NBA free agency will officially begin Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, but plenty of impactful deal agreements have already been unveiled. The trades, meanwhile, haven’t slowed down following the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster on the eve of the 2026 NBA draft. That being mentioned, the vast majority of business around the league — and many key roster decisions that could help swing the 2026-27 season — has yet to be decided.

Let’s examine all 30 franchises’ plans for free agency, including priority signings, top trade targets and the draft assets that could be used in the next superstar deal.

Jump to:
Top 5 free agent storylines right now
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

Five free agency storylines to watch

The future of LeBron James will dominate the early days
An unrestricted free agent, James will have plenty of suitors if he decides to leave the Lakers. However, barring a sign-and-trade that would require L.A. to take back a player, James could be staring at the $15 million non tax midlevel exception. As for signing with his current team, the Lakers, his next contract will shape how much spending power they have in free agency. Los Angeles is projected to have nearly $50 million available.

Are more blockbuster trades coming?
We’re still in June and already Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball have changed teams. Will the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown or the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard become the next star to join them? Brown has been the subject of trade speculation after Boston fell short in its pursuit of Antetokounmpo. Meanwhile, Leonard is set to enter the last year of his contract with the Clippers.

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    Will this summer be defined by star extensions?
    The list of candidates includes Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Brown, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama, Ball, Darius Garland, Zion Williamson, Dillon Brooks, Anthony Davis, Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson, Draymond Green and Cason Wallace. And six months after his trade to Miami is finalized, Antetokounmpo becomes eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million max extension.

    Will the Clippers be penalized for salary cap circumvention?
    Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned before Game 1 of the NBA Finals that there was hope the investigation into Leonard’s deal with Aspiration would be wrapped up soon. “I think we’re close to the point now where I think we need to wrap this up because you also need finality,” Silver mentioned. “Their team has to understand what the situation is they’re going to be operating under, and so do the other 29 teams.” If the Clippers are found guilty of wrongdoing, building out the roster this offseason and in the future could become difficult. Penalties could include loss of draft picks, significant fines and suspensions of team executives — including owner Steve Ballmer.

    Contenders are on restricted free agent watch
    After restricted free agency dragged out last September, will we see the same with Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler, Peyton Watson and Tari Eason? With only Brooklyn and Chicago projected to have significant cap space, each player and team will need to reach a compromise on new contracts. (After negotiations stalled last offseason, Quentin Grimes and Cam Thomas signed one-year qualifying offers.)

    Atlanta Hawks

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Address the lack of size in the frontcourt. The options are signing a player in free agency with the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception or a trade.

    2. Explore an extension with Onyeka Okongwu. A starter over 63 games, Okongwu averaged career highs in points (15.2 per game), assists (3.1) and steals (1.1) and shot a career-high 37.6% on 3-pointers.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Frontcourt size. Atlanta’s defense ranked second to last in second-chance points and points allowed in the paint. It also finished 18th in blocked shots during the regular season.

    2. Shooting development from Dyson Daniels.

    3. A reserve 3-and-D wing

    4. A veteran reserve point guard, with playoff experience

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Boston Celtics

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. The future of Jaylen Brown. The All-NBA guard is the subject of trade rumors after the Celtics’ failed pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Brown has three years and $183 million left on the supermax extension he signed in the 2023 offseason. He is eligible to sign a two-year, $142 million extension starting July 26.

    2. Address the frontcourt. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens has discussed the Celtics’ poor record against the top teams and the lack of paint presence that plagued them in the Philadelphia series. “One of the things that we’ve got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim, and I think we do need to add to our team to do that,” Stevens mentioned after the season.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Frontcourt and rim protector

    2. A reserve lead guard who can play off the ball

    3. More shooting confidence and consistency from Hugo Gonzalez

    4. Continued defensive development from Queta

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Brooklyn Nets

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. The options with cap flexibility: If the Nets time the trade for Randle correctly, they could have up to $30 million in room to use before it’s official. The Nets would then act as a team that’s over the cap to acquire Randle in a trade.

    2. Because the Rockets have the right to swap firsts with Brooklyn in 2027, the goal is to improve the roster via trade or free agent signing. For example, does it make sense for the Nets to pursue Boston’s Jaylen Brown and give up first-round picks along with Michael Porter Jr.?

    3. The future of Porter: He’s on an expiring $40.8 million contract and eligible for four additional years and up to $234 million. His impact on the court, durability and age — Porter will turn 28 on June 29 — should warrant discussions on a new contract. Brooklyn will have cap space, so it could also increase his current salary and then decrease the first year of the extension up to 40%. For example, Porter would earn $49 million this season and then $30 million next season.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Development, consistency and winning habits. The Nets finished the season 27th in defense but showed a blueprint for success during a 15-game stretch in late November and December, when they ranked second in defense and allowed the fewest 3s, offensive rebounds and points in the league.

    2. Starting center

    3. Shooting development across the board

    4. Additional veteran leadership and accountability

    5. A rotation-ready stretch big

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Charlotte Hornets

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Brandon Miller extension: After an injury-plagued second season limited him to 27 games, Miller rebounded to have career highs in made 3s and 3-point percentage in 2025-26. One area of concern is Miller’s shooting against top-10 defenses, however. In the 21 games against the league’s stingiest teams, Miller shot 39.1% overall and 34.7% on 3s. The 23-year-old is eligible to sign an extension until the last day of the offseason.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Backcourt depth

    2. Perimeter defense development from Liam McNeeley

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Chicago Bulls

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. The options with cap space: The Bulls took advantage of cap space already, agreeing to acquire center Nic Claxton from the Nets. The trade fills the need for a starting center.

    2. A starting shooting guard

    3. Perimeter scoring

    4. Frontcourt depth

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Shooting and frontcourt depth: The Bulls finished ninth in 3-point shooting but fell to 24th after the trade deadline. They gave up the second-most second-chance points and allowed the sixth-most points in the paint since Feb. 5. Their frontcourt returns Jalen Smith, Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue.

    2. Off-ball defensive development from Smith

    3. Impactful rotation development from Patrick Williams and Rob Dillingham

    4. A reserve combo big

    5. A leap in scoring aggression from Buzelis

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Cleveland Cavaliers

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

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    Top offseason priorities

    1. A new contract for James Harden: Harden plays a major role in the direction of the Cavaliers’ offseason. He signed a two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Clippers last offseason, and that deal has a player option that allows the sides to negotiate a longer contract at possibly less money if he were to become a free agent. (For example, a two-year, $56 million contract that starts at $28 million puts Cleveland under the second apron even after the roster is filled out.)

    2. The Donovan Mitchell extension: Mitchell has two years remaining on his contract and is eligible to sign a four-year, $272 million extension beginning July 7. The $60.6 million salary in 2027-28 would replace his $50.1 million player option. Mitchell would then earn $75.2 million at age 34 in 2030-31. If Mitchell waits until the 2027 offseason, he would be allowed to sign a five-year, $352 million contract with Cleveland. The caveat is Mitchell playing out the season on an expiring contract.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Lineup consistency and depth. Because of injuries and roster turnover, coach Kenny Atkinson started 41 different starting lineups in the regular season. With the current finances, Cleveland could be looking at veterans minimum options for the bench if Ellis and Wade are lost.

    2. A reserve combo big

    3. A 3-and-D forward

    4. A full training camp with the returners

    5. Improved health and rotation continuity

    6. Shooting development from Nae’Qwan Tomlin

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Dallas Mavericks

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Consolidating the contracts: New president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri proved during his tenure in Denver, and recently Toronto, that he is not afraid to shake up the roster. The Kawhi Leonard trade in the summer of 2018 verified that and ultimately led to a title. In Dallas, Ujiri has the tradeable contracts (only Kyrie Irving is earning more than $20 million) and draft assets (up to three first-rounders).

    2. The return of Kyrie Irving: With Dallas shifting toward youth, does Irving still fit? Considering the Mavericks had the sixth-worst record in clutch games (17-28), have no incentive to bottom out in the standings because of their pick situation and are in need of a high-level playmaker, the answer should be yes — at least for now. Irving has two years remaining on his contract, including a $42.4 million player option in 2027-28.

    3. The group of extensions: Dereck Lively II, Max Christie and Naji Marshall top Dallas’ list. Lively, who can extend up until the last day of the offseason, has been impactful as a lob threat and defensively but has yet to play more than 55 games in any of his first three seasons. Considering his durability issues — he had season-ending foot surgery in December — Dallas should include injury protection if a new deal is reached. The Mavericks’ defense was nearly 10 points per 100 possessions better with Lively on the court in 2025-26.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Denver Nuggets

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. The Nikola Jokic extension: Jokic took a business-like approach on tabling extension talks last offseason. Jokic had two years remaining on his contract heading into 2025-26, so he was eligible to sign a three-year, $201 million extension. But by waiting until this summer, Jokic can tack on another season worth up to $76.9 million. A new contract would put the three-time MVP under contract through 2030-31.

    2. Peyton Watson: Before injuring his right hamstring on Feb. 4, Watson was averaging 14.9 points per game while shooting 49.6% from the field and 41.7% on 3-pointers. His 53% clip on corner 3s this season ranked sixth in the NBA among players with at least 1,000 minutes. Watson reaggravated his injury April 1 and did not play in the first round. Watson is a restricted free agent, so the Nuggets can match any offer sheet. But unless Denver looks to trade Cameron Johnson’s expiring $23 million contract, the franchise appears headed over the second apron if Watson returns.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    Building the bench, again.

    The future of reserves Hardaway, Brown and Jones are uncertain. Denver cannot sign any of the three players for more than 120% of the veteran minimum. (For example, Hardaway’s first-year salary would not exceed $4.7 million.) Hardaway, a 2026 Sixth Man of the Year finalist who played 80 games for the first time since his rookie season, averaged 13.5 points per game and hit 205 3s off the bench, the sixth most in the 3-point era. Jones, who failed to reach a long-term contract during the season, started a career-high 37 games and he will become a restricted free agent if Denver tenders the forward a one-year, $2.7 million qualifying offer. Denver can sign Jones to a contract up to $15 million due to his early Bird rights, but for a minimum of two seasons (not including an option).

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Detroit Pistons

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. The restricted free agency of Jalen Duren: Duren, who averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game, became the first player since Charles Barkley in the 1988-89 season to record four games with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 80% shooting during the regular season. But in the playoffs, the results have been mixed. He averaged just 10.1 points per game across Detroit’s two series, the second largest decrease from the regular season in NBA history, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

    2. The Ausar Thompson extension: Thompson has become an elite NBA defender and averaged 4.3 deflections this season, second in the league behind Oklahoma City’s Cason Wallace. Thompson held opponents to 42.7% shooting as the closest defender, per GeniusIQ tracking, which ranked 14th among 187 players to defend at least 500 attempts. Thompson is eligible to extend until the last day of the offseason.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. A stretch four: The Pistons have the option to re-sign Tobias Harris or use the non-tax midlevel exception on his replacement. Harris increased his scoring in the regular season from 13.2 to 20.1 points per game in the playoffs. He had eight games of 20-plus points, including 30 points in Game 7 against Orlando in the first round. In the last four games against Cleveland, however, Harris scored fewer than 20 points and in Game 6 and 7, he scored less than 10 points.

    2. Shooting development across the board, specifically from Thompson and Ron Holland

    3. A starting-caliber 3-and-D forward

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Golden State Warriors

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Maximizing the Stephen Curry window: Improving the roster outside of retaining free agent Kristaps Porzingis presents a challenge for Golden State. Because of the lack of sizable contracts on the roster outside of Curry and Butler, Draymond Green’s $27.7 million salary is likely required if Golden State trades for player(s) earning more than $25 million. Curry, Butler and Green constitute 79% of the team’s payroll next season. That leaves them with six players (Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Horford, Will Richard and Melton) each earning less than $13 million. That leads to the question if Golden State would entertain trading Butler’s $56.8 million expiring contract and first-round picks for an established All-Star? And if so, would a trade put the Warriors in position to sign LeBron James?

    2. An extension for Curry: Curry is eligible to sign a two-year $136.7 million extension beginning on Aug. 29. The new contract would pay him the highest per-year salary in his career ($65.7 and $71 million) for his age-39 and age-40 seasons. Other than breaking his left hand in the 2019-20 season and missing 58 games, Curry hasn’t suffered a significant injury that cost him more than 12 games until his right knee injury this past season.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. 3-and-D wing. If Melton declines his option and does not return, the bench will consist of Lendeborg, Moody, Richard and two-way players LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons. Moody tore his left patellar tendon and had season-ending surgery.

    2. Scoring consistency and development from Podziemski

    3. Shooting consistency from Richard

    4. A reserve point guard that can penetrate the paint with consistency

    5. Frontcourt youth and athleticism

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Houston Rockets

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Restricted free agency of Tari Eason: Through January, Eason was averaging 12.1 points per game on 48% shooting and 48% on 3-pointers. But in 34 games since Feb. 1, Eason’s averages dropped to 9.2 points per game on 38% shooting and 26% on 3s. A contract for Eason will push Houston over the luxury tax and first apron.

    2. Amen Thompson extension: Thompson averaged career highs in minutes, points, assists and rebounds, and he trailed only the 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey in minutes played this season. In Thompson’s final 22 games of the regular season, he averaged 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.5 assets per game — 70% of his points were scored in the paint. Defensively, opponents shot 42.8% when Thompson was the closest defender, per GeniusIQ, ranking 15th among 188 players who defended at least 500 attempts in the regular season.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. A healthy VanVleet: Can he fix an offense that ranked 20th during the regular season and fourth worst in the playoffs? With VanVleet in the lineup last season, Houston ranked 12th in offense and went 26-18 in clutch games with VanVleet running the show.

    2. 3-and-D wings

    3. Shooting development from Thompson and Sengun

    4. A stretch big

    5. A reserve point guard who can facilitate and play off-ball

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Indiana Pacers

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

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    Top offseason priorities

    1. Reestablishing an identity on offense: Coach Rick Carlisle will need to reestablish an identity offensively with Haliburton returning and the addition of Zubac. The Pacers declined significantly on offense last season, a result of 41 different starting lineups. The Zubac fit will be worth monitoring, considering he is not a threat from the perimeter — he has taken 12 3-pointers in his 10-year career — and the Pacers’ play at a much faster speed than the Clippers. Indiana ranked ninth in pace last season, while the Clippers were 28th.

    2. Exploring a Pascal Siakam extension: Despite the Pacers’ record, Pascal Siakam still managed to average 24 points per game over the past season (his highest since 2022-23). The 32-year-old forward has two years remaining on his contract and is allowed to extend for three additional years.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. With Zubac, the Pacers’ starting lineup is set. The bench, however, could use a combo guard and consistent perimeter scoring.

    2. A full training camp of reps with Haliburton and Zubac

    3. Reserve wing depth

    4. Continued rotation development from Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard

    5. A rotation-caliber reserve perimeter defender

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    LA Clippers

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Cap space or run it back? The Clippers could act as a cap-space team, but at the expense of Bogdanovic, Lopez, Batum, Kris Dunn, Cam Christie, Sanders and Miller. They would also need to renounce the free agent hold on Mathurin. If the roster stays intact, the Clippers will be $30 million below the luxury tax. They will have flexibility to stay under the tax, sign Mathurin and have the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception available.

    2. The future of Kawhi Leonard: Entering the last year of a three-year, $149.5 million extension that he signed in January 2024, Leonard is eligible to extend his contract for two additional seasons, which began the day after the NBA Finals. The maximum the Clippers can offer is $126.1 million over the two seasons. Despite his production this season and durability, it might seem reckless to pay Leonard an average of $63 million over two seasons, especially considering the average salary in his recent extension was $50 million.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Closure with the Aspiration investigation: Will the Clippers be penalized for salary cap circumvention? What about Kawhi Leonard’s future? Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned before Game 1 of the NBA Finals that there was hope the investigation into Leonard’s deal with Aspiration would be wrapped up soon. “I think we’re close to the point now where I think we need to wrap this up because you also need finality,” Silver mentioned. “Their team has to understand what the situation is they’re going to be operating under, and so do the other 29 teams.” If the Clippers are found guilty of any wrongdoing, building out the roster this offseason and in the future could be difficult. Penalties could include the loss of draft picks, significant fines and suspensions of team executives, including owner Steve Ballmer.

    2. Forward depth

    3. Improved 3-point confidence and consistency across the board

    4. Reliable, and consistent, rotation minutes from Kobe Sanders

    5. Availability from Darius Garland

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Los Angeles Lakers

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priority: LeBron

    1. Identifying the best option to build the roster: There is a balancing act in how the Lakers could have cap space and also retain their own free agents, including LeBron James. In the scenario that James signs for a contract in the $25 million range, Los Angeles would then have up to $25 million in room to sign or trade for a player. They would then be allowed to exceed the cap to sign Reaves to his agreed four-year, $184 million contract. The Lakers would also have the $9.4 million room midlevel exception available. The maximum room the Lakers could have is $47 million but at the expense of James, Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard.

    2. An option not to be dismissed is the Lakers bypassing the use of cap space and retaining their own free agents. This scenario gives the Lakers better roster optionality in a trade, while also having their $15 million non-tax midlevel exception available.

    3. What is next for LeBron? James played fewer than 60 games for the third time in five seasons but managed to score 343 fast-break points, second to the 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey for the league lead. Since March 1, the Lakers went 15-4 in the games James played. He averaged fewer than 20 points per game during the stretch but was a plus-7 when on the court.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Shooting shot blocker and lob threat: Re-signing Kennard would check this box. For a sixth straight season, Kennard shot over 40% on 3s. Since the trade deadline, the Lakers averaged 128.4 points per 100 possessions when Kennard shared the court with Doncic. Finding a center to complement Doncic presents more of an issue. Duren and Kessler are restricted free agents, meaning their current team can match any offer sheet. The next best centers are backups Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams.

    2. Athletic, defensive-minded wing.

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Memphis Grizzlies

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Finding closure with Ja Morant: As ESPN’s Shams Charania unveiled, the Grizzlies explored trades for Morant ahead of the February trade deadline with no deals materializing. The two-time All-Star guard has two years and $87 million remaining on his contract. Morant was shut down for the season in March, two months after he suffered a UCL strain in his left elbow. Throughout his 20 games — he has played just 79 across the past three seasons — Morant recorded the lowest field goal (41%) and 3-point (23.5%) percentages of his career. On defense, Morant gave up 1.2 points per possession on drives this season, the most in his career, per GeniusIQ tracking. Morant got blown by on 27.5% of opponents drives, the third highest in his career.

    2. The $28.9 million trade exception: As part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade to Utah, Memphis created a large trade exception. The exception can be used to take back unwanted salaries from teams looking to cut costs but with the benefit of receiving draft compensation.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Miami Heat

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Building the roster around Giannis and Bam Adebayo: Because the Heat used more than 100% of the traded player exception in the Antetokounmpo deal, they are hard-capped at the first apron. Miami is a projected $20.5 million below, with up to five roster spots to fill. There is a need to replenish the bench with perimeter shooting after losing Tyler Herro, a career 38.2% shooter from 3.

    2. Exploring a new contract for Pelle Larsson: Larsson took advantage of Herro’s injury absence this season, starting 53 games and averaging a career-high 11.4 points per game. Larsson is eligible to sign a four-year, $92.8 million extension. Because Larsson is a restricted free agent and has a team-friendly $4 million cap hold, Miami could be better off waiting until next summer to ink a new deal.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. A playmaker

    2. A designated shooter off the bench

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Milwaukee Bucks

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Minnesota Timberwolves

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

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    Top offseason priorities

    1. Bargain shopping for frontcourt depth: The Ball trade improved the Timberwolves’ backcourt but left a significant void in the frontcourt. To replace starter Julius Randle and former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, Minnesota will need to rely on the veteran minimum exception. They could also look to use the expiring $14.7 million contract of Josh Green.

    2. Jaden McDaniels’ extension: Starting Oct. 1, McDaniels is eligible to extend for two years and $87 million. The extension’s first year would begin in 2029-30. McDaniels averaged 14.8 points per game in the regular season and 16.5 in the playoffs and scored a season-high 32 points in the Timberwolves’ Game 6 clincher against Denver. McDaniels also held All-Star Jamal Murray to 32% shooting throughout the first round when he was the closest defender.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Frontcourt depth

    2. Continued development from former first-round picks Terrence Shannon Jr. and Joan Beringer

    3. Shooting off the bench

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    New Orleans Pelicans

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Evaluating a roster that won 26 games: Team president Joe Dumars and new coach Jamahl Mosley have to evaluate the upside of the roster when healthy. Fourteen players from the current team are under contract next season, including Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Trey Murphy.

    2. How does Zion fit long term? Williamson missed nine games in November because of a hamstring injury but still managed to play more than 60 games for the third time in his career. Williamson trailed only Antetokounmpo for the most paint points per game this season and had 41 games with at least 20 points despite a career-low usage rate. With games played and weight criteria in his contract expected to be met, his $42.2 million salary for next season will be guaranteed. Before the season, Williamson’s 2026-27 season came with zero salary protection. He has two years remaining on his contract and is eligible to extend this offseason.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    New York Knicks

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Building out depth on a budget: The Knicks retained free agents Jose Alvarado and Mohamed Diawara and now look to add shooting and frontcourt depth — but on a budget. New York has five open roster spots available (they are likely to keep one open) and barring a trade will likely use only the $2.45 million veteran minimum exception. Knicks owner James Dolan was adamant after the season that New York will not enter the second apron. “There’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do,” Dolan mentioned on sports radio WFAN. “One of them is the second apron. Cannot go into the second apron.”

    2. The Karl-Anthony Towns extension: Towns has two years left on his contract, including a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He is eligible to extend for four years and $272 million (if the option is declined) or for three years and $208 million (if the option is exercised).

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. A reserve combo big

    2. Interior rim protection

    3. Shooting from their bench

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. An extension for Cason Wallace: Named an All-Defensive team member for the first time in his career, Wallace led all players in steals this season. During the regular season, Wallace held opponents to 41.6% shooting as the closest defender, the fifth-best mark in the NBA, per GeniusIQ. And in the playoffs, Wallace held Austin Reaves, Devin Booker, Stephon Castle and Jalen Green to a combined 25% on 3-pointers.

    2. The expiring contract of Lu Dort: Dort will be on an expiring contract once the Thunder likely exercise his $17.7 million team option. Named to the All-Defensive first team in 2025, Dort is one of four players to have faced at least 1,500 shot attempts in the regular season and playoffs, according to Genius IQ tracking. Dort, Wallace and Alex Caruso rank in the top four by field goal percentage allowed as the closest defender. The Thunder project to be a second apron team without Dort under contract.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Offseason development from Mara, Stirtz, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber. Topic missed the 2024-25 season because of a knee injury and most of this past season while recovering from testicular cancer. He played in 10 regular-season games after Feb. 12 and just 18 total minutes in the playoffs.

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Orlando Magic

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Anthony Black extension: Will Black become the next Magic player to sign a rookie extension? In three straight offseasons, Orlando has extended Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. If not for injuring his back in early March, Black would have been a contender for 2026 Most Improved Player. He saw his scoring increase from 9.4 points to 15.3 points per game and had 25 games with multiple steals.

    2. Reestablishing a defensive identity: The Magic were a top-3 defense in each of the previous two seasons but dropped to 13th in 2025-26. They were a season-high 10 games over .500 on March 14 but lost six of their next seven games, including by 52 points at Toronto.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Shooting off the bench. The Magic’s bench ranked 26th in 3-point percentage this season.

    2. An athletic rebounding big

    3. A reserve playmaking guard

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Philadelphia 76ers

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Building out the bench: The Game 3 loss to New York should put a strong emphasis on improving their bench. The Sixers finished with 11 bench points but had zero after three quarters, the first team with a scoreless bench entering the fourth quarter of a playoff game since 2016. Their reserves ranked second to last in minutes and points per game in the postseason.

    2. Adding Philon gives Philadelphia depth in the backcourt. However, if Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. are not brought back, the 76ers will need to add perimeter scoring and, more importantly, a starting forward.

    3. What role does Paul George play? George played his best basketball of the season in the first-round win against Boston. In the seven games, George averaged 17.4 points per game while shooting 48.9% from the field and 55% from 3. However, injuries and this past season’s 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy limited George to 78 games played since he was signed in 2024. He is owed $112 million over the next two seasons.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Perimeter shooting (if Grimes and Oubre are not brought back)

    2. Bench depth, especially in the frontcourt

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Phoenix Suns

    Salary cap stats

    2026 NBA draft coverage• Draft grades for all 30 teams
    • Round 1 recap: Which teams fared well?
    • Dybantsa to Wizards | Peterson to Jazz
    • Boozer to Grizzlies | Wilson to Bulls
    • Johnson reunites with May, leads U-M trio
    • Jeremy Woo’s top 100 rankings
    • More draft coverage

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Dillon Brooks’ extension: Brooks was exactly what the Suns needed, playing a significant role in the Suns improving in almost every defensive category in 2025-26. “He might agitate the other 29 teams, but for us, he’s exactly what we’re about,” Suns owner Mat Ishbia mentioned on “The Draymond Green Show” in November. The maximum Phoenix can offer Brooks is four years and $125.4 million.

    2. Miles Bridges’ extension: Acquired in a trade from Charlotte, Bridges is eligible to extend for three years and $86 million for the next six months. Last season, Bridges started 77 games, averaging 17 points and 5.8 rebounds.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. For Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming to develop into rotational players. Maluach played sparingly this past season but did post 18 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in the season finale. Fleming had his minutes increase from seven per game before the All-Star break to 18.6 after. The 6-foot-9 forward shot 40.5% on 3-pointers in the 25 final games of the season.

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Portland Trail Blazers

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Patience with the roster: New owner Tom Dundon is a wild card this offseason as it relates to roster building. “Our plan is to work hard, make good decisions,” Dundon mentioned earlier this month. “I’m probably more aggressive than most. If it doesn’t exist, then you gotta go about finding the pieces to continue to get better, and then decide if you can get good enough to win a championship or you have to take a step back. Joe [Cronin] and I have talked about this a lot. There’s no one way this is going to go.” That leaves the decision of taking a win-now approach but at the expense of draft capital and Portland’s younger players. Because its 2026 first-round pick was sent to the Bulls, Portland has just six first-rounders available to use in trades.

    2. Scoot Henderson’s rookie extension: Before going scoreless in Game 4 of the first round, Henderson scored 70 points across the first three games against the Spurs. Over the past 30 seasons, only Brandon Roy (82 points in 2009) and Damian Lillard (79 points in 2014) scored more through their first three playoff games as a Blazer. Henderson missed the first 52 games of the regular season because of a hamstring injury. He is eligible to sign a rookie extension until the last day of the offseason.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Shooting. The Trail Blazers ranked 28th in 3-point percentage this past season, and the woes carried over to the postseason. At the time of their exit, Portland had the fourth-worst mark from 3-point range in the playoffs.

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Sacramento Kings

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Getting their finances in order: There are financial decisions, starting with DeMar DeRozan. Since signing a three-year contract in 2024, DeRozan has been the most reliable and consistent Kings player. He played in more than 75 games both years and trailed only Zach LaVine in points per game this past season. DeRozan could be a financial casualty because his $25 million contract next season is partially guaranteed for $10 million.

    2. The Ja Morant temptation: Should there be a discussion for Morant despite drafting Acuff with the seventh pick? And if so, does a LaVine-for-Morant swap make sense if draft compensation comes back to Sacramento? With LaVine and De’Andre Hunter’s contracts expiring in 2027-28, Sacramento would be parlaying cap space for the former All-Star guard.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Defensive identity: The Kings finished the season near or at the bottom of every defensive category, including transition points allowed, second-chance points, 3-point percentage and points allowed per game.

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Own first in the next seven years

    Extension-eligible

    San Antonio Spurs

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. A new contract for Victor Wembanyama: It will not be a surprise if Wembanyama and the Spurs agree to a five-year, $251 million rookie extension. Because Wembanyama was ineligible for league honors in 2024-25, he is not yet eligible for 30% of the salary cap in Year 1 of the extension — even with him winning Defensive Player of the Year this past season. One thing to watch is whether Wembanyama’s next deal includes a player option for the final season. Paolo Banchero, Luka Doncic and Trae Young are the only players since 2021 to get player options on rookie max extensions.

    2. Finding veterans to help the roster: San Antonio can be active in free agency even after locking in Wembanyama’s next deal. The Spurs have the financial flexibility to retain 33-year-old Harrison Barnes and also use the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception to fill out their depth.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Shooting development from Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant

    2. A reserve stretch-4 who complements Wembanyama.

    3. More backcourt depth.

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Toronto Raptors

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Prioritizing Mamu: Because Sandro Mamukelashvili signed a one-year contract last summer, Toronto is limited in offering no more than the $6.1 million tax midlevel exception. The Raptors could sign him to part of the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception but would need to clear out $7 million in salary to remain below the first apron hard cap. In 80 games this past season, he averaged career highs in points (11.1), field goal percentage (52.3%) and rebounds (4.5). In 13 starts, Mamukelashvili averaged 15.9 points. If Mamukelashvili declines his $2.8 million player option, Toronto would likely need to dip into its $15 million non-tax midlevel exception. However, if the Raptors use more than $6 million, Toronto hard-caps itself at the first apron.

    2. Identify the stage of its roster: This past season proved Toronto is a playoff team, but are the Raptors a win-now team? General manager Bobby Webster gave some insight during the regular season on the front office’s approach and the risks that come with it. “Do you do it early? Do you do it in the middle? Do you chase late? We’ve looked at all the different builds that resulted in a championship team, and there’s no preferred route other than you have got to get it right,” Webster told The Athletic. The Raptors have all of their first-round picks and four players, including Brandon Ingram, earning between $19.5 million to $40 million.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Shooting. The Raptors ranked 21st in 3-point percentage this past regular season. Barnes, RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick and Shead all shot below 32.1%.

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Utah Jazz

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Finding a compromise on a new contract for Walker Kessler: The restricted free agent reportedly turned down a four-year, $140 million contract, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. It would have been the largest contract given to a center who had yet to be an All-Star. The 7-foot-2 Kessler had season-ending shoulder surgery in November and played only five games this past season. In the previous season, he averaged a career high in points (11.1), rebounds (12.2) and assists (1.7) and shot an NBA-leading 66.3% from the field. The Jazz have the right to match any offer sheet. If an agreement is not reached, Kessler can sign the one-year, $7.1 million qualifying offer. He would then become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

    2. Keyonte George rookie extension: George would have been a candidate for Most Improved Player this past season if not for the league’s 65-game rule. George is one of 18 players this past season to increase their scoring average by at least 6.8 points and is one of 11 players to average at least 23 points and six assists.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    1. Re-signing Kessler will help a defense that ranked last and 27th in second-chance points allowed this past season.

    2. Perimeter bench scoring; Jazz reserves ranked 24th in 3-point shooting this past season.

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

    Washington Wizards

    Salary cap stats

    Notable transactions

    Top offseason priorities

    1. Anthony Davis’ extension: Davis is eligible starting Aug. 6 to sign up to a four-year, $275 million extension. The first year would replace a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. The 33-year-old Davis has not played since being acquired from the Lakers and has failed to reach 60 games in five of the past six seasons. But when healthy, Davis is a two-way force. According to ESPN Research, Davis has averaged at least two blocks and one steal in 11 seasons. That trails only Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon since blocks and steals were first tracked during the 1973-74 season.

    2. A new contract for Bilal Coulibaly: Coulibaly was drafted in 2023 and is the first rookie-extension-eligible player under the current front office. Per Cleaning the Glass, Coulibaly ranked in the 94th percentile among all wings in blocks and 84th percentile in steals in 2025-26. Offensively, Coulibaly averaged a career-high 14.1 points since the All-Star break.

    2026 free agents

    Team needs

    Most valuable first-rounders

    Extension-eligible

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