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[Skooby]

Seven big trades we want to see for NBA contenders

@Skooby

Seven big trades we want to see for NBA contenders

Multiple contenders, including the LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers, have been eliminated already in the 2020 NBA playoffs. Also gone are several teams with high hopes for next season such as the Brooklyn Nets, who will be bringing back Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving and are in need of a third star.

We asked our NBA insiders to propose trades to get this year's eliminated playoff teams closer to their goal of an NBA title.

Here are seven trades involving seven All-Stars that 11 teams should consider this offseason.

A third big star for Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets get: Bradley Beal

Washington Wizards get: Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, No. 19 pick in 2020, 2021 second-round pick (via Atlanta)

Mike Schmitz: Adding one of the NBA's most effortless scorers would give Nets GM Sean Marks a third star to go with Durant and Irving, making Brooklyn an immediate contender. Although committing over $100 million to Beal, Irving and Durant next season would surely make it difficult to build a sturdy supporting cast, coach Steve Nash would have three of the best offensive players in the NBA for potentially the next three seasons. This trade would allow Beal the opportunity to prove that his elite bucket-getting can translate to winning at the highest level.

For the Wizards, this would provide a much-needed young rim protector in the 22-year-old Allen, a versatile shot creator in LeVert and the highly skilled Dinwiddie, who ranked 21st in ESPN's Offensive Real Plus-Minus this season. Allen and Dinwiddie could potentially leave in free agency after next season, but the 26-year-old LeVert is a legitimate young building block who has improved every season when healthy and is already locked in through 2023.

Although there are question marks about the top of the 2020 draft, there are quality rotation players to be had with the 19th pick, and the 2021 second-rounder the Hawks own figures to land somewhere in the 30s in what should be a loaded draft class.

Mike Schmitz is an NBA draft expert and a contributor to DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

Sweet Lou to Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks get: Lou Williams

LA Clippers get: T.J. McConnell, T.J. Leaf, No. 24 pick in 2020 (from Milwaukee via Indiana)

Indiana Pacers get: Ersan Ilyasova, 2022 second-round pick, 2025 second-round pick

Bobby Marks: How do the Bucks appease Giannis Antetokounmpo? The MVP has already been meeting with Bucks brass to make sure they are willing to improve the team and invest enough to grab an elusive NBA title. Antetokounmpo can become a free agent and leave Milwaukee in 2021, so the Bucks have plenty of incentive to make big moves now.

One such move would be to acquire a high-scoring playmaker in Williams, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year.

In this case, the trade would cost Milwaukee two valuable assets: the expiring contract of Ilyasova and the 24th pick in the draft. Ilyasova would be rerouted to the Pacers, with the Clippers receiving point guard McConnell, forward Leaf and the Pacers' 2020 first-round pick (currently in the hands of the Bucks from their trade of Malcolm Brogdon to Indiana). McConnell would give LA a pass-first point guard, while the Indiana first-rounder would replace the pick the Clippers sent to New York in the Marcus Morris Sr. trade.

The Pacers would get back the two second-round picks they sent to Milwaukee as part of the Brogdon trade along with veteran bench depth in Ilyasova.

To make the trade work, the non-guaranteed contracts of Ilyasova ($7.0 million) and McConnell ($3.5 million) would become guaranteed.


Bucks and Pelicans swap All-Star guards, shooters
Milwaukee Bucks get: Jrue Holiday, JJ Redikk

New Orleans Pelicans get: Khris Middleton, George Hill

André Snellings: This trade would amount to two teams looking to fit together better.

The Bucks need their secondary scorer to be a lead ball handler, and that is not Middleton's strength. Holiday could replace Middleton's scoring and much of Eric Bledsoe's ballhandling while providing elite perimeter defense.

Milwaukee also needs to maximize the threat of the 3 ball in its lineup around Antetokounmpo, and Redikk still provides that at age 36 as a high-volume 3-point shooter who makes more than 40% of his 3s year after year.

The Pelicans are in danger of losing Holiday, as he can become a free agent in 2021. At age 30, the former All-Star doesn't fit especially well with the Pelicans' timeline -- which is based on the development of 20-year-old Zion Williamson -- but he would mesh well with the immediate championship goals of the Bucks, who could offer him a long-term extension to fulfill the desire of Antetokounmpo that Milwaukee invest in its roster.

Replacing Holiday with Middleton would allow the Pelicans to take better advantage of the playmaking of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. Hill, who led the NBA in 3-point percentage this season, would replace Redikk, an important consideration given the Pelicans' desire to put shooting around Zion. Hill would also replace Holiday as New Orleans' combo guard.

Bucks get more shooting
Milwaukee Bucks get: Nemanja Bjelica, 2020 second-round pick

Sacramento Kings get: Robin Lopez, D.J. Wilson, 2020 first-round pick (via Indiana)

Kevin Pelton: My focus for the Bucks would be better shooting along with more flexibility in the frontcourt. Dealing for Bjelica would accomplish both goals. He is a career 39% 3-point shooter, meaning small lineups with Bjelica next to Antetokounmpo would provide Antetokounmpo plenty of room to drive.

Though Bjelica isn't as capable of switching on defense as Marvin Williams, who retired after Milwaukee's playoff run, he is far more versatile defensively than the Lopez brothers -- both of whom require the Bucks to play a drop defense. As a result, I'd be willing to give up the only first-round pick Milwaukee can trade before 2024. Getting back a second-round pick would help the Bucks add a cheap rookie to fill out their 2020-21 roster.

From Sacramento's standpoint, the logic is simple: New general manager Monte McNair gets an extra first-round pick to begin retooling the Kings' roster to his liking, while dealing Bjelica clears more minutes for 2018 No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III at power forward.

Robin Lopez has a player option he might decline rather than be included in this deal. In that case, Milwaukee could guarantee Ilyasova's 2020-21 salary and use him instead of Lopez and Wilson.

OKC deals CP3 to a contender
Version 1:

Milwaukee Bucks get: Chris Paul

Oklahoma City Thunder get: Eric Bledsoe, Ersan Ilyasova, Robin Lopez and DJ Wilson

Version 2:

Philadelphia 76ers get: Chris Paul

Oklahoma City Thunder get: Buddy Hield, Mike Scott, Norvel Pelle

Sacramento Kings get: Al Horford, Oklahoma City's 2020 first-round pick (from Philly)

Tim Bontemps: Oklahoma City's decision to part ways with coach Billy Donovan signaled the Thunder's intent moving forward. A deep 2021 draft class makes this an opportune time for OKC to take a step back and begin building around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Still, despite how good Paul was this season, his contract -- he is owed $41 million in 2020-21 and has a $44 million player option the following season -- makes it difficult to find trading partners for him.

There are, however, two teams that make perfect sense: the Bucks, who need to win to keep Antetokounmpo; and the 76ers, who flamed out of the playoffs and clearly are still short of the championship level they hoped to reach.

With Paul, Milwaukee's late-game offense would go from stagnant to potent, and he would be a massive upgrade at that end over Bledsoe. The Thunder, meanwhile, would save well over $30 million during the next two years and could still flip Bledsoe -- one of the league's best defensive guards, though also clearly not suited to be the lead guard of a championship offense -- elsewhere later.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, would solve its roster issues and get a massive upgrade over Shake Milton in its starting lineup. For Sacramento, getting Horford -- who was good as a center with Philadelphia last season -- would give emerging guard De'Aaron Fox an excellent pick-and-roll partner, while also adding a first-round pick.

And while that second deal would see Oklahoma City take on a much bigger long-term commitment in Hield, getting the former University of Oklahoma star while moving Paul's contract might be too good an opportunity for the Thunder to pass up.

 

[Skooby]

Blockbuster: Griffin for Westbrook
Houston Rockets get: Blake Griffin

Detroit Pistons get: Russell Westbrook



Bontemps: This deal is unlikely. It's hard to see Houston turning around and moving Westbrook, and Griffin is coming off knee surgery. Still, it's a deal that would make sense for both sides.

If Griffin is healthy -- a big if, to be sure -- he is a better fit for the Rockets. Griffin could play as a small-ball center, and he would be a terrific pick-and-roll partner with James Harden. On top of that, Griffin has developed his jump shot to the point where he shot 36% on seven 3-point attempts per game in the 2018-19 season -- Westbrook has never been nearly that good a shooter -- and has one less year on his deal.

Westbrook, on the other hand, is someone who is most effective when he has the ball in his hands, and he wouldn't have to share it in Detroit. Assuming they re-sign center Christian Wood, the Pistons would be able to run out lineups with at least a decent shooter at every other position -- which would give Westbrook the best chance to succeed. While Westbrook isn't the picture of health these days, he is a far surer bet than Griffin to be available over the next couple of seasons, giving Detroit a better chance of being competitive than it would have by standing pat.

 

[Morethan1]

@Skooby

Next for the Lakers: Keeping LeBron and AD for the long term

 

[Skooby]

@Skooby

Next for the Lakers: Keeping LeBron and AD for the long term

Next for the Lakers: Keeping LeBron and AD for the long term

In April 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers were Team Turmoil. L.A. had missed the playoffs for the sixth straight year. Team president Magic Johnson had resigned, followed by coach Luke Walton losing his job once the offseason began.

Then came the shrewd hiring of Frank Vogel as coach, then the blockbuster trade that landed Anthony Davis. Eighteen months later, the Lakers are NBA champions for the 17th time.

Now the focus will turn to potential free agent Anthony Davis and a possible extension for LeBron James, who can be a free agent in 2021.

Note: The financials here are based on the salary cap and luxury tax holding at the 2019-20 levels, as expected. Dates are subject to adjustment.

The Anthony Davis contract
The Lakers' acquisition of Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans was high risk, high reward.

Here is the price tag:

The No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft (which was sent to Atlanta, with the Pelicans getting picks No. 8 and No. 17 in return)

Los Angeles' 2021 first-round pick (protected 8-30), which will turn into an unprotected 2022 first if it is not conveyed

The right to swap first-round picks in 2023

Los Angeles' 2024 unprotected first-round pick (which the Pelicans can defer to 2025)

Adding to the risk: Davis could opt to become a 2020 free agent. With potential free agency looming for both Davis (in 2020 or 2021) and James (2021 or 2022), there would be no guarantee that either player would be on the roster for the 2022-23 season. In that case, both the Lakers' roster and their stock of draft picks would be bereft.

But as Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told ESPN's Dave McMenamin, when James committed to the Lakers in 2018, it was Pelinka's job to put a championship roster around James even if that meant trading away draft picks and young players.

"When a player of LeBron's stature puts his trust in the organization," Pelinka said, "I think there's an implicit bilateral trust going back, saying: 'We're going to do everything we can to put you in a position to win more championships, because that's what you're about.'"

Fortunately for Los Angeles, Davis put together his most complete season, racking up honors along the way: being named first-team All-NBA and first-team All-Defensive, and finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and fifth in MVP voting.

Furthermore, the risk of the Davis trade is now largely canceled out by the ultimate reward: an NBA championship.

Still, Davis is all but certain to opt out of his $28.8 million contract for 2020-21.

The decision would be financially motivated and not an indication that Davis will look elsewhere when free agency begins. There is no reason to believe Davis would spurn the chance to win another championship with the Lakers to sign with a lottery team such as Atlanta, Detroit or New York -- the three teams projected to have cap space for a maximum-salary player such as Davis.

The opportunity Davis would be taking advantage of is getting a raise for next season and establishing security. If the salary cap stays at $109.1 million, he can receive $32.7 million next season rather than the $28.8 million on his current contract.

Beyond that, Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, will make a decision on the length of his next contract. Here are three ways for them to go:

Two-year contract: $32.7 and $35.4 million

The contract would provide Davis a player option for 2021-22, allowing him to be a free agent again and sign a long-term contract next offseason. But if the salary cap stays flat for 2021-22 or increases only slightly, Davis might choose to defer the decision for a year (to 2022) in the hopes that the salary cap, and therefore the amount of his next deal, will rise.

Three-year contract: $32.7, $35.4 and $38.0 million

This probably makes the most sense for Davis. A player option for 2022-23 would allow Davis to become a free agent in 2022, when he'll have 10 years of service. Meeting the service criterion would allow Davis to sign for 35% of the salary cap (similar to a supermax contract).

For example, if NBA revenue returns to expected levels and the salary cap is $120 million for 2022-23, Davis could sign a five-year, $243.6 million contract with the Lakers or a four-year, $180.6 million deal with a team that has cap space.

This contract would also align with James' potential free agency in 2022.

Five-year contract: $189.9 million

This deal would be comparable to the max contract Klay Thompson signed with the Golden State Warriors last offseason.

Davis would secure $189.9 million in guaranteed salary. But in future years, the contract would likely be for less than his potential earning power.

The LeBron James extension
James continues to produce at an MVP level at age 35.

Instead of seeing a deterioration in his overall game 17 seasons in his NBA career, James continues to produce at not just an All-Star level, but an All-NBA and MVP clip.

Five years after his return to Cleveland for his age-30 season, James is still putting up similar numbers:

James also is arguably the most durable star in the league. Since entering the NBA in 2003-04, James has played in 92.5% of regular-season games.

James still has two years left on his contract (at $39.2 and $41.0 million) but is eligible to receive an extension.

Because of the over-38 rule, the Lakers can extend him for only two seasons beyond 2021-22. (This assumes his player option for 2021-22 is removed, keeping him in Los Angeles.) The max salary under current expectations would be $43.0 and $46.5 million.

The extension would start in 2022-23.

The roster outside of LeBron and AD
A year ago, the Lakers could have handed out name tags when training camp started.

Los Angeles had signed, drafted or traded for 10 new players and three more who were returning. Only James and Kyle Kuzma were not part of the transaction game.

Now, heading into the offseason, the focus for Pelinka is on roster maintenance. The Lakers have 11 players under contract and are over the salary cap.

Besides the possible extensions for Davis and James, here is the menu of roster options (and decisions) facing the Lakers:

 

[Skooby]

The player options
Including Davis, the Lakers have four players -- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($8.5 million), Avery Bradley ($5.0 million), JaVale McGee ($4.2 million) and Rajon Rondo ($2.7 million) -- with a player option for 2020-21.

One tendency in these situations is for role players to capitalize on the championship by entering free agency in search of a bigger payday. But this year, that appears less likely because there will probably be less spending this offseason.

Here is the available money:

1. Cap space of $15 million-plus: Four teams
   
   
2. $9.3 million midlevel exception: 20 teams
   
   
3. $3.6 million biannual exception: 15 teams
   
   
4. $5.7 million tax midlevel exception: Five teams
   

For some teams, such as Houston and Milwaukee, spending more than $5.7 million of their midlevel exception would impose a hard cap. Teams that rely on revenue sharing -- such as Indiana, Memphis and New Orleans -- could also be reluctant to use the full midlevel exception.

Because Caldwell-Pope has been on the Lakers' roster the past three seasons (without changing teams), he has established Bird rights. If he elects to opt out, the Lakers can sign him for up to 30% of the cap and a total of five years. The salary range for him outside of the Lakers would be $8 million to $9 million, similar to his 2020-21 player option.

Rondo and McGee have early Bird rights (allowing them 175% of their salary from the previous season or the average player salary), but the Lakers would have to commit a minimum of two years (not including an option) if they use the exception. The Lakers could sign them (and Avery Bradley) with the non-Bird rights exception and give each player a 120% raise from his 2019-20 salary.

In the case of Rondo, the maximum the Lakers could sign him for is $3 million -- a $300,000 increase from his 2020-21 player option.

In the unlikely scenario that all four players opt out and sign elsewhere, the Lakers would still not have cap space and would have only the $9.3 million midlevel, $3.6 million biannual and minimum exceptions to replace them.

Their own free agents
The Lakers' four free agents -- Markieff Morris, Jared Dudley, Dwight Howard and Dion Waiters -- signed one-year contracts and have non-Bird rights. The Lakers can sign each player to a maximum of $3 million without dipping into their midlevel or biannual exceptions.

JR Smith was signed as a substitute player, and the Lakers are allowed to sign him to the $2.7 million minimum exception.

The exceptions
The Lakers will have three roster spots (or four, if Quinn Cook is waived) open to use for their $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million biannual exceptions.

Using both exceptions and waiving Cook would put Los Angeles right at the projected $132.7 million luxury tax line.

Beyond Morris and Howard, here are some available names to keep an eye on:

The 2021 offseason
Next year, the Lakers could have nine free agents without having all that much flexibility.

If the roster remains intact, the Lakers might head into next offseason with only James, Davis and their 2020 first-round pick on the roster. Kuzma will be a restricted free agent.

Even with only three players under contract, the maximum money they'll have to spend if the cap stays flat at $109.1 million is $17.5 million. That number would include renouncing the free-agent hold of Kuzma.

Offseason cap breakdown
As a result of the Davis $34.5 million free-agent hold (or his salary if he does not opt out), the Lakers will operate over the salary cap.

The Lakers will still be over the cap if Caldwell-Pope, Rondo, Bradley and McGee opt out of their contracts and sign with other teams.

The Lakers will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million biannual exceptions available.

 

[Skooby]

Depth chart
The resources available to build the roster
The draft: first-round pick

Cash to send out and receive in a trade

Exceptions: $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million biannual

Dates to watch
The Davis option date will be amended to reflect the revised start to the 2020-21 basketball calendar.

Caldwell-Pope, Bradley, Rondo and McGee have until the day prior to the start of free-agent negotiations to exercise their option for the 2020-21 season.

Quinn Cook has $1 million guaranteed of his $3 million contract with the balance becoming fully protected if he is not waived prior to the start of free agency. Cook averaged 11.5 minutes during the regular season.


Restrictions
The five Lakers with a player option -- Davis, Caldwell-Pope, Rondo, Bradley and McGee -- cannot be traded until they opt in to their contracts.

James has a 15% trade bonus in his contract. In the highly unlikely scenario that James is traded, the bonus would be voided because it exceeds the maximum salary allowed in one season.

Caldwell-Pope has a 15% trade bonus that is valued at $1.3 million.

Because of the Davis trade with the Pelicans, the Lakers cannot trade a first until 2027. They are allowed to trade the draft rights of their 2020 first-round pick after the draft.

Extension candidates
Kuzma is extension eligible up until the last day before the season starts.

The decision on a Kuzma extension comes down to three factors:

What is the value of preserving cap flexibility in 2021?

Do the Lakers view him as part of the future?

What is the value of Kuzma on the trade market?

If he is not extended, the forward will carry a $10.7 million free-agent cap hold in 2021. An extension for Kuzma decreases the Lakers' cap space next offseason. It also likely takes a potential trade of Kuzma off the table because of the poison pill restriction that would be in his contract.

Related note: Since 2016, only four players -- Larry Nance Jr., Justise Winslow, T.J. Warren and Taurean Prince -- have signed a rookie extension with a starting salary of $13 million or less, which is the category in which Kuzma would likely belong.

The draft assets
As covered above, the Lakers sent a bounty of draft assets to New Orleans in the Davis trade. They do have their own first-round pick in November and will likely retain their first in 2021.

Here's how ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz have Miami selecting in the draft:

No. 28 (own): Tyler Bey | F | Colorado

The Lakers have their own second-round picks starting in 2023.

 

[Thavoiceofthevoiceless]

The player options
Including Davis, the Lakers have four players -- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($8.5 million), Avery Bradley ($5.0 million), JaVale McGee ($4.2 million) and Rajon Rondo ($2.7 million) -- with a player option for 2020-21.

One tendency in these situations is for role players to capitalize on the championship by entering free agency in search of a bigger payday. But this year, that appears less likely because there will probably be less spending this offseason.

Here is the available money:

1. Cap space of $15 million-plus: Four teams
   
   
2. $9.3 million midlevel exception: 20 teams
   
   
3. $3.6 million biannual exception: 15 teams
   
   
4. $5.7 million tax midlevel exception: Five teams

For some teams, such as Houston and Milwaukee, spending more than $5.7 million of their midlevel exception would impose a hard cap. Teams that rely on revenue sharing -- such as Indiana, Memphis and New Orleans -- could also be reluctant to use the full midlevel exception.

Because Caldwell-Pope has been on the Lakers' roster the past three seasons (without changing teams), he has established Bird rights. If he elects to opt out, the Lakers can sign him for up to 30% of the cap and a total of five years. The salary range for him outside of the Lakers would be $8 million to $9 million, similar to his 2020-21 player option.

Rondo and McGee have early Bird rights (allowing them 175% of their salary from the previous season or the average player salary), but the Lakers would have to commit a minimum of two years (not including an option) if they use the exception. The Lakers could sign them (and Avery Bradley) with the non-Bird rights exception and give each player a 120% raise from his 2019-20 salary.

In the case of Rondo, the maximum the Lakers could sign him for is $3 million -- a $300,000 increase from his 2020-21 player option.

In the unlikely scenario that all four players opt out and sign elsewhere, the Lakers would still not have cap space and would have only the $9.3 million midlevel, $3.6 million biannual and minimum exceptions to replace them.

Their own free agents
The Lakers' four free agents -- Markieff Morris, Jared Dudley, Dwight Howard and Dion Waiters -- signed one-year contracts and have non-Bird rights. The Lakers can sign each player to a maximum of $3 million without dipping into their midlevel or biannual exceptions.

JR Smith was signed as a substitute player, and the Lakers are allowed to sign him to the $2.7 million minimum exception.

The exceptions
The Lakers will have three roster spots (or four, if Quinn Cook is waived) open to use for their $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million biannual exceptions.

Using both exceptions and waiving Cook would put Los Angeles right at the projected $132.7 million luxury tax line.

Beyond Morris and Howard, here are some available names to keep an eye on:

The 2021 offseason
Next year, the Lakers could have nine free agents without having all that much flexibility.

If the roster remains intact, the Lakers might head into next offseason with only James, Davis and their 2020 first-round pick on the roster. Kuzma will be a restricted free agent.

Even with only three players under contract, the maximum money they'll have to spend if the cap stays flat at $109.1 million is $17.5 million. That number would include renouncing the free-agent hold of Kuzma.

Offseason cap breakdown
As a result of the Davis $34.5 million free-agent hold (or his salary if he does not opt out), the Lakers will operate over the salary cap.

The Lakers will still be over the cap if Caldwell-Pope, Rondo, Bradley and McGee opt out of their contracts and sign with other teams.

The Lakers will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million biannual exceptions available.

I keep hearing “if the cap stays at $109.1 million.” I’m guessing they are hearing group the grapevine that the cap is going to remain flat this year increase of decreasing as we all expected?

They could also likely get Bradley at a reduced cap number since he’s only good for half the season since he just can’t stay healthy anymore.

 

[Morethan1]

Sorry @Skooby I gave you the wrong link

Biggest 2020 NBA free-agency, draft and trade decisions for all 30 teams

 

[Skooby]

I keep hearing “if the cap stays at $109.1 million.” I’m guessing they are hearing group the grapevine that the cap is going to remain flat this year increase of decreasing as we all expected?

They could also likely get Bradley at a reduced cap number since he’s only good for half the season since he just can’t stay healthy anymore.

I have even read that it could decrease.

I have seen proposals like suspending the luxury tax.

 

[Thavoiceofthevoiceless]

I have even read that it could decrease.

I have seen proposals like suspending the luxury tax.

I would assume that all options are on the table as the cap next season won’t be any better and teams don’t want to lose the flexibility in that 2021 free agent class.

Speaking of that, where does this situation leave them as it will be a couple of years before they are able to make up lost revenue/cap space? Unless they do the route term extension route again hoping the cap goes back up down the line. It will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[Skooby]

Biggest 2020 NBA free-agency, draft and trade decisions for all 30 teams


Atlanta Hawks

Offseason focus

• The direction with cap space: projected $42 million to build out the roster.
• Rookie extension discussions with John Collins: With his $12.4 million cap hold, waiting until 2021 is beneficial for Atlanta unless a team-friendly contract is possible. ·
• The internal development of the roster: six players under the age of 23.

Draft assets

• First: No. 6
• Second: No. 50 (via Houston)
• Future: The Hawks own all their future first-round picks plus a first-rounder from Oklahoma City in 2022. The pick is lottery-protected and will convert to second-rounders in 2024 and 2025 if not conveyed.
• Cash: $2.5 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• In a scenario in which the cap remains at this season's $109 million, the Hawks will project to have $42 million in room.
• Brandon Goodwin has $100,000 in guaranteed money.The remaining balance of $1.6 million will become protected prior to the start of the regular season.
• The Hawks will have the room midlevel exception available, currently projected to be $4.8 million.

Hawks' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
T. Young K. Huerter C. Reddish J. Collins C. Capela
B. Goodwin (1) D. Hunter D. Dedmon
B. Fernando
1 = Non-guaranteed


Team needs

• Defensive identity of the starting five
• Veteran depth at point guard and the wing

Extension eligible: John Collins (rookie)

Free-agent status

• DeAndre' Bembry | Restricted Bird
• Treveon Graham | Early Bird
• Damian Jones | Restricted Bird
• Skal Labissiere | Restricted Bird
• Jeff Teague | Bird
• Charlie Brown Jr. | Restricted Non-Bird

Boston Celtics

Offseason focus

• The rookie extension of Jayson Tatum: Waiting until 2021 free agency shouldn't matter, because Tatum is projected for a max and the Celtics won't have cap space
• Balancing the roster: 14 players under contract plus three first-round picks (and one second-rounder)
• The comfort level with the luxury tax: a $23 million projected penalty (largest in team history)
• The extension options for Gordon Hayward (if he opts into his 2020-21 salary)

Draft assets

• First: No. 14 (via Memphis), No. 26 and No. 30 (via Milwaukee)
• Second: No. 47 (via Brooklyn)
• Future: The Celtics own all of their future first-round picks
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Barring a roster shakeup, Boston will be in the luxury tax for the first time since 2012-13. Including three first-round picks, Boston has $150 million in committed salary, $17 million above the luxury tax.
• The Celtics have three players -- Daniel Theis ($5 million), Semi Ojeleye ($1.75 million) and Javonte Green ($1.5 million) -- on non-guaranteed contracts. Theis' deal becomes guaranteed three days after free agency begins and Ojeleye's on the first day of the moratorium.
• The poison-pill restriction for Jaylen Brown's contract expires on the first day of the moratorium.
• Gordon Hayward ($34.2 million) and Enes Kanter ($5.0 million) have a player option. The option has to be exercised prior to the start of free agency.
• Boston will have the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception available.

Celtics' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
K. Walker J. Brown G. Hayward (P) J. Tatum D. Theis (1)
M. Smart J. Green (1) S. Ojeleye (T) G. Williams E. Kanter (P)
C. Edwards R. Langford R. Williams V. Poirier
1 = Non-guaranteed
P = Player option
T = Team option


Team needs

• Veteran shooting off the bench
• Stretch-4 off the bench
• Depth at center if Kanter opts out

Extension eligible: Jayson Tatum (rookie), Semi Ojeleye, Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart

Free-agent status

• Gordon Hayward | Player | Bird
• Enes Kanter | Player | Non-Bird
• Semi Ojeleye | Team | Restricted | Bird
• Brad Wanamaker | Restricted | Early bird
• Tacko Fall | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Tremont Waters | Restricted | Non-Bird

Brooklyn Nets

Offseason focus

• The cost of retaining free agent Joe Harris: Projected $15 million salary in 2020-21 means $50 million in luxury tax costs
• The expiring contract of Spencer Dinwiddie: Extension eligible in Dec. $12.3 million player option in 2021-22
• The search for a third star: Is that player Caris LeVert?
• Rookie extension options with Jarrett Allen

Draft assets

• First: No. 19 (via Philadelphia)
• Second: No. 55 (via Denver)
• Future: The Nets own all of their future first-round picks
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• For the first time since GM Sean Marks took over in 2016, Brooklyn will be in the luxury tax. Including the first-round pick owed from Philadelphia, the Nets have $142 million in committed salary, $10 million above the luxury tax.
• The Nets have until prior to the start of free agency to exercise the $5 million team option on Garrett Temple. The $1.8 million contract of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot will go from $0 protection to $150,000 if he is on the roster past November 18.
• The Nets will have the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception available.
• The poison pill restrictions for Taurean Prince and Caris LeVert expire on the first day of the moratorium.

Nets' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
K. Irving C. LeVert K. Durant T. Prince D. Jordan
S. Dinwiddie G. Temple (T) T. Luwawu-Cabarrot (1) R. Kurucs J. Allen
D. Musa (1) N. Claxton
1 = Non-guaranteed
2 = Two way
T = Team option


Team needs

• A healthy Irving and Durant
• Third point guard
• A power forward to complement Durant
• Depth at small and power forward

Extension eligible: Jarrett Allen (rookie) and Rodions Kurucs

Free-agent status

• Joe Harris | Bird
• Garrett Temple | Team | Non-Bird
• Tyler Johnson | Non-Bird
• Wilson Chandler | Non-Bird
• Chris Chiozza | Restricted | Bird
• Jeremiah Martin | Restricted | Bird

Charlotte Hornets

Offseason focus

• Patient approach with whatever cap space is available; still in the early stages of building out the roster.
• Extension options with Devonte' Graham
• The $27.1 million expiring contract of Nicolas Batum
• Auditing the young players Graham, PJ Washington, Miles Bridges and Malik Monk: Who is a part of the long-term future?

Draft assets

• First: No. 3
• Second: No. 32 (via Cleveland) and No. 56 (via Boston)
• Future: The Hornets own all of their future first-round picks
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• With a $109 million cap, Charlotte is projected to have $20 million in flexibility.
• Devonte' Graham $1.7 million contract becomes guaranteed five days after free agency begins.
• Caleb Martin $1.5 million contract is non-guaranteed. The contract becomes protected after the start of free agency.
• The $27.1 million player option of Batum has to be exercised by prior to the draft.
• Charlotte will have the $4.8 million room midlevel exception available.

Hornets' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
T. Rozier D. Graham M. Bridges P. Washington C. Zeller
M. Monk Co. Martin (1) Ja. McDaniels (1)
Ca. Martin N. Batum (P) R. Spalding (2)
1 = Non-guaranteed
2 = Two-way
P = Player option


Team needs

• Bench depth: Backup point guard, power forward and center

Extension eligible: Devonte' Graham, Malik Monk (rookie), Cody Zeller and Nicolas Batum

Free-agent status

• Nicolas Batum | Player | Bird
• Kobi Simmons | Restricted Non-Bird
• Dwayne Bacon | Restricted Bird
• Willy Hernangomez | Bird
• Bismack Biyombo | Bird

Chicago Bulls

Offseason focus

• The future of Zach LaVine: two years left on his contract and extension-eligible.
• The rookie extension of Lauri Markkanen: Has a $20.1 million free-agent hold in 2021 -- is a team-friendly contract ($10-12 million per year) possible after a below-average season?
• The free agency of Kris Dunn: All-Defensive-level play before his injury.

Draft assets

• First: No. 4
• Second: No. 44 (via Memphis)
• Future: The Bulls own all of their future first-round picks
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Including a lottery pick and Porter opting in to his $28.5 million contract, Chicago has $113 million in committed salary before free agency begins.
• Otto Porter has until the day prior to the start of free agency to exercise his player option.
• The Bulls will have the $9.3 million and $3.6 million midlevel exception.

Bulls' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
T. Satoransky Z. LaVine O. Porter (P) L. Markkanen W. Carter Jr.
C. White C. Hutchison T. Young D. Gafford
R. Arcidiacano L. Kornet C. Felicio
P = Player option


Team needs

• Depth at shooting guard and small forward

Extension eligible: Lauri Markkanen (rookie), Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr. and Cristiano Felicio

Free-agent status

• Otto Porter Jr. | Player | Bird
• Shaquille Harrison | Restricted | Early-Bird
• Kris Dunn | Restricted | Bird
• Adam Mokoka | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Max Strus | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Denzel Valentine | Restricted | Bird

 

[Skooby]

Cleveland Cavaliers

Offseason focus

• The options in the draft with the No. 5 pick
• The free agency of Andre Drummond and Tristan Thompson: Does $50 million per year combined for both make sense? Is there a comfort level committing long-term money to Drummond? Explore the sign-and-trade market for Thompson.
• What are the options with cap space in the unlikely scenario that Drummond opts out?
• What is the Kevin Love trade market? With $90 million owed over the next three seasons, will teams see him as a positive trade piece?
• The continued development of the young players Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr.

Draft assets

• First: No. 5
• Second: None
• Future: The Cavaliers own all of their future first-round picks. They also will receive Milwaukee's 2022 top-10 protected first. The pick is protected top-10 in 2023 and top-8 in 2024. If not conveyed, Cleveland will receive 2024 and 2025 second-rounders from Milwaukee.
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• With Andre Drummond expected to opt into his $28.7 million contract by October 17, Cleveland is projected to have $119 million in salary -- $13 million below the luxury tax.
• The Cavaliers will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million biannual exception.

Cavaliers' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
C. Sexton D. Garland C. Osman K. Love A. Drummond (P)
D. Exum K. Porter Jr. A. McKinnie (1) L. Nance Jr. J. Bell (1)
D. Windler D. Wade (1)
1 = Non-guaranteed
P = Player option


Team needs

• Continued development of the young players
• Bench depth

Extension eligible: Andre Drummond and Dante Exum

Free-agent status

• Matthew Dellavedova | Bird
• Matt Mooney | Restricted |Non-Bird
• Andre Drummond | Player | Bird
• Tristan Thompson | Bird
• Ante Zizic | Fourth-year restriction

Dallas Mavericks

Offseason focus

• The options in the draft: Two picks in the top 31
• Retaining cap flexibility for 2021: Projected max slot in the last year of Luka Doncic's rookie scale contract
• The $19.0 million Tim Hardaway Jr. player option
• Hitting singles in free agency with one-year contracts

Draft assets

• First: No. 18
• Second: No. 31 (via Golden State)
• Future: The Mavericks owe New York an unprotected first-rounder in 2021 and a top-10 protected first-rounder in 2023. The first is protected top-10 in 2024 and 2025. If it is not conveyed, Dallas will send New York a 2025 second-rounder.
• Cash: $4.8 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• The Mavericks are right at the salary cap when factoring in the player options of Hardaway ($19 million) and Willie Cauley-Stein ($2.3 million), plus their own first-round pick.
• For the Mavericks to have cap flexibility, Hardaway would need to opt out of his contract.
• Dallas likely will have the $9.3 million midlevel exception available.

Mavericks' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
L. Doncic S. Curry T. Hardaway Jr. (P) D. Finney-Smith K. Porzingis
D. Wright J. Brunson J. Jackson M. Kleber W. C-Stein (P)
D. Powell (I) B. Marjanovic
P = Player option
I = Injured


Team needs

• Depth at shooting guard and small forward
• Backup center if Cauley-Stein opts out

Extension eligible: Tim Hardaway Jr., Jalen Brunson and Justin Jackson (rookie)

Free-agent status

• J.J. Barea | Bird
• Willie Cauley-Stein | Player | Non-Bird
• Tim Hardaway Jr. | Player | Bird
• Courtney Lee | Bird
• Antonius Cleveland | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Josh Reaves | Restricted | Non-Bird

Denver Nuggets

Offseason focus

• The cost of their own free agents: Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee, Torrey Craig and Jerami Grant (player option)
• What is the ceiling of this roster? Take an audit of the starting five
• The development of Michael Porter Jr.: Can he become the full-time starter in 2020-21?
• Exploring extension talks with Monte Morris

Draft assets

• First: No. 22 (via Houston)
• Second: None
• Future: The Nuggets own all of their future first-round picks.
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• The Nuggets are right at the $115 million salary cap with 10 players under contract, including the 2020 first-round pick via Houston. That salary includes the $9.3 million player option for Jerami Grant. The forward has until prior to the start of free agency to opt-into his contract.
• Monte Morris ($1.7 million) and Keita Bates-Diop ($1.7 million) have non-guaranteed contracts. The Morris contract becomes guaranteed on the start of free agency and Bates-Diop six days after the moratorium is lifted.
• Denver will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions available.
• The Nuggets have a $3.3 million and $1.8 million trade exception.

Nuggets' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
J. Murray G. Harris M. Porter Jr. J. Grant (P) N. Jokic
M. Morris (1) P. Dozier (1) W. Barton K. Bates- Diop (1) B. Bol (2)
V. Cancar
1 = Non-guaranteed
2 = Two way
P = Player option


Team needs

• Filling a void at power forward (if Grant leaves)
• Backup shooting guard, small forward and center

Extension eligible: Monte Morris, Jerami Grant, Will Barton, Gary Harris and Keita Bates-Diop

Free-agent status

• Torrey Craig | Restricted | Early Bird
• Jerami Grant | Player | Bird
• Troy Daniels | Non-Bird
• Paul Millsap | Bird
• Mason Plumlee | Bird
• Noah Vonleh | Non-Bird

Detroit Pistons

Offseason focus

• The direction with cap space: Accelerate the rebuild, rent out cap space in exchange for draft assets or pursue one-year contracts?
• Is veteran head coach Dwane Casey up to the task to take on a rebuild?
• Figuring out the future of Blake Griffin: Two years (at $36.6 and $38.9 million) left on his contract with 18 games played in 2019-20 and coming off left knee surgery
• Are there trade options with Derrick Rose?
• Extension options with Svi Mykhailiuk

Draft assets

• First: No. 7
• Second: None
• Future: The Pistons have all of their future first-round picks.
• Cash: $3.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Including the $1.7 million free-agent hold of Christian Wood, the Pistons are projected to have $30 million in room.
• The Pistons have three players -- Bruce Brown ($1.7 million), Khyri Thomas ($1.7 million) and Mykhailiuk ($1.7 million) -- with non-guaranteed contracts. Mykhailiuk's deadline is three days after the moratorium, Thomas' is four days and Brown's is seven days.
• Detroit will have the $4.7 million room midlevel exception available.

Pistons' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
D. Rose B. Brown S. Mykhailiuk (T) B. Griffin J. Patton (1)
L. Kennard T. Snell (P) S. Doumbouya
K. Thomas (1)
1 = Non-guaranteed
P = Player option
T = Team option


Team needs

• A healthy Blake Griffin and Luke Kennard
• For Sekou Doumbouya to turn into a rotation player
• Starting point guard
• Bench depth

Extension eligible: Blake Griffin, Bruce Brown, Khyri Thomas, Svi Mykhailiuk, Luke Kennard (rookie) and Tony Snell

Free-agent status

• Langston Galloway | Bird
• John Henson | Bird
• Brandon Knight | Bird
• Thon Maker | Restricted | Bird
• Svi Mykhailiuk | Team | Restricted | Early-Bird
• Tony Snell | Player | Bird
• Christian Wood | Early-Bird
• Jordan McRae | Early-Bird
• Jordan Bone | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Louis King | Restricted | Non-Bird

Golden State Warriors

Offseason focus

• The options with the No. 2 pick: Keep, trade back or explore the All-Star trade market
• Find a way to take advantage of a $17.2 million trade exception
• Explore a possible Stephen Curry extension
• Balancing the roster: 13 players under contract plus three incoming draft picks
• The financial cost of the team: $45 million projected tax bill before free agency

Draft assets

• First: No. 2
• Second: No. 48 (via Dallas) and No. 51 (via Utah)
• Future: Golden State owes Memphis a 2024 top-four protected first-rounder (converts to top-one protected in 2025 and unprotected in 2026). The Warriors have a 2021 top-three protected first-rounder from Minnesota that turns into an unprotected first-rounder in 2022 if not conveyed.
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $17,000 (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Golden State will be affected the most if the luxury tax decreases. Currently with $159 million in committed salary, $20 million above the projected $132.7 million tax, the Warriors' tax bill for next season stands at $69 million.
• The Warriors have four players -- Marquese Chriss ($800,000), Damion Lee ($600,000), Ky Bowman, Mychal Mulder and Juan Toscano-Anderson -- with partial or no salary protection. Chriss' guaranteed date will likely come two weeks after free agency starts.
• · Golden State has ten trade exceptions with the largest $17.2 million.
• The Warriors will have the $5.7 million tax midlevel exception available.

Warriors' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
S. Curry K. Thompson A. Wiggins D. Green M. Chriss (1)
K. Bowman (1) J. Poole D. Lee (1) E. Paschall K. Looney
M. Mulder (1) J. Toscano (1) A. Smailagic
1 = Non-guaranteed


Team needs

• Bench depth: Point and shooting guard
• Stretch-4

Extension eligible: Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins

 

[Skooby]

Houston Rockets

Offseason focus
Identifying the right coach that fits with the roster

• The expiring contract of P.J. Tucker (extension eligible)
• The trade assets: Tucker, Eric Gordon, Danuel House Jr. and Robert Covington
• Building out the bench with minimums and the midlevel exception

Draft assets

• First: None
• Second: None
• Future: The Rockets owe the Thunder a first-rounder in 2024 (top-four protected) and 2026 (top-four protected). In addition, Oklahoma City has the right to swap picks in 2021 (top-four protected, with Houston receiving the least favorable of its pick, OKC's pick and Miami's pick), and 2025 (top-10 protected; OKC has the right to swap with the Rockets or Clippers).
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $4.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• The James Harden and Russell Westbrook max contracts -- combined with the Eric Gordon extension -- leave the Rockets with $131 million in committed salary, $8 million below the luxury tax.
• The Rockets have two players -- Ben McLemore ($2.3 million) and Chris Clemons ($1.5 million) -- on non-guaranteed contracts. McLemore's becomes guaranteed on the first day of free agency.
• Houston has until the first day prior to free agency to exercise the $1.8 million team option of David Nwaba.
• Houston will have the $9.3 million midlevel exception available, but using more than $5.7 million will hard cap the team.
• The Rockets have four trade exceptions worth $3.6 million, $2.6 million, $1.6 million and $1.6 million.

Rockets' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
R. Westbrook J. Harden E. Gordon R. Covington P. Tucker
A. Rivers (P) B. McLemore (1) D. House I. Hartenstein (1)
C. Clemons (1) D. Nwaba (T)
P = Player option
1 = Non-guaranteed
T = Team option


Team needs

• Backup point guard, shooting guard, power forward and center

Extension eligible: James Harden, P.J. Tucker, Russell Westbrook

Free-agent status

• Bruno Caboclo | Early-Bird
• Tyson Chandler |Non-Bird
• Austin Rivers | Player | Early-Bird
• Thabo Sefolosha |Non-Bird
• Jeff Green | Non-Bird
• DeMarre Carroll | Non-Bird
• Michael Frazier | Restricted | Early-Bird
• William Howard | Restricted | Non-Bird

Indiana Pacers

Offseason focus

• Identifying the right fit at head coach
• The expiring contract of Victor Oladipo: Extension eligible in the offseason
• The frontcourt of Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis: Does it work?
• The insurance policy at backup point guard: Does Aaron Holiday or T.J. McConnell turn into a trade asset?
• Explore an extension for T.J. Warren
• The impact of the Jeremy Lamb injury: $9.3 million midlevel exception to find a temporary replacement

Draft assets

• First: None
• Second: No. 54
• Future: The Pacers own all of their future first-round picks
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $4.5 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• The Pacers are over the salary cap with $124 million tied up in 12 players.
• The $3.5 million McConnell contract increases from $1 million in protection to fully protected if he is not waived prior to the start of free agency.
• Indiana will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exception.

Pacers' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
M. Brogdon V. Oladipo T. Warren D. Sabonis M. Turner
T. McConnell (1) A. Holiday D. McDermott T. Leaf G. Bitadze
E. Sumner J. Lamb (I)
I = Injured
1 = Non-guaranteed

Team needs

• A healthy Malcolm Brogdon
• Depth at shooting guard after the Lamb injury

Extension eligible: Victor Oladipo, T.J. Warren, Doug McDermott and T.J. Leaf (rookie)

Free-agent status

• Justin Holiday | Non-Bird
• Alize Johnson | Restricted | Early-Bird
• JaKarr Sampson | Non-Bird
• Brian Bowen II | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Naz Mitrou-Long | Restricted | Non-Bird

LA Clippers

Offseason focus

• Finding the head coach to replace Doc Rivers and guide the Clippers to the championship
• The free agency of Montrezl Harrell, Marcus Morris Sr. and JaMychal Green (if he opts out): What's the comfort level of retaining all three and paying the luxury tax?
• The expiring contract of Lou Williams: Does he become a trade asset?
• The Paul George extension: why it makes sense

Draft assets

• First: None
• Second: No. 57
• Future: The Clippers cannot trade a first-round pick in any season. They owe unprotected first-rounders in 2022, 2024 and 2026 to Oklahoma City from the Paul George trade. The Knicks have the right to swap firsts (top-four protected) in 2021. In addition, the Thunder can swap first-rounders in 2023 and 2025.
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $4.1 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• The Clippers are right at the salary cap with $114 million in guaranteed contracts.
• Signing both Marcus Morris and Montrezl Harrell will likely see the Clippers cross the $132.7 million tax threshold.
• If one or neither of the players are brought back, LA will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions. If the Clippers are at the tax threshold, the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel will be available.
• LA has a $3.6 million trade exception.

Clippers' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
P. Beverley P. George K. Leonard Ja. Green (P) I. Zubac
L. Williams L. Shamet R. McGruder M. Kabengele
T. Mann A. Coffey (2) J. Noah (1)
P = Player option
1 = Non-guaranteed
2 = Two-way


Team needs

• Primary ball handler
• Stretch-4
• Bench depth at power forward and center

Extension eligible: Lou Williams

Free-agent status

• Marcus Morris Sr. | Non-Bird
• JaMychal Green | Player | Bird
• Patrick Patterson | Non-Bird
• Montrezl Harrell | Bird
• Johnathan Motley | Restricted | Early-Bird
• Reggie Jackson | Non-Bird

Los Angeles Lakers

Offseason focus

• The free agency of Anthony Davis: Short-term or long-term contract?
• The player options of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Avery Bradley
• The rookie extension of Kyle Kuzma: Take a conservative approach because of the 2021 free agent market
• Prioritize cap space in 2021: One-year contracts in free agency
• Free-agent options with Dwight Howard

Draft assets

• First: No. 28
• Second: None
• Future: The Lakers owe New Orleans a top-seven protected first in 2021. The pick becomes unprotected in 2022 if not conveyed. In addition, the Pelicans have the right to swap in 2023 plus an unprotected first via Los Angeles in 2024. The Pelicans have the right to defer the 2024 first-rounder until 2025. The Lakers can trade a 2027 unprotected first but not until after the NBA draft.
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $4.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• As a result of the Anthony Davis $34.5 million free-agent hold, the Lakers will operate over the salary cap.
• The Lakers will still be over the cap if Caldwell-Pope, Rondo, Bradley and McGee opt out of their contracts and sign with a different team. The four players have until prior to the start of free agency to opt-into their contract for next season.
• Quinn Cook has $1 million in salary protection. The remaining $2.0 million becomes guaranteed if he is on the roster prior to the start of free agency.
• The Lakers will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions available.

Lakers' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
A. Bradley (P) D. Green L. James A. Davis (P) J. McGee (P)
R. Rondo (P) A. Caruso K. Caldwell-Pope (P) K. Kuzma D. Cacok (2)
Q. Cook (1) T. Horton-Tucker
1 = Non-guaranteed
2 = Two way
P = Player option


Team needs

• Primary ball handler
• Bench depth if Rondo, Bradley, Caldwell-Pope and McGee opt out

Extension eligible: Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma (rookie)

Free-agent status

• Avery Bradley | Player | Non-Bird
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Player | Bird
• Markieff Morris | Non-Bird
• Dion Waiters | Non-Bird
• Anthony Davis | Player | Bird
• Jared Dudley | Non-Bird
• Dwight Howard | Non-Bird
• JaVale McGee | Player | Early-Bird
• Rajon Rondo | Player | Early-Bird
• Kostas Antetokounmpo | Restricted | Early-Bird

 

[Skooby]

Memphis Grizzlies

Offseason focus

• The expectations of the roster: What's next after surprisingly becoming a playoff contender?
• The one-year evaluation of free agent Josh Jackson: Does Memphis trust him with a long-term contract?
• Trimming around the edges in free agency: the restricted free agency of De'Anthony Melton

Draft assets

• First: None
• Second: No. 40 (via Phoenix)
• Future: The Grizzlies own all of their future first-round picks. They also have a first-rounder from Utah in 2021 if the pick falls between Nos. 8-14. The first is top-six protected in 2022, top-three protected in 2023 and top-one protected in 2024. Memphis also has a top-four protected first-rounder from the Warriors in 2024. The first is top-one protected in 2025 and unprotected in 2026.
• Cash: $3.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Memphis has $112 million in committed salary -- right at the projected $109 million cap. The Grizzlies are in good position when it comes to the luxury tax, even if there is a decline from the original $139 million threshold.
• Memphis will have the $9.3 million midlevel.
• The Grizzlies have until prior to the start of free agency to exercise the $1.5 team option of Jontay Porter.
• The team has seven trade exceptions ranging from $4.8 million to $1.6 million.

Grizzlies' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
J. Morant D. Brooks K. Anderson Ja. Jackson Jr. J. Valanciunas
T. Jones G. Allen J. Winslow B. Clarke G. Dieng
M. Guduric J. Porter (T)
T = Team option



Team needs

• Backup shooting guard
• Developmental projects for the final roster spots

Extension eligible: Gorgui Dieng, Justise Winslow and Kyle Anderson

Free-agent status

• Jontay Porter | Team | Non-Bird
• Josh Jackson | 4th-year restriction
• De'Anthony Melton | Restricted | Early-Bird
• Anthony Tolliver | Non-Bird
• John Konchar | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Yuta Watanabe | Restricted | Early-Bird

Miami Heat

Offseason focus

• Cap space vs. own free agents (Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder) with $21 million in projected room
• The rookie extension of Bam Adebayo: Despite All-Star accolades, waiting is beneficial because he has a $15.3 million cap hold
• Explore the trade market (Jrue Holiday and Chris Paul) even if that reduces flexibility in 2021

Draft assets

• First: 20
• Second: None
• Future: The Heat will send either Oklahoma City or Houston an unprotected first-rounder in 2021. They also will send the Thunder a lottery-protected first in 2023. The first is lottery protected in 2024 and 2025, then unprotected in 2026 if not conveyed.
• Cash: $5.5 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• A year after having roster restrictions because of the hard cap, Miami could have up to $21 million in room.
• For the Heat to have money to use in free agency, a decision on their own free agents -- most notably Dragic and Crowder -- will need to be made. Dragic and Crowder have a combined $48 million that counts toward the cap.
• If the Heat elect to use space, they will have the $5.0 million room midlevel. Retaining their own free agents and staying over the cap leaves the Heat with the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions.
• Duncan Robinson ($1.7 million) and Kendrick Nunn ($1.7 million) have non-guaranteed contracts. The Robinson contract has $1 million in protection two weeks after free agency starts.
• Miami has a $7.5 million trade exception.

Heat's projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
K. Nunn (1) D. Robinson (1) J. Butler K. Olynyk (P) B. Adebayo
T. Herro A. Iguodala K. Okpala C. Silva
1 = Non-guaranteed
P = Player option


Team needs

• Bench depth

Extension eligible: Bam Adebayo (rookie) and Kelly Olynyk

Free-agent status

• Jae Crowder | Bird
• Goran Dragic | Bird
• Udonis Haslem | Bird
• Solomon Hill | Bird
• Derrick Jones Jr. | Bird
• Meyers Leonard | Bird
• Kelly Olynyk | Player | Bird
• Kyle Alexander | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Gabe Vincent | Restricted | Non-Bird

Milwaukee Bucks

Offseason focus

• The Giannis Antetokounmpo supermax: Offer immediately, and then plan to play out the 2020-21 season with him on an expiring contract unless he asks for a trade
• What is the value of Eric Bledsoe?
• The free-agent options with their own players: unrestricted (Kyle Korver, Marvin Williams and Pat Connaughton), player options (Wesley Matthews and Robin Lopez) and restricted (Sterling Brown)
• Identify the value of the first-rounder owed from Indiana. Can that be turned into a player who can help now?

Draft assets

• First: No. 24 (via Indiana)
• Second: None
• Future: Milwaukee will send Cleveland a top-10 protected first-rounder in 2022. The first has protection in 2023 (Nos. 1-10 and Nos. 25-30) and 2024 (top-eight) if not conveyed.
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Including the $7.0 million non-guaranteed contract for Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee has $129 million in committed salary, $3 million below the tax threshold. The Ilyasova becomes guaranteed prior to the start of free agency.
• The Bucks will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions available. However, using both would put them in the luxury and also trigger the hard cap.
• Robin Lopez ($5.0 million) and Wesley Matthews ($2.7 million) have player options that would give the Bucks financial flexibility if the two opt out.

Bucks' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
E. Bledsoe W. Matthews (P) K. Middleton G. Antetokounmpo B. Lopez
G. Hill D. DiVincenzo T. Antetokounmpo E. Ilyasova (1) R. Lopez- (P)
D. Wilson
P = Player option
1 = nonguaranteed


Team needs

• Depth at shooting guard and small forward
• Stretch-4 off the bench
• Backup center if Robin Lopez opts out

Extension eligible: Giannis Antetokounmpo (super max), Ersan Ilyasova and D.J. Wilson (rookie)

Free-agent status

• Pat Connaughton | Early-Bird
• Sterling Brown | Restricted | Bird
• Kyle Korver | Non-Bird
• Robin Lopez | Player | Non-Bird
• Marvin Williams | Non-Bird
• Wesley Matthews | Player | Non-Bird
• Frank Mason | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Cameron Reynolds | Restricted | Non-Bird

Minnesota Timberwolves

Offseason focus

• Three picks in the top 33, including No. 1 overall
• The restricted free agency of Malik Beasley and Juan Hernangomez: Is the post-trade deadline sample of games a good barometer? Limited cap flexibility if both are not brought back
• Find a home for Omari Spellman and Jacob Evans, who did not make the rotation
• Creativity building out the roster with 13 players under contract (including draft picks): Expiring contract in James Johnson, cap exceptions, internal development (Jarrett Culver and Josh Okogie)

Draft assets

• First: No. 1 and No. 17
• Second: No. 33
• Future: The Timberwolves will send Golden State a 2021 top-three protected first-rounder. The pick will become unprotected in 2022 if not conveyed.
• Cash: $2.0 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Although the Timberwolves were not projected to be a team with cap space, a drop in the $139 million projected luxury tax could affect their spending.
• Combining the $96 million in committed salary, $11 million for two first-round picks and the restricted free agency of Beasley and Hernangomez could put Minnesota close to the tax threshold if the line drops.
• Naz Reid ($1.5 million), Jaylen Nowell ($1.5 million) and Jarred Vanderbilt ($1.7 million) have non-guaranteed contracts.
• The $15.8 million player option deadline for James Johnson is prior to the start of free agency.
• The Timberwolves will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions available.

Wolves' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
D. Russell J. Culver J. Okogie J. Johnson (P) K. Towns
J. Evans J. Nowell (1) J. Layman J. Vanderbilt (1) N. Reid (1)
O. Spellman
P = Player option
1 = Non-guaranteed


Team needs

• Big wing who can defend and complement Towns
• Bench scoring and depth at point guard, power forward and center

Extension eligible: Jarred Vanderbilt and James Johnson

Free-agent status

• Malik Beasley | Restricted | Bird
• Juan Hernangomez | Restricted | Bird
• James Johnson | Player | Bird
• Evan Turner | Bird
• Kelan Martin | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Jordan McLaughlin | Restricted | Non-Bird

 

[Skooby]

Offseason focus

• Identifying the right fit at head coach
• Restricted free-agency options with Brandon Ingram
• The future of Jrue Holiday: Extension eligible with a player option in 2021-22
• The rookie extensions of Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart
• The options in free agency, including: Derrick Favors (is Jaxson Hayes ready to take over starting duties?), E'Twaun Moore (is he more luxury than priority?) and Frank Jackson (is there a body of work on the court to justify a contract?)

Draft assets

• First: No. 13
• Second: No. 39 (via Washington), No. 42 and No. 60 (via Milwaukee)
• Future: The Pelicans have a top-seven protected first-rounder from the Lakers in 2021. The pick is unprotected in 2022 if not conveyed. They have the right to swap firsts with the Lakers in 2023. New Orleans will have a 2024 unprotected first from the Lakers with the option to defer until 2025.
• Cash: $3.5 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Removing all the free-agent cap holds except for Ingram ($22 million) leaves the Pelicans right at the salary cap.
• If Ingram signs a max offer, New Orleans would still be $18 million below the projected $132.7 million tax threshold.
• The $7 million contract of Darius Miller becomes guaranteed seven days after free agency starts.
• If the Pelicans elect to stay over the cap, they will have the $9.3 million and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions available.

Pelicans' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
J. Holiday L. Ball J. Redikk Z. Williamson J. Hayes
N. A-Walker J. Hart D. Miller (1) N. Melli
1 = Non-guaranteed


Team needs

• A center to complement Zion Williamson
• Depth at small forward and center

Extension eligible: Jrue Holiday, Lonzo Ball (rookie) and Josh Hart (rookie)

Free-agent status

• Derrick Favors | Bird
• Brandon Ingram | Restricted | Bird
• Frank Jackson | Restricted | Bird
• E'Twaun Moore | Bird
• Jahlil Okafor | Early-Bird
• Kenrich Williams | Restricted | Early-Bird
• Zylan Cheatham | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Josh Gray | Restricted | Non-Bird
• Sindarius Thornwell

New York Knicks

Offseason focus

• The options in the draft: Three picks in the top 38
• The direction with cap flexibility: Retain the players on partially guaranteed contracts (turning them into trade assets on expiring contracts), wipe the roster clean (financial flexibility but with an average free-agent class) or use some cap space to retain players (Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock)
• The extension options for Mitchell Robinson: He's eligible, but a deal would cost up to $11 million in cap space for 2021.
• The internal audit of the former draft picks: How do RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox II, Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr fit long-term?

Draft assets

• First: No. 8 and No. 27 (via LA Clippers)
• Second: No. 38 (via Charlotte)
• Future: The Knicks have a 2021 unprotected first from the Mavericks. In 2023, Dallas will send New York a top-10 protected first. The pick has top-10 protections in 2024 and 2025. The Knicks also have the right to swap first-round picks (top-four protected) in 2021 with the Clippers.
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• The direction with cap flexibility will come down to what New York elects to do with the $41 million in non-guaranteed money tied up in five contracts: Taj Gibson, Wayne Ellington, Payton, Bullock and Bobby Portis.
• If the Knicks wipe the roster clean and let all five players go, the team will have anywhere from $35 to $50 million in cap space. The $15 million gap is based on a high-water mark of a $115 million cap and low of $100 million.
• Gibson ($9.45 million), Ellington ($8 million), Payton ($8 million) and Bullock ($4.2 million) have $1 million guaranteed each. The four contracts become guaranteed if they are not waived prior to the start of free agency.
• The team option deadline for Portis' $15.8 and Pinson's $1.7 million team option is the day before free agency begins.
• Robinson has a $1.7 million non-guaranteed contract that will become guaranteed prior to the start of free agency.
• If the Knicks stay over the salary cap, they will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million biannual exception. If they go under, the team will have the $4.8 million room midlevel.

Knicks' projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
E. Payton (1) R. Barrett K. Knox J. Randle M. Robinson
F. Ntilikina W. Ellington (1) R. Bullock (1) B. Portis (T) T. Gibson (1)
D. Smith Jr. T. Pinson (T) I. Brazdeikis K. Wooten (2)
1 = Non-guaranteed
2 = Two-way
T = Team option


Team needs

• Starting point guard
• Emphasis on player development: Can Knox develop into a starting small forward?
• Depth if the players on partially guaranteed contracts are not brought back

Extension eligible: Frank Ntilikina (rookie), Dennis Smith Jr. (rookie) and Mitchell Robinson

Free-agent status

• Kadeem Allen | Restricted | Early-Bird
• Theo Pinson | Team Option | Early Bird
• Maurice Harkless | Bird
• Bobby Portis | Team | Non-Bird
• Damyean Dotson | Restricted | Bird

Offseason focus

• What is the cost of free agent Danilo Gallinari? Treat him like a restricted free agent and overpay, giving the ability to trade him later
• The new head coach: focus on player development
• The future of Chris Paul: Owed $41.4 and $44.2 million over the next two seasons after an All-Star year
• The expiring contracts: Dennis Schroder and Steven Adams
• Trade exceptions worth $10.4 million and $9.4 million

Draft assets

• First: No. 25 (via Denver)
• Second: No. 53
• Future: The Thunder could have 12 future first-round picks in the next seven years. In 2021, they will have the more favorable first from either Miami or Houston (top-four protected). From the Paul George trade with the Clippers, they will have 2022, 2024 and 2026 unprotected firsts. They also have the right to swap with the Clippers in 2023 and with Houston (top-10 protected) or the Clippers in 2025. They have a lottery-protected first from the Heat in 2025 as well. The pick becomes unprotected in 2026 if not conveyed. The Thunder additionally have a top-four protected first from Houston in 2026. OKC will send Atlanta a lottery-protected first in 2022. The pick will turn into second-rounders in 2024 and 2025 if not conveyed.
• Cash: $4.6 million (to receive) | $4.8 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• Expect the Thunder to act as a team over the salary cap in the offseason despite having $105 million in committed salary.
• Oklahoma City has a $33.9 million Gallinari free-agent hold and two first-round holds. If Gallinari elects to sign elsewhere, the Thunder will still act as a team over the cap because of both first-round picks.
• The Thunder are projected to be under the luxury tax for the first time since 2016-17.
• Hamidou Diallo ($1.7 million) and Abdel Nader ($1.75 million) have team options. The Nader contract becomes guaranteed on November 1. Deonte Burton's contract ($1.7 million) becomes guaranteed if he is not waived by November 18.
• The Thunder will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions available.

Thunder's projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
C. Paul L. Dort S.Gilgeous-Alexander D. Bazley S. Adams
D. Schroder H. Diallo (T) T. Ferguson I. Roby M. Muscala (P)
D. Burton (T) A. Nader (T) K. Hervey (2)
T = Team option
P = Player option
2 = Two-way


Team needs

• Starting power forward if no Gallinari
• Bench scoring: void at backup shooting guard
• Depth at power forward and center

Extension eligible: Steven Adams, Dennis Schroder, Chris Paul, Abdel Nader, Terrance Ferguson (rookie) and Hamidou Diallo

Free-agent status

• Danilo Gallinari | Bird
• Mike Muscala | Player | Non-Bird
• Abdel Nader | Team | Restricted | Bird
• Hamidou Diallo | Team | Restricted | Early-Bird
• Deonte Burton | Team | Restricted | Early-Bird
• Nerlens Noel | Non-Bird
• Andre Roberson | Bird
• Kevin Hervey | Restricted | Non-Bird

Offseason focus

• The $17.1 million player option of Evan Fournier: What is the cost of a new contract and who are the Magic bidding against? What's the comfort level with Terrence Ross as the starting shooting guard if no Fournier?
• The future of Aaron Gordon: two years left on his contract, extension eligible for an additional three seasons
• The plan at backup point guard: D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams are free agents
• The rookie extensions: Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz are eligible

Draft assets

• First: No. 15
• Second: No. 45
• Future: The Magic own all of their future first-round picks
• Cash: $5.6 million (to receive) | $5.6 million (to send)

Cap space breakdown

• The Magic have $124 million in committed salary (with draft holds), including the $17.1 million Fournier player option. They will still be over the cap if Fournier leaves in free agency.
• Orlando projects to be $8 million below the luxury tax before free agency starts.
• Fournier has until four days before free agency starts to opt into his contract for next season. James Ennis' player option on his $2.1 million contract is prior to the start of free agency. The Magic have until Oct. 17 to exercise the $1.7 million team option of Melvin Frazier Jr.
• The Magic will have the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million bi-annual exceptions available.

Magic's projected depth chart
PG SG SF PF C
M. Fultz E. Fournier (P) J. Ennis (P) A. Gordon N. Vucevic
T. Ross M. Frazier (T) A. Aminu M. Bamba
J. Isaac (I) C. Okeke K. Birch
P = Player option
T = Team option
I = Injured