The 2021 NBA trade deadline is five weeks away, but teams are already looking at their rosters, lining up what they already have and what they need. There have been only two trades since the start of the season (the four-team deal that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets and the swap between the Pistons and Knicks that sent Derrick Rose back to New York), and executives are predicting a quiet trade season in 2021.
That doesn't mean there won't be surprises.
To help identify which teams will become buyers, sellers or just observing, we have broken down all 30 teams with the players who are off the board, trade targets, contracts that have the most value, toughest contracts to move and the internal questions each team must answer leading up to the March 25 trade deadline.
KEY: Player = player option, RFA = restricted free agent, UFA = unrestricted free agent, Team = team option, ETO = early termination option
Atlanta Hawks
Front-office discussions: Are we comfortable paying John Collins max-type money in free agency? Is there enough of a body of work with so many injuries to evaluate the roster.
Off the board: Trae Young ($6.6 million, RFA 2022)
Valuable trade asset: John Collins ($4.1 million, RFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Collins (RFA), Kris Dunn ($4.8 million, Player), Solomon Hill ($1.6 million, UFA), Brandon Goodwin ($1.7 million, RFA) and Tony Snell ($12.2 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: De'Andre Hunter ($7.4 million, RFA 2023), Onyeka Okongwu ($5.8 million, RFA 2024), Cam Reddish ($4.5 million, RFA 2023), Kevin Huerter ($2.8 million, RFA 2022) and Bruno Fernando ($1.5 million, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Clint Capela ($16 million, UFA 2023), Danilo Gallinari ($19.5 million, UFA 2023), Rajon Rondo ($7.5 million, UFA 2022) and Bogdan Bogdanovic ($18 million, Player 2023)
Draft capital: The Hawks retain all their first-round picks from 2021-2027. They also have a top-14-protected first from Oklahoma City in 2022. The first will turn into a 2025 and 2026 second if not conveyed.
Finances: The Hawks are $17.9 million below the luxury tax and are positioned well to take back salary in a trade. Atlanta is not projected to have cap space in 2021-22.
Boston Celtics
Front-office discussions: Does the $28.5 million trade exception have more value before the trade deadline or in the offseason? Are we willing to rent a player like Victor Oladipo or P.J. Tucker even if that means trading away future draft assets?
Off the board: Jayson Tatum ($9.9 million, Player 2025) and Jaylen Brown ($23.7 million, UFA 2024)
Valuable trade assets: Marcus Smart ($13.4 million, UFA 2022)
Free agents in August: Jeff Teague ($1.6 million, UFA), Daniel Theis ($5 million, UFA), Semi Ojeleye ($1.8 million, UFA) and Javonte Green ($1.5 million, RFA)
Controllable contracts: Romeo Langford ($3.6 million, RFA 2023), Payton Pritchard ($2 million, RFA 2024), Aaron Nesmith ($3.5 million, RFA 2024), Grant Williams ($2.5 million), Robert Williams III ($2 million, RFA 2022) and Carsen Edwards ($1.5 million, Team 2022)
Long-term salary: Kemba Walker ($34.4 million, Player 2022) and Tristan Thompson ($9.3 million, UFA 2022)
Draft capital: The Celtics own all their first-round picks from 2021-2027.
Finances: Signing Thompson to a contract greater than $5.7 million has Boston $19.9 million below the hard cap. The Celtics are also $15.5 million below the luxury tax. Boston has trade exceptions of $28.5, $4.8 and $2.5 million available to use. The Celtics are projected to be in the luxury tax in 2020-21.
Brooklyn Nets
Front-office discussion: Is the injured Spencer Dinwiddie part of the future? Are we comfortable paying him starter-type money as a free agent in 2021? Do we have the green light to use the $5.7 million disabled player exception even if that means our tax bill will increase?
Off the board: James Harden ($41.2 million, Player 2022), Kevin Durant ($40.1 million, Player 2022), Blake Griffin ($776K).
Valuable trade assets: Dinwiddie ($11.5 million, Player), $5.7 million disabled player exception and second-round picks: 2021 (ATL and PHX), 2022 (OWN), 2023 (IND), 2024 (OWN), 2025 (GSW), 2026 (OWN) and 2027 (OWN)
Free agents in August: Griffin, Bruce Brown ($1.7 million, RFA), Jeff Green ($1.6 million, UFA), Tyler Johnson ($1.6 million, UFA) and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot ($1.8 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Landry Shamet ($2.1 million, RFA 2022) and Nic Claxton ($1.5 million, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Kyrie Irving ($33.5 million, Player 2022), Joe Harris ($16.1 million, UFA 2024) and DeAndre Jordan ($10.4 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: None. Acquiring Harden wiped out their available first-round picks they can use in a trade.
The finances: The Nets are currently $32 million over the luxury tax. They are projected to be in the tax again in 2021-22 even if Dinwiddie does not opt-in to his contract.
Charlotte Hornets
Front-office discussion: What impact does the LaMelo Ball injury have on our roster at the deadline? How does Malik Monk fit in long term? Can we acquire more draft assets or improve the team with the $4 million in cap space and open roster spot available?
Off the board: Nobody
Valuable trade asset: Devonte' Graham ($1.7 million, RFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Graham (RFA), Malik Monk ($5.4 million, RFA), Cody Zeller ($15.4 million, UFA) and Bismack Biyombo ($3.9 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: LaMelo Ball ($7.8 million, RFA 2024), P.J. Washington ($4 million, RFA 2023), Miles Bridges ($3.9 million, RFA 2022), Cody Martin ($1.5 million, RFA 2022), Caleb Martin ($1.5 million, RFA 2022), Jalen McDaniels ($1.5 million, Team 2022), Vernon Carey Jr. ($1.4 million, Team 2023) and Nick Richards ($1.0 million, RFA 2023)
Long-term salary: Gordon Hayward ($28.5 million, UFA 2024) and Terry Rozier ($18.9 million, UFA 2022)
Draft capital: The Hornets have all their own future first-round picks from 2021-2027.
The finances: The Hornets are one of two teams (New York is the other) that have cap space available ($4.0 million). If the Hornets do not extend Graham during the season, they are projected to have $25 million of cap space in 2021.
Chicago Bulls
Front-office discussion: Do we parlay the $28.5 million Otto Porter Jr. contract into a player long-term? Should we take the temperature on Zach LaVine and the trade market? Does Lauri Markkanen fit long-term?
Off the board: Nobody
Valuable trade asset: LaVine ($19.5 million, UFA 2022) and Thaddeus Young ($13.5 million, UFA 2022)
Free agents in August: Porter ($28.5 million, UFA), Cristiano Felicio ($7.5 million, UFA), Lauri Markkanen ($6.7 million, RFA), Garrett Temple ($4.8 million, UFA), Denzel Valentine ($4.6 million, UFA), Ryan Arcidiacono ($3.0 million, Team) and Luke Kornet ($2.3 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Patrick Williams ($7.1 million, RFA 2024), Coby White ($5.6 million, RFA 2023), Wendell Carter Jr. ($5.5 million, RFA 2022), Chandler Hutchison ($2.4 million, RFA 2022) and Daniel Gafford ($1.5 million, Team 2023)
Long-term salary: Tomas Satoransky ($10 million, UFA 2022). Both Young and Satoransky have partially guaranteed contracts for 2021-22.
Draft capital: Chicago has all their first-round selections from 2021-2027.
The finances: The Bulls are currently $10.1 million below the luxury tax. Chicago could have up to $30 million in room in the 2021 offseason.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Front-office discussion: What is the market for Andre Drummond and JaVale McGee?
Off the board: Nobody
Valuable trade assets: Drummond ($28.8 million, UFA) and McGee ($4.2 million, UFA)
Free agents in August: Jarrett Allen ($3.9 million, RFA) and Matthew Dellavedova ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Collin Sexton ($4.9 million, RFA 2022), Darius Garland ($6.7 million, RFA 2023), Isaac Okoro ($6.4 million, RFA 2024), Dean Wade ($1.5 million, Team 2022), Dylan Windler ($2.1 million, RFA 2023) and Damyean Dotson ($2 million, UFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Kevin Love ($31.3 million, UFA 2023), Larry Nance Jr. ($11.7 million, UFA 2023), Taurean Prince ($12.6 million, UFA 2022) and Cedi Osman ($8.8 million, UFA 2024)
Draft capital: The Cavaliers own all their future first-round picks from 2021-2027.
The finances: Cleveland is currently $3.6 million below the luxury tax. The Cavaliers are not projected to have cap space in 2021-22 even if Andre Drummond does not return.
Dallas Mavericks
Front-office discussion: Are we willing to take back a contract that is not expiring that can help the roster now but at the cost of cap space in 2021? Do we have enough offense around Doncic?
Off the board: Luka Doncic ($8 million, RFA 2022)
Valuable trade assets: Jalen Brunson ($1.7 million, UFA 2022), Dorian Finney-Smith ($4.0 million, UFA 2022), James Johnson ($16 million, UFA 2021) and Tim Hardaway Jr. ($19 million, UFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Johnson (UFA), Hardaway (UFA), Josh Richardson ($10.9 million, Player), Boban Marjanovic ($3.5 million, UFA) and Willie Cauley-Stein, (Team)
Controllable contracts: Josh Green ($2.8 million, RFA 2024), Wes Iwundu ($1.7 million, UFA 2022) and Tyrell Terry ($1.3 million, Team 2023)
Long-term salary: Kristaps Porzingis ($29.5 million, Team 2023), Dwight Powell ($11.1 million, UFA 2023), Maxi Kleber (8.3 million, UFA 2023) and Trey Burke ($3 million, Player 2022)
Draft capital: The Mavericks will send New York an unprotected first in 2021 and top-10-protected first in 2023. The pick has top-10 protection in 2024 and 2025 if not conveyed in the prior season. The Mavericks will send New York a 2025 second if they do not receive a first in 2023, 2024 or 2025. Dallas is not allowed to trade a first until 2025 at the earliest.
The finances: The Mavericks are $6.1 million below the luxury tax and $12 million below the hard cap. Dallas could have up to $32 million in cap space for 2021 but at the cost of losing Hardaway, Richardson (if he does not opt-in) and Cauley-Stein.
Denver Nuggets
Front-office discussion: Is Michael Porter Jr. untouchable? What can our $9.5 million trade exception bring us back in the way of bench scoring?
Off the board: Nikola Jokic ($29.5 million, UFA 2022), Jamal Murray ($27.3 million, UFA 2024) and Monte Morris ($1.7 million, UFA 2023)
Valuable trade asset: Porter ($3.6 million, RFA 2022)
Free agents in August: Will Barton ($13.7 million, Player), JaMychal Green ($7.2 million, Player), Paul Millsap ($10 million, UFA) and Isaiah Hartenstein ($1.6 million, Player)
Controllable contracts: Facundo Campazzo ($3.2 million, UFA 2022), Zeke Nnaji ($2.4 million, RFA 2024), R.J. Hampton ($2.2 million, RFA 2024), Vlatko Cancar ($1.5 million, RFA 2022), PJ Dozier ($1.7 million, UFA 2022) and Bol Bol ($2.1 million, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Gary Harris ($19.6 million, UFA 2022)
Draft capital: The Nuggets owe Oklahoma City a top-14-protected first in 2023. The pick has lottery protection in 2024 and 2025 if not conveyed. Denver is allowed to trade a 2021 first.
The finances: Denver is $5.3 million below the luxury tax and $8.5 million below the hard cap. They have three exceptions, including a large $9.5 million exception created in the Jerami Grant sign-and-trade to Detroit. The Nuggets are over the salary cap in 2021-22.
Detroit Pistons
Front-office discussion: The future of Wayne Ellington. Do we entertain offers for a second-round pick like with Derrick Rose?
Recent transactions: Bought out the Blake Griffin contract for $13.3 million. Traded Svi Mykhailiuk and a 2027 second (via Houston) to Oklahoma City for Hamidou Diallo
Off the board: Nobody
Valuable trade assets: Ellington ($1.6 million, UFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Dennis Smith Jr. ($5.7 million, RFA), Diallo ($1.7 million, RFA) and Ellington (UFA)
Controllable contracts: Sekou Doumbouya ($3.5 million, RFA 2023), Rodney McGruder ($5.2 million, UFA 2022), Killian Hayes ($5.3 million, RFA 2024), Saddiq Bey ($2.7 million, RFA 2024), Isaiah Stewart ($3.1 million, RFA 2024) and Jahlil Okafor ($1.9 million, UFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Jerami Grant ($19.1 million, UFA 2023), Delon Wright ($9 million, UFA 2022), Mason Plumlee ($8 million, UFA 2023) and Josh Jackson ($4.8 million, UFA 2022)
Draft capital: The Pistons owe Houston a protected first from 2021-2027. Because the first has protection in each season, Detroit is not allowed to trade a first in any year unless the protection is amended.
The finances: The Pistons are $17.5 million below the luxury tax and $22.8 million below the hard cap. Detroit is not projected to have cap space in 2021.
Golden State Warriors
Front-office discussion: Are we sellers or buyers at the trade deadline? Do we hold on to Kelly Oubre Jr.? Is there a player worth exploring with the $9.3 million disabled player exception? Which player is expendable if we need to create a roster spot or convert the two-way contract of Juan Toscano-Anderson?
Off the board: Stephen Curry ($43 million, UFA 2022), Klay Thompson ($35.4 million) and Draymond Green ($22.2 million, Player 2023)
Valuable trade assets: Oubre ($14.4 million, UFA 2021) and 2021 Minnesota first (top-three-protected)
Free agents in August: Oubre, Kevon Looney ($4.8 million), Brad Wanamaker ($2.3 million, RFA), Marquese Chriss ($1.8 million, UFA) and Kent Bazemore ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: James Wiseman ($8.7 million, RFA 2024), Jordan Poole ($2.1 million, RFA 2022), Alen Smailagic ($1.5 million, Team 2022), Eric Paschall $1.5 million, RFA 2022), Damion Lee ($1.8 million, UFA 2022) and Mychal Mulder ($1.5 million, RFA 2022)
Toughest contract to move: Andrew Wiggins ($29.5 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Warriors have a top-three-protected first from Minnesota. The pick is unprotected in 2022 if not conveyed. Golden State will send a 2021 first to Oklahoma City if it falls outside the top 20. From the Andre Iguodala trade, the Warriors will send Memphis a 2024 top-four-protected first. The pick is top-two-protected in 2025 and unprotected in 2026. The earliest that Golden State can trade a first (besides the Timberwolves' first) is in 2026.
The finances: The Warriors are $40.4 million over the luxury tax and have a projected penalty of $71 million. Golden State will be in the luxury tax in 2021-22 and will pay a higher penalty because it has met the repeater tax criteria (four out of five seasons).
Houston Rockets
Front-office discussion: What is the return value for Victor Oladipo?
Recent transaction: Acquired D.J. Augustin, D.J. Wilson, a 2023 first-round pick, and swap rights on Milwaukee's 2021 first-round pick from the Bucks in exchange for P.J. Tucker, Rodions Kurucs and the Bucks' 2022 first-round pick.
Off the board: Nobody
Valuable trade assets: Oladipo ($21 million, UFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Oladipo, D.J. Wilson ($4.5 million, RFA), Sterling Brown ($1.6 million, UFA), Ben McLemore ($2.3 million, UFA) and David Nwaba ($1.8 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: D.J. Augustin ($6.6 million, UFA 2023), Danuel House Jr. ($3.7 million, UFA 2022), Kenyon Martin Jr. ($898K, Team 2023), Kevin Porter Jr. ($1.7 million, RFA 2023) and Jae'Sean Tate ($1.5 million, UFA 2023)
Long-term salary: John Wall ($41.3 million, Player 2022), Eric Gordon ($16.9 million, UFA 2024) and Christian Wood ($13 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Rockets have replenished their draft assets (two top-four-protected firsts in 2024 and 2026) lost when they acquired Russell Westbrook from the Thunder. From the James Harden trade with Brooklyn, the Rockets have an unprotected first in 2022, 2024 and 2026. They also have swap rights with the Nets in 2021 (with Portland, Detroit or Miami), 2023, 2025 (possibly with OKC) and 2027. In addition, they have four first-round picks from Milwaukee, Detroit, Portland and Washington. The firsts from the Pistons and Trail Blazers are protected over the next seven years. The Wizards' first is lottery-protected in 2023 and has additional protection in 2024, 2025 and 2026. It will turn into a 2026 and 2027 second if not conveyed.
The finances: The Harden trade pushed the Rockets out of the luxury tax and gave them flexibility below the hard cap. Houston is $2.0 million below the tax and $6.6 million below the hard cap. The Rockets also have a $10.7 million and $3.6 million trade exception available. If Oladipo is not brought back (or is traded and there is no future salary in return), Houston projects to have cap space in excess of $18 million in 2021-22.
Indiana Pacers
Front-office discussion: What is the injury timeline of T.J. Warren? Is there a player who fits within our $4.8 million trade exception? Do we make Doug McDermott and TJ McConnell expendable?
Off the board: Domantas Sabonis ($19.8 million, UFA 2024)
Valuable trade assets: T.J. McConnell ($3.5 million, UFA 2021) and Doug McDermott ($7.3 million, UFA)
Free agents in August: McConnell, McDermott, Edmond Sumner ($2.2 million, Team) and JaKarr Sampson ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Goga Bitadze ($3 million, RFA 2023), Aaron Holiday ($2.3 million, RFA 2022), Jalen Lecque ($1.5 million, Team 2022) and Kelan Martin ($1.5 million, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Caris LeVert ($16.2 million, UFA 2023), Malcolm Brogdon ($20.7 million, UFA 2023), Myles Turner ($18 million, UFA 2023), T.J. Warren ($12 million, UFA 2022), Jeremy Lamb ($10.5 million, UFA 2022) and Justin Holiday ($5.7 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Pacers own all their future firsts in the next seven years.
The finances: The Pacers are $4.2 below the luxury tax. They also have $4.7 million and $2.8 million trade exceptions that are available to use. Indiana is not projected to have cap space in 2021-22.
LA Clippers
Front-office discussion: What is the risk/reward of trading Lou Williams? Do we have confidence in Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard to fill his role? What is a position of need for the final two roster spots?
Off the board: Kawhi Leonard ($34.4 million, Player 2021), Paul George ($35.5 million, UFA 2025) and Kennard ($5.3 million, UFA 2025)
Valuable trade asset: Williams ($8 million, UFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Williams, Serge Ibaka ($9.3 million, Player), Nicolas Batum ($1.6 million, UFA), Patrick Patterson ($1.6 million, UFA), and Jackson ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Terance Mann ($1.5 million, Team 2022) and Daniel Oturu ($898K, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Patrick Beverley ($13.3 million, UFA 2022), Marcus Morris Sr. ($14.9 million, UFA 2024) and Ivica Zubac ($7 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Clippers are not allowed to trade a first in any season.
The finances: The Clippers are $2.6 million below the hard cap and $3.7 million above the luxury tax. If Kawhi Leonard returns, the Clippers will once again be a tax team.
Los Angeles Lakers
Front-office discussion: What is a position of need for the final roster spot? What is the length and dollar amount of an extension for Dennis Schroder that we are comfortable with?
Off the board: LeBron James ($39.2 million, UFA 2023), Anthony Davis ($32.7 million, Player 2024) and Kyle Kuzma ($3.6 million, Player 2023)
Valuable trade asset: Alfonzo McKinnie ($1.8 million, UFA 2023) and second-round picks in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2027
Free agents in August: Schroder ($16 million, UFA), Montrezl Harrell ($9.3 million, Player), Wesley Matthews ($3.6 million), Alex Caruso ($2.8 million, UFA), Talen Horton-Tucker ($1.5 million, RFA), Markieff Morris ($1.6 million, UFA) and Jared Dudley ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Marc Gasol ($2.6 million, UFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($12.1 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Lakers are allowed to trade only a 2027 unprotected first.
The finances: The Lakers are $1.5 million below the hard cap and have two open roster spots. Los Angeles is also $3.3 million above the luxury tax. The Lakers are not projected to have cap space in 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies
Front-office discussion: How much value does the expiring contract of Gorgui Dieng have? How long do we continue to wait on Justise Winslow? Do we go big-game hunting with the first-round picks from Golden State and Utah?
Off the board: Ja Morant ($9.2 million, RFA 2023)
Valuable trade asset: Dieng ($17.3 million, UFA 2021) and future first-round picks from Utah and Golden State
Free agents in August: Dieng and Winslow ($13 million, Team)
Controllable contracts: Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7.3 million, RFA 2022), Brandon Clarke ($2.6 million, RFA 2023), Grayson Allen ($2.5 million, RFA 2022), John Konchar ($2.1 million, Team 2023), Desmond Bane ($1.9 million, RFA 2024), Jontay Porter ($1.9 million, UFA 2023) and Xavier Tillman ($1.3 million, Team 2023)
Long-term salary: Jonas Valanciunas ($15 million, UFA 2022), Dillon Brooks ($11.4 million, UFA 2023), Tyus Jones ($8.8 million, UFA 2022) and De'Anthony Melton ($9.6 million, UFA 2024)
Draft capital: Besides its own first-round picks in the next seven years, Memphis owns a 2021-protected (8-14) first from Utah and 2024 (top-four-protected) first from Golden State. The likelihood is that Memphis will receive the Jazz's first in 2022 when the protection changes to top-six. The Warriors' first is top-one-protected in 2025 and unprotected in 2026.
The finances: The Grizzlies are $1.28 million below the luxury tax. Memphis will have $25 million in cap space in 2021, but only if it declines the team option of Winslow.
Miami Heat
Front-office discussion: Which player is expendable if we need to open up a roster spot? Do we empty the roster of young players for a player like Kyle Lowry?
Recent transaction: Traded Meyers Leonard and a 2027 second-round pick to Oklahoma City for Trevor Ariza.
Off the board: Bam Adebayo ($5.1 million, UFA 2025)
Valuable trade assets: Jimmy Butler ($34.4 million, Player 2022), Tyler Herro ($3.8 million, RFA 2023), Duncan Robinson ($1.7 million, RFA 2021) and Kendrick Nunn ($1.7 million, RFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Kelly Olynyk ($12.6 million, UFA), Trevor Ariza ($12.8 million, UFA), Goran Dragic ($18 million, Team), Andre Iguodala ($15 million, Team), Avery Bradley ($5.6 million, Team), Chris Silva ($1.5 million, Team), Maurice Harkless ($3.6 million, UFA) and Udonis Haslem ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: KZ Okpala ($1.5 million, RFA 2022) and Precious Achiuwa ($2.6 million, RFA 2024)
Long-term salary: None
Draft capital: The earliest that Miami can trade a first is in 2025. To do so, the Heat would need to amend the pick owed to Oklahoma City in 2023 to make it unprotected. If the pick is unprotected, Miami would then be allowed to also trade a 2027 first.
The finances: The Heat are $5.4 million below the luxury tax and $10.6 million below the hard cap. They have a $7.5 million trade exception that expires on March 22. Miami could have up to $26 million but would need to decline the team option of each of its own free agents.
Milwaukee Bucks
Front-office discussion: Do we write a blank check for Jrue Holiday on an extension? Which buyout candidates make sense for the final two roster spots?
Recent transaction: Acquired P.J. Tucker, Rodions Kurucs and their 2022 first-round pick (previously traded to Houston) from Houston. Sent D.J. Augustin, D.J. Wilson, a 2023 first-round pick, and swap rights on their 2021 first-round pick to Houston and sent Torrey Craig to Phoenix.
Off the board: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($27.5 million, Player 2025)
Valuable trade asset: Second-round picks: 2023, 2024, 2025 (Indiana) and 2027
Free agents in August: Holiday ($25.9 million, Player), P.J. Tucker ($8 million, UFA 2021), Bobby Portis ($3.6 million Player), Thanasis Antetokounmpo ($1.7 million, RFA), Bryn Forbes ($2.3 million, Player) and Rodions Kurucs ($1.8 million, Team)
Controllable contracts: Donte DiVincenzo ($3 million, RFA 2022), Sam Merrill ($898K, RFA 2022) and Jordan Nwora ($898K, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Khris Middleton ($33.1 million, Player 2023), Brook Lopez ($12.7 million, UFA 2023) and Pat Connaughton ($4.9 million, Player 2022)
Draft capital: The Bucks are not allowed to trade a first-round pick. They have their own 2023, 2024, 2025 (via Indiana) and 2027 second-rounders available.
The finances: After the trade with the Rockets, Milwaukee is $3.5 below the hard cap and $1.2 million below the luxury tax. The Bucks will be in the luxury tax for the 2021-22 season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Front-office discussion: Besides Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, which player(s) on this roster are expendable? Are we comfortable that D'Angelo Russell is part of the future? How do we evaluate this roster with Towns having played only a few games this season?
Off the board: Towns ($29.5 million, UFA 2024)
Valuable trade asset: Ed Davis ($5 million, UFA) and Juancho Hernangomez ($6.5 million, UFA 2023)
Free agents in August: Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt ($1.7 million, RFA)
Controllable contracts: Edwards ($9.8 million, RFA 2024), Jarrett Culver ($6.1 million, RFA 2023), Josh Okogie ($2.7 million, RFA 2022), Jaden McDaniels ($2 million, RFA 2024), Jaylen Nowell ($1.5 million, Team 2022) and Naz Reid ($1.5 million, Team 2022)
Long-term salary: Russell ($28.7 million, UFA 2023), Ricky Rubio ($17 million, UFA 2022), Malik Beasley ($13.4 million, Team 2023) and Jake Layman ($3.8 million, UFA 2022)
Draft capital: The Timberwolves will send Golden State a top-three-protected first in 2021. If it is not conveyed, the pick will become unprotected in 2022. The earliest that Minnesota will be able to trade a first is 2024.
The finances: Minnesota has an open roster spot and is $2.8 million below the luxury tax. In 2020-21, the Timberwolves have $130 million in salary (but with 12 players under contract) and are projected $5 million below the tax.
New Orleans Pelicans
Front-office discussion: Do we make a trade to accommodate JJ Redick, or one that is best for the team? Which players outside of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram fit long term?
Off the board: Williamson ($10.3 million, RFA 2023) and Ingram ($27.3 million, UFA 2025)
Valuable trade assets: Redick ($13 million, UFA) and Lonzo Ball ($11 million, RFA)
Free agents in August: Redick, Ball, Josh Hart ($3.5 million, RFA), Nicolo Melli ($3.9 million, RFA) and Willy Hernangomez ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Jaxson Hayes ($5.1 million, RFA 2023), Kira Lewis Jr. ($3.6 million, RFA 2024), Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($3.1 million, RFA 2023) and Wenyen Gabriel ($1.6 million, UFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Steven Adams ($29.6 million, UFA 2023) and Eric Bledsoe ($16.9 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: Besides owning a first-round pick in the next seven years, New Orleans has four unprotected first-round picks from the Lakers and Milwaukee. The picks are in 2022 (LAL), 2024 (LAL), 2025 (MIL) and 2027 (MIL). The Pelicans also have the right to swap firsts with Milwaukee in 2024, 2026 and with Los Angeles in 2023.
The finances: New Orleans has an open roster spot available but is $502,535 below the luxury tax. Because of the 2021 free-agent holds of Ball and Hart, the Pelicans are projected to be over the cap in 2021.
New York Knicks
Front-office discussion: Do we trade our expiring contracts (Alec Burks, Reggie Bullock, Nerlens Noel, Derrick Rose and Elfrid Payton) to build up our second-round assets? What about former first-round pick Frank Ntilikina?
Off the board: Nobody
Valuable trade assets: Burks ($6 million, UFA 2021), Bullock ($4.2 million, UFA 2021), Noel ($5 million, UFA 2021), Rose ($7.7 million, UFA 2021), Payton ($4.8 million, UFA 2021) and Austin Rivers ($3.5 million, UFA 2023)
Free agents in August: Burks, Noel, Payton, Rose, Ntilikina ($6.2 million, RFA), Bullock ($4.2 million, UFA), Taj Gibson ($1.4 million, UFA) and Mitchell Robinson ($1.7 million, Team)
Controllable contracts: RJ Barrett ($8.2 million, RFA 2023), Obi Toppin ($4.9 million, RFA 2024), Kevin Knox II ($4.6 million, RFA 2022), Immanuel Quickley ($2.1 million, RFA 2024) and Ignas Brazdeikis ($1.5 million, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Julius Randle ($18.9 million, UFA 2022)
Draft capital: The Knicks have built their draft assets with recent trades. Besides owning all their first-round picks, they have a 2021 unprotected first and 2023 top-10-protected first from the Mavericks. The pick is top-10-protected in 2024, 2025 and will convey to a second in 2025. New York also has the right to swap firsts (top-four-protected) with the LA Clippers in 2021.
The finances: The Knicks are still standing on nearly $17 million in cap space and are in position to take back salary with draft picks or improve the product on the court. Including the $19.8 million partially guaranteed salary of Julius Randle for next season, New York is projected to have $50 million in room.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Front-office discussion: How much value does George Hill have in the locker room and especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? Should we entertain offers for Kenrich Williams or Mike Muscala even if the return is a second round pick?
Recent transactions: Traded Hamidou Diallo to Detroit for Svi Mykhailiuk and a 2027 second (via Houston); Traded Trevor Ariza to Miami for Meyers Leonard and a 2027 second-round pick.
Off the board: Gilgeous-Alexander ($4.1 million, RFA 2022)
Valuable trade assets: Hill ($9.6 million, UFA 2022), Mike Muscala ($2.3 million, UFA 2021), Kenrich Williams ($2.0 million, UFA 2023) and their treasure chest of draft picks
Free agents in August: Muscala, Leonard ($9.4 million, Team), Darius Miller ($7 million, UFA), Justin Jackson ($5 million, RFA) and Mykhailiuk ($1.7 million, RFA)
Controllable contracts: Aleksej Pokusevski ($2.9 million, RFA 2024), Darius Bazley ($2.4 million, RFA 2022), Ty Jerome ($2.3 million, RFA 2023), Isaiah Roby ($1.5 million, Team 2022), Luguentz Dort ($1.5 million, Team 2022) and Theo Maledon ($2 million, Team 2023)
Long-term salary: Al Horford ($27.5 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Thunder are loaded with draft assets over the next seven years. Besides their own firsts (they will likely keep the lottery-protected 2022 first that Atlanta has), Oklahoma City could have up to an additional 10 first-round picks along with multiple pick swaps from the LA Clippers and Houston Rockets. In total, they have 32 first and second round picks.
The finances: The Thunder have one of the lowest payrolls in the NBA but are over the salary cap because of the trade exceptions created in the offseason. Oklahoma City could have up to $50 million in cap space in 2021-22.
Orlando Magic
Front-office discussion: Is it time to take an aggressive approach with Aaron Gordon? What about the expiring contract of Evan Fournier?
Off the board: Markelle Fultz ($12.3 million, UFA 2024) and Jonathan Isaac ($7.4 million, UFA 2025)
Valuable trade assets: Fournier ($17.2 million, UFA 2021), Gordon ($18.1 million, UFA 2022) and Khem Birch ($3 million, UFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Fournier, Birch, Al-Farouq Aminu ($9.7 million, Player) and James Ennis III ($3.3 million, UFA 2021)
Controllable contracts: Mo Bamba ($5.9 million, RFA 2022), Cole Anthony ($3.3 million, RFA 2024), Chuma Okeke ($3.1 million, RFA 2024), Dwayne Bacon ($1.7 million, UFA 2022), Michael Carter-Williams ($3.3 million, UFA 2022) and Gary Clark ($2.1 million, UFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Nikola Vucevic ($26 million, UFA 2023) and Terrence Ross ($13.5 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Magic own all their future first-round picks.
The finances: The Magic have two disabled player exceptions ($6.1 million and $3.7 million) but are $2.8 million below the luxury tax and do not have a roster spot available. Because of the Fultz and Isaac extensions, Orlando does not have cap space in 2021. It is currently $18 million below the tax, not including Fournier.
Philadelphia 76ers
Front-office discussion: Do we move or waive Terrance Ferguson to open up a roster spot? Are the games with Seth Curry in the lineup pre-COVID-19 a good enough sample to evaluate the roster? How aggressive should we be with the $8.2 million trade exception?
Off the board: Joel Embiid ($29.5 million, UFA 2023)
Valuable trade asset: Ben Simmons ($30.6 million, UFA 2025)
Free agents in August: Danny Green ($15.4 million, UFA), Mike Scott ($5 million, UFA), Ferguson ($3.9 million, RFA), Tony Bradley ($3.5 million, RFA), Vincent Poirier ($2.6 million, RFA), Dwight Howard ($1.6 million, UFA) and Furkan Korkmaz ($1.8 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Matisse Thybulle ($2.7 million, RFA 2023), Tyrese Maxey ($2.5 million, RFA 2024), Shake Milton ($1.7 million, Team 2022) and Isaiah Joe ($898K, RFA 2023)
Long-term salary: Tobias Harris ($34.4 million, UFA 2024) and Curry ($7.8 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The 76ers owe Oklahoma City a top-six-protected first starting in 2025. The pick is also top-four-protected in 2026 and 2027. As a result, Philadelphia is allowed to trade only a 2021 and 2023. The 76ers are allowed to trade a 2027 first but only if the 2025 first to the Thunder has been sent.
The finances: The 76ers are currently $11.4 million above the tax threshold. Because of the Al Horford trade, Philadelphia is not expected to be below the luxury tax in 2021-22.
Phoenix Suns
Front-office discussion: Which player on the roster is expendable if a buyout candidate becomes available?
Recent transaction: Acquired Torrey Craig from Milwaukee.
Off the board: Chris Paul ($41.4 million, Player 2021) and Devin Booker ($29.5 million, UFA 2024)
Free agents in August: E'Twaun Moore ($1.6 million, UFA), Langston Galloway ($1.6 million, UFA), Abdel Nader ($1.8 million, UFA), Cameron Payne ($2 million, UFA), Frank Kaminsky ($1.7 million, UFA) and Torrey Craig ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Deandre Ayton ($10 million, RFA 2022), Mikal Bridges ($4.4 million, RFA 2022), Cameron Johnson ($4.2 million, RFA 2023) and Jalen Smith ($4.2 million, RFA 2023)
Long-term salary: Jae Crowder ($9.3 million, UFA 2023), Dario Saric ($9.3 million, UFA 2023) and Jevon Carter ($3.9 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Suns owe Oklahoma City a top-12-protected first in 2022. The pick has protection in 2023 and 2024 and is unprotected in 2025. Phoenix can trade a future first but only two years after the first to the Thunder is conveyed.
The finances: Phoenix is $4.6 million below the luxury tax and $10.9 million below the hard cap. The Suns are over the cap in 2021-22.
Portland Trail Blazers
Front-office discussion: Do we fill the final roster spot with a replacement for Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum?
Off the board: Damian Lillard ($31.6 million, Player 2024)
Valuable trade asset: McCollum ($29.4 million, UFA 2024), Nurkic ($12.9 million, UFA 2022
Free agents in August: Rodney Hood ($10 million, Team), Derrick Jones Jr. ($9.3 million, Player), Zach Collins ($5.4 million, RFA), Enes Kanter ($5 million, UFA), Gary Trent Jr. ($1.7 million, RFA), Carmelo Anthony ($1.6 million, UFA) and Harry Giles III ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Anfernee Simons ($2.3 million, RFA 2022), Nassir Little ($2.2 million, RFA 2023) and CJ Elleby ($898K, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Robert Covington ($12.1 million, UFA 2022)
Draft capital: The Trail Blazers owe Houston a lottery-protected first over the next seven seasons. Portland is allowed to trade a first, two years after the pick is conveyed. However, because the pick has protection in each season allowed, there is no guarantee that the first would get conveyed to the receiving team.
The finances: Portland is $1.9 million below the luxury tax and $6.9 million below the hard cap. The Trail Blazers are right at the $136 million tax threshold for 2020-21.
Sacramento Kings
Front-office discussion: What can a package of Nemanja Bjelica (and Jabari Parker) bring back?
Recent transaction: Acquired Mfiondu Kabengele from the LA Clippers for cash and a protected second round pick.
Off the board: De'Aaron Fox ($8.1 million, UFA 2026)
Valuable trade asset: Bjelica ($7.2 million, UFA 2021)
Free agents in August: Bjelica, Parker ($6.5 million, UFA), Richaun Holmes ($5 million, UFA), Hassan Whiteside ($1.6 million, UFA) and DaQuan Jeffries ($1.5 million, Team)
Controllable contracts: Cory Joseph ($12.6 million, UFA 2022- salary in 2021-22 has $2.4 million in protection), Marvin Bagley III ($8.9 million, RFA 2022), Tyrese Haliburton ($3.8 million, RFA 2024), Justin James ($1.5 million, RFA 2022), Robert Woodard II ($1.5 million, Team 2023) and Jahmi'us Ramsey ($1 million, RFA 2023)
Long-term salary: Buddy Hield ($24.7 million, UFA 2024), Harrison Barnes ($22.2 million, UFA 2023) and Joseph.
Draft capital: The Kings own their future first-round picks.
The finances: Sacramento is projected to be right at the $112 million cap in 2021-22.
San Antonio Spurs
Front-office discussion: Do we hold on to DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay if we are competing for one of the final playoff spots?
Off the board: Derrick White ($3.5 million, UFA 2025)
Trade targets: DeRozan ($27.7 million, UFA 2021), Aldridge ($24 million, UFA 2021), Gay ($14.5 million, UFA 2021) and Patty Mills ($13.5 million, UFA 2021).
Free agents in August: DeRozan, Aldridge, Mills, Gay and Trey Lyles ($5.5 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Devin Vassell ($4 million, RFA 2024), Lonnie Walker IV ($2.9 million, RFA 2022), Luka Samanic ($2.8 million, RFA 2023), Keldon Johnson ($2 million, RFA 2023), Drew Eubanks ($1.6 million, UFA 2023) and Tre Jones ($898K, RFA 2023)
Long-term salary: Dejounte Murray ($14.3 million, UFA 2024) and Jakob Poeltl ($8.1 million, UFA 2023)
Draft capital: The Spurs have their own future first-round picks.
The finances: The Spurs are $1 million below the luxury tax. They are projected to have over $50 million in room in 2021-22 if they do not sign their own free agents.
Toronto Raptors
Front-office discussion: Is this team good enough to get out of the first round? If not, do we start looking at trade options for Kyle Lowry? Do we make a play for Andre Drummond if it costs us Norman Powell?
Off the board: OG Anunoby ($3.8 million, Player 2024)
Valuable trade assets: Lowry ($30.5 million, UFA 2021), Pascal Siakam ($30.6 million, UFA 2024) and Norman Powell ($10.9 million, Player 2021)
Free agents in August: Lowry, Patrick McCaw ($4.0 million, UFA), Stanley Johnson ($2.3 million, UFA) and Terence Davis ($1.5 million, RFA)
Controllable contracts: Aron Baynes ($7 million, UFA 2022- contract in 2021-22 is non-guaranteed), Chris Boucher ($6.5 million, UFA 2022- contract in 2021-22 is non-guaranteed), DeAndre' Bembry ($1.7 million, UFA 2022- contract in 2021-22 is non-guaranteed), Malachi Flynn ($2.0 million, RFA 2024), Paul Watson ($1.5 million, RFA 2022) and Matt Thomas ($1.5 million, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Fred VanVleet ($21.2 million, Player 2023)
Draft capital: The Raptors have their own first-round picks in the next seven years.
The finances: Toronto is $3 million below the luxury tax and $9.2 million below the hard cap. Including the $7.2 million non-guaranteed contract of Boucher, the Raptors project to have $15 million in cap space. If Powell does not opt in to his contract, room will increase to $28 million.
Utah Jazz
Front-office discussion: Which buyout candidate should we target with the final roster spot?
Off the board: Donovan Mitchell ($5.2 million, Player 2025), Rudy Gobert ($27.5 million, Player 2025) and Ersan Ilyasova.
Valuable trade assets: $5.0 million and $3.5 million trade exceptions, 2021 Golden State second-round pick and $5.6 million in cash to send out.
Free agents in August: Mike Conley Jr. ($34.5 million, UFA), Georges Niang ($1.8 million, UFA), Juwan Morgan ($1.5 million, RFA) and Ilyasova.
Controllable contracts: Udoka Azubuike ($2 million, RFA 2024), Elijah Hughes ($898K, RFA 2022) and Miye Oni ($1.5 million, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Bojan Bogdanovic ($17.9 million, UFA 2023), Jordan Clarkson ($11.5 million, Player 2023), Joe Ingles ($10.9 million, UFA 2022), Derrick Favors ($9.3 million, Player 2022) and Royce O'Neale ($8.5 million, UFA 2024)
Draft capital: Utah will send Memphis a first in 2021 if it falls between 8-14. The pick has top-six protection in 2022, top-three in 2023 and top-one in 2024. The Jazz are not allowed to trade a first until two years after the pick to Memphis is conveyed.
The finances: The Jazz are $1.9 million over the luxury tax this season and project to be a taxpayer in 2021-22. They have a $5 million and $3.5 million trade exception.
Washington Wizards
Front-office discussion: Do we start weighing different trade options when it comes to Bradley Beal?
Off the board: Alex Len ($1.3 million, UFA 2021)
Valuable trade asset: Beal ($28.8 million, Player 2022)
Free agents in August: Len, Robin Lopez ($7.3 million, UFA), Ish Smith ($6 million, UFA), Isaac Bonga ($1.7 million, RFA), Jerome Robinson ($3.7 million, UFA), Moritz Wagner ($2.2 million, UFA) and Raul Neto ($1.6 million, UFA)
Controllable contracts: Rui Hachimura ($4.7 million, RFA 2023), Deni Avdija ($4.5 million, RFA 2024), Troy Brown ($3.4 million, RFA 2022) and Anthony Gill ($898K, RFA 2022)
Long-term salary: Russell Westbrook ($41.4 million, Player 2022), Davis Bertans ($15 million UFA 2025) and Thomas Bryant ($8.3 million, UFA 2022)
Draft capital: The Wizards will send Houston a top-14-protected first in 2023. The pick is top-12-protected in 2024, top-10 in 2025 and top-eight in 2026.
The finances: The Wizards are $817K below the luxury tax and $7.2 million below the hard cap. Washington is over the cap in 2021-22 and $5.9 million below the tax.