By NBA insiders, 2026-06-26 19:00:00
NBA休赛期才刚刚开始，但重磅交易已经在撼动联盟的势力版图。扬尼斯·阿德托昆博前往迈阿密热火。拉梅洛·鲍尔加盟明尼苏达森林狼。奥斯汀·里夫斯与洛杉矶湖人签下顶薪续约合同。
但NBA各队仍有大量休赛期工作有待完成。随着2026年选秀大会落下帷幕，以下是每支球队如何打好剩余休赛期这张牌的分析。
在下周自由球员市场正式开启（美国东部时间周二下午6点）之前，ESPN的NBA内幕专家团队正在逐一剖析各队管理层面临的关键决策——包括签约、交易以及为规避奢侈税和土豪线而进行的降本操作。
注：球队顺序基于ESPN总决赛后发布的NBA实力排行榜。
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俄克拉荷马城雷霆
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 在不大幅影响球队争胜能力的前提下，削减奢侈税支出，并在大名单上为新秀腾出空间。雷霆已经引进了密歇根大学中锋阿代·马拉，这位身高7尺3寸的球员将成为对抗西部劲敌维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 的选项，为前场提供额外支援。将阿隆·维金斯交易到亚特兰大已经创造了空间，但雷霆又在选秀中摘下了爱荷华大学后卫贝内特·斯蒂尔茨，这意味着至少还要再送走一名球员（或放弃执行球队选项）。经验丰富的防守悍将吕冈茨·多尔特和替补后卫以赛亚·乔似乎是最有可能被放弃的人选。两人都是有价值的轮换球员，因此总经理萨姆·普雷斯蒂面临着寻找年轻、薪资可控的替代者来填补空缺的任务。打好这个休赛期的牌，或许取决于普雷斯蒂在选秀中摘下马拉和斯蒂尔茨的选择是否足够出色。
应该做的一笔操作： 让以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因回归，要么执行他2850万美元的球队选项，要么放弃选项后以降薪续约的方式签回他，以减少奢侈税。在效力雷霆的两个赛季里，哈尔滕施泰因一直是球队的关键胜负手。俄克拉荷马城在过去两年六月都选中了中锋，但这些年轻球员还不足以在季后赛中被委以防守诸如文班亚马和丹佛的尼古拉·约基奇这类精英大个子的重任。而哈尔滕施泰因在分区决赛对阵圣安东尼奥的七场鏖战中恰恰做到了这一点。他是球队所需之人。——安东尼·斯莱特
圣安东尼奥马刺
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 虽然达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 在NBA总决赛中的糟糕表现加剧了交易传闻，但在这支联盟最年轻的阵容之一距离总冠军如此之近后，马刺最好采取深思熟虑的策略。通过在选秀中摘下杰登·昆坦斯和小塔里斯·里德来增强前场深度，马刺取得了不错的开局，但他们还需要在维克托·文班亚马身边配备一名久经考验且多才多艺的大前锋。第四场比赛那激动人心的结局并非偶然；尼克斯前锋OG·阿奴诺比在整个系列赛中凭借对位马刺身材偏矮的侧翼球员时的出色表现，暴露了阵容的这一短板。
应该做的一笔操作： 马刺将做出这个夏天最简单的决定：为文班亚马提供一份最终可能超过3亿美元的五年顶薪新秀续约合同。文班亚马、斯蒂芬·卡斯尔和迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper) 下赛季都将执行性价比极高的新秀合同，但一旦文班亚马的续约合同在2027-28赛季生效，马刺将开始感受到其选秀好运带来的薪资压力。——本·戈利弗
纽约尼克斯
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 当你身为卫冕冠军时，需要保持微妙的平衡：既要凝聚现有阵容，又要清楚整个联盟都在追赶你并研究你的弱点。尼克斯老板詹姆斯·多兰可能打开了潘多拉魔盒，他表示不想为了保持阵容完整而触及带有惩罚性的第二土豪线，这暗示替补中锋米切尔·罗宾逊可能会另投他处。将他留在阵中不仅仅是展现诚意。考虑到罗宾逊在冲冠路上对文班亚马的防守、对内线实力强劲的克利夫兰的限制以及对乔尔·恩比德的压制，保留他的进攻篮板和内线存在感似乎是当务之急。上赛季他的薪水为1290万美元，达成协议应该并非不可能。
应该做的一笔操作： 今年夏天与卡尔-安东尼·唐斯续签合同。唐斯和尼克斯未能在赛季开始前达成协议，这差点影响了他们冲击总冠军的征程。相反，唐斯在季后赛中证明了自己的价值，打出了一些职业生涯中最全面的篮球比赛。唐斯下赛季薪资为5700万美元，下下赛季为6100万美元（2027-28赛季球员选项），他希望长期留在尼克斯。无论唐斯是否接受降薪，消除不确定性对于纽约的卫冕大业至关重要。——文森特·古德威尔
波士顿凯尔特人
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 凯尔特人今夏需要解决几个问题：德里克·怀特已开始显露下滑迹象，波士顿面貌一新的前场在季后赛中显得力不从心，而且球队的进攻难以对篮筐施加压力。不幸的是，如果杰森·塔图姆、杰伦·布朗和怀特都继续留在球队薪资簿上，凯尔特人将很难解决这些短板。预计在2026-27赛季，当工资帽预计为1.65亿美元时，这三人的薪资总和将达到1.45亿美元。为了让波士顿对其冲冠前景更有信心，必须做出一些改变。
应该做的一笔操作： 凯尔特人总裁布拉德·史蒂文斯最近提到了围绕布朗持续不断的“流言蜚语”，这位五届全明星前锋据报道已成为多支球队的交易谈判对象。在波士顿度过了辉煌的十年后送走布朗将是一个艰难的转折，但这是重新平衡阵容最合理的途径。
上赛季在塔图姆跟腱撕裂康复期间，布朗作为头号选择表现出色，一笔交易将给他机会成为自己球队的门面。——戈利弗
底特律活塞
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 如果之前还不够明显，那么活塞季后赛的挣扎让他们的最大需求变得一目了然：为凯德·康宁汉姆寻找一位能够拉开空间并提供次要组织能力的副手。活塞凭借防守和每场不遗余力的拼劲赢下了60场比赛并夺得东部头号种子，但康宁汉姆身边的进攻火力不够，不足以让他们成为真正的总冠军威胁。在交易截止日按兵不动之后，现在正是他们改善这一短板的机会。
应该做的一笔操作： 续约杰伦·杜伦。在增加外线得分手方面，活塞可以探索很多选择，从顶级的科怀·伦纳德到特雷·墨菲三世、诺曼·鲍威尔和泰勒·希罗等球员。但与此同时，他们也必须留住自己爆发性崛起的全明星中锋——这位受限制自由球员在选秀夜活塞交易走以赛亚·斯图尔特后，已经变得不可或缺。杜伦季后赛的表现无疑是令人失望的，但14场糟糕的比赛不应该抹杀他在常规赛71场中的出色表现。杜伦现在才22岁，应该与康宁汉姆长期并肩作战。——扎克·克拉姆
丹佛掘金
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 不要因为急于避开土豪线而导致轮换阵容被削弱，或是接受糟糕的交易。大家都想当然地认为，因为需要留住冉冉升起的侧翼佩顿·沃特森，掘金将被迫送走像卡梅隆·约翰逊（2300万美元到期合同）或克里斯蒂安·布劳恩（五年1.25亿美元续约合同即将生效）这样的合同。事实未必如此。如果掘金愿意支付高额奢侈税，他们可以签回沃特森，保留约翰逊、布劳恩和阿隆·戈登，并在侧翼保持相对深厚的储备，前提是保持健康。
应该做的一笔操作： 留住沃特森。他们在2022年用30顺位选中了他，在他职业生涯的前四个赛季里，他慢慢从一张彩票成长为一名拥有巨大上升空间、攻防兼备的全能侧翼。他是受限制自由球员，因此丹佛拥有留住他的主动权。即使老板要求通过降薪来实现这一目标，确保留下沃特森也应该被优先考虑。——斯莱特
克利夫兰骑士
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 克利夫兰致力于保留其核心阵容，这套阵容首次打进了分区决赛，但在打入分区决赛后被尼克斯横扫。除非出现令人意外的交易，骑士似乎将继续在边角修修补补，并寄希望于一个完整赛季的詹姆斯·哈登-多诺万·米切尔后场组合，以及埃文·莫布利的进一步成长，足以让他们保持在争冠行列。考虑到哈登的合同状况悬而未决，米切尔有资格续约，骑士更可能锁定现有球员，而非对阵容进行大换血。
应该做的一笔操作： 以一份年均薪资低于他下赛季4230万美元球员选项的多年合同续签哈登。这将是一笔双赢的交易：哈登可以在步入三十五六岁时获得更多保障薪资，而较低的年均薪资将帮助骑士摆脱第二土豪线的束缚，并提升围绕其球星建队的灵活性。——克拉姆
明尼苏达森林狼
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 这个问题通常归结于球队总裁蒂姆·康奈利在探索交易时的进取程度。今年夏天，答案很快揭晓。
明尼苏达动用了其唯一可交易的首轮签（2033年）以及关键第六人纳兹·里德，从黄蜂交易得到了拉梅洛·鲍尔，这对于以大手笔操作著称的管理层来说是一次冒险。康奈利在2022年从爵士换来了鲁迪·戈贝尔，随后在2024年将卡尔-安东尼·唐斯送到纽约，换来了朱利叶斯·兰德尔和唐特·迪温琴佐。
应该做的一笔操作： 续签后卫阿约·多苏穆。鉴于迪温琴佐的跟腱伤势将使他缺席2026-27赛季大部分乃至全部比赛，森林狼留住多苏穆就成了重中之重。在交易截止日从芝加哥得到多苏穆后，他在为森林狼效力的24场比赛中场均贡献14.4分，投篮命中率52.1%，三分命中率41.4%。他还创造了森林狼季后赛历史上替补出场的两场最高得分纪录。
由于森林狼在交易中获得了多苏穆的伯德条款，他们可以在续签这名后卫的同时，仍超出奢侈税线和土豪线。——鲍比·马克斯
洛杉矶湖人
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 湖人完成了一项重大优先事项，他们以四年1.85亿美元的顶薪合同锁定了奥斯汀·里夫斯——这是联盟历史上落选秀拿到的最大合同。这是让卢卡·东契奇开心的一件事。另一件事是找到一个大个子来空接吃饼和保护篮筐。
湖人总经理罗勃·佩林卡必须围绕东契奇建队，当他身边配备一位弹跳力出众的中锋和一群射手时，他的威胁最大。底特律的杰伦·杜伦和犹他的沃克·凯斯勒都是受限制自由球员，符合这一模板，但由于他们的母队有权匹配任何报价，追求他们都有风险。纽约的米切尔·罗宾逊和波特兰的罗伯特·威廉姆斯三世可能是诱人的选项，但如果他们不回归母队，在自由市场上应该会引起不小的兴趣。
应该做的一笔操作： 让勒布朗回归再战！没错，我们不知道勒布朗·詹姆斯今年夏天会作何选择。但如果他想征战个人第24个赛季，湖人应该竭尽全力让他继续身披紫金战袍。湖人已经看到了东契奇-詹姆斯组合足够多的威力足以证明这一点，包括全明星赛后那波16胜2负的佳绩。在东契奇和里夫斯于季后赛期间都曾因伤缺席大量时间后，湖人应该看看东契奇、詹姆斯和里夫斯这对三人组到底能走多远。
如果2025-26赛季是詹姆斯历史性职业生涯的谢幕演出，那么没有什么地方比好莱坞更适合上演完美结局了。对洛杉矶来说，让这位历史得分王在克利夫兰或金州结束职业生涯将是一次错失的良机。当然，前提是詹姆斯愿意给这个机会。——欧姆·扬米苏克
休斯顿火箭
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 在去年夏天大手笔引进凯文·杜兰特之后，火箭的2026年休赛期可能会相对平静。火箭2025-26赛季使用率最高的五名球员，在2026-27赛季都有合同在身，并且将迎回接受膝盖手术的老将后卫弗雷德·范弗利特。范弗利特的回归应有助于提升滞涩的进攻，让火箭保持在争夺50胜的行列。话虽如此，火箭应该权衡一下杜兰特和中锋阿尔佩伦·申京的交易市场行情。这两位球星之间并未迅速产生化学反应，最好为所有可能性做好准备。
应该做的一笔操作： 近年来，火箭总经理拉斐尔·斯通与小贾巴里·史密斯和杰伦·格林签下了合理的新秀续约合同，为火箭奠定了坚实的基础，并促成了杜兰特的交易。今年夏天，斯通即将与另外两位关键球员展开谈判：阿门·汤普森和塔里·伊森。让汤普森的新秀续约合同低于顶薪将是一场胜利，而鉴于伊森的身材、活力和防守影响力，在受限制自由球员市场上留住他应该是头等大事。——戈利弗
印第安纳步行者
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 步行者在休赛期开始前就完成了最重要的任务，即在交易截止日前用选秀权换来了中锋伊维察·祖巴茨。这笔操作让2026-27赛季的步行者实力大增，尽管代价不小——最显著的是失去了今年的5号签——并且很可能也关上了印第安纳今夏进行更多操作的大门。据马克斯透露，步行者目前仅低于奢侈税线24万7千美元，因此打好休赛期这副牌的关键可能在于按兵不动，保持财务灵活性。
毕竟，除了后来被祖巴茨替代的迈尔斯·特纳外，2025年打进总决赛的其余阵容基本保持完整，泰雷斯·哈利伯顿在因跟腱撕裂缺席了整个2025-26赛季后，预计将以完全健康的状态回归。
应该做的一笔操作： 让祖巴茨和哈利伯顿一起泡在训练馆里，每天练习成百上千次挡拆。可以说，这两位最重要的步行者球员（帕斯卡尔·西亚卡姆也值得被考虑）还从未在场上并肩作战过一分钟，虽然球队其他球员之间的化学反应依然很高，但在球队真正重返争冠讨论之前，这对关键搭档需要时间来培养默契。——克拉姆
费城76人
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 在解雇了任职六个赛季后于五月离职的前总裁达雷尔·莫雷，并由迈克·甘西接替后，76人正处于过渡期。考虑到费城已有的薪资承诺，甘西很可能会将其任期初段视为评估期。乔尔·恩比德、保罗·乔治和泰雷斯·马克西下赛季的总薪资高达1.52亿美元，重塑这一核心并非易事。
恩比德的慢性伤病削弱了他的交易价值，乔治年满36岁，而马克西已成长为近乎非卖品的建队基石。费城在选秀中成功摘下了阿拉巴马大学后卫小拉巴伦·菲隆，现在球队必须决定保留哪些自由球员，包括昆廷·格兰姆斯、凯利·乌布雷和安德烈·德拉蒙德。
应该做的一笔操作： 现年30岁的乌布雷自2023年加盟76人后，找到了与球队球星们配合的有效方式，为自己开辟了一个不错的角色定位。虽然他的外线投射可以更稳定，但这位身高6尺8寸的前锋能够弥补费城后场身高的不足。乌布雷上一份合同——两年1630万美元——可谓是物超所值，他应该被视为76人今夏需要优先处理的事项。——戈利弗
亚特兰大老鹰
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 老鹰的休赛期开局相当不错，他们已经与后卫CJ·麦科勒姆达成了一份一年2100万美元的续约合同，并在周日敲定了从雷霆获得后卫阿隆·维金斯的交易，为此送出了两个未来的次轮签。
这两笔操作发生之前，球队刚刚与篮球运营总裁昂西·萨利赫以及主教练奎因·斯奈德签订了多年续约合同。萨利赫进入这个休赛期的思路是，通过围绕冉冉升起的新星杰伦·约翰逊继续建设和培养一个充满潜力的年轻核心阵容，为老鹰创造可选性，但同时也保持灵活性，以便在另一名球星出现时果断出击。如果老鹰能够找到一位与约翰逊搭档的、并且符合其核心球员成长时间线的关键得分手，那将是一场巨大的胜利。
应该做的一笔操作： 执行乔纳森·库明加价值2430万美元的球队选项。老鹰只拥有库明加22场比赛，包括首轮输给尼克斯的系列赛，他们应该看看经过一个完整训练营磨合后的库明加表现如何。执行选项也让老鹰有能力去追逐更大牌的球星。
即使库明加——他在金州对自己角色不满——对自己在亚特兰大的使用率并不满意，球队也总可以尝试在2027年交易截止日前处理他的到期合同。但绝对值得再给库明加一些机会，毕竟他在季后赛中场均得到13.7分，但三分命中率仅为20.8%。——扬米苏克
多伦多猛龙
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 在胜场数提高了16场并终结了三年季后赛荒之后，多伦多可能会倾向于保留现有阵容再战一年。猛龙已经用慷慨的合同锁定了斯科蒂·巴恩斯、布兰登·英格拉姆、RJ·巴雷特、伊曼纽尔·奎克利和雅各布·珀尔特尔，这些合同都将覆盖下个赛季，因此任何重大的变化都可能需要通过交易来实现。
猛龙本周做了个顺理成章的决定，执行了后卫贾马尔·谢德的球队选项，这使得拥有球员选项、球风灵巧的大个子桑德罗·马穆凯拉什维利成为他们自由球员市场上的下一个优先目标。
应该做的一笔操作： 猛龙可能需要交易英格拉姆或奎克利来换取位置上的升级，从而真正提升球队上限，但这类操作说易行难，因为两人在多伦多期间的表现都未达预期。更为现实的目标是续签马穆凯拉什维利，他是一位强力的内线得分手和可靠的远程射手，上赛季场均得分达到职业生涯新高的11.2分。没有他，猛龙的替补席将会大为不同。——戈利弗
奥兰多魔术
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 奥兰多可能已经做出了休赛期最大的动作，那就是聘请肖恩·斯威尼担任主教练。球队总裁杰夫·韦尔特曼表示，在弗朗茨·瓦格纳因伤倒下、魔术随后崩盘之前，他们曾在对阵头号种子底特律的系列赛中取得3-1领先，这展现了球队的潜力。
管理层相信，瓦格纳、保罗·班凯罗和德斯蒙德·贝恩仍然能带领魔术在季后赛走得很远，尤其是在斯威尼执教后，可以提升已然出色的防守，改善进攻，并帮助班凯罗和瓦格纳向着球星行列再进一步。但在斯威尼强调改善球场空间至关重要之后，魔术应该追求控球后卫位置上的投射、体型和组织能力。奥兰多也需要一名替补大个子，来帮助小温德尔·卡特分担争抢篮板和保护篮筐的压力。
应该做的一笔操作：
魔术应该续约安东尼·布莱克。这位后卫在受伤缺席下半赛季大量比赛之前，在赛季前56场比赛中有45场得分上双。
但这位22岁的球员在其第三个赛季展现了使他成为2023年6号秀的全面身手，场均贡献15.0分、3.8个篮板、3.7次助攻和1.4次抢断。布莱克必须提升其外线投射能力，因为上赛季他的三分命中率仅为三分之一，但奥兰多应该与其签下一份新秀续约合同，就像他们对阵中其他年轻核心成员科尔·安东尼、杰伦·萨格斯、瓦格纳和班凯罗所做的那样。——扬米苏克
金州勇士
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 寻找一笔交易，或利用有限的财务工具，为日渐老迈的核心阵容增添一名处在生涯黄金期的重要球员。领导层似乎有意保持阵容的总体稳定，计划续签艾尔·霍福德，同时试图带回克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯。预计德雷蒙德·格林将会回归，很可能是一份价值2760万美元的到期合同（目前是一个球员选项）。他们没有交易掉首轮签，而是用它选中了密歇根大学的亚克塞尔·伦德伯格，一名即插即用、具备NBA即战力的侧翼。但勇士掌控着自己未来的首轮签，可以再押上一两个筹码来补强斯蒂芬·库里身边的配角阵容。
应该做的一笔操作： 如果勒布朗·詹姆斯和湖人无法就回归达成一致，勇士有途径清理空间，并使用他们价值1510万美元的迷你中产特例。鉴于侧翼球员吉米·巴特勒三世和摩西·穆迪遭受了长期伤病，这在一个有需求的位置上将是一笔短期、低风险、高性价比的签约。
假如这并没有实现，勇士是否会重新考虑过去对科怀·伦纳德和特雷·墨菲三世的交易兴趣？在较低的层级上，像自由球员后卫安芬尼·西蒙斯这样的得分手也能填补需求，毕竟勇士的常规赛进攻效率仅排在第19位。——斯莱特
夏洛特黄蜂
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 也许夏洛特已经做到了。在经历了十多年来最激动人心、最有希望的一个赛季后，黄蜂在周四做出了一个大胆的举动，将全明星后卫拉梅洛·鲍尔送到明尼苏达，换来了纳兹·里德和一系列选秀资产，包括一个2033年的无保护首轮签——为球队自1月1日以来联盟最佳进攻的发动机、同时也是队内最受欢迎的球员，换回了价值。
应该做的一笔操作： 鲍尔是令人兴奋的年轻核心的领头人，但夏洛特无法拒绝明尼苏达的报价，其中包括了他们急需的、拥有稀缺三分投射能力的里德。在交易走鲍尔数小时后，黄蜂完成了他们最大的优先事项，带回了后卫科比·怀特，后者打算签署一份三年7400万美元的合同。——扬米苏克
洛杉矶快船
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 随着NBA的抱负调查笼罩着球队，快船继续寻求一个更平静——也更年轻——的未来。他们在赛季中做出了最大动作，送走了老将首发詹姆斯·哈登和伊维察·祖巴茨，换来了达里厄斯·加兰、本尼迪克特·马瑟林以及两个首轮签，其中包括用5号签摘下的伊利诺伊大学后卫基顿·瓦格勒。
马瑟林将成为一名受限制自由球员。篮球运营总裁劳伦斯·弗兰克表示，带回这名场均贡献17.4分和5.5个篮板的四年级侧翼（交易后26场比赛的数据），必须是在对球队可行的合同条款下进行。
应该做的一笔操作： 考虑交易伦纳德。弗兰克在选秀后重申，快船希望继续与这位攻防一体的超级巨星一起赢球。伦纳德刚刚打出了职业生涯新高的场均27.9分，投篮命中率50.5%，并且自2016-17赛季以来第二次单赛季出战65场比赛。即将年满35岁的伦纳德，在合同进入最后一季时具备续签合同的资格。在他职业生涯的这个阶段，考虑到他过往的伤病史，伦纳德的交易价值将再难达到更高点。如果有满载年轻球员和选秀资产的争冠球队打来电话，快船应该倾听。——扬米苏克
波特兰开拓者
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 避免因错误的原因登上头条是第一步。新老板汤姆·邓恩以其各种削减成本的方法引发了轩然大波，最近包括与迈卡·诺里签下一份为期一年带有两个球队选项的保障教练合同，这激怒了整个教练圈子。但如果开拓者能引进一个大牌球星，将德尼·阿夫迪亚、多诺万·克林根和斯库特·亨德森这个有趣的年轻核心团队提升到一个新水平——并且如果这个升级后的核心能够赢球——那么所有人都会对球队的吝啬作风闭口不谈。如果他们表现下滑，就可能导致内部相互指责。
应该做的一笔操作： 杰伦·布朗看起来像是一个值得追逐的当打之年球星。对波特兰有利的是：他们掌控着可能成为联盟最令人垂涎的选秀资本——雄鹿2029年的无保护首轮签，以及2028年和2030年的选秀互换权。这足以帮助他们得到像布朗这样的球星吗？——斯莱特
迈阿密热火
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 热火已经完成了他们休赛期的第一步，也是最重要的一步，终于通过交易得到了他们翘首期盼已久的球星扬尼斯·阿德托昆博。但现在，在这笔重磅交易掏空了他们的阵容深度之后，他们必须补充完善阵容。由于投射能力不足是他们全新阵容的一个明显弱点，留住自由球员诺曼·鲍威尔应该是热火的下一步，因为他们的后场还有一个首发位置虚位以待。
应该做的一笔操作： 以一份年均薪资低于他下赛季3020万美元球员选项的多年合同续签安德鲁·维金斯。这样的安排将为维金斯提供更多的保障金额，同时也为迈阿密在2026-27赛季创造了额外的财务周转空间，这可能使球队能够塞进一份给鲍威尔的新合同，并加强阿德托昆博和巴姆·阿德巴约这对明星前场组合周围的支援阵容。——克拉姆
菲尼克斯太阳
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 太阳在追求这一目标上毫不拖泥带水。菲尼克斯已经利用自由球员市场开启前的窗口期，与后卫科林·吉莱斯皮和乔丹·古德温达成了续约协议。这两名球员下赛季的薪资合计将达到1660万美元。
应该做的一笔操作： 这取决于是否存在硬性要求，在保留中锋马克·威廉姆斯的同时，薪资还要继续低于奢侈税和第一土豪线。在续约吉莱斯皮和古德温之后，在计算威廉姆斯的新合同之前，太阳正好卡在奢侈税线上，低于第一土豪线830万美元。要保持在门槛之下，可能需要一笔小交易。例如，将格雷森·阿伦交易到芝加哥换回两个次轮签，将有助于缓解财务负担。如果不进行交易，菲尼克斯也可以超出第一土豪线来签约威廉姆斯。——马克斯
犹他爵士
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 在交易截止日引进2023年最佳防守球员小贾伦·杰克逊，并用2号签选中堪萨斯大学后卫达林·彼得森之后，重建中的爵士终于准备好迎来转折点。现在，犹他在中锋沃克·凯斯勒、后卫基扬特·乔治，以及如何加强后场和侧翼防守方面需要做出决定。像马库斯·斯马特、马蒂斯·塞布尔或迪恩·韦德这样的防守悍将，将对上赛季排名第29位的防守产生巨大影响。
应该做的一笔操作： 随着22岁的文班亚马带领马刺杀入总决赛，西部诸强必须准备好在未来几年内应对他7尺5寸的身高。在引进杰克逊之后，犹他可以通过在受限制自由球员市场上续签凯斯勒，来巩固其庞大的前场阵容。这位7尺2寸的盖帽手和高产篮板手在上赛季因伤仅出战5场比赛，但鉴于他的年轻、高效——以及爵士在该位置上缺乏其他选择——他值得一份重大投资。——戈利弗
达拉斯独行侠
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 自赛季结束以来，独行侠已经彻底重组了球队篮球领导层，首先便是聘请了2019年冠军猛龙的缔造者、球队总裁马赛·乌杰里。乌杰里随后聘请了著名选秀人才评估专家迈克·施密茨担任总经理，并招募了刚率领密歇根大学夺得NCAA冠军的主教练达斯蒂·梅。
休赛期剩下的时间应该专注于为围绕卫冕年度最佳新秀库珀·弗拉格进行的长期建设收集资产。独行侠寄希望于9号秀莫雷兹·约翰逊二世——这位在密歇根大学曾为梅教练效力的强悍、有天赋的大个子——成为其中重要的一份子。预计他们将继续为阵容中的几名老将探索交易市场，尽管凯里·欧文在2025年3月膝盖手术后回归，他仍然坚定地在独行侠的计划之中。
应该做的一笔操作： 帮帮洛杉矶的老朋友卢卡·东契奇怎么样？湖人急需一个能空接吃饼、保护篮筐的大个子，而且他们在自由球员市场上将很难满足这一需求，因为底特律（杰伦·杜伦）和犹他（沃克·凯斯勒）无意失去他们受限制自由球员身份的中锋。
独行侠在上赛季交易截止日前曾探讨过交易丹尼尔·加福德，但未能找到愿意用首轮签作为回报的球队。如果湖人愿意送出他们的2031年或2033年首轮签，独行侠应该愿意放走加福德，尤其是在约翰逊有能力吃掉他的上场时间的情况下。——蒂姆·麦克马洪
新奥尔良鹈鹕
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 乔·杜马斯和特洛伊·韦弗在2025年休赛期的操作受到了广泛批评，但鹈鹕管理层精明地抓住了聘请贾马尔·莫斯利担任主教练的机会，后者刚被魔术解雇。虽然莫斯利的任务是改善排名联盟倒数前十的防守，但新奥尔良是时候承认他们的核心球员并不适配，并开始为锡安·威廉姆森和特雷·墨菲三世探索交易报价了。如果失败，鹈鹕应该兜售乔丹·普尔价值3400万美元的到期合同和未来资产，以换取后场支援。
应该做的一笔操作： 鹈鹕处境不佳：威廉姆森、墨菲、德章泰·穆雷和赫伯特·琼斯都正处于各自的黄金年龄，但他们没有一起赢球的历史。威廉姆森的健康问题削弱了他的交易价值，因此送走墨菲是围绕2025年乐透秀杰里迈亚·费尔斯和德里克·奎因重置球队时间线的最佳途径。墨菲是一名身材修长、多才多艺、能拉开空间的前锋，更加适合在马刺或活塞这类有季后赛前景的球队中担任辅助角色。——戈利弗
芝加哥公牛
如何打好休赛期这副牌：
在布莱森·格雷厄姆担任篮球运营负责人的第一个赛季，公牛开局强劲，实质上免费得到了中锋尼古拉斯·克拉克斯顿，并在选秀中获得了两位顶级新秀。进入夏天，芝加哥仍有大约3000万美元的薪资空间，正在重建的公牛可以用这笔钱吃下其他球队的垃圾合同，以此来换取未来的选秀权。
应该做的一笔操作： 从掘金交易得到卡梅隆·约翰逊和选秀资产。丹佛可能会寻求送走约翰逊价值2300万美元的合同，以腾出薪资空间续约佩顿·沃特森。但约翰逊仍然是一名可靠的球员——这意味着芝加哥有可能通过在交易截止日前将他转手，获得更多选秀资本——因此，他是那种在公牛今夏使用剩余薪资空间时会感兴趣的潜在交易目标。——克拉姆
孟菲斯灰熊
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 对于孟菲斯来说，最紧迫的任务是通过交易贾·莫兰特来完成重建。莫兰特的多次禁赛在一个充满希望的时代真正开始之前就将其终结了。这位伤病缠身的全明星后卫在过去三个赛季只打了79场比赛，并且作为外线射手没有取得进步，这加速了灰熊开启新篇章的需求。在用3号签选中潜在的建队核心卡梅隆·布泽尔之后，送走莫兰特将加速球队的全新开始和文化重塑。
应该做的一笔操作： 考虑到莫兰特的危险信号，为他找到交易伙伴可能有些棘手。尽管如此，有兴趣的球队可能将此视为获得一名才华横溢、年仅26岁、且合同仅到2027-28赛季的后卫的机会。亚特兰大与华盛顿关于特雷·杨的交易是一个很好的范本：将莫兰特4220万美元的合同转化为几份金额较小的老将合同，将最大限度地提高孟菲斯未来辗转腾挪的能力。新奥尔良和菲尼克斯都需要球星力量，并且都有可交易的老将可以作为回报送出。——戈利弗
密尔沃基雄鹿
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 在一个艰难的夏天，雄鹿立刻着手工作，聘请泰勒·詹金斯担任主教练，并在选秀前将扬尼斯·阿德托昆博交易到热火。割舍一位队史标志性人物绝非易事，但詹金斯曾在孟菲斯白手起家建立了赢球文化，而密尔沃基也得到了一套合理的球员和选秀权组合来启动重建。
对于高管乔恩·霍斯特来说，下一步是为球队剩余的资深球员寻找交易选择。没有了阿德托昆博，雄鹿的排名很可能下滑，如果他们选择进行更多操作，也许能为泰勒·希罗、迈尔斯·特纳和凯尔·库兹马找到下家。
应该做的一笔操作： 去年夏天，密尔沃基孤注一掷，为围绕阿德托昆博打造一支赢球之师，与特纳签下了一份4年1.089亿美元的合同。这一举动显然没有成功，所以雄鹿应该尝试尽快按下撤销按钮。
现年30岁的特纳上赛季在密尔沃基场均贡献不起眼的11.9分和5.3个篮板，但距离他代表步行者在NBA总决赛中首发也仅仅过去了一年。理想情况下，密尔沃基会将特纳送到一支有季后赛雄心的球队，以换取更多的选秀权。——戈利弗
华盛顿奇才
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 奇才队已经完成了一系列改变球队命运的操作。他们在2026年交易截止日前换来了特雷·杨和安东尼·戴维斯，五月赢下乐透抽签，并在周二的首轮选秀中选中了AJ·迪班萨来开启大会。终于，这支球队似乎准备好开始为季后赛席位而战了。华盛顿与杨达成了一份4年2.12亿美元的合同，他们相信杨和戴维斯可以构成一支争冠之师的核心支柱，同时指导一个尚未成熟、正在成长的核心阵容。
应该做的一笔操作： 奇才现在应该着眼于锁定戴维斯。这位大个子有资格在8月6日签署一份四年续约合同，合同第一年将取代2027-28赛季价值6280万美元的球员选项。
33岁的戴维斯在过去三个赛季只打了113场比赛。但奇才相信，戴维斯会像杨一样，尽管自2025年初以来已被交易两次，但他仍将充满动力，证明自己依然是一位攻防俱佳的统治力球员。
戴维斯想要赢球，想为一支争冠球队效力。华盛顿希望拥有了杨、迪班萨和亚历克斯·萨尔之后，自己已准备好扭转局面。当球队寻求结束其长达五年的季后赛荒时，一个开心且健康的戴维斯将是一个主要因素。——扬米苏克
布鲁克林篮网
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 很少有球队像篮网这样坚定地投入重建进程，他们持续囤积年轻潜力股和未来选秀权。在去年夏天利用开放的薪资空间吃下小迈克尔·波特之后，篮网本周早些时候又用同样的手法从森林狼得到了朱利叶斯·兰德尔。
就目前而言，篮网应该坚持他们的既定剧本：布鲁克林仍在等待其近年来的一些选秀球员爆发，而兰德尔和波特未来都有可能被转手交易。
应该做的一笔操作： 作为兰德尔交易的一部分，篮网将中锋尼古拉斯·克拉克斯顿送到了公牛。27岁的克拉克斯顿在布鲁克林度过了七个赛季，过去四年一直是全职首发。他的离开在中间留下了一个光靠戴龙·夏普无法填补的空缺。
在兰德尔交易正式完成之前，篮网仍可以利用薪资空间去追逐底特律受限自由球员杰伦·杜伦。如果这个计划落空，他们很可能需要退而求其次，寻找一个临时替代品。——戈利弗
萨克拉门托国王
如何打好休赛期这副牌： 尽一切可能帮助培养新秀后卫小达里乌斯·阿卡夫。当阿卡夫掉到第7顺位，总经理斯科特·佩里朝着选秀台喊出那个名字的那一刻起，阿卡夫就成了球队当前从零开始重建过程中最重要的球员。从此刻起，一切都围绕着在他身边构建正确的阵容和环境。
阿卡夫提到希望能与多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯合作，这位球队核心中锋近期一直身陷交易流言。如果国王无法找到一笔不容错过的交易送走他，那不如让阿卡夫与这位进攻端的行家一起演练一些挡拆配合。无论如何，萨克拉门托未来五年的主题都将是解锁阿卡夫的潜力。
应该做的一笔操作： 为扎克·拉文、马利克·蒙克或萨博尼斯（除非有意让他在上述的二人配合中搭档半个赛季）换取任何可获得的选秀资产。很明显，佩里正在着手处理这些大合同。他能在合同到期前换回有价值的资产吗？——斯莱特
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
点击查看原文：NBA free agency 2026: How all 30 teams can ace their offseason
NBA free agency 2026: How all 30 teams can ace their offseason
The NBA offseason has barely begun, but blockbuster moves are already swaying the league’s balance of power. Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Austin Reaves’ new max deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
But plenty of offseason work remains across the NBA. With the 2026 draft complete, here’s how each franchise can ace the rest of its summer.
ESPN’s NBA insiders are breaking down the key decisions facing each team’s front office – signings, trades and cost-cutting maneuvers to sneak under the luxury tax and apron – heading into next week’s official start to free agency (Tuesday, 6 p.m. ET).
Note: Team order is based on ESPN’s post-Finals NBA Power Rankings.
Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NYK | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
More: Latest free agency, trade buzz
ESPN Illustration
Oklahoma City Thunder
How they ace their offseason: Trim the tax payment and make room for the rookies on the roster without significantly impacting the team’s ability to succeed. The Thunder have already added Michigan center Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 option against West nemesis Victor Wembanyama, for extra frontcourt help. The trade of Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta made space, but OKC also drafted Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz, meaning at least another player must be moved (or a team option declined). Veteran stopper Lu Dort and reserve guard Isaiah Joe appear to be the most vulnerable. Both have been valuable rotation players, so GM Sam Presti is being tasked with finding young, cost-controlled options to fill their void. Acing this offseason is probably dependent on whether Presti aced the Mara and Stirtz picks.
One move they should make: Bring Isaiah Hartenstein back, either exercising his $28.5 million team option or declining and extending him at a lower starting number to trim the tax. Hartenstein has been a major needle-mover for the Thunder in his two seasons with the franchise. Oklahoma City has drafted a center the past two Junes, but that youth can’t yet be trusted to guard elite big men such as Wembanyama and Denver’s Nikola Jokic in the postseason. Hartenstein did just that in a seven-game battle against San Antonio in the conference finals. He’s needed. – Anthony Slater
San Antonio Spurs
How they ace their offseason: While De’Aaron Fox’s poor showing in the NBA Finals fueled trade speculation, San Antonio is better off taking a deliberate approach after one of the youngest rosters in the league came so close to a championship. The Spurs got off to a nice start by drafting Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed Jr. to bolster their frontcourt depth, but they need to add a proven and versatile power forward to play next to Victor Wembanyama. Game 4’s thrilling finish wasn’t an anomaly; Knicks forward OG Anunoby exposed this roster weakness all series long by outplaying San Antonio’s undersized wings.
One move they should make: The Spurs will make the easiest move of the summer by offering Wembanyama a five-year maximum rookie extension that could eventually exceed $300 million. Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper will all play on bargain rookie contracts next season, but San Antonio will start feeling the pinch from its lottery luck once Wembanyama’s extension kicks in for the 2027-28 season. – Ben Golliver
New York Knicks
How they ace their offseason: When you’re the champion, there’s a delicate balance of keeping what you have together while knowing the entire league is chasing you and casing your weaknesses. Knicks owner James Dolan might’ve opened Pandora’s box by saying he doesn’t want to go into the punitive second apron to keep his team together, indicating backup center Mitchell Robinson could be headed elsewhere. Keeping him in the fold would be more than a show of good faith. It seems imperative that they keep him for his offensive rebounding and interior presence, considering how he guarded Wembanyama, limited the Cleveland bigs and terrorized Joel Embiid en route to the title. At $12.9 million this past season, coming to an agreement shouldn’t be impossible.
One move they should make: Sign Karl-Anthony Towns to a contract extension this summer. Towns and the Knicks didn’t come to an agreement before the start of the season, and it could have hindered their title run. Instead, Towns proved his worth in the postseason, playing some of the most complete basketball of his career. Towns is due $57 million and then $61 million (player option in 2027-28) and wants to be a Knick for the duration. Eliminating stress, whether Towns takes a discount or not, is central to New York’s repeat bid. – Vincent Goodwill
Boston Celtics
How they ace their offseason: The Celtics have several problems to address this summer: Derrick White has started to show regression, Boston’s new-look frontcourt was overmatched in the playoffs, and its offense struggled to put pressure on the rim. Unfortunately, the Celtics will be hard-pressed to address those shortcomings if Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and White all remain on their books. That trio is set to earn a combined $145 million in 2026-27 when the salary cap is projected to be $165 million. Something must give for Boston to feel better about its title prospects.
One move they should make: Celtics president Brad Stevens recently referenced the ongoing “rumor mill” surrounding Brown, a five-time All-Star forward who has reportedly been a subject of trade talks with multiple teams. Moving Brown after a decorated 10-year run in Boston would be a tough pivot, but it’s the most logical pathway to rebalancing the roster.
Brown thrived as the No. 1 option last season while Tatum recovered from his torn Achilles, and a trade would give him the chance to be the face of his own team. – Golliver
Detroit Pistons
How they ace their offseason: If it wasn’t obvious already, the Pistons’ playoff struggles made their biggest need crystal clear: a sidekick for Cade Cunningham who can space the floor and provide secondary playmaking. The Pistons won 60 games and the East’s top seed because of their defense and intense nightly effort, but the offense wasn’t dynamic enough around Cunningham to make them a true title threat. After a quiet trade deadline, now’s their chance to improve that weakness.
One move they should make: Re-sign Jalen Duren. In terms of adding another perimeter scorer, the Pistons could explore plenty of options, from Kawhi Leonard at the high end to the likes of Trey Murphy III, Norman Powell and Tyler Herro. But in the meantime, they also must retain their breakout All-Star center, a restricted free agent who became irreplaceable after Detroit traded Isaiah Stewart on draft night. Duren’s playoff performance was an undeniable disappointment, but 14 bad games shouldn’t override 70 excellent ones he played in the regular season. Duren is still just 22 and should team up with Cunningham for the long haul. – Zach Kram
Denver Nuggets
How they ace their offseason: Don’t be so desperate to duck the aprons that the rotation becomes depleted or a bad deal is accepted. Everyone just presumes that because they need to retain rising wing Peyton Watson, the Nuggets will be forced to move a contract such as Cameron Johnson’s (a $23 million expiring deal) or Christian Braun’s (a five-year, $125 million extension set to trigger). That’s not necessarily true. If the Nuggets are willing to pay a big luxury tax bill, they could bring back Watson, retain Johnson, Braun and Aaron Gordon and remain relatively deep on the wing, barring health.
One move they should make: Retain Watson. They drafted him 30th overall in 2022, and he slowly morphed from a project into a versatile two-way wing with serious upside in his first four seasons. He is a restricted free agent, so Denver has leverage to keep him. Even if ownership demands cost-cutting to make it happen, locking in Watson should be prioritized. – Slater
Cleveland Cavaliers
How they ace their offseason: Cleveland is committed to its core, which reached the conference finals for the first time but lost in a sweep to the Knicks after getting there. Barring a surprise trade, it seems that the Cavaliers will continue tinkering around the edges and hoping that a full season of the James Harden-Donovan Mitchell backcourt, as well as further growth from Evan Mobley, is sufficient to keep them in the championship picture. With Harden’s contract status up in the air and Mitchell eligible for an extension, the Cavaliers are more likely to tie down what they already have than overhaul the roster.
One move they should make: Re-sign Harden to a multiyear contract worth less per year than his $42.3 million player option for next season. This would be a win-win deal: Harden would add more guaranteed money as he approaches his late 30s, while a smaller per-year payment would drop the Cavaliers out of second apron territory and boost flexibility to build around their stars. – Kram
Minnesota Timberwolves
How they ace their offseason: That question usually comes down to how aggressive team president Tim Connelly is in exploring trades. This summer, the answer arrived quickly.
Minnesota moved its only tradable first-round pick (2033) and vital sixth man Naz Reid in the deal to land LaMelo Ball from the Hornets, a risk by a front office that has developed a reputation for massive swings. Connelly acquired Rudy Gobert from the Jazz in 2022 and then sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in 2024.
One move they should make: Re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu. In light of DiVincenzo’s Achilles injury that will keep him out for most if not all of 2026-27, there is a high priority for Minnesota to keep Dosunmu. Acquired at the deadline from Chicago, Dosunmu averaged 14.4 points, 52.1% shooting from the field and 41.4% from 3 in his 24 games with Minnesota. He also recorded the two highest-scoring games off the bench in Timberwolves playoff history.
Because Minnesota acquired Dosunmu’s Bird rights in the trade, it is allowed to sign the guard and still exceed the luxury tax and apron. – Bobby Marks
Los Angeles Lakers
How they ace their offseason: The Lakers took care of a massive priority when they secured Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million maximum contract – the richest deal for an undrafted player in league history. That is one thing that will keep Luka Doncic happy. Another is finding a big man to catch lobs and protect the rim.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has to build around Doncic, who is most dangerous with a bouncy center and shooters surrounding him. Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Utah’s Walker Kessler are restricted free agents who fit the mold, but both are risky pursuits with their existing teams having the right to match any offer. New York’s Mitchell Robinson and Portland’s Robert Williams III could be tantalizing options but should fetch plenty of interest in free agency if they don’t return to their teams.
One move they should make: Run it back with LeBron! Yes, we don’t know what direction LeBron James will choose this summer. But if he wants to play for a 24th season, the Lakers should do everything they can to keep him in purple and gold. The Lakers saw plenty of the Doncic-LeBron tandem to warrant it, including during a 16-2 stretch after the All-Star break. After Doncic and Reaves missed significant time in the postseason, the Lakers should see how far the Doncic, James and Reaves trio can go.
If 2025-26 is LeBron’s curtain call to a historic career, there is no better place for a Hollywood ending. For Los Angeles, letting the all-time leading scorer finish his career in Cleveland or Golden State would be a missed opportunity. That is, of course, assuming James grants it. – Ohm Youngmisuk
Houston Rockets
How they ace their offseason: After swinging big to land Kevin Durant last summer, Houston is likely headed for a quieter 2026 offseason. The Rockets have their five most used players in 2025-26 under contract for 2026-27 and will welcome back veteran guard Fred VanVleet from knee surgery. VanVleet’s return should help boost a clunky offense and keep Houston in the mix for another 50-win season. With that said, the Rockets should gauge the trade markets for Durant and center Alperen Sengun. The two stars didn’t strike up instant chemistry, and it’s best to prepare for every contingency.
One move they should make: In recent years, Rockets GM Rafael Stone signed Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green to sensible rookie extensions that gave Houston a solid foundation and helped facilitate the Durant trade. This summer, Stone has negotiations on deck with two other crucial contributors: Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. Keeping Thompson below the max number on his rookie extension would be a win, and retaining Eason in restricted free agency should be a top priority given his size, motor and defensive impact. – Golliver
Indiana Pacers
How they ace their offseason: The Pacers did their most important business before the offseason even began, trading draft picks for center Ivica Zubac at the deadline. That move made the 2026-27 Pacers much better, though it came at a significant cost – most notably the No. 5 pick in the draft – and likely closed the door on much more activity from Indiana this summer. The Pacers are just $247,000 below the luxury tax line, per Marks, so acing their offseason might come mostly by standing pat and retaining financial flexibility.
After all, other than Myles Turner, who has since been replaced by Zubac, the rest of the roster that reached the Finals in 2025 remains intact, with Tyrese Haliburton slated to return fully healthy after missing all of 2025-26 recovering from a torn Achilles.
One move they should make: Get Zubac and Haliburton in the gym together, running hundreds of pick-and-rolls every day. Arguably the two most important Pacers (Pascal Siakam is also worthy of consideration) have never played a minute together, and while the rest of the team’s chemistry remains high, this key partnership needs time to develop before the team can truly re-enter the title conversation. – Kram
Philadelphia 76ers
How they ace their offseason: The 76ers are in a transition period after replacing former president Daryl Morey, who was fired in May after six seasons, with Mike Gansey. Given Philadelphia’s preexisting salary commitments, Gansey will likely treat the beginning of his tenure as an evaluation period. Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey are on the books for a combined $152 million next season, and reshaping that core won’t be easy.
Embiid’s chronic injuries undercut his value, George is 36 and Maxey has evolved into a near-untouchable centerpiece. Philadelphia did well to add Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. in the draft, and the franchise must now decide which of its free agents to retain, including Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond.
One move they should make: Oubre, 30, carved out a nice role after joining the 76ers in 2023, finding an effective fit playing off the team’s stars. While his outside shooting could be more consistent, the 6-8 forward’s size helps compensate for Philadelphia’s small backcourt. Oubre overdelivered on his last contract – two years, $16.3 million – and should be viewed as a top priority for the 76ers. – Golliver
Atlanta Hawks
How they ace their offseason: The offseason is already off to a strong start for the Hawks, who agreed to a one-year, $21 million contract extension with guard CJ McCollum and were finalizing a deal to land guard Aaron Wiggins from the Thunder for two future second-round picks Sunday.
Those two moves come on the heels of the franchise locking up Onsi Saleh, president of basketball operations, and head coach Quin Snyder to multiyear contract extensions. Saleh entered this offseason looking to position the Hawks with optionality by continuing to build and develop a young core of promising players around rising star Jalen Johnson but also have flexibility to pounce if another star becomes available. If the Hawks can land a go-to scorer to pair with Johnson – one who fits with their core’s timeline – that will be a big win.
One move they should make: Exercise the $24.3 million team option on Jonathan Kuminga. The Hawks had Kuminga for only 22 games, including the first-round loss to New York, and should see how he does with a full camp behind him. Exercising the option also gives the Hawks the ability to go after a bigger star.
Even if Kuminga, who wasn’t happy with his role in Golden State, isn’t thrilled with his usage in Atlanta, the team can always try to deal his expiring contract before the 2027 trade deadline. But it is absolutely worth giving Kuminga more of a chance after he averaged 13.7 points but shot just 20.8% from 3 in the playoffs. – Youngmisuk
Toronto Raptors
How they ace their offseason: Toronto might be tempted to run it back after improving by 16 wins and snapping a three-year playoff drought. The Raptors have already inked Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl to generous contracts that cover the upcoming campaign, so any splashy changes would likely need to come via trade.
Toronto made a no-brainer move by picking up the team option on guard Jamal Shead this week, leaving crafty big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, who holds a player option, as its next priority in free agency.
One move they should make: The Raptors would need to trade Ingram or Quickley for positional upgrades to truly raise their ceiling, but that type of move is easier said than done because both players have underperformed expectations during their Toronto tenure. A more realistic goal is re-signing Mamukelashvili, a strong paint scorer and solid outside shooter who averaged a career-high 11.2 points last season. Toronto’s bench wouldn’t be the same without him. – Golliver
Orlando Magic
How they ace their offseason: Orlando has likely already made its biggest move of the offseason, hiring coach Sean Sweeney. Team president Jeff Weltman stated that the Magic flashed their potential when taking a 3-1 lead on top-seeded Detroit before Franz Wagner went down due to injury and Orlando collapsed.
The front office believes Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane can still take Orlando deep into the playoffs, especially with Sweeney there to elevate an already stellar defense, improve the offense and get Banchero and Wagner to take another step toward stardom. But after Sweeney stressed that improved spacing will be crucial, the Magic should pursue shooting, size and playmaking at point guard. Orlando could also use a reserve big man to help Wendell Carter Jr. on the glass and with rim protection.
One move they should make:
The Magic should extend Anthony Black. The guard scored in double figures in 45 of his first 56 games before injuries kept him out much of the second half.
But the 22-year-old, in his third season, displayed the versatility that made him the No. 6 pick in 2023, averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals. Black has to improve his outside shooting after making just a third of his 3s last season, but Orlando should sign him to a rookie extension as it did with fellow young core members Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Wagner and Banchero. – Youngmisuk
Golden State Warriors
How they ace their offseason: Find a trade or use their limited financial tools to add a significant mid-prime contributor to an aging core. Leadership appears intent on keeping the roster mostly stable, re-signing Al Horford while attempting to bring back Kristaps Porzingis. It’s anticipated that Draymond Green will be back, likely on a $27.6 million expiring deal (currently a player option choice). Instead of trading their first-round pick, they used it on Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, a plug-and-play, NBA-ready wing. But the Warriors have control of their future first-round picks and could push in a chip or two to supplement the supporting cast around Stephen Curry.
One move they should make: If LeBron James and the Lakers can’t agree on a return, the Warriors have a path to clear room and use their $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception. That would be a short-term, low-risk bargain in a position of need after long-term injuries to wings Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody.
Assuming that doesn’t materialize, could the Warriors revisit the past trade interest in Kawhi Leonard and Trey Murphy III? At a lower tier, a scorer such as free agent guard Anfernee Simons could also fill a need after Golden State’s offense finished 19th in the regular season. – Slater
Charlotte Hornets
How they ace their offseason: Perhaps Charlotte already has. Coming off their most exciting and promising season in over a decade, the Hornets made a daring move Thursday, dealing All-Star guard LaMelo Ball to Minnesota for Naz Reid and a collection of draft assets, including a 2033 unprotected first-round pick – getting value for the team’s most popular player, the quarterback of the league’s best offense since Jan. 1.
One move they should make: Ball was the head of an exciting young core, but Charlotte could not turn down the Minnesota haul that included Reid’s much-needed size and coveted 3-point shooting. Hours after trading Ball, the Hornets completed their biggest priority by bringing back guard Coby White, who intends to sign a three-year, $74 million deal. – Youngmisuk
LA Clippers
How they ace their offseason: With the NBA’s Aspiration investigation looming over the franchise, the Clippers continue to push for a calmer – and younger – future. They made their biggest splashes during the season in trading away veteran starters James Harden and Ivica Zubac and adding Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin and two first-round picks that included Illinois guard Keaton Wagler at No. 5.
Mathurin will be a restricted free agent, and Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, has said that bringing back the fourth-year wing, who averaged 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds in 26 games after the trade, has to come at terms that will work for the club.
One move they should make: Consider trading Leonard. Frank reiterated after the draft that the Clippers want to continue to win with their two-way superstar, who is coming off a career-high 27.9 points per game, shot 50.5% from the field and played in 65 games for just the second time since 2016-17. Leonard, who will turn 35 next week, is extension-eligible entering the final season of his contract. At this stage of his career and considering his injury past, Leonard’s value will never be higher. If a contender loaded with young players and draft assets calls, the Clippers should listen. – Youngmisuk
Portland Trail Blazers
How they ace their offseason: Avoiding headlines for the wrong reasons is a start. New owner Tom Dundon has made waves with all his cost-cutting methods, including most recently inking a one-year guaranteed coaching deal with Micah Nori with two team options attached, infuriating the coaching community. But if the Blazers add a big name to send this intriguing young core of Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan and Scoot Henderson to the next level – and if that upgraded core wins – everyone will zip it about the cheapness of the organization. If they slip, it could cause some finger-pointing.
One move they should make: Jaylen Brown seems like a mid-prime star worth chasing. Working in Portland’s favor: control of what could become the most coveted draft capital in the league – Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected first-round pick and swaps in 2028 and 2030. Would that be enough to help land a star like Brown? – Slater
Miami Heat
How they ace their offseason: The Heat completed the first and biggest step of their offseason, finally landing their long-awaited star by trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But now they have to round out the roster after the blockbuster deal depleted their depth. With a lack of shooting looming as a particular weakness on their new-look roster, retaining free agent Norman Powell should be the next step for the Heat, who have an open starting spot in their backcourt.
One move they should make: Re-sign Andrew Wiggins to a multiyear contract worth less than his $30.2 million player option for next season. That arrangement would give Wiggins more guaranteed money while also creating extra financial wiggle room for Miami in 2026-27, which could allow the team to squeeze in a new deal for Powell and bolster the supporting cast for the star frontcourt duo of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. – Kram
Phoenix Suns
How they ace their offseason: The Suns wasted no time in that pursuit. Phoenix already took advantage of the window before free agency to negotiate deals with guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin. The two players will earn a combined $16.6 million next season.
One move they should make: It depends on whether there was a mandate to retain center Mark Williams while also remaining below the luxury tax and first apron. Before factoring in Williams’ next deal, the Suns are right at the tax and $8.3 million under the first apron after retaining Gillespie and Goodwin. Staying below the threshold could require a small move. For example, trading Grayson Allen to Chicago for two second-rounders would help alleviate the financial burden. Without a trade, Phoenix is allowed to exceed the first apron to sign Williams. – Marks
Utah Jazz
How they ace their offseason: The rebuilding Jazz are finally poised to turn the corner after acquiring 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. at the trade deadline and selecting Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 pick. Now, Utah has decisions on center Walker Kessler, guard Keyonte George and how to fortify its backcourt and wing defense. A stopper such as Marcus Smart, Matisse Thybulle or Dean Wade would make a big impact on a defense that ranked 29th last season.
One move they should make: With Wembanyama leading the Spurs to the Finals at age 22, West hopefuls must prepare to counter his 7-5 stature for years to come. After adding Jackson, Utah can solidify an enormous front line by re-signing Kessler in restricted free agency. The 7-2 shot blocker and high-volume rebounder was limited to five games last season due to injury but is worth a significant investment given his youth, productivity – and the Jazz’s lack of alternatives at the position. – Golliver
Dallas Mavericks
How they ace their offseason: The Mavericks have already completely overhauled their basketball leadership since the season ended, beginning with the hiring of team president Masai Ujiri, the architect of the 2019 champion Raptors. Ujiri has hired general manager Mike Schmitz, a renowned evaluator of draft talent, and recruited head coach Dusty May fresh off Michigan’s NCAA championship.
The rest of the summer should be about collecting assets for a long-term build around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. The Mavs are banking on No. 9 pick Morez Johnson Jr., a rugged, talented big who played for May at Michigan, to be a major part of that. They are expected to continue to explore the trade market for several veterans on the roster, although Kyrie Irving remains firmly in the Mavs’ plans as he returns from March 2025 knee surgery.
One move they should make: How about helping out old friend Luka Doncic in Los Angeles? The Lakers have a desperate need for a lob-catching, rim-protecting big man and are going to have a hard time addressing it in free agency, as Detroit (Jalen Duren) and Utah (Walker Kessler) have no intentions of losing their restricted free agent centers.
The Mavs explored trading Daniel Gafford before last season’s deadline but couldn’t find a team willing to give up a first-round pick in return. If the Lakers are willing to part with their 2031 or 2033 pick, the Mavs should be willing to let Gafford go, especially with Johnson capable of taking his minutes. – Tim MacMahon
New Orleans Pelicans
How they ace their offseason: Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver were widely panned for their 2025 offseason, but the Pelicans front office smartly pounced on the chance to hire coach Jamahl Mosley after he was fired by the Magic. While Mosley will be tasked with improving a bottom-10 defense, it’s time for New Orleans to admit its core players don’t fit together and explore trade offers for Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Failing that, the Pelicans should dangle Jordan Poole’s $34 million expiring contract and future assets for backcourt help.
One move they should make: The Pelicans are in an unenviable position: Williamson, Murphy, Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones are all in their respective age primes but they have no track record of winning together. Williamson’s health issues undercut his trade value, so dealing Murphy is the best way to reset the franchise’s timeline around 2025 lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Murphy, a long and versatile forward who can stretch the floor, would be better cast in a complementary role for a projected playoff team such as the Spurs or Pistons. – Golliver
Chicago Bulls
How they ace their offseason:
The Bulls got off to a strong start in Bryson Graham’s first season as the head of basketball operations, acquiring center Nicolas Claxton essentially for free and landing two top prospects in the draft. Chicago still has about $30 million in cap space as the summer continues, and the rebuilding Bulls could use that money to take on another team’s bad contract for the price of future draft picks.
One move they should make: Trade for Cameron Johnson and draft capital from the Nuggets. Denver could seek to trade Johnson’s $23 million deal in an effort to afford to re-sign Peyton Watson. But Johnson is still a solid player – which means Chicago could potentially get even more draft capital by flipping him at the deadline – and therefore is the sort of trade target who could interest the Bulls as they use the rest of their cap space this offseason. – Kram
Memphis Grizzlies
How they ace their offseason: The most pressing order of business for Memphis is to complete its rebuilding effort by trading Ja Morant, whose multiple suspensions ended a promising era before it truly started. The injury-plagued All-Star guard has played just 79 games over the past three seasons and hasn’t developed as a perimeter shooter, hastening the Grizzlies’ need to move on. After adding potential franchise player Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 pick, moving Morant would expedite a fresh start and cultural reset.
One move they should make: Finding a trade partner for Morant could be tricky given his red flags. Still, interested parties could view this as an opportunity to acquire an electric guard who is 26 years old and only under contract through the 2027-28 season. Atlanta’s Trae Young trade with Washington is a good model: turning Morant’s $42.2 million contract into multiple veterans on smaller deals would maximize Memphis’ ability to wheel and deal going forward. New Orleans and Phoenix have a need for star power, and both have tradable veterans to send back. – Golliver
Milwaukee Bucks
How they ace their offseason: The Bucks got straight to work on a difficult summer by hiring Taylor Jenkins as coach and trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat before the draft. Parting with a franchise icon is never easy, but Jenkins built a winning culture from the ground up in Memphis, and Milwaukee landed a sensible package of players and picks to launch its rebuild.
The next step for executive Jon Horst is to explore trade options for his remaining veterans. With the Bucks likely to drop in the standings without Antetokounmpo, they might be able to find takers for Tyler Herro, Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma if they choose to pursue more moves.
One move they should make: Milwaukee signed Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million contract last summer in a desperate bid to build a winner around Antetokounmpo. The move clearly didn’t pan out, so the Bucks should try to hit the undo button as quickly as possible.
Turner, 30, averaged a modest 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds for Milwaukee last season, but he’s just one year removed from starting for Indiana in the NBA Finals. Ideally, Milwaukee would deal Turner to a team with playoff aspirations to rack up more draft picks. – Golliver
Washington Wizards
How they ace their offseason: The Wizards have already pulled off a host of franchise-changing moves. They traded for Trae Young and Anthony Davis before the 2026 deadline, won the lottery in May and selected AJ Dybantsa to open Tuesday’s first round. Finally, the franchise seems ready to start competing for a playoff spot. Washington agreed to a four-year, $212 million deal with Young in the belief that he and Davis can form the pillars of a contender while mentoring a raw, developing core.
One move they should make: The Wizards should now look to secure Davis. The big man is eligible to sign a four-year extension Aug. 6, with the first year replacing a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.
Davis, 33, has played just 113 games over the past three seasons. But the Wizards believe Davis, like Young, will be motivated to prove he is still a two-way force despite getting traded twice since the start of 2025.
Davis wants to win and be with a contender. Washington hopes it is ready to turn that corner with Young, Dybantsa and Alex Sarr in the mix. A happy and healthy Davis will be a major factor as the franchise seeks to snap its five-year playoff drought. – Youngmisuk
Brooklyn Nets
How they ace their offseason: Few teams are as committed to the rebuilding process as the Nets, who continue to stockpile young prospects and future draft picks. After absorbing Michael Porter Jr. into their open cap space last summer, the Nets used the same maneuver to add Julius Randle from the Timberwolves earlier this week.
For now, the Nets should stick to their script: Brooklyn is still waiting for some of its recent draft picks to pop, and both Randle and Porter could be flipped down the line.
One move they should make: As part of the Randle trade, the Nets moved center Nic Claxton to the Bulls. Claxton, 27, spent seven years in Brooklyn, including the past four as a full-time starter. His departure opens a hole in the middle that Day’Ron Sharpe can’t fill by himself.
Until the Randle trade goes official, the Nets could still use cap space to pursue Detroit’s Jalen Duren in restricted free agency. If that plan falls through, they’ll likely need to settle for a stopgap. – Golliver
Sacramento Kings
How they ace their offseason: Simply do whatever they can to help develop rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. The moment that Acuff fell to No. 7 and general manager Scott Perry shouted that name toward the podium, Acuff became the most important player in the franchise’s current ground-level rebuild. Everything from here is about building the correct roster and environment around him.
Acuff mentioned a desire to work with Domantas Sabonis, the franchise center who has been in trade rumors. If the Kings can’t find a can’t-miss trade for him, maybe it is best to let Acuff get some pick-and-roll reps with an expert offensive hub. Regardless, the next half decade in Sacramento has become about unlocking Acuff’s upside.
One move they should make: Get any type of available draft asset for Zach LaVine, Malik Monk or Sabonis (unless there is a desire to pair him in that aforementioned two-man game for half the season). It’s quite obvious that Perry is sending these big contracts out the door. Can he get anything of substance before they run out? – Slater
By NBA insiders, via ESPN