The 2022 NBA Finals and the 2022 NBA draft are behind us, which means it's time to turn our full attention to the 2022 NBA offseason. Free agents were allowed to begin negotiating with teams last Thursday at 6 p.m. ET. The NBA's annual player movement moratorium -- during which most contracts can't be signed and trades can't be made official -- began July 1. Later this week, everything that gets reported during the moratorium can become official after the league sets the final salary-cap and luxury tax numbers for the 2022-23 season.
While only five teams entered this offseason with significant cap space to work with, all 30 teams had things they need to address this summer -- and some of those priorities have already shifted in the few days the offseason action has been underway. We have a complete updated team-by-team guide to free agency, including what to watch, available exceptions, key dates, current roster status and every team's free-agent list.
Atlanta Hawks
Offseason transactions: Dejounte Murray (trade), Maurice Harkless (trade), Justin Holiday (trade), Aaron Holiday (free agent), AJ Griffin (first round) and Tyrese Martin (second round)
What to watch: Travis Schlenk
The Hawks' head of basketball operations has gone on the record saying he isn't going to rely on continuity with the current roster.
"We made the decision last year to run the same group back," he told Atlanta radio station 92.9 The Game in May. "We probably should've tried to upgrade, as opposed to stay the status quo. The way the season played out, we're certainly going to try to upgrade the roster moving forward into next season."
Schlenk was true to his word, as he orchestrated a trade to land All-Star guard Dejounte Murray from the Spurs. He also traded guard Kevin Huerter to the Kings for Justin Holiday, Maurice Harkless and a future first-round pick.
Moving forward, Atlanta has four players -- John Collins, De'Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela -- who have salaries ranging from $9.8 million to $25 million.
What else to watch:
The rookie extension of Hunter
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual veterans minimum and trade ($1.7 million and $1.8 million)
Below the luxury tax: $1.1 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend Hunter's contract.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Jalen Johnson and fourth-year team option of Onyeka Okongwu.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Frontcourt depth
Extension eligible: Bogdanovic, Murray and Hunter (rookie)
Free-agent status:
Lou Williams | Bird
Gorgui Dieng | Non-Bird
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot | Non-Bird
Sharife Cooper | Restricted | Non-Bird
Skylar Mays | Early Bird
Boston Celtics
Offseason transactions: Malcolm Brogdon (trade), Danilo Gallinari (free agent), Luke Kornet (free agent), Sam Hauser (free agent) and JD Davison (second round)
What to watch: The luxury tax
After an appearance in the NBA Finals, the big question for the Celtics this offseason was whether ownership had an appetite to spend deep into the luxury tax. Including Al Horford's partially guaranteed contract, the Celtics entered the offseason $7.5 million over the luxury tax.
That question was answered when Boston went out and acquired guard Malcolm Brogdon from the Pacers and then agreed to sign Danilo Gallinari with the $6.5 million tax midlevel exception.
The two transactions now have the Celtics projected with a $45 million tax penalty, the largest in team history.
What else to watch:
The Jaylen Brown extension options: three years, $119 million is the max allowed
The rookie extension options for Grant Williams
Available exceptions: Veterans minimum and trade ($17.2 million, $9.7 million, $6.9 million and $3.8 million)
Over the luxury tax: $19 million
Projected penalty: $45 million
Key dates:
July 7: $9.8 million trade exception expires.
July 18: $17.2 million trade exception expires.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Brown and Grant Williams.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the fourth-year team options of Payton Pritchard.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Scoring wing off the bench
Extension eligible: Brown (as of Oct. 1), Horford and Grant Williams (rookie)
Free-agent status:
Brodric Thomas | Non-Bird
Matt Ryan | Restricted | Non-Bird
Brooklyn Nets
Offseason transactions: Patty Mills (free agent), Nic Claxton (free agent) and Royce O'Neale (trade)
What to watch: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving
Durant sent the offseason into a tailspin when he asked to be traded three hours before free agency began.
The All-Star is owed $198 million over the next four years and does not have a no-trade clause, giving the Nets liberty to trade him to any of the 29 teams without his consent.
Durant is a top-five player in the NBA, but Brooklyn could be challenged to maximize his full trade value.
First, because Ben Simmons signed a designated rookie extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn is not allowed to acquire another player who has signed a similar contract. That means a player like Bam Adebayo or Donovan Mitchell cannot be acquired with Simmons on the roster.
Second, only 11 teams have their own future firsts to use in a trade. Teams like the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors have an advantage because of their stockpile of draft picks.
The Rudy Gobert trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves that saw the Utah Jazz take back four first-round picks should serve as a blueprint for Brooklyn.
If a trade does not materialize to the liking of Brooklyn, do not be surprised if Durant is in a Nets uniform when the regular season starts.
Irving opted into his $36.5 million player option and his tenure in Brooklyn is expected to be short-lived. If Durant is traded, there is no reason to keep the former All-Star on the roster. The question now is what a return package could look like.
Irving is in the last year of his contract and teams are not going to give away draft assets or players of value for a one-year rental.
The Los Angeles Lakers could swap Russell Westbrook and multiple first-round picks for Irving, but that would cost Brooklyn an additional $60 million toward its luxury tax bill. The Nets also would be on the hook of paying Irving a $5.5 million trade bonus.
Brooklyn also has to walk a fine line of taking back salaries that extend past this season, especially if Durant is not on the roster.
What else to watch:
The Seth Curry extension
Available exceptions: $6.5 million, veterans minimum and trade ($2.1 million, $6.3 million, $3.3 million, $1.7 million and $1.3 million)
Over the luxury tax: $28 million
Projected penalty: $77 million
Key dates:
July 6: The $3.3 million trade exception expires.
Aug. 11: The first day Curry's contract can be extended for more than two seasons.
Aug. 19: The $6.6 million trade exception expires.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend Ben Simmons' contract.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team options of Cam Thomas and Day'Ron Sharpe.
Players under contract: 10
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Closure with Kyrie Irving
A healthy Joe Harris and Simmons
Wing defender
Extension eligible: Irving, Curry (as of Aug. 11), Simmons (as of Aug. 11), O'Neale and Harris
Free-agent status:
Blake Griffin | Early Bird
LaMarcus Aldridge | Early Bird
Kessler Edwards | Non-Bird
David Duke Jr. | Restricted | Non-Bird
Charlotte Hornets
Offseason transactions: Cody Martin (free agent), Mark Williams (first round) and Bryce McGowens (second round, two-way).
What to watch: Restricted free agent Miles Bridges
The restricted free agent was charged with felony domestic violence before the start of free agency and now his future in Charlotte (or with any team) is in serious doubt.
He was tendered a one-year, $7.2 million qualifying offer before free agency began and the Hornets have until July 13 to pull the offer without the consent of the player.
If the offer is pulled, Bridges would then become an unrestricted free agent. Any player who is convicted of a violent felony (including by a plea of no contest) shall immediately be suspended by the NBA for a minimum of ten (10) games.
What else to watch:
The extension options for Washington
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual and veterans minimum
Below the luxury tax: $29 million
Key dates:
July 7: The last day to waive Nick Richards' $1.8 million contract.
Aug. 1: The last day to waive Jalen McDaniels' $1.8 million non-guaranteed contract.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Washington and Gordon Hayward.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of James Bouknight.
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Bouknight to develop into a rotational player
Backup point guard
Extension eligible: Washington (rookie), McDaniels, Hayward, Mason Plumlee and Richards
Free-agent status:
Miles Bridges | Restricted | Bird
Montrezl Harrell | Early Bird
Isaiah Thomas | Non-Bird
Scottie Lewis | Non-Bird
Arnoldas Kulboka | Non-Bird
Chicago Bulls
Offseason transactions: Dalen Terry (first round), Zach LaVine (free agent), Andre Drummond (free agent), Goran Dragic (free agent) and Derrick Jones Jr. (free agent)
What to watch:
The health of Lonzo Ball: 27-13 record before his injury
The extension options for Nikola Vucevic and Coby White
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel and trade ($5 million)
Below the luxury tax: $2 million
Key dates:
July 7: The $5 million trade exception expires.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend White's contract.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the fourth-year team option of Patrick Williams.
Players under contract: 15
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
A healthy Ball
Extension eligible: Vucevic and White (rookie)
Free-agent status:
Matt Thomas | Non-Bird
Tristan Thompson | Non-Bird
Malcolm Hill | Restricted | Non-Bird
Tyler Cook | Non-Bird
Cleveland Cavaliers
Offseason transactions: Ochai Agbaji (first round), Isaiah Mobley (second round), Luke Travers (second round), Khalifa Diop (second round), Ricky Rubio (free agent), Raul Neto (free agent) and Robin Lopez (free agent)
What to watch: Collin Sexton
Sexton missed most of the regular season and, despite concerns about his injury and his long-term fit with Garland, received a $8.6 million qualifying offer and is now a restricted free agent.
From a medical standpoint, the Cavaliers will have the best insight on how the guard has recovered from a torn left meniscus that cost him most of the season. If there are no red flags to his knee, Cleveland can take a more proactive approach to a new contract if Sexton is part of the future. They can also walk away from an offer sheet if there are concerns regarding his knee and they believe the contract is more of a liability.
Sexton has value, either with the Cavaliers or possibly in a sign-and-trade deal. The guard had a career year in 2020-21, averaging 24.3 points and shooting 47.5% from the field.
"He's enormously important to us, he's been enormously important to us," president of basketball operations Koby Altman said after the season. "To lose him, you can see throughout the year why we missed him or how we missed him. We owe Collin a great debt of gratitude for what he's done, the work he's put in and he continues to put in. An important part of his team."
The Cavaliers' finances in 2022-23 will play a role in his future. Including their draft pick and non-guaranteed salaries (Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens), the Cavaliers have a $17 million buffer below the luxury tax threshold.
What else to watch:
Should Cleveland explore extensions with Caris LeVert and Kevin Love, or prioritize cap flexibility in 2023?
Available exceptions: $4.8 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual and veterans minimum
Below the luxury tax: $13 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The deadline to extend Garland and Dylan Windler.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Evan Mobley.
Players under contract: 15
Two-way players: 2
Extension eligible: Love, LeVert and Windler (rookie)
Free-agent status:
Collin Sexton | Restricted | Bird
Ed Davis | Non Bird
Rajon Rondo | Non-Bird
Moses Brown | Non-Bird
Brandon Goodwin | Non-Bird
Dallas Mavericks
Offseason transactions: Jaden Hardy (second round), JaVale McGee (free agent), Christian Wood (trade) and Theo Pinson (free agent)
What to watch: Kyrie Irving
Does Irving on a one-year contract make sense for Dallas after losing Jalen Brunson in free agency? The sticking point would be the Mavericks depleting all of their depth because of the $36.9 million needed in matching salary to acquire Irving.
Removing Luka Doncic, Christian Wood and Dorian Finney-Smith -- who has an Aug. 12 trade restriction -- from the equation would require Dallas to trade a combination of Tim Hardaway Jr., Spencer Dinwiddie, Davis Bertans, Dwight Powell and Reggie Bullock.
Available exceptions: Veterans minimum
Over the luxury tax: $14.5 million
Projected penalty: $28 million
Key dates:
July 4: Frank Ntilikina's $2 million contract is guaranteed if he is not waived.
Aug. 12: The trade restriction for Dorian Finney-Smith is lifted.
Oct. 17: The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Josh Green.
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Backcourt depth
Scoring wing
Extension eligible: Kleber and Dwight Powell
Free-agent status:
Moses Wright | Non-Bird
Denver Nuggets
Offseason transactions: Bruce Brown (free agent), Davon Reed (free agent), DeAndre Jordan (free agent), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (trade), Ish Smith (trade), Christian Braun (first round), Peyton Watson (first round), Collin Gillespie (Two-way) and Ismael Kamagate (second round)
What to watch:
The health of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Available exceptions: $9.1 million trade and veterans minimum
Above the luxury tax: $6.4 million
Projected penalty: $10 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Murray and Monte Morris.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Bones Hyland and fourth-year team option for Zeke Nnaji.
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
A healthy Murray and Porter
Extension eligible: Murray and Caldwell-Pope
Free-agent status:
Facundo Campazzo | Early Bird
Austin Rivers | Early Bird
Vlatko Cancar | Restricted | Bird
DeMarcus Cousins | Non-Bird
Markus Howard | Early Bird
Detroit Pistons
Offseason transactions: Jaden Ivey (first round), Jalen Duren (first round), Gabriele Procida (second round), Marvin Bagley III (free agent), Kevin Knox II (free agent), Kemba Walker (trade), Nerlens Noel (trade), Alec Burks (trade) and Buddy Boeheim (two-way)
What to watch:
The buyout of Kemba Walker
Available exceptions: $5.4 million room midlevel and veterans minimum
Below the salary cap: $7 million
Note: Detroit can elect to sign Knox with the room exception after cap space is used to sign another player or in a trade.
Key dates:
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Cunningham and fourth-year team options of Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart.
Players under contract: 16
Two-way players: 1
Extension eligible: None
Free-agent status:
Frank Jackson | Early Bird
Rodney McGruder | Bird
Carsen Edwards | Non-Bird
Braxton Key | Non-Bird
Jamorko Pickett | Non-Bird
Luka Garza | Non-Bird
Golden State Warriors
Offseason transactions: Patrick Baldwin Jr. (first round), Ryan Rollins (second round), Gui Santos (SF), Kevon Looney (free agent) and Donte DiVincenzo (free agent)
What to watch:
The Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and Draymond Green extensions
The bench resources: veterans minimum and tax midlevel exception
Is some of their youth expendable? James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody
Available exceptions: $2.1 million tax midlevel and veterans minimum
Over the luxury tax: $36 million
Projected penalty: $148 million
Key dates:
Aug. 3: The first day that Golden State can extend Green's contract.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Poole and Klay Thompson.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team options of Moody and Kuminga and fourth-year team option of Wiseman.
Players under contract: 11
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
A healthy Wiseman
Bench depth
Extension eligible: Wiggins, Thompson, Green (as of Aug. 3) and Poole (rookie)
Free-agent status:
Andre Iguodala | Non-Bird
Chris Chiozza | Non-Bird
Quinndary Weatherspoon | Restricted | Non-Bird
Houston Rockets
Offseason transactions: Jae'Sean Tate (free agent), Jabari Smith (first round), Tari Eason (first round), TyTy Washington Jr. (second round) and Trevor Hudgins (two-way)
What to watch: Eric Gordon
The offseason should bring more clarity on the future of Gordon, who will turn 34 in December and is coming off one of his more productive seasons. The Rockets will need to weigh his value with their young players or in a possible trade.
"I think we've seen real growth in our young players, and I think Eric is a big part of that," GM Rafael Stone said after the trade deadline. "He's bought in and wants to be part of it. He feels good about the process. He likes where we are at."
He has a $19.6 million cap hit this season and a non-guaranteed salary of $20.9 million in 2023-24.
What else to watch:
Who is expendable on the roster? Eighteen players are under contract.
Kevin Porter Jr.'s rookie extension: Is there a body of work to trust him with a lucrative contract? Can he play alongside Jalen Green?
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel, $4 million trade, $4.1 million biannual and veterans minimum
Below the luxury tax: $25 million
Players under contract: 18
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Player development of their young players
Extension eligible: Porter (rookie), Gordon (as of Sept. 3) and Kenyon Martin Jr. (as of July 23)
Free-agent status:
Dennis Schroder | Non-Bird
Bruno Fernando | Bird
Anthony Lamb | Non-Bird
Indiana Pacers
Offseason transactions: Jalen Smith (free agent), Daniel Theis (trade), Aaron Nesmith (trade), Malik Fitts (trade), Juwan Morgan (trade), Nik Stauskas (trade), Bennedict Mathurin (first round), Andrew Nembhard (second round) and Kendall Brown (second round)
What to watch: The $27 million in cap space
Indiana and San Antonio are the two teams remaining that have north of $25 million in cap space. Because they are in the retooling stage of their roster, the Pacers can go in two different directions on how they use their remaining room.
The first would be to sign restricted free agent Deandre Ayton to an offer sheet or work with the Suns on a sign-and-trade. The second would be to act as a third (or fourth) team in a possible Kevin Durant trade and absorb salary if there are draft picks attached.
What else to watch:
Who is expendable on the roster? 17 players under contract
Available exceptions: $5.4 million room midlevel and veterans minimum
Below the salary cap: $27 million
Key dates:
July 6: Duane Washington Jr.'s $1.6 million non-guaranteed contract becomes fully protected.
July 10: Terry Taylor's $1.6 million partially guaranteed contract becomes fully protected.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Goga Bitadze and Buddy Hield.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Chris Duarte and fourth-year team option of Haliburton.
Players under contract: 17
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Starting power forward
Extension eligible: Turner, Bitadze (rookie) and Hield (as of Oct. 1)
Free-agent status:
T.J. Warren | Bird
Gabe York | Non-Bird
Nate Hinton | Non-Bird
LA Clippers
Offseason transactions: John Wall (free agent), Nicolas Batum (free agent), Amir Coffey (free agent), Robert Covington (extension), Ivica Zubac (extension) and Moussa Diabate (second round)
What to watch: The roster outside of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard
The Clippers started free agency early when Covington and Ivica Zubac both agreed to an extension.
Covington's extension demonstrates that despite limited financial flexibility and a lack of draft picks, there are other avenues for how the Clippers can improve their roster.
Now entering the offseason, Los Angeles has four players who earn between $11.2 million and $16.8 million -- Norman Powell, Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard and Marcus Morris Sr. -- whom the Clippers can use in a trade.
They also have two valuable trade exceptions of $9.7 million and $8.3 million.
Available exceptions: Veterans minimum and trade ($9.7 million and $8.3 million)
Over the luxury tax: $41 million
Projected penalty: $145 million
Key dates:
July 18: The $8.3 million trade exception expires.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend Morris' contract.
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
A healthy Leonard and George
Backup center
Extension eligible: Morris
Free-agent status:
Rodney Hood | Non-Bird
Xavier Moon | Non-Bird
Jay Scrubb | Non-Bird
Los Angeles Lakers
Offseason transactions: Lonnie Walker IV (free agent), Damian Jones (free agent), Troy Brown (free agent), Juan Toscano-Anderson (free agent), Cole Swider (two-way), Scotty Pippen Jr. (two-way) and Max Christie (second round)
Who to watch: LeBron James and Kyrie Irving
Circle Aug. 4 on your calendar. That is the first date that James is eligible to sign a two-year, $97.1 million extension ($46.7 and $50.4 million). James has given no indication that he wants to play for another organization.
"This is a franchise I see myself being with. I'm here. I'm here," James said after the Lakers' 105-102 loss to the LA Clippers in February. "I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play."
He has until June 30, 2023, to sign the extension and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2023 if he does not.
It is no secret that Irving is available in a trade and the cost to acquire James' former teammate is likely two unprotected firsts (2027 and 2029) and Russell Westbrook.
The Lakers balked at the same offer at the trade deadline for John Wall; would they do the same for Irving?
Available exceptions: Veterans minimum and trade ($2.7 million and $1.7 million)
Over the luxury tax: $13 million
Projected penalty: $24 million
Key dates:
Aug. 4: The first day that James is eligible to sign a two-year, $97.1 million extension.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 2
Team needs:
Sacrifice from their veterans
Youth sprinkled throughout their bench
Depth at every position
Extension eligible: James (as of Aug. 4) and Westbrook
Free-agent status:
Wayne Ellington | Non-Bird
Dwight Howard | Non-Bird
Kent Bazemore | Non-Bird
Carmelo Anthony | Non-Bird
D.J. Augustin | Non-Bird
Mason Jones | Non-Bird
Mac McClung | Non-Bird
Memphis Grizzlies
Offseason transactions: Tyus Jones (free agent), Jake LaRavia (first round), David Roddy (first round), Kennedy Chandler (second round), Vince Williams Jr. (second round, two-way) and Kenneth Lofton Jr. (two-way)
What to watch: Brandon Clarke
In only a year, Clarke went from averaging 4.7 minutes in the 2021 playoffs to becoming the Grizzlies' most valuable player off the bench.
In the series win against Minnesota, Clarke averaged 16.5 points in 29.4 minutes. Per ESPN Stats & Information research, 16 of Clarke's offensive rebounds this postseason came in the fourth quarter, the most in the NBA. His 3.3 offensive rebounds ranked in the top five among all players in the postseason.
With Jaren Jackson Jr. expected to be out four to six months, expect Clarke to play significant minutes in the early part of the season.
The forward is rookie-extension eligible until the last day of the offseason.
What else to watch:
Do Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams fit in the long term? Both are entering the last year of their contract.
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual, veterans minimum and trade ($4.1 million and $1.1 million)
Below the luxury tax: $30 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Morant, Clarke and De'Anthony Melton.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team options of Ziaire Williams and Santi Aldama and fourth-year team option of Desmond Bane.
Players under contract: 15
Two-way players: 2
Extension eligible: Clarke (rookie), Brooks, John Konchar, Adams and Xavier Tillman (as of July 27)
Free-agent status:
Yves Pon | Non-Bird
Jarrett Culver | Fourth-year restriction
Miami Heat
Offseason transactions: Nikola Jovic (first round), Victor Oladipo (free agent) and Dewayne Dedmon (free agent)
What to watch: The trade options
The Heat are linked to Kevin Durant as one of his preferred destinations but are challenged in how to acquire the former MVP.
Miami could put Bam Adebayo as the centerpiece of any Durant trade, but because Brooklyn has Ben Simmons on the roster the Nets are not allowed to acquire him unless they also deal Simmons.
Teams are not allowed to have multiple players acquired via trade who were signed to the designated rookie extension. The addition of Adebayo with Simmons exceeds the maximum allowed.
For Durant to be acquired it will likely come down to either Brooklyn trading Simmons or the Heat finding a third team to route Adebayo or perhaps Jimmy Butler.
Although the Heat owe Oklahoma City a 2025 first-round pick, they are allowed to add three first-round picks in any trade if they remove the top-14 protection on the pick owed to OKC. If Adebayo and Butler are removed from trade discussions, the Heat are left with Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent and Omer Yurtseven to put into a Durant deal.
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual, veterans minimum and trade ($1.8 million)
Below the luxury tax: $6.5 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend Herro's contract.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Depth at power forward
Versatile wing defender
A healthy Kyle Lowry
Extension eligible: Herro (rookie)
Free-agent status:
Markieff Morris | Non-Bird
Udonis Haslem | Bird
Mychal Mulder | Non-Bird
Caleb Martin | Restricted | Non-Bird
Milwaukee Bucks
Offseason transactions: Bobby Portis (free agent), Jevon Carter (free agent), Serge Ibaka (free agent), Wesley Matthews (free agent), Joe Ingles (free agent), MarJon Beauchamp (first round), AJ Green (two-way) and Hugo Besson (second round)
What to watch:
The extension options of Khris Middleton
Available exceptions: Veterans minimum and trade ($1.6 million and $1.5 million)
Over the luxury tax: $28 million
Projected penalty: $72 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The deadline to extend Middleton's contract.
Players under contract: 16
Two-way players: 2
Extension eligible: Lopez and Middleton (as of July 11)
Free-agent status:
Jordan Nwora | Early Bird
Lindell Wigginton | Non-Bird
Minnesota Timberwolves
Offseason transactions: Rudy Gobert (trade), Taurean Prince (extension), Kyle Anderson (free agent), Bryn Forbes (free agent) Wendell Moore Jr. (first round), Josh Minott (second round) and Matteo Spagnolo (second round)
What to watch: The expiring contract of D'Angelo Russell
Russell is extension eligible, and Minnesota has a decision to make. Minnesota can sign him to a four-year extension contract that begins in 2023-24 or preserve cap flexibility in the 2023 offseason.
The Timberwolves have $95 million in salary in 2023 and a small window to use room before new contracts for Towns and Anthony Edwards kick in. The decision with Russell this offseason will be an indicator if the Timberwolves are willing to lock up the former All-Star to a long-term contract or if there is a desire to look to add free agents in 2023.
Available exceptions: $1.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual, veterans minimum and trade ($4.8 million)
Below the luxury tax: $8 million
Key dates:
July 20: Reid's contract becomes guaranteed.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the fourth-year team options of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Playmaker at point guard
Extension eligible: Towns, Russell, Reid and Nowell
Free-agent status:
Jake Layman | Bird
Greg Monroe | Non-Bird
Nathan Knight | Non-Bird
McKinley Wright IV | Non-Bird
New Orleans Pelicans
Offseason transactions: Zion Williamson (rookie extension), Dyson Daniels (first round), E.J. Liddell (second round) and Karlo Matkovic
What to watch: Kevin Durant and CJ McCollum
Durant has been linked because New Orleans has young players in Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, Dyson Daniels and nine first-round picks in the next seven years.
Is a package of all three players plus three firsts too rich for New Orleans?
A trio of Durant, CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson is enticing especially in a Western Conference that is projected to be deep.
Where would the Pelicans have finished this past season if they had not acquired McCollum prior to the trade deadline? In 25 games in a New Orleans uniform, McCollum averaged career highs in field goal percentage (49.5%), rebounds (4.9), assists (6.2) and points (26.2).
Starting on Aug. 9, the Pelicans can tack on three additional years to the two years remaining on his contract.
What else to watch:
Balancing the roster: 15 players under contract entering free agency
Available exceptions: $6.5 million tax, veterans minimum and trade ($6.4 million and $1.8 million)
Below the luxury tax: $3.4 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Jaxson Hayes and McCollum.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Trey Murphy III and fourth-year team option of Kira Lewis Jr.
Players under contract: 15
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
A healthy Williamson
Extension eligible: Larry Nance Jr., McCollum and Hayes (rookie)
Free-agent status:
Tony Snell | Non-Bird
Gary Clark | Non-Bird
Jared Harper | Non-Bird
New York Knicks
Offseason transactions: Jalen Brunson (free agent), Isaiah Hartenstein (free agent), Mitchell Robinson (free agent) and Trevor Keels (second round)
What to watch: Rookie extension for RJ Barrett
Barrett is coming off a season in which he averaged 20 points and, per ESPN Stats & Information research, had 11 30-point games, the most by a player at age 21 or younger in 2021-22.
"I love him," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said after the season. "He works. Great demeanor, great kid, great teammate. Young, learning, hungry. He'll be in right away after he gets some rest and recharges. And we'll lay out the plan for next year. ... He made a conscious effort at the end to spray the ball. He's getting more attention and being trapped more. To not fight that pressure and get off the ball, make plays and make the game easy for everyone. I loved how he passed the game the last 10, 12 games. We were really, really unselfish, got guys into a good rhythm."
He has a $33.2 million free-agent hold in 2023, and a contract that starts at $23 million would actually give the Knicks more cap flexibility next offseason.
There are two reasons if an extension does not get done:
Barrett sees himself as a $193 million player, the same contract that Grizzlies guard Ja Morant received in July.
An extension will take Barrett out of possible trades if a deal to acquire an All-NBA-type player arises.
Available exceptions: $5.4 million midlevel and veterans minimum
Below the salary cap: $4 million
Note: Room is based on not signing Mitchell Robinson until cap space is absorbed
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Barrett and Cam Reddish.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Quentin Grimes and fourth-year team options for Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Versatile 3-and-D wing
Extension eligible: Barrett (rookie) and Reddish (rookie),
Free-agent status:
Ryan Arcidiacono | Non-Bird
Feron Hunt | Non-Bird
Oklahoma City Thunder
Offseason transactions: Chet Holmgren (first round), Ousmane Dieng (first round), Jalen Williams (first round), Jaylin Williams (second round) and Eugene Omoruyi (two-way)
What to watch: Balancing the roster
The Thunder face a roster crunch with 18 players under contract -- not including second-round pick Jaylin Williams -- and will explore trade options with veterans Derrick Favors and JaMychal Green.
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual and veterans minimum
Below the luxury tax: $7 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Ty Jerome and Darius Bazley
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team options of Josh Giddey and Tre Mann and the fourth-year team option of Aleksej Pokusevski
Players under contract: 18
Two-way players: 2
Team needs:
Heavy dose of player development
Extension eligible: Kenrich Williams, Darius Bazley (rookie), Ty Jerome (rookie), Isaiah Roby, Derrick Favors and Theo Maledon (as of Aug. 28)
Free-agent status:
Melvin Frazier Jr. | Non-Bird
Orlando Magic
Offseason transactions: Gary Harris (free agent), Mo Bamba (free agent), Paolo Banchero (first round) and Caleb Houstan (second round)
What to watch:
Terrence Ross' expiring contract.
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual and veterans minimum
Below the luxury tax: $32 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team options of Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, and fourth-year team options of R.J. Hampton, Chuma Okeke and Cole Anthony.
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Playmaking point guard
Extension eligible: Terrence Ross, Jonathan Isaac (as of Sept. 30) and Markelle Fultz (as of Sept. 30)
Free-agent status:
Bol Bol | Bird
Admiral Schofield | Non-Bird
Ignas Brazdeikis | Non-Bird
Philadelphia 76ers
Offseason transactions: De'Anthony Melton (trade), P.J. Tucker (free agent), Trevelin Queen (free agent) and Danuel House Jr. (free agent)
What to watch: James Harden's contract
By opting out of his $47.4 million contract, Harden gave Philadelphia flexibility to sign Tucker and House to both exceptions ($10.5 million midlevel and $4.1 million biannual) and stay below the $157 million hard cap.
The next contract should be in the range of $33 million to $35 million per season, allowing Philadelphia to have enough flexibility to add a player during the season and stay beneath the hard cap.
What else to watch:
Is Matisse Thybulle a trade option or part of the future?
The roster resources: $10.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual, Matisse Thybulle and Tobias Harris
Available exceptions: Veterans minimum
Below the hard cap: $36 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Matisse Thybulle and Tobias Harris.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year option of Jaden Springer and fourth-year option of Tyrese Maxey.
Players under contract: 15
Two-way players: 1
Extension eligible: Thybulle (rookie), Harris, Shake Milton and Isaiah Joe
Free-agent status:
James Harden | Bird
Paul Millsap | Non-Bird
Myles Powell | Non-Bird
Phoenix Suns
Offseason transactions: Jock Landale (trade), Damion Lee (free agent), Josh Okogie (free agent) and Bismack Biyombo (free agent)
What to watch: Deandre Ayton and Kevin Durant
One of two things will happen this offseason with Ayton and the Suns.
Either the former No. 1 pick will join an exclusive club of centers (Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, Rudy Gobert and Bam Adebayo) who are currently on max contracts, or the two sides' failure to reach an agreement on an extension last October will continue.
The likelihood is that Ayton is in a different uniform unless he signs an offer sheet with a team like Indiana and the Suns elect to match.
Because Ayton is subjected to the base year compensation rule on a sign-and-trade, his outgoing salary for Phoenix counts as only half of his salary, further complicating his future.
Durant has listed the Suns as one of his preferred destinations, but do they have a package that would entice Brooklyn outside of finding a third team?
Phoenix would likely have to part with Mikal Bridges, salary filler and multiple first-round picks.
The Nets cannot acquire Ayton because of the hard cap restrictions (plus also base year compensation for Ayton).
What else to watch:
The extensions: Cameron Johnson and Jae Crowder.
Does the front office have the authority to spend outside of its own players?
Available exceptions: $6.5 million tax midlevel and veterans minimum
Note: The Suns have the $10.5 million midlevel exception if Ayton does not return
Below the luxury tax: $14.5 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contract of Johnson.
Players under contract: 9
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Insurance policy at point guard to back up Chris Paul
Backup power forward
Extension eligible: Johnson (rookie) and Crowder
Free-agent status:
Deandre Ayton | Restricted | Bird
Elfrid Payton | Non-Bird
Ish Wainright | Non-Bird
Gabriel Lundberg | Non-Bird
Portland Trail Blazers
Offseason transactions: Jerami Grant (trade), Anfernee Simons (free agent), Jusuf Nurkic (free agent), Gary Payton II (free agent), Shaedon Sharpe (first round) and Jabari Walker (first round)
What to watch: The Damian Lillard extension
Lillard is adamant that his future is in a Portland uniform and that he wants to be part of the solution.
"I sit in the office with [coach] Chauncey [Billups] every day and we are trying to find solutions and I'm dealing with these people every day that walk in our practice facility trying to find solutions," Lillard said. "So why would I be a part of trying to find solutions if I'm planning on an exit? That's not what's going on, but people want that so bad and it's a good story and good things to talk about and they know people are gonna entertain it so they continue with it. But my intentions are to be in Portland and to figure it out. As far as I know, that's all of our intentions."
Lillard is entering Year 2 of the supermax extension he signed in 2019. Although he has three years left (there is a player option in the final year), he is eligible in July to tack on two additional years. It is near impossible to predict the future, but that is exactly what the Trail Blazers front office needs to do when weighing a $107 million extension for a player turning 35 in the first season.
Do the Trail Blazers reward Lillard for the unwavering support and loyalty shown to the organization? Or do they table discussions until after the 2022-23 season?
Available exceptions: $1.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual, veterans minimum and trade ($6.6 million and $3.3 million)
Below the luxury tax: $802,000
Note: Includes the $3.9 million guaranteed for Eric Bledsoe being waived and stretched.
Key dates:
July 10: Eric Bledsoe's $19.4 million contract becomes guaranteed if he is not waived.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Damian Lillard and Nassir Little.
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Bench depth
Extension eligible: Damian Lillard, Nassir Little (rookie) and Eric Bledsoe
Free-agent status:
Ben McLemore | Non-Bird
CJ Elleby | Early Bird
Brandon Williams | Non-Bird
Keljin Blevins | Early Bird
Elijah Hughes | Early Bird
Sacramento Kings
Offseason transactions: Kevin Huerter (trade), Malik Monk (free agent), Keegan Murray (first round) and Neemias Queta (two-way)
What to watch: Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes
Barnes has been the Kings' most consistent player, averaging 14.5, 16.1 and 16.4 points the past three seasons, respectively. Because he is on an expiring contract but also extension eligible, the Kings have a decision to make about the forward's role in their future.
Holmes is not on an expiring contract but is the Kings' most appealing player in a trade besides De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. He is under contract for the next three seasons ($11.2 million, $12 million and $12.9 million) but there are concerns about how he fits with Sabonis and whether he can adapt to coming off the bench. He went from averaging 25.7 minutes as a starter to a part-time role player (15.4 minutes) after the trade deadline.
What else to watch:
The Sabonis extension
Available exceptions: $1.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual, veteran and trade ($4 million)
Below the luxury tax: $22 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend Sabonis' contract.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year option of Davion Mitchell.
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 1
Team needs:
Veteran backup point guard
Extension eligible: Barnes and Sabonis (as of Oct. 1)
Free-agent status:
Josh Jackson | Early Bird
Jeremy Lamb | Bird
San Antonio Spurs
Offseason transactions: Jeremy Sochan (first round), Malaki Branham (second round) and Blake Wesley (second round)
What to watch: Cap flexibility
The Spurs have taken a backseat approach to free agency, instead focusing on draft pick additions at the cost of taking back salary.
Case in point is the Danilo Gallinari-for-Dejounte Murray trade that netted San Antonio three first-round picks.
That trend should continue with San Antonio sitting on $35 million in cap space.
What else to watch:
The extensions: Keldon Johnson and Jakob Poeltl.
Available exceptions: $5.4 million room midlevel and veterans minimum
Below the salary cap: $36 million
Key dates:
Aug. 1: $500,000 of Tre Jones' $1.8 million contract becomes guaranteed.
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contract of Keldon Johnson.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Joshua Primo and fourth-year team option for Devin Vassell.
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Starting point guard
Lob-catching shot-blocker at center
Versatile stretch power forward
Extension eligible: Johnson (rookie), Poeltl and Jones
Free-agent status:
Joe Wieskamp | Restricted | Non-Bird
Devontae Cacok | Non-Bird
D.J. Stewart Jr. | Non-Bird
Robert Woodard II | Non-Bird
Toronto Raptors
Offseason transactions: Thaddeus Young (free agent), Chris Boucher (free agent), Otto Porter Jr. (free agent) and Christian Koloko (second round)
What to watch: Kevin Durant and the Fred VanVleet extension
What is the walk-away price when it comes to acquiring a player like Durant?
That is the internal question the Raptors front office is asking right now.
Toronto is one of a few teams that check the boxes on the list of items Brooklyn covets: a potential All-Star in Rookie of the Year winner Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent. Most importantly, the Raptors own all their first-round picks in the next seven years.
VanVleet is not a free agent this offseason, but he is eligible to sign an extension because it will be the second anniversary of when his original contract was signed (the anniversary date was moved up to July 8 because of the shortened 2020 offseason).
Because VanVleet has a $22.8 million player option in 2023-24, there are two different extension options that both sides can explore:
The first would be for VanVleet to opt into his salary and sign a three-year $88.7 million extension that starts in 2024-25. The total contract would equal $111.5 million, including the option year.
The second is for VanVleet to decline the option and sign a four-year $114.2 million extension. He would receive a $2.7 million raise in 2023-24. Considering that his salary in 2022-23 ranks 19th among all NBA point guards, it's likely VanVleet would decline his $22.8 million option in 2023 and explore free agency if an extension is not reached.
From Toronto's perspective, there is a wear-and-tear factor when considering signing VanVleet to four additional seasons. In the past three seasons, he has averaged 36.8 minutes per game (second to James Harden) and has missed a total of 55 games due to various injuries.
Available exceptions: $4.3 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual, veterans minimum and trade ($5.3 million and $3.1 million)
Below the luxury tax: $10 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The last day to extend the contracts of Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam.
Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option for Scottie Barnes and fourth-year team option for Precious Achiuwa.
Players under contract: 12
Two-way players: 0
Team needs:
Versatile two-way wing
Bench depth at every position
Extension eligible: Pascal Siakam (as of Oct. 1) and Fred VanVleet
Free-agent status:
Yuta Watanabe | Early Bird
David Johnson | Restricted | Non-Bird
Justin Champagnie | Restricted | Non-Bird
Isaac Bonga | Non-Bird
Utah Jazz
Offseason transactions: Walker Kessler (trade), Patrick Beverley (trade), Malik Beasley (trade), Jarred Vanderbilt (trade) and Leandro Bolmaro (trade)
What to watch: The roster outside of Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic
The Jazz are an example of how quickly a championship window can close.
Utah had the best record in the NBA two years ago. Now the Jazz are likely headed toward a rebuild after Rudy Gobert was traded to Minnesota days after Royce O'Neale was sent to Brooklyn.
What the future holds for the three remaining starters -- Mitchell, Conley and Bogdanovic -- is still unknown.
Mitchell has four years left on his contract (three, plus a player option in the final year) and will either embrace the retooling of the roster or ask to be moved to a contending team.
Conley has two years left (the second is partially guaranteed) and Bogdanovic is entering the last year of his contract.
Available exceptions: $10.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual, veterans minimum and trade ($9.8 million and $1.6 million)
Below the luxury tax: $11.4 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The deadline to extend the contracts of Jordan Clarkson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Players under contract: 13
Two-way players: 0
Extension eligible: Bogdanovic, Clarkson, Alexander-Walker and Malik Beasley
Free-agent status:
Eric Paschall | Bird
Hassan Whiteside | Non-Bird
Trent Forrest | Non-Bird
Xavier Sneed | Non-Bird
Washington Wizards
Offseason transactions: Bradley Beal (free agent), Delon Wright (free agent), Anthony Gill (free agent), Monte Morris (trade), Will Barton (trade), Johnny Davis (first round) and Yannick Nzosas (second round)
What to watch:
The group of extensions: Kyle Kuzma, Kristaps Porzingis and Rui Hachimura.
Available exceptions: $1.5 million midlevel, $4.1 million biannual and veterans minimum
Below the luxury tax: $2 million
Key dates:
Oct. 17: The deadline to extend Rui Hachimura's contract.
Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year option of Corey Kispert and fourth-year option of Deni Avdija.
Players under contract: 14
Two-way players: 0
Extension eligible: Hachimura, Kristaps Porzingis, Vernon Carey Jr. and Kyle Kuzma (as of Sept. 30)
Free-agent status:
Thomas Bryant | Bird
Cassius Winston | Non-Bird
Jordan Schakel | Non-Bird