After another compressed offseason, NBA teams are reporting to training camp for the start of the 2021-22 season. To put into perspective how little time off teams have had: This season's camps start less than a full year after the beginning of the 2020 NBA Finals -- with an entire additional offseason, regular season and postseason taking place in between.
With training camps starting, here are complete roster breakdowns for all 30 NBA teams, along with the top storylines, decisions and questions to watch over the next few weeks before the 2021-22 season tips off with the Milwaukee Bucks raising their championship banner on Oct. 19.
Plus, at the bottom of this piece, we include an explanation about how two-way and Exhibit 10 contracts will work this season.
Note: Any players on a non-guaranteed contract will begin to incur a per-day cap hit if not waived by 5 p.m. ET. on Oct. 16.
Depth chart key: 2 (Two-way) | N (Non-guaranteed) | E (Exhibit 10) | I (Injured) | P (Partial)
Atlanta Hawks
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 2
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Rookie extension for Kevin Huerter
The Hawks started their offseason by removing head coach Nate McMillan's "interim" tag, handing McMillan the job on a full-time basis. That was followed by signing Trae Young to a five-year, $172 million rookie max extension, committing $100 million to John Collins and giving starting center Clint Capela a $46 million extension. In total, the Hawks doled out over $300 million in new money and have three of their five starters under contract through at least the 2024-25 season. Now the attention turns to former first-round pick Kevin Huerter. The guard is the perfect complement to Young, and is coming off a third consecutive season shooting north of 36% from 3-point range. He can sign an extension until 6 p.m. ET on Oct. 18. He should see a salary in the range of the four-year, $56 million deal that Luke Kennard signed with the Clippers last December -- at the minimum.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day for Kevin Huerter to sign an extension.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Onyeka Okongwu and fourth-year team options of Cam Reddish and De'Andre Hunter.
Boston Celtics
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: The bench
The X factor for the Celtics heading into last season was the young bench of former first-round picks. While there were positives with Payton Pritchard, Romeo Langford, Grant Williams and Aaron Nesmith, head of basketball operations Brad Stevens made it a priority to rebuild the second unit with veterans. Dennis Schroder, Josh Richardson and Enes Kanter have started a combined 795 regular-season games, and give new head coach Ime Udoka an insurance policy in the form of experienced players who can start in case of an injury or help anchor the bench.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day for Al Horford to sign an extension.
Oct. 19: Jabari Parker's contract increases from $100K to $1.1M in protection.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team options of Payton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith, and fourth-year team options of Romeo Langford and Grant Williams.
Brooklyn Nets
Guaranteed contracts: 15
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: The extensions of James Harden and Kyrie Irving
A week before training camp, GM Sean Marks talked about the futures of Harden and Irving.
"Regarding the extension conversations, we've had very positive conversations with both those guys and whether it's family members, [their] people, and so forth, I think it always helps to do these things in person," Marks said. "We're looking forward to sitting down with them over the course of the next week, two weeks and furthering those discussions."
Training camp has arrived and neither player has signed. While Irving can add additional years to his existing contract at any point this season, Harden would have to sign a contract extension by Oct. 18. Harden's extension -- which would see him pick up his player option for 2022-23 -- would add three years and $161.1 million, keeping him in Brooklyn through 2025-26. A new deal for Irving would run the same length and be worth $187 million over four years.
From a financial perspective, it would make sense for both players to wait until next offseason to sign a new contract. Harden would be in line for a $270 million contract -- the largest in NBA history -- and Irving could land in a $242 million new deal.
"It's not about the money for me," Harden said at media day. "I've been on enough teams where we fell short. So my mindset and my goal is to make sure we're able to build and continue to build this team to be able to compete as a team for multiple, multiple years at the highest level. Win a championship in New York, the money will come."
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day for James Harden to sign an extension.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Sekou Doumbouya.
Charlotte Hornets
Guaranteed contracts: 16
Non-guaranteed/partial: 0
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Gordon Hayward
Despite the Hornets earning a spot in the play-in tournament, their season was derailed when Hayward suffered a sprained right foot in early April. The injury cost the forward the remainder of the season and saw Charlotte go from two games over .500 to six games under. When healthy (he has averaged 42 games played in four seasons), Hayward gives Charlotte a bona fide All-Star. Before his injury, Hayward was averaging 19.6 points and shooting 41.5% from 3.
The Hornets also have 16 guaranteed contracts and will need to waive or trade a player prior to the start of the regular season.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day for Miles Bridges to sign an extension.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of LaMelo Ball and fourth-year team option of P.J. Washington.
Chicago Bulls
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 3
Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: Zach LaVine and the bench
LaVine will need to put to bed questions regarding his future and not let his lack of a new contract hang over the Bulls this upcoming season. The logical response when asked why he did not sign an extension is to state it was business-related (he can make $100 million more with Chicago by waiting until the summer to sign) and he desires to remain in a Bulls uniform for the foreseeable future. "At the end of the day it's a business," LaVine told ESPN. "They did what was best for the team and I will continue to go out there and do what's best for the team as well. This season going forward is going to be extremely crucial not just for me but for everybody. Winning would take care of everything."
As for the bench, rookie Ayo Dosunmu will likely fill backup point guard duties with Coby White injured. Chicago will be relying on a combination of Alex Caruso, Derrick Jones Jr., Javonte Green, Troy Brown Jr., Stanley Johnson, Alize Johnson and Tony Bradley. Only Brown and Green were on the roster last season.
Expect to see plenty of Jones Jr. and Johnson in the early part of the season with Patrick Williams now out for four to six weeks with a sprained left ankle.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Nikola Vucevic.
Oct. 18: The protection in Alize Johnson's contract increases from $0 to $250K if Johnson is not waived.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Guaranteed contracts: 11
Non-guaranteed/partial: 4
Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: Rookie extension for Collin Sexton and future of Kevin Love
After investing $176 million in Jarrett Allen and Lauri Markkanen, Cleveland has until Oct. 18 to make a decision on whether to extend Collin Sexton. The 22-year-old guard is coming off a season where he averaged career highs in points (24.3), field goal percentage (47.5%) and assists (4.3). The narrative that Cleveland will have painted itself into a financial corner if Sexton and Darius Garland sign lucrative contracts is incorrect. The Cavaliers will not be in the luxury tax for the foreseeable future, even if Sexton's contract next year starts in the $22 million range. The deciding factor will not come down to finances, but whether the Cavaliers view Sexton as a player they can build a playoff team around.
Love is owed $60 million over the next two seasons and as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported, the former All-Star has no interest in negotiating a buyout with the Cavaliers at this time. Will that change when training camp starts and Love realizes that he is buried on the depth chart behind Evan Mobley, Markkanen and Allen? Love has played a total of 103 games in the last three seasons and until he can prove that he is healthy, he is close to untouchable from a trade standpoint.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day the contracts of Collin Sexton, Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr. and Cedi Osman can be extended.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Isaac Okoro and fourth-year team options of Darius Garland and Dylan Windler.
Dallas Mavericks
Guaranteed contracts: 15
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Kristaps Porzingis and new head coach Jason Kidd
Kidd has already been on the record regarding the role that he envisions for Porzingis.
"We want him to move and do the things that he's done before he was asked to do his role last year," the new Mavericks coach told mavs.com this offseason. "I think it's just a matter of him feeling comfortable with some of the new stuff, but I think KP is going to have an incredible year."
Last year, Porzingis was a floor-spacing big who camped in the corner in the first-round series loss to the Clippers. Porzingis attempted five less shots per game in the series and averaged 13.1 points. That is the production of a player earning the midlevel exception, not one on a max contract. For the Mavericks to be more than just an annual first-round loser, Porzingis also has to stay healthy. He has played a total of 100 games the past two seasons and has dealt with right knee soreness over the course of both seasons.
The Mavericks recently signed guard Frank Ntilikina to a two-year contract with the first year guaranteed. Dallas now has 15 players on guaranteed contracts and would need to make a roster move to keep Moses Brown. The center has $500K of his contract guaranteed.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day the contracts of Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber can be extended.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Josh Green.
Denver Nuggets
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Monte Morris
For the first time in his professional career, Morris missed games last season because of an injury (hamstring and hip) and was also dealing with knee tendonitis.
"It bothered me throughout the year up and down, but especially in the Portland series," Morris said last Tuesday as the Nuggets held their first media availability ahead of training camp in San Diego.
Now pain free, the starting point guard job is Morris' to lose with Jamal Murray sidelined indefinitely as he rehabs his left knee.
"I got a lot of stuff that I can bring out and do that y'all haven't even really seen yet. I'm looking forward to just being able to be that guy that can get downhill and create for myself and others, because sometimes I would shy away from it," Morris said, remembering sharp pains he would feel during games. "I'm just happy that I'm just being able to be explosive and stop when I want to and things like that. That's what I really want to implement and show y'all."
October dates
Oct. 19: The protection on PJ Dozier's contract increases from $200K to $400K.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Zeke Nnaji.
Detroit Pistons
Guaranteed contracts: 15
Non-guaranteed/partial: 0
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Killian Hayes
This year's No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham is the headliner as the Pistons enter camp, but do not forget about Killian Hayes. The seventh-overall pick in the 2020 draft is coming off a rookie season where he missed 41 games with a right hip injury. The big question for camp will be how head coach Dwane Casey uses Hayes and Cunningham together. As ESPN's Mike Schmitz wrote, how the Pistons used the Hayes and Cunningham combination was a disappointment during summer league.
"Watching Cade Cunningham stand in the corner while either Killian Hayes or Saben Lee consistently started and ended possessions was maddening. Using Cunningham as only a part-time ball handler is stripping him of one of his best skills (passing) while making him look ordinary".
October dates
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team options of Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey.
Golden State Warriors
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 6
Exhibit 10 contracts: 0
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: Klay Thompson
Thompson's return could take the Warriors from a play-in team to one contending for a top spot in the vaunted Western Conference.
"With a healthy Klay Thompson, I think we're right there with everybody," team president Bob Myers said in mid-August after summer league had concluded. "But I don't know when, or how, I expect him to come back healthy. I don't want to put any pressure on the date because it's not going to be at the start of the season. It's not going to be the first game."
Ramona Shelburne reported in late August that a return will likely occur sometime in late December.
"He's doing well in his recovery, but the Warriors are targeting that Christmas Day game against the [Phoenix] Suns for his return," Shelburne said on The Jump. "He could come back a little bit before that, but in terms of getting his conditioning right, they are targeting the Christmas Day game against the Suns. I know that sounds a little late to people, but he was injured on November 18th, so this is 13 months from an Achilles injury."
The Warriors recently issued a news release before training camp stating that Thompson had made good progress during his rehab and that his return will be based on his continued progress. Golden State also has a decision to make with regards to its roster. With 13 guaranteed contracts, veterans Avery Bradley, Damion Lee, Langston Galloway, Gary Payton II, Mychal Mulder and Jordan Bell will be competing for the final two spots.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Andrew Wiggins.
Oct. 19: The non-guaranteed contract of Gary Payton II increases from $0 to $659,004 in protection.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of James Wiseman and fourth-year team option of Jordan Poole.
Houston Rockets
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 2
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: John Wall
As ESPN's Tim McMahon reported, the Rockets and Wall have agreed to work together in an attempt to find a trade destination for the guard. Finding a new home, however, presents several obstacles. First, Wall is owed $44.3 million this season, third-most in the NBA. That would require the Rockets to take back $35.4 million in salary in a trade. Second, rosters are limited to 15 players during the regular season, which means doing a 3-for-1 trade for Wall presents a significant challenge.
Because Houston is in the early stages of retooling its roster and Wall has not been a disruption (unlike James Harden a season ago), the organization should not be forced to attach draft picks in order to deal the $91.7 million owed to Wall or entertain a buyout. They can simply let his $44.3 million cap hit for this season sit on their books and address the Wall situation next offseason if no trade materializes.
October dates
Oct. 31: Last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Kevin Porter Jr.
Indiana Pacers
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 2
Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Injuries and the luxury tax
The Pacers enter training camp with T.J. Warren and Edmond Sumner on the sidelines. Warren continues to rehab a broken left foot that cost him 70 games in 2020-21 and Sumner recently tore his left Achilles.
Because they are only $513K below the luxury tax, the Pacers lone option for a short-term replacement would be to waive Kelan Martin, whose $1.7 million contract does not become guaranteed until the first day of the regular season.
The good news is that Indiana is well stocked at the wings with Caris LeVert, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday, Torrey Craig and this year's first-round pick, Chris Duarte.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contracts of Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert and Myles Turner.
Oct. 19: The contract of Kelan Martin becomes guaranteed.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Goga Bitadze.
LA Clippers
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 2
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Justise Winslow and Terance Mann
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined for an extended period of time, Winslow and Mann are the X factors for the Clippers this season.
Winslow is coming off two injury-plagued seasons that saw him miss 98 games with a combination of thigh, hip and back issues. Despite Winslow's struggles in Memphis last season (35.2% from the field and 18.5% from 3), the hope is that he can stay healthy and revert back to the form he showed in the 2018-19 season when he averaged 12.6 points and played in 66 games.
Mann is technically in a contract year (he has a team option for 2022-23) and is coming off a strong postseason. The guard jumped into the national scene with a 39-point performance in a series-clinching win against Utah in the second round. In 19 postseason games (including six starts), Mann averaged 7.6 points, shooting 51.9% from the floor and 43.2% from 3.
Mann is extension-eligible (up to four years, $55 million) up until June 30, 2022, if the Clippers eliminate the team option in 2022-23.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Eric Bledsoe.
Los Angeles Lakers
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: Head coach Frank Vogel
Vogel, who recently signed a contract extension, is tasked with the job of molding a new roster into a championship-level team. Only LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Talen Horton-Tucker return from last year's team that finished seventh in the West and lost in the first round to the Phoenix Suns. Vogel's job starts with getting each player to sacrifice his own individual stats for the betterment of the team. The Lakers have nine players on one-year contracts and a roster consisting of veterans expecting to play significant minutes.
Besides figuring out which two players will join James, Davis and Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup, the second unit is a work in progress with so many new faces. Expect Vogel to experiment with different lineups in training camp and the preseason.
Memphis Grizzlies
Guaranteed contracts: 16
Non-guaranteed/partial: 0
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: The roster and rookie extension for Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis made seven different trades, netting the team multiple draft assets, contract savings and cash, but those moves will now force the Grizzlies to trim their roster before the start of the season.
Memphis enters training camp with 16 guaranteed contracts and will have a decision to make as to who will be waived prior to October 18. Barring yet another trade, the likely candidates include Kris Dunn and Sam Merrill.
Jackson is not a max player and rookie extensions for players like that generally occur when there is a compromise from both sides. The Grizzlies are operating from a position of strength, considering that they are not competing against a team that has cap space and could sign Jackson to an offer sheet. The sweet spot in reaching a new contract is in the four-year, $80 million range, $11 million higher than what Orlando Magic big man Jonathan Isaac received coming off a torn ACL. The $17.9 million cap hit would rank in the top 20 among starting power forwards and is $10 million less than his free-agent cap hold in 2022.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Jaren Jackson Jr.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Desmond Bane and fourth-year team options of Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke and Jarrett Culver.
Miami Heat
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 0
Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: The depth of the roster and Victor Oladipo
There is no denying that the starting lineup of Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, P.J. Tucker and Bam Adebayo can stack up against any contending team.
The question for Miami is if this roster has enough depth.
The Heat still have Tyler Herro and added veteran Markieff Morris, but outside of those two, the second unit consists of former two-way players Gabe Vincent and Max Strus and journeyman center Dewayne Dedmon.
One thing that could help bolster the Heat is the potential return of Oladipo, who quietly re-signed with Miami this offseason. The guard is recovering from surgery to repair his right quadriceps tendon and is not expected to contribute on the court in the early part of the season.
However, if Oladipo does return from the injury, he would give the Heat one of the best sixth men in the NBA.
Milwaukee Bucks
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Donte DiVincenzo and the lack of size
DiVincenzo tore a tendon in his left ankle in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Heat and underwent surgery that kept him out the remainder of the postseason. Before the injury, DiVincenzo had started 66 regular-season games, averaging a career high in points (10.4), 3-point percentage (37.9%), rebounds (5.7) and assists (3.0).
There are two questions facing DiVincenzo as training camp opens: when will he be able to return, and will he sign an extension with the Bucks before the Oct. 18 deadline? As Milwaukee GM Jon Horst told the Milwaukee Journal Constitution in late July, the injury to DiVincenzo will not be a deal breaker when it comes to a long-term contract.
"Injuries complicate things," he said. "But that doesn't mean that we have a lack of information on Donte. We know who Donte is, we know what he can do on the floor. We have complete confidence in his health. We're incredibly bought in on Donte. He's our starting two guard and he was really good in that position and we missed him in the playoffs. I know we ended up winning a championship but we're a much better team with Donte DiVincenzo than we are without."
If there is a question to this Milwaukee team it's the lack of depth with its bigs. Outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, the Bucks lone big is two-way player Sandro Mamukelashvili.
October dates
Oct. 18: Last day to extend the contracts of Brook Lopez, Grayson Allen and Donte DiVincenzo.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: The continuity factor and Sachin Gupta
Minnesota returns 11 players from last offseason and made no outside free-agent signings, only bringing back Jarred Vanderbilt and Jordan McLaughlin. The Timberwolves did add veterans Patrick Beverley and Taurean Prince via trade, signed 2020 first-round pick Leandro Bolmaro and will have a full training camp under head coach Chris Finch. In the 41 games after Finch took over, the Timberwolves went 16-25, including 9-7 to finish the season. They ranked eighth in offensive efficiency in the last 16 games of the season. Before he took over, Minnesota was 7-24 and was in the middle of a nine-game losing streak.
Was the turnaround fool's gold or a product of a team that got healthy at the right time and bought in?
Minnesota's continuity will be tested after president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas was fired right before training camp.
Sachin Gupta takes over on an interim basis as the new head of basketball operations and will be tested right away from a leadership viewpoint.
The big question with regards to Gupta is how much influence he has if the Timberwolves are presented with a Ben Simmons trade. Does he have the authority to make a trade even if his stint in the top spot is interim?
Gupta and 76ers President Daryl Morey have a relationship dating back to when both worked in Houston.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contracts of Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell and Josh Okogie.
New Orleans Pelicans
Guaranteed contracts: 15
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Head Coach Willie Green
The rookie head coach is tasked with doing something that veterans Alvin Gentry and Stan Van Gundy could not do: Create an identity with a roster that returns All-Stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency last year and will enter the third year of the Williamson era, but without a play-in or playoff appearance to show for it. They will also not have Williamson for training camp as he recovers from a broken foot.
"This situation actually reminds me a lot of Phoenix," Green said during his news conference. Two seasons ago the Suns failed to make the playoffs; last season they were two wins away from an NBA title.
The Pelicans are "really close to taking the next step," Green said. "Going into next season, that's our goal. That's our mindset and that makes it a sleeping giant."
October dates
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Kira Lewis Jr. and fourth-year team option of Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
New York Knicks
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: Mitchell Robinson
Robinson is the forgotten player from a season that saw New York overachieve. After returning from a broken right hand that cost him 15 games, Robinson broke his right foot in late March and missed the remainder of the season. Before the latest injury, Robinson was averaging 8.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
Robinson is extension eligible (four years and up to $55.6 million) and will become an unrestricted free agent if there is no deal in place by June 30. He has not been cleared yet to play.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Kevin Knox.
Oct. 20: The contract of Luca Vildoza becomes guaranteed.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Obi Toppin and fourth-year team option of RJ Barrett.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 3
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder wasted no time this offseason when they agreed to a $172.5 million rookie extension with Gilgeous-Alexander, who is now the face of the franchise.
"I'm not playing this game just to be a good basketball player. I want to be one of the greatest to ever play," he recently told GQ.
Gilgeous-Alexander is only 22 years old and is coming off a season where he averaged 23.7 points, 50.8% from the field, 41.8% from 3, 5.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds. In the 35 games he played, Oklahoma City was 16-19. Without him in the lineup the Thunder went 6-31.
He recently ranked No. 10 in ESPN's 25-under-25 rankings, and although his 2018 draft mates Luka Doncic and Trae Young have received more national attention, Gilgeous-Alexander has the potential to become a top-five guard in the league.
October dates
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Aleksej Pokusevski and fourth-year team options of Darius Bazley and Ty Jerome.
Orlando Magic
Guaranteed contracts: 15
Non-guaranteed/partial: 0
Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: Player and coaching development 101
The return-to-play timelines for Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac will certainly be a focus in Orlando, but keep an eye on new head coach Jamahl Mosley, who inherits a roster that resembles a college team or even the G-League Ignite.
The Magic have seven players on rookie scale contracts and two additional players, Fultz and Isaac, who are only 23 years of age. How those young players develop will be key to Orlando's future.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contracts of Mo Bamba, Wendell Carter Jr. and Terrence Ross.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Cole Anthony, R.J. Hampton and Chuma Okeke.
Philadelphia 76ers
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 2
Exhibit 10 contracts: 0
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: Ben Simmons
There are two major questions facing Simmons:
Will he follow through on his threat to boycott training camp and if so, would the 76ers levy a suspension and fine against him?
What uniform will Simmons be wearing on opening day of the regular season: Philadelphia or that of another team?
MORE: Everything we know and don't know about the Ben Simmons situation
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Seth Curry.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Tyrese Maxey and fourth-year team option of Matisse Thybulle.
Phoenix Suns
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 0
Exhibit 10 contracts: 1
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: Rookie extensions for Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges
Fresh off a Finals appearance, the thought was that Ayton and Bridges would have been locked up to long-term contracts once the Suns agreed to terms with Chris Paul. Three weeks out from the Oct. 18 deadline, however, both players are still without a new deal.
While taking a conservative approach is smart, one thing that Phoenix can ill afford is to draw a line in the sand on negotiations. The Suns have invested three years of development in both players and Paul's new contract sends a clear message from ownership that they are willing to pay a substantial cost for winning, even if that means paying a premium for Ayton and Bridges. If neither player is able to come to terms on an extension by Oct. 18, they'll head into next summer as restricted free agents.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contracts of Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Jalen Smith.
Portland Trail Blazers
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 4
Exhibit 10 contracts: 0
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: The daily temperature of Damian Lillard and the final two roster spots
Do not expect any more clarity toward Lillard's future in training camp. After the Blazers' star pushed the front office for urgency in building a championship-level team, Portland was mostly quiet this offseason, upgrading its depth with the additions of Larry Nance Jr., Tony Snell, Cody Zeller and Ben McLemore.
The true test of Lillard's patience will come if Portland gets out of the gate slowly in the early part of the season, resurfacing the questions he faced after the first-round loss to the Nuggets.
On the opposite end of the roster, there should be a competition for the final one or two spots on the team among Dennis Smith Jr., Patrick Patterson, Quinn Cook and Marquese Chriss.
Smith is on his fourth team in five seasons, but is still only 23 years old. He averaged 15.2 points in his rookie season with Dallas, but has averaged only 6 points per game over the past two seasons with the Knicks and Pistons. Cook has played for five teams over five seasons, splitting last year between the Lakers and Cavaliers. He was part of title-winning teams in Golden State (2018) and Los Angeles (2020). Chriss had his most productive season with Golden State in 2019-20, averaging 9.3 points, 6.2 rebounds in 20.3 minutes of action, but broke his right ankle and was lost for the season after two games in 2020-21. Patterson was drafted in 2010 and is the veteran of the group. He spent the past two seasons with the LA Clippers and would give the Trail Blazers a stretch four (he shot 39% and 35.7% from 3 in both seasons) to replace Carmelo Anthony, now with the Lakers.
All four contracts are non-guaranteed and Portland would start to incur a per day cap hit if they are not waived by 5 p.m. ET. on Oct. 16.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Anfernee Simons.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Nassir Little.
Sacramento Kings
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 2
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: The overload of bigs
The Kings improved their depth from a year ago, bringing back Terence Davis, Maurice Harkless, signing Alex Len and trading for veteran Tristan Thompson. In addition, starting center Richaun Holmes returned on a four-year contract.
The improved depth leads to the question of whether the roster is overloaded at the center position. Including former first-round picks Marvin Bagley III and Damian Jones, one-third of the roster consists of players who can play center.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contracts of Harrison Barnes and Marvin Bagley III.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Tyrese Haliburton.
San Antonio Spurs
Guaranteed contracts: 17
Non-guaranteed/partial: 0
Exhibit 10 contracts: 0
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: The guaranteed contracts, Thaddeus Young and Zach Collins
There are three different storylines to keep an eye during training camp for the Spurs.
Expect to get a timeline on the media day on the status of Zach Collins, who had a second surgery to repair a left medial malleolus stress fracture three months ago. The forward has not played a game since Aug. 15, 2020, but signed a three-year $21 million contract ($10 million is guaranteed) with the Spurs this offseason.
The trade that sent DeMar DeRozan to Chicago not only gave San Antonio three draft picks, but also big man Thaddeus Young, who is on an expiring $13.5 million contract and is coming off a season where he averaged 12.1 points and shot 55.9% from the field. He could end up bringing back an additional draft pick if the Spurs decide to trade him.
Currently with seventeen guaranteed contracts, San Antonio must trim the roster by two players before Oct. 18. Veteran Al-Farouq Aminu is one of the likely roster casualties.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Lonnie Walker IV.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Devin Vassell and fourth-year team option of Luka Samanic and Keldon Johnson.
Toronto Raptors
Guaranteed contracts: 12
Non-guaranteed/partial: 5
Exhibit 10 contracts: 1
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: The final roster spots
Expect plenty of competition for the final two or three roster spots in training camp.
Toronto only has 12 guaranteed contracts, setting up a three-week audition period for the final spots among Ishmail Wainright, Yuta Watanabe, Sam Dekker, Isaac Bonga and Freddie Gillespie. Each of the five players has a partial guarantee in their contract, ranging from the high of Watanabe ($375K) to the low of Gillespie ($50K).
October dates
Oct. 19: Full salary protection on the contract of Isaac Bonga and Sam Dekker.
Oct. 20: Full salary protection on the contract of Yuta Watanabe.
Oct. 31: Last day to exercise the third-year team options of Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa.
Utah Jazz
Guaranteed contracts: 13
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
Two-way contracts: 2
What to watch: The fitness of Mike Conley
Fresh off signing a three-year, $68 million contract, Conley is the most important player on this Jazz roster. Since being traded to Utah before the 2019-20 season, Conley has missed 43 games due to hamstring injuries. For this Utah team to achieve postseason success, Conley must be healthy, starting with training camp.
October dates
Oct. 18: The last day to extend the contract of Bojan Bogdanovic.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Udoka Azubuike.
Washington Wizards
Guaranteed contracts: 14
Non-guaranteed/partial: 1
Exhibit 10 contracts: 4
Two-way contracts: 1
What to watch: Bradley Beal and the depth at power forward and center
The future of Washington's franchise player will be at the forefront of the NBA universe this offseason.
Beal is set to enter the last guaranteed year of his contract (he has a $37.3 million player option in 2022-23) and is eligible to sign a four-year $187 million extension starting Oct. 1. However, that's still $55 million shy of the $242 million he could get if he waits to become a free agent in 2022, then re-signs with the Wizards on a five-year deal.
The trade of Russell Westbrook to the Lakers added depth to the Wizards' bench, but it has also caused a numbers crunch with regard to playing time.
The Wizards have three power forwards (Hachimura, Bertans, Kuzma) and three centers (Gafford, Harrell, Bryant) who could start.
GM Tommy Sheppard is not concerned about having too much depth. "The minutes will sort themselves out. I don't expect Thomas [Bryant] ready earlier than sometime in December. We start out with Daniel Gafford as the opening day center with [Montrezl Harrell] behind him. Montrezl has been fantastic. His energy, his effort -- I think what he brings to us is tremendous. I think that will play itself out. Minutes work themselves out."
October dates
Oct. 31: Last day to exercise the third-year team option of Deni Avdija and fourth-year team option of Rui Hachimura
Exhibit 10s and two-ways
The Exhibit 10 contract was introduced in the 2017 collective bargaining agreement. A player who signs an Exhibit 10 is eligible to receive up to a $50,000 bonus (on top of his G League salary) if he signs a contract with the team's affiliate upon being waived from the parent club. To receive the bonus, a player must remain with his G League team for at least 60 days.
There are only 46 players signed to an Exhibit 10 this season. In comparison, 51 players signed an Exhibit 10 in 2020-21, 83 in 2019-20 and 128 in 2018-19.
Two-way contracts are considered an extension of the regular roster. Each team can have two players on two-way contracts without counting against the 15-man roster limit. Only players with three years of service or less can sign a two-way contract.
In prior years, a player that signed a two-way deal received a flat salary ($79,568) and an additional $5,075 for every day on the NBA roster, which were capped at a maximum of 67. Once those days were extinguished, the player would have to return to his G League affiliate or his team would have to convert his two-way into a standard contract.
The NBA amended the salary and days of service criteria last year because of the pandemic and has kept those modifications this year:
A two-way player will be paid a flat salary of $462,629 for the 2021-2022 season. The salary does not count toward the salary cap and luxury tax.
There is no service day limit for 2021-22.
No player on a two-way contract may be on the active list for more than 50 games during the regular season.
There is no deadline during the regular season for a team to sign a two-way player.