maintaining future roster flexibility and financial health. Malik Beasley finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting, played all 82 games, and was third in NBA history for 3-pointers made off the bench. Due to non-Bird rights, his maximum starting salary with Detroit is $7.2 million, although the Pistons could use cap space or the non-tax midlevel exception to offer a higher initial salary.
Extension candidate to watch: Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, both lottery picks from the 2022 draft, are eligible for contract extensions until October 21. While neither is expected to command a max contract immediately, both are deserving of new deals. Ivey was having a career-best season before a leg injury ended his year in January. In his 30 games, he averaged career highs in points (17.6), field goal percentage (46%), and 3-point percentage (40.9%), a significant improvement from last season`s 33.6%. Duren played a career-high 78 games and had the league`s second-highest field goal percentage (69.2%), trailing only Jarrett Allen. Duren is also one of only five players in NBA history to achieve 100 double-doubles before the age of 22.
Other extension candidate: Tim Hardaway Jr. (through June 30).
Team needs: This largely depends on the outcomes of free agency for Schroder, Hardaway, and Beasley. Schroder appears the most expendable given Ivey`s return from injury. However, if Hardaway and Beasley leave, the Pistons will need to acquire shooting to complement Cunningham. The development of last year`s lottery pick, Ron Holland II, who shot just 23.8% from 3-point range, is also a factor.
Draft assets: For the first time since the 2020 offseason, Detroit controls its first-round picks for the next seven years. Starting on draft night, the Pistons can trade up to four first-round picks and swap first-round picks in every season. They also possess 15 second-round picks.
Los Angeles Lakers
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Draft picks in June: No. 55
- Free agents: LeBron James (P), Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith (P), Alex Len, Markieff Morris, Jordan Goodwin (T) and Christian Koloko (R)
State of the roster: Acquiring Luka Doncic undeniably provided the Lakers with their next cornerstone star to build a championship-contending roster. Los Angeles achieved the eighth-best record after trading for the 25-year-old, securing third place in the competitive Western Conference. However, their performance in the first round highlighted deficiencies in depth, size, and late-game execution, confirming that regular-season success doesn`t guarantee playoff performance. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka acknowledged after the Doncic trade in February that the roster was not yet complete. Pelinka stated his intention to “build a roster that fits JJ Redick`s basketball philosophy.”
The Lakers are heading into one of the most critical offseasons in franchise history. LeBron James` future remains a central question for the second consecutive year. James holds a $52.6 million player option and can again become a free agent. While Doncic isn`t a free agent this summer, he becomes eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension on August 2. In the unlikely event an agreement isn`t reached, he would be a free agent in the summer of 2026. Additionally, Austin Reaves is extension-eligible and could potentially enter free agency concurrently with Doncic.
While re-signing this core trio is the top priority, how Pelinka plans to enhance the rest of the roster is worth monitoring. The trade deadline activity suggests the Lakers are willing to be aggressive. They reportedly attempted to acquire Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams at the deadline to provide Doncic with a lob threat and address the void left by trading Anthony Davis, but the deal was rescinded due to a failed physical. Although the Lakers lack cap space to sign a prominent free agent like Myles Turner, they possess valuable trade assets including a 2031 first-round pick, five years of pick swaps, former first-round pick Dalton Knecht, and over $70 million in expiring contracts (Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent).
Offseason finances: For the second straight offseason, LeBron James` potential free agency significantly influences the Lakers` ability to add players. James has a $52.6 million player option for next season. Both he and Finney-Smith have until June 29 to decide on their options. If James opts in or signs a new contract with a similar starting salary, the Lakers would be approximately $1.3 million over the luxury tax. They are currently $6.7 million below the first apron, giving them access only to their $5.7 million non-tax midlevel exception. Being comfortably below the second apron provides flexibility for aggregating contracts in trades.
Top front office priority: How will a second consecutive first-round exit impact LeBron James` future? The 40-year-old continues to perform at an elite level, defying age. After his birthday on December 30, James averaged 25.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in the regular season. If James declines his player option, he is eligible to sign a new contract with the Lakers for up to three years and $175.3 million. Since 2018, James has signed four contracts with the Lakers, only one of which was longer than two years.
Luka Doncic has expressed his intention to remain with the Lakers. However, showing him the potential direction of the roster in a post-LeBron era is a major priority, even with confidence in his extension. There are multiple possibilities for Doncic`s extension when he becomes eligible on August 2.
A four-year, $229 million max extension could replace his 2026-27 player option with a $51 million salary. A more probable scenario is a three-year, $165 million extension including a player option in the third year. This shorter extension allows Doncic to potentially re-enter free agency sooner and recoup some of the estimated $345 million he may have lost due to the trade from the Mavericks.
Extension candidate to watch: Austin Reaves` four-year, $53.8 million contract signed in 2023 is widely considered one of the league`s best value deals. His $13.9 million salary next season is below the non-tax midlevel exception. Reaves finished the regular season with career highs in points (20.2), assists (5.8), and rebounds (4.5). After the Lakers acquired Doncic, Reaves shot 48% from the field and 40% from 3-point range in the regular season.
However, this favorable contract could lead Reaves to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason. Due to his current salary structure, the maximum extension the Lakers can offer is four years, $89.2 million. The first-year salary of $19.9 million is 140% of the average player salary, the highest allowed under the CBA. If Reaves foregoes this extension and becomes a free agent, the Lakers and teams with cap space could sign him the following offseason to a contract worth up to 25% of the salary cap, with a potential first-year salary of $42.5 million.
Other extension-eligible players include Finney-Smith, Vincent, Kleber, and Hachimura.
Team needs: The Lakers need a starting center who is a lob threat, more frontcourt size, and reliable rotation players. In the playoffs, they ranked last in points in the paint and third worst in paint points allowed. The Timberwolves` bench outscored the Lakers` bench by over 16 points per game in their series.
Draft assets: Los Angeles owes Utah a 2027 first-round pick (top-four protected) and Dallas an unprotected first-round pick in 2029. The Lakers are allowed to trade one first-round pick in either 2031 or 2032. They also hold the right to swap first-round picks in five seasons (2026, 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2032) and have one second-round pick available to trade.
Orlando Magic
- 2024-25 record: 41-41
- Draft picks in June: No. 16 (own), No. 25 (via Denver), No. 46 (own), No. 57 (via Boston)
- Free agents: Gary Harris (T), Caleb Houstan (T), Cory Joseph (T), Moritz Wagner (T), Mac McClung (R), Trevelin Queen (R)
State of the roster: The Magic aimed to balance developing their draft picks and retaining talent while competing for a top-6 seed in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. “We`ve kind of doubled down on continuity,” Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman stated in February, indicating belief in their current structure. Since 2021, Orlando has built primarily through the draft, with twelve players finishing the season on the roster having been drafted by the team. Only two players, Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Harris, were acquired via trade. This strategy has resulted in Orlando reaching the postseason in back-to-back years for only the second time since 2012.
Orlando`s offseason presents two key questions. First, despite two consecutive first-round exits, can the roster, when healthy, compete with teams like Boston and Cleveland? Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner both suffered season-ending injuries. The team`s top four scorers—Paolo Banchero, Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Moritz Wagner—all missed at least 20 games during the regular season. The core trio of Banchero, Suggs, and Franz Wagner played together in just six games, accounting for only 3% of Orlando`s possessions. Second, how will finances impact the ability to keep this roster together? For the first time since 2010-11, the Magic are projected to be over the luxury tax and near the second apron. On the positive side, Orlando will add two cost-controlled first-round rookie contracts and possesses flexibility with $24 million in non-guaranteed salary.
Offseason finances: Keeping this roster intact promises to be costly. With the initial years of Franz Wagner`s and Suggs` extensions set to begin, the Magic are projected to exceed the luxury tax by $19 million, be $11 million over the first apron, and just $1 million shy of the second apron. These projections include the salaries for Orlando`s two first-round rookie contracts. The Magic have several avenues to reduce their tax liability. They have $24 million in team options that must be exercised by June 29, including options for Moritz Wagner ($11 million), Harris ($7.5 million), Caleb Houstan ($3.5 million), and Cory Joseph ($2.1 million). Despite the financial constraints, Orlando can still use its second-round pick exception while exceeding the apron.
Top front office priority: Getting their finances in order and securing a new contract for Paolo Banchero are top priorities. After averaging a career-high 25.9 points this season, the former No. 1 pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is expected to sign a five-year, $247 million extension. Combined with the extensions for Suggs and Franz Wagner, a new deal for Banchero would commit over $600 million to these three players. Next season`s finances will require Orlando to establish a clear pecking order regarding which players are most valuable to the roster and who is expendable. For instance, Moritz Wagner was their fourth-leading scorer and a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate before a knee injury in December. Would exercising his $11 million team option and then exploring trade options for Jonathan Isaac or Goga Bitadze be a more logical step? Isaac is owed $15 million next season and Bitadze $8.3 million. Alternatively, could the development of Anthony Black, a healthy Suggs, and the possibility of drafting a guard with one of their two first-round picks make Harris the odd man out? Harris has a $7.5 million team option and averaged just 1.4 points per game in the first round.
Extension candidate to watch: Caleb Houstan has been a less prominent player for much of his three seasons in Orlando. A second-round pick in 2022, Houstan averaged 14 minutes per game in his first two seasons. However, after the All-Star break, his minutes increased to nearly 17 per game. He finished the second half of the season shooting a career-high 54.1% from the field and 50.7% from 3-point range.
Other extension candidates: Cole Anthony (as of Oct. 1)
Team needs: To state the obvious: shooting. The Magic became the first team since the 2016-17 Oklahoma City Thunder to rank last in 3-point percentage and still make the postseason.
Draft assets: The Magic hold all of their own first-round picks in future seasons. In 2026, they have the more favorable first-round swap between their own pick and the less favorable pick between Phoenix and Washington (if it falls between 1-8). Orlando also has 13 second-round picks available.
Milwaukee Bucks
- 2024-25 record: 48-34
- Draft picks in June: No. 47 (via Detroit)
- Free agents: Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis (P), Pat Connaughton (P), Kevin Porter Jr. (P), Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., Jericho Sims, Ryan Rollins (R), Stanley Umude (R)
State of the roster: The Bucks are facing the difficult reality that the cycle of competing for a championship eventually concludes. While Milwaukee deserves credit for reaching the postseason for a ninth consecutive year—the second-longest active streak—the current roster composition doesn`t appear capable of winning a title. “The cycle closes when your core players get older and there is no foundation of young players waiting to replace them,” an Eastern Conference GM told ESPN during the regular season.
Milwaukee has not advanced past the first round for three straight seasons and won 48 games this year, their fewest in an 82-game season since 2017-18. It`s important to acknowledge that injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2023 and 2024, along with Damian Lillard`s blood clot and subsequent torn Achilles, significantly impacted their recent playoff struggles. While Antetokounmpo is under contract through 2027-28 (with a player option for the 2027 offseason), there are questions about the rest of the roster. Lillard, who turns 35 in July, is owed $113 million over the next two seasons after recovering from his Achilles injury. Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr. could all become free agents this summer (Portis and Porter have player options). One positive is that Milwaukee is no longer in a difficult financial situation. The trade involving Kyle Kuzma and Khris Middleton provided the Bucks with financial freedom to add talent through free agency or trade without being constrained by the second apron.
Offseason finances: This financial flexibility might come at a significant cost. The Bucks are $23 million below the luxury tax and $41 million below the second apron, even without factoring in Brook Lopez. If Milwaukee re-signs the 37-year-old big man, utilizes its $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception, and fills out the roster, they would become a luxury tax team for the sixth consecutive season. Since 2019-20, Milwaukee has incurred $220 million in tax penalties. Three players (Pat Connaughton, Portis, and Porter) have options in their contracts. Connaughton has until June 24 to opt into his $9.4 million contract. Portis and Porter have until June 29 to opt in.
Top front office priority: General Manager Jon Horst deserves credit for his ongoing commitment to maximizing Giannis Antetokounmpo`s championship window. “It`s still the awesome responsibility to try to take this franchise and maximize the window that we have now as best we can and what we think gives us the best chance to win, and figure out how to continue winning going forward,” Horst stated after trading for Kuzma in February. Since being promoted in June 2017, Milwaukee has made 25 trades, acquiring players like Eric Bledsoe, Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, and most recently, Kyle Kuzma. These trades over the past eight years have cost Milwaukee seven first-round picks, three years of pick swaps, and 18 second-rounders. (Only Antetokounmpo and Lopez remain from the 2021 championship team.) Despite the asset expenditure, these moves have contributed to the Bucks having the second-most regular-season wins since 2016-17, trailing only Boston.
The offseason presents the next opportunity for Milwaukee to reshape its roster. The main challenge is the limited ability to trade multiple first-round picks (currently, they can only move their 2031 or 2032 pick) combined with a top-heavy salary structure. Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Kuzma will account for $130 million of the Bucks` $164 million payroll next season. Kuzma shot just 30.7% from 3-point range this season, ranking 188th among qualified players, and is owed $21.8 million and $19.8 million over the next two seasons. Decisions on the futures of Lopez, Trent, and potentially Portis are also critical. Lopez is one of only five players this season with at least 100 3-pointers and 100 blocks and has started every game he`s played since joining Milwaukee in 2018. Portis` $13.4 million player option is below the average player salary. Gary Trent Jr. outperformed the one-year, $2.6 million contract he signed last offseason, averaging 18.3 points in the playoffs and shooting a career-high 54.5% from beyond the arc. The Bucks could retain Trent but would likely need to use a significant portion of their $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception.
Extension candidate to watch: Before tearing his left Achilles, Damian Lillard was the primary player to watch regarding a new extension. It`s now improbable that Milwaukee would add another $65.5 million to the two years remaining on his contract. A less obvious name to monitor is AJ Green. The guard shot a career-high 42.7% from 3-point range during the regular season and is eligible to sign an extension worth up to four years and $89 million. Green is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 if an extension isn`t reached.
Other extension candidates: Connaughton, Portis, Andre Jackson Jr. (as of July 7), Kuzma (as of July 7), Chris Livingston (as of July 8)
Team needs: If Brook Lopez (and possibly Bobby Portis) aren`t re-signed, the Bucks will need a replacement center, along with overall roster depth and more shooting. Milwaukee was most effective late in the season when surrounding Antetokounmpo with shooters like Trent, Porter, and Green, achieving a plus-55.2 net rating when those four were on the court together.
Draft assets: The Bucks hold a combined two draft picks they can trade in future seasons: either a 2031 or 2032 first-round pick. They can also swap first-round picks in either of those seasons. Milwaukee has one 2032 second-round pick available to trade. As they were below the second apron at the trade deadline, they are allowed to buy a draft pick in June. However, with only $110,000 available, any trade would likely need to occur on July 6 or later.
Miami Heat
- 2024-25 record: 37-45
- Draft picks in June: No. 20 (via Golden State)
- Free agents: Duncan Robinson (ETO), Alec Burks, Davion Mitchell (R), Dru Smith (R), Isaiah Stevens (R), Josh Christopher (R) and Keshad Johnson (T)
State of the roster: A tumultuous season, highlighted by Jimmy Butler III`s indefinite suspension and midseason trade, culminated in the Heat being swept in the first round for only the second time since Erik Spoelstra became head coach in 2008. This marks their second consecutive first-round exit and their first sub-.500 season since 2018-19. Miami struggled after the Butler trade, going 12-21 and ranking in the bottom 10 in offensive efficiency during that span. They were 14-26 in clutch games (3-12 post-trade) and lost a league-high nine games when leading by at least 15 points. The 55-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 was the largest playoff defeat in franchise history.
Despite these struggles, there are reasons for optimism. Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and last year`s first-round pick Kel`el Ware form a promising foundation following the Butler departure. In the 951 possessions where these three shared the court, Miami had a net rating of plus-6.8 points per 100 possessions. Crucially, the Heat now possess renewed financial flexibility: three tradeable first-round picks and $60 million in expiring contracts (Robinson, Kyle Anderson, Haywood Highsmith, Kevin Love, Terry Rozier).
Offseason finances: The Jimmy Butler trade moved Miami below the restrictive second apron. Including the partially guaranteed contracts of Rozier and Robinson and the first-round pick acquired in June`s draft (via Golden State), the Heat are $11 million below the first apron and $23 million below the second. Duncan Robinson`s $19 million contract becomes fully guaranteed on July 8, but waiving him could provide an additional $10 million in financial flexibility. Miami can utilize up to $5.6 million of the non-tax midlevel exception without triggering the first apron hard cap. They also have veteran minimum exceptions and three trade exceptions ($7.3 million, $3.1 million, and $2.1 million). However, using any of the trade exceptions or the $5.1 million biannual exception would hard cap them at either the first or second apron.
Top front office priority: Patience is key. As with any difficult split, there`s a temptation to rush into the next commitment. In the Heat`s case, life after Butler and the fact that they do not own their 2025 first-round pick should not lead Miami to take shortcuts in roster construction. For example, it might seem easy to stretch the $34 million owed to Rozier and Robinson next season over three seasons. While this would provide $35 million in immediate salary cap relief, the team would still be over the cap and lose two valuable expiring contracts that could be used in a trade. Terry Rozier`s performance and role saw a significant decline this season, averaging 10.9 points and 26 minutes per game, his lowest since 2018-19. The Heat are far enough below the second apron to retain both players and still re-sign restricted free agent Davion Mitchell, who recorded 41 steals in his 30 games with the Heat this season. According to GeniusIQ, he held opposing ball handlers to just 0.828 points per direct isolation play, ranking 23rd among all players.
Patience will also dictate how aggressive Miami should be in building around Adebayo, Herro, and Ware—whether to act now or wait a year. The Heat will have the financial flexibility to pursue free agents in the 2026 offseason while remaining active in trade discussions using their expiring contracts.
Extension candidate to watch: Tyler Herro not only made his first All-Star appearance but consistently produced All-NBA caliber numbers. For the fourth consecutive season, Herro averaged at least 20 points. In 2024-25, he recorded five games with at least 35 points, achieved a career-best 47.2% field goal percentage, and averaged 5.5 assists per game. However, his on-court performance is overshadowed by his past struggles with staying healthy. Herro played a career-high 77 games this season. Miami lost all five games he missed.
Starting October 1, Herro is eligible to add a three-year, $149.7 million extension to the two years ($31 million and $33 million) remaining on his current contract. If no agreement is reached before October 20, Herro would be eligible to sign a four-year, $206.9 million extension next offseason. He qualifies for a supermax extension (five years, $380 million) if he is named to an All-NBA team in 2025-26.
Other extension candidates: Nikola Jovic, Andrew Wiggins (as of Oct. 1), Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier
Team needs: An offensive identity is crucial. The Heat ranked 28th in second-chance points, 23rd in points in the paint, and 24th in fast-break points. Kel`el Ware also needs to develop his perimeter game further. He attempted 66% of his shots this season within 10 feet and shot only 24.3% from 3-point range after the All-Star break.
Draft assets: The Heat traded their June first-round pick to Oklahoma City and will send Charlotte a 2027 first-round pick (top-14 protected, unprotected in 2028 if not conveyed). Miami owns its first-round picks in 2026, 2029, 2030, 2031, and 2032. Since teams cannot trade first-round picks in consecutive years, the Heat can trade their 2030 and 2032 firsts, along with the Golden State pick in June. They have two future second-round picks available.
Memphis Grizzlies
- 2024-25 record: 48-34
- Draft picks in June: No. 56 (via HOU)
- Free agents: Santi Aldama (R), Luke Kennard, Lamar Stevens, Marvin Bagley III, Yuki Kawamura (R), Cam Spencer (R)
State of the roster: A 21-win improvement from last season should be viewed as positive progress. At the All-Star break, the Grizzlies stood at 36-18, holding the second seed in the Western Conference and well-positioned for home-court advantage. However, ending the season with a 13-18 record and then suffering a first-round sweep is a disappointment. The past two seasons serve as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in the NBA. Before the start of the 2023-24 season, Memphis was ranked No. 4 (down from No. 1 the year before) in ESPN`s NBA Future Power Rankings. The immediate priority for Memphis is finding a new head coach, whether by removing the interim tag from Tuomas Iisalo or conducting a full coaching search for the first time since 2019. After taking over from Taylor Jenkins, Iisalo went 4-7 in the regular season and play-in. Regarding the roster, questions remain despite the starting five being under contract for next season. Jaren Jackson Jr.`s future in Memphis could depend on whether he earns an All-NBA selection. If he falls short, the Grizzlies might need to clear cap space to renegotiate and extend his contract. Otherwise, Jackson is likely to be one of the top free agents available in the 2026 offseason. Besides Jackson, the team must address the restricted free agency of reserve Santi Aldama and potential extension talks with Ja Morant.
Offseason finances: The trade sending Marcus Smart to Washington has positioned Memphis favorably to retain Santi Aldama and potentially renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.`s contract. Including the free agent hold for Aldama, Memphis is approximately $7 million below the salary cap. If the Grizzlies operate as a “room” team, they will have access to the $8.8 million mid-level exception. Memphis is also $50 million below the luxury tax threshold.
Top front office priority: Securing a new contract for Jaren Jackson Jr. is the top front office priority. The All-Star was eligible to sign a three-year, $106 million extension before the start of the regular season but chose to postpone negotiations until this offseason. This decision proved prudent, as Jackson is a strong candidate for All-NBA honors, being one of only three players (alongside Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama) this season to average 20 points and 1.5 blocks. He is the only player with over 1,500 points and 100 blocks this season. The Grizzlies demonstrated significantly better defensive efficiency with Jackson on the court (108.3) compared to when he was off (113.9).
A five-year supermax extension worth up to $345 million could be the reward if he earns All-NBA status. The Grizzlies are permitted to negotiate up to 35% of the salary cap in the first year but are required to offer a five-year deal. For example, a five-year, $291 million extension represents 32.5% of the salary cap in Year 1. Of the 14 players who have signed supermax extensions, only Rudy Gobert did not receive the full amount. There`s also the scenario where Jackson doesn`t receive postseason honors. Because the rookie extension he signed in 2021 declines in value, the maximum extension allowed would be four years, $146 million—$150 million less than he could sign as a free agent in 2026 and $75 million less than he could sign with a team having cap space. A renegotiation and extension is possible, but only if the Grizzlies create cap space in the offseason. Santi Aldama is an under-the-radar free agent to watch. The forward averaged career highs in points (12.8), field goal percentage (48.3%), and 3-point percentage (36.8%). The Grizzlies averaged 119.3 points per 100 possessions with him on the court. Expect Memphis to issue him a $5.9 million qualifying offer before June 29, making him a restricted free agent and allowing them to match any offer sheet.
Extension candidate to watch: Extension talks with Ja Morant will indicate whether Memphis views the former All-Star as a franchise cornerstone for future building. Injuries and suspensions have limited Morant to playing a total of 120 games since signing a five-year, $197 million extension in the 2022 offseason. The Grizzlies have until October 21 to add an additional two years ($61.7 million and $66.7 million) to the three years remaining on his current contract. Such an extension would keep him with the Grizzlies through the 2029-30 season.
Other extension candidates: John Konchar (as of July 7) and Brandon Clarke (as of Oct. 1)
Team needs: It starts with a healthy Ja Morant. Memphis was 10 games above .500 in the regular season games he played. However, the Grizzlies also lost their defensive identity during the season. Before the All-Star break, Memphis ranked seventh in defensive efficiency; they finished the second half of the season at 19th.
Draft assets: Starting in 2026, the Grizzlies own their first-round pick in the next seven drafts. They hold the more favorable 2026 first-round swap between their own pick and the less favorable pick between Orlando and Phoenix. They also have the right to swap their own 2030 first-round pick with the less favorable pick between Phoenix and Washington. Memphis has six second-round picks available.
Eliminated in Play-in Tournament
Dallas Mavericks
- 2024-25 record: 39-43
- Draft picks in June: No. 11 (own).
- Odds at the No.1 pick: 1.8%
- Free agents: Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum, Kyrie Irving (P), Dwight Powell (P), Kessler Edwards (R), and Kai Jones
State of the roster: Calling Mavericks GM Nico Harrison a proponent of change is an understatement. Since taking over basketball operations in June 2021, Harrison has executed 16 trades, constantly seeking the optimal combination of players to win a championship. Only two players from the 2022 team that reached the Western Conference finals—Dwight Powell and Spencer Dinwiddie—remain. The most significant symbol of Harrison`s roster turnover tendency is the February blockbuster trade that sent franchise guard Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison told ESPN, explaining his rationale for trading Doncic for Davis. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We`re built to win now and in the future.” Harrison reiterated this assessment when addressing the media before the Mavericks` play-in game.
Evaluating the outcome of arguably the most debated and scrutinized trade in NBA history based solely on the past two months is premature. The season in Dallas was significantly impacted by an unprecedented list of injuries, with the Mavericks ranking among the top five teams in games missed by players. Dallas utilized 47 different starting lineups this season, tied for the fourth most by any team since tracking began in 1970-71. The team collectively missed 363 games this season, nearly double the previous year. Anthony Davis suffered a left adductor strain in the third quarter of his Mavericks debut and played only 48 possessions alongside Kyrie Irving, who tore his left ACL a month later. When both players were on the court together, the Mavs were 5-3 and averaged 133.3 points per 100 possessions. Dallas also faced absences from their frontcourt players, PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, for periods over the last two months.
Kyrie Irving`s future will heavily influence the Mavericks` ability to return to contender status. Irving underwent ACL surgery on March 26 and holds a $41 million player option for next season. Including their lottery pick in June, Dallas has 12 players under contract and significant trade assets to potentially make another deal. They possess three tradeable first-round picks and 10 contracts ranging from $2 million to $16 million that can be aggregated in trades. As Harrison`s history demonstrates, the roster that finished this season may look considerably different by October.
Offseason finances: Expect the Mavericks to once again hover around the luxury tax line and the first apron threshold. Including Kyrie Irving`s $43 million player option and their 2025 first-round pick, Dallas is approximately $8 million over the luxury tax and $4 million over the first apron. Irving and Powell have until June 24 to decide on their options. The Mavs are prohibited from using any of their four trade exceptions ($11 million, $7 million, $4.3 million, and $2.1 million) if they operate as an apron team next season. If any of these exceptions are used before June 30, the first apron is triggered for 2025-26 (they are currently $50,148 below). If the Mavericks finish the 2025-26 season in the tax, they would face repeater tax penalties in 2026-27. Without including a new contract for Irving and a potential extension for PJ Washington, Dallas is $46 million below the tax line.
Top front office priority: Securing a new contract for Kyrie Irving is the primary focus. Before his knee injury, team executives viewed him as the free agent with the most leverage this offseason following the Doncic trade. However, how should the Mavericks approach negotiations with Irving, knowing there are no teams outside of Brooklyn with more than $40 million in cap space and the 33-year-old guard is coming off a significant knee injury? There are five potential contract options. First, Irving could decline his option and the Mavericks offer a five-year, $314 million contract. Second, he could decline the option and sign a contract aligned with Anthony Davis` salary structure: $54.1 million, $58.5 million, and $62.8 million (though the $11 million salary increase from his option year would push Dallas over the second apron). Third, Irving could opt in for next season and then extend his contract for up to an additional four seasons, which would give the Mavericks flexibility to operate below the apron. Fourth is a deal similar to the four-year, $160 million contract Chris Paul signed with Phoenix in 2018, which included a partially guaranteed third year and non-guaranteed final year. Fifth, the Mavs could sign Irving to a contract that includes injury protection clauses similar to those in the contracts of Zion Williamson, Jonathan Isaac, and Lonzo Ball.
Extension candidate to watch: If any extension is signed this offseason (besides Kyrie Irving if he opts in), it likely won`t happen until August 29. That is when PJ Washington becomes eligible to sign a four-year, $89.2 million extension. Washington played a career-high 32.2 minutes this season and recorded 17 games with 10 or more rebounds.
Other extension candidates: Daniel Gafford and Dwight Powell (as of July 9)
Team needs: Availability is a major need. Only three players—Spencer Dinwiddie, Klay Thompson, and Naji Marshall—appeared in 60 or more games this season.
Draft assets: The Mavericks possess three tradeable first-round picks and two second-round picks. Including their lottery pick in June, Dallas can trade the Lakers` 2029 unprotected first-round pick and their own in 2031. Dallas also holds the ability to swap first-round picks in 2026, 2031, and 2032. Charlotte owns Dallas` 2027 first-round pick (top-1 protected). Their 2029 first-round pick is owed to either Houston or Brooklyn. Oklahoma City has the right to swap first-rounders in 2028, and San Antonio has the right to swap in 2030.
Atlanta Hawks
- 2024-25 record: 40-42
- Draft picks in June: No. 13 (via SAC) and No. 22 (via LAL). Note: Atlanta will receive the Kings` first-round pick if it lands 13-30.
- Free agents: Clint Capela, Garrison Mathews, Larry Nance Jr., Caris LeVert, Keaton Wallace (R) and Dominick Barlow (T)
State of the roster: The future of the Atlanta Hawks can be viewed from different perspectives. One perspective shows a team that once again lost in the play-in tournament, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season and fifth time in eight years. The other perspective reveals a clearer picture. Instead of being…
