NBA Free Agency 2025: Team-by-Team Guide to Cap Space, Targets & Strategies

As the NBA Draft concludes, all eyes are now on the upcoming free agency period and potential trades. Teams are strategizing to optimize their rosters for the 2025-26 season.

Which teams possess significant salary cap space, and who can create it? Which franchises are navigating the complexities of the first and second aprons, facing limitations on roster construction? And which teams might emulate the Boston Celtics by executing cost-cutting trades to alleviate their luxury tax burdens?

Here's a breakdown of all 30 teams, categorized into tiers, examining their cap space, key free agents, optimal fits, and potential maneuvers this summer.

Key: ETO = Early Termination Option | P = Player Option | R = Restricted | T = Team Option

Jump to a tier:

• Cap space teams
• Cap room, with a cost
• The $14.1M exception club
• Watching their own FAs
• First-apron teams
• Second-apron teams

Tier 1: Cap Space Teams

Currently, only the Brooklyn Nets are projected to have over $20 million in cap space this offseason. Last year, multiple teams, including the Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons, utilized their cap space to improve their rosters. The reason for the limited number of teams with spending power is the continued rise in rookie and veteran extensions signed.

Teams must spend at least 90% of the $154.6 million salary cap by the regular season's start. A team like Brooklyn, with $96 million in committed salaries, needs to spend $139.2 million by October 21st. Failing to meet this minimum results in a distribution of the difference to their players and forfeiture of the end-of-season cash distribution, estimated at $11.7 million.

Teams exceeding the cap also have access to the $8.8 million room mid-level exception, which can be used to sign a player or acquire one via trade after cap space is exhausted.

The following players are projected to command contracts exceeding $14 million.

Brooklyn Nets

Projected Room: $35 million

After a draft focused on accumulating five first-round picks, the Nets are now positioned to leverage nearly $45 million in free agency. Besides prioritizing restricted free agents Cam Thomas and Day'Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn could be a landing spot for teams aiming to shed salary in exchange for draft picks.

With the requirement to spend 90% of the salary cap, Brooklyn is expected to be active in free agency, even if they don't pursue marquee players. They have $96 million in committed salaries and need to spend an additional $44 million.

Team needs: Lead facilitator and overall depth

Free agents who fit: Josh Giddey, Julius Randle, Tyus Jones, Jonathan Kuminga, Thomas, D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, Precious Achiuwa, Davion Mitchell, Quentin Grimes, and Oscar Tshiebwe

Moves I would make: Sign restricted free agent center Santi Aldama to a two-year, $40 million offer sheet. Re-sign Thomas to a three-year $54 million contract.

Under contract: Nicolas Claxton, Cameron Johnson, Terance Mann, Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead, Keon Johnson (T), Jalen Wilson (T), Tyrese Martin (T), Drew Timme (T), Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf.

Key free agents: Thomas (R), Sharpe (R)

Other free agents: Johnson, Wilson, Martin, Timme, Russell, De'Anthony Melton, Trendon Watford, Ziaire Williams

Tier 2: Cap Space, but at a Cost

The Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies could join Brooklyn in the first tier, but only by renouncing their own free agents or executing trades. Memphis is likely to create cap space to renegotiate and extend Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract.

Detroit Pistons

Projected Room: TBD

Creating up to $17 million in cap space would have significant ramifications for the Pistons. Using cap space would require renouncing free agents Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder. Beasley could be signed with room, and the $8.8 million room exception would be available. The Pistons could also re-sign their own free agents and use the $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception on Beasley or another free agent.

The Pistons prioritized improving perimeter shooting and defense last offseason. They ranked 10th in defensive efficiency.

Team needs: Perimeter shooting, reserve facilitator, and frontcourt depth

Free agents who fit: Beasley, Hardaway, Schroder, Ty Jerome, Chris Paul, Sam Merrill, Luke Kennard, Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Trey Lyles, Jake LaRavia, Garrison Mathews, Jeff Dowtin Jr.

One move I would make: Sign Beasley to a three-year, $45 million contract. Beasley helped improve the worst 3-point shooting team in 2023-24 to one that ranked 17th last season.

Under contract: Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Ronald Holland II, Simone Fontecchio, Jalen Duren, Marcus Sasser and Bobi Klintman

Key free agents: Hardaway, Schroder and Beasley

Other free agents: Lindy Waters III and Paul Reed

Memphis Grizzlies

Projected Room: $5 million

Expect the Grizzlies to use their limited cap space for a renegotiation and extension for Jaren Jackson Jr. They can increase Jackson's $23.4 million salary to $30.3 million next season, extending it for four years and $190 million. Reserves Anthony and John Konchar are trade candidates if Memphis creates more cap space in a Jackson renegotiation. The new contract for Jackson does not affect the restricted free agency of Santi Aldama or the ability to use the $8.8 million room exception.

Team needs: A healthy Ja Morant, spacing combo big and consistent rotational minutes.

Free agents who fit: Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Kevon Looney, Mason Plumlee, Aldama, Branden Carlson, Micah Potter, Oscar Tshiebwe, Chris Boucher, Trey Lyles

One move I would make: Trade Anthony and two future seconds to the Nets. The $12.5 million in savings would help Memphis renegotiate and extend Jackson's contract.

Under contract: Morant, Jackson, Caldwell-Pope, Anthony, Brandon Clarke, Konchar, Zach Edey, Vince Williams Jr., Scotty Pippen Jr., Jay Huff, GG Jackson, Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward

Key free agent: Aldama (R)

Other free agents: Luke Kennard, Marvin Bagley III and Lamar Stevens

Tier 3: The $14.1 Million Non-Tax Midlevel Exception Club

This tier consists of teams with access to the full (or most of) $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception and $5.1 million biannual exception. Teams can also use their exceptions to acquire a player in a trade. Teams are hard-capped at the first apron if they use more than $5.7 million of their non-tax or biannual exception.

Atlanta Hawks

Below the tax: $31 million

Below the first apron: $39 million

The Hawks have been aggressive, trading for Porzingis and selecting Asa Newell in the first round. The moves leave some flexibility below the luxury tax and first apron to add backcourt depth. Atlanta has the $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception and four trade exceptions, including for $25.2 and $13.1 million.

Besides free agency, keep an eye on Trae Young's future and the rookie extension for Dyson Daniels.

Team needs: Backcourt help, frontcourt depth and rim protector

Free agents who fit: Al Horford, Clint Capela, Kevon Looney, Precious Achiuwa, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Ben Simmons, Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon, Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroder, Bruce Brown, Day'Ron Sharpe, Isaiah Jackson and Branden Carlson

Moves I would make: Use part of the non-tax midlevel exception to sign Jerome to a three-year, $35 million contract. Then use part of their $13.1 million trade exception and acquire Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade from Minnesota.

Under contract: Young, Jalen Johnson, Porzingis, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, Georges Niang, Daniels, Kobe Bufkin, Vit Krejci, Mouhamed Gueye, Dominick Barlow (T) and Newell

Key free agent: Caris LeVert

Other free agents: Capela, Nance and Garrison Mathews

Charlotte Hornets

Below the tax: $22 million

Below the first apron: $30.1 million

The Hornets are near the salary cap and have the draft assets and flexibility to target an All-Star, but GM Jeff Peterson has stressed a measured approach.

The Hornets have the $14.1 million non-tax midlevel and $5.1 million biannual exception available to use in free agency or in a trade.

Team needs: Perimeter shooting and facilitator

Free agents who fit: Ty Jerome, Malik Beasley, Tyus Jones, Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroder, Luke Kennard, Gary Trent Jr., Jake LaRavia, Tre Mann, Cam Thomas, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Reece Beekman

One move I would make: Sign Paul to a one-year, $14 million contract.

Under contract: LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Jusuf Nurkic, Grant Williams, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, Tidjane Salaun, Micic, Nick Smith Jr., Josh Okogie, DaQuan Jeffries, Moussa Diabate, Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley

Key free agent: Mann (R)

Other free agents: Seth Curry and Taj Gibson

Chicago Bulls

Below the tax: $46 million

Below the first apron: $52 million

The Bulls can re-sign Josh Giddey and use their $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception to improve the roster. Chicago also has a $17.2 million trade exception from the Zach LaVine deal.

The next contract for Giddey and veteran expiring contracts, including Nikola Vucevic and Coby White, are major storylines this offseason.

Team needs: Frontcourt depth and defense-minded players

Free agents who fit: Giddey, Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., Kevon Looney, Braxton Key, Amir Coffey, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Gary Payton II

Moves I would make: Sign free agent guards Giddey and Tre Jones.

Under contract: Vucevic, Patrick Williams, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, White, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, Ayo Dosunmu, Jevon Carter (P), Matas Buzelis, Dalen Terry, Julian Phillips and Noa Essengue

Key free agent: Giddey (R)

Other free agents: Jones and Talen Horton-Tucker

Houston Rockets

Below the tax: $1 million

Below the first apron: $9 million

Below the second apron: $21 million

The Rockets started free agency early, extending Steven Adams and acquiring Kevin Durant. Durant can sign a two-year $122 million deal on July 6. They also brought back Fred VanVleet.

Finding a replacement for Brooks and rookie extensions for Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason are on the Rockets' to-do list.

Team needs: Perimeter shooting

Free agents who fit: Sam Merrill, Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia, Branden Carlson, Oscar Tshiebwe, Gary Trent Jr., Alec Burks, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr.

Moves I would make: Extensions for Durant, Smith and Eason.

Under contract: Alperen Sengun, VanVleet, Durant, Smith, Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Eason, Cam Whitmore, Adams, Jock Landale, Holiday, Green, Tate and Nate Williams

Key free agents: None

New Orleans Pelicans

Below the tax: $6.1 million

Below the first apron: $7.3 million

Below the second apron: $19 million

The Pelicans have been aggressive, acquiring Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey and selecting Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.

The big question continues to be the future of Zion Williamson and whether New Orleans can build a roster around him.

Team needs: Facilitator, rebounding and perimeter defenders

Free agents who fit: Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, Braxton Key, Larry Nance Jr., Al Horford, Kevon Looney, Dru Smith, Reece Beekman, Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, Ty Jerome, Tre Jones, Dennis Schroder, Brook Lopez, Jake LaRavia, Luke Kennard, Taurean Prince, Luke Kornet

One move I would make: Guarantee the $39.5 million contract of Williamson.

Under contract: Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Poole, Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Bey, Jordan Hawkins, Jose Alvarado, Yves Missi, Karlo Matkovic, Antonio Reeves, Elfrid Payton (T), Brandon Boston (T), Fears and Queen

Key free agent: Bruce Brown

Other free agents: Boston and Payton

Oklahoma City Thunder

Below the tax: $4.5 million

Below the first apron: $12.1 million

The NBA champions' focus is on extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. The three players could sign new contracts that approach a combined $800 million. The Thunder also have to balance their roster with 16 players under contract.

Team needs: Reserve bigs and lead guard depth

Free agents who fit: Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., Al Horford, Kevon Looney, Precious Achiuwa, Mason Plumlee, Trey Lyles, Oscar Tshiebwe, Day'Ron Sharpe, Isaiah Jackson, De'Anthony Melton, Tyus Jones, Malcolm Brogdon

Moves I would make: Besides extending Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Williams, trade Ousmane Dieng to the Hawks for two future seconds to open a roster spot.

Under contract: Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, Holmgren, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, Dieng, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic, Dillon Jones, Ajay Mitchell (T), Jaylin Williams (T) and Thomas Sorber

Key free agents: Mitchell and Jaylin Williams

Portland Trail Blazers

Below the tax: $7.9 million

Below the first apron: $14.3 million

Because of expiring contracts, Portland was a wild card entering the offseason. Simons was traded for Jrue Holiday, positioning Portland to compete for at least a play-in spot.

Two internal moves to watch are extensions for Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara.

Team needs: 3-and-D forwards and wings

Free agents who fit: De'Anthony Melton, Javonte Green, Gary Payton II, Amir Coffey, Gary Trent Jr., Bruce Brown, Lamar Stevens, Delon Wright, Riley Minix, Jabari Walker, Ziaire Williams, Taurean Prince, Trey Lyles

One move I would make: Sign Camara to a four-year, $87 million extension.

Under contract: Ayton, Holiday, Jerami Grant, Deni Avdija, Williams III, Thybulle (P), Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan, Sharpe, Kris Murray, Duop Reath, Camara, Rayan Rupert (T) and Yang Hansen

Key free agent: Walker (R)

Other free agents: Rupert and Dalano Banton

Sacramento Kings

Below the tax: $18 million

Below the first apron: $23 million

Sacramento needs a starting point guard. They do not have cap space but have contracts to send out, including DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk.

They have two max players but can take back money in a trade or use their $14.1 million exception in free agency. They also have five trade exceptions.

Team needs: Facilitator, shooting and defense-minded players

Free agents who fit: De'Anthony Melton, Tyus Jones, Chris Paul, Tre Jones, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroder, Gary Payton II, Braxton Key, Amir Coffey, Ben Simmons, Bruce Brown, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Taurean Prince, Jake LaRavia, Jae'Sean Tate, Lamar Stevens, Delon Wright, Keaton Wallace, Reece Beekman

One move I would make: Use part of the non-tax midlevel to sign Payton to a two-year, $15 million contract.

Under contract: LaVine, Sabonis, DeRozan, Monk, Keegan Murray, Jonas Valanciunas, Devin Carter, Terence Davis (T), Keon Ellis (T), Isaac Jones (T) and Nique Clifford

Key free agent: Ellis

Other free agents: Jones, Davis, Trey Lyles, Doug McDermott, Jake LaRavia, Jae Crowder and Markelle Fultz

San Antonio Spurs

Below the tax: $27 million

Below the first apron: $32 million

The Spurs check the boxes to acquire an All-Star level player. Not including Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, they have seven players earning between $4.7 million to $27 million.

Financially, Year 3 of Wembanyama's contract has put San Antonio in a position to take back salary and not face financial restrictions. Besides adding to its roster, the focus is an extension for Fox.

Team needs: Backcourt depth, shooting and reserve big

Free agents who fit: De'Anthony Melton, Dennis Schroder, Gary Payton II, Tyus Jones, Malik Beasley, Ty Jerome, Tyus Jones, Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, Chris Paul, Larry Nance Jr., Al Horford, Amir Coffey, Luke Kennard, Gary Trent Jr., Jake LaRavia, Clint Capela, D'Angelo Russell, Quentin Grimes, Santi Aldama, Isaiah Jackson, Kevon Looney

One move I would make: Trade Keldon Johnson, Blake Wesley, a 2029 first, 2032 right to swap in the first and two future seconds to Brooklyn for Cameron Johnson.

Under contract: Fox, Devin Vassell, Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, Wesley, Julian Champagnie, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant

Key free agent: Chris Paul

Other free agents: Charles Bassey, Jordan McLaughlin, Bismack Biyombo and Sandro Mamukelashvili

Utah Jazz

Below the tax: $22 million

Below the first apron: $30 million

The Jazz hired Austin Ainge to run basketball operations. Ainge reiterated that they will not deliberately bottom out.

How they do that comes with a big step in development of their former draft picks or parlaying their bigger expiring contracts and draft assets into win-now players.

The Jazz must also balance their roster, adding Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. to a roster that returned 15 players from last season.

Team needs: Defense-minded talent across the board, veteran habit demonstrators

Free agents who fit: Jonathan Kuminga, De'Anthony Melton, Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon, Larry Nance Jr., Luke Kornet, Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder, Gary Payton II, Paul Reed, Kevon Looney, Braxton Key, Mason Plumlee, Jae'Sean Tate, James Johnson, Delon Wright, Kyle Lowry, Keaton Wallace, Reece Beekman, Kessler Edwards, Isaiah Jackson, Branden Carlson

One move I would make: Sign Walker Kessler to a five-year, $115 million extension.

Under contract: Lauri Markkanen, Collins (P), Sexton, Clarkson, Taylor Hendricks, Cody Williams, Kessler, Keyonte George, Kyle Filipowski, Brice Sensabaugh, Isaiah Collier, Martin, Juzang, Springer, Mykhailiuk, Bailey and Clayton

Key free agent: None

Washington Wizards

Below the tax: $13 million

Below the first apron: $18 million

Do the Wizards follow their previous trend of taking back contracts that stretch past this season if draft picks are attached? Washington has nearly $100 million in expiring contracts.

Team needs: Internal development, fundamentally sound guards and a big who can defend.

Free agents who fit: Ty Jerome, Tyus Jones, Chris Paul, Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., Al Horford, Kevon Looney, Paul Reed, Dennis Schroder, Tre Jones, Gary Payton II, Braxton Key, Mason Plumlee, Davion Mitchell, Oscar Tshiebwe, Day'Ron Sharpe, Reece Beekman, Keaton Wallace, Isaiah Jackson, Branden Carlson

One move I would make: Sign veteran Looney to a two-year, $10 million contract.

Under contract: Middleton, McCollum, Smart, Corey Kispert, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Olynyk, Bub Carrington, AJ Johnson, Kyshawn George, Holmes, Anthony Gill, Justin Champagnie, Colby Jones, Tre Johnson and Will Riley

Key free agent: Malcolm Brogdon

Tier 4: Watching Their Own Free Agents

In terms of salary cap flexibility, these teams' fates depend on their own free agents. For example, the Warriors could have the $14.1 million tax midlevel exception, but only if restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga isn't signed. The Pacers are a luxury tax team if Myles Turner re-signs.

A team can sign its own free agents using the Bird, early Bird or non-Bird exceptions and not trigger the hard cap. The league counts unlikely bonuses toward the first and second apron.

Golden State Warriors

Below the tax: $17 million

Below the first apron: $25 million

Below the second apron: $39 million

The Warriors are top-heavy in salary. Those salary constraints are why Jonathan Kuminga plays a critical part in their offseason.

The Warriors are expected to tender him a $7.9 million qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent. The best option could be both sides exploring a sign-and-trade. The decision with Kuminga plays a role in what flexibility Golden State has in finding a starting center.

One move I would make: Trade Moses Moody to the Knicks for Mitchell Robinson.

Team needs: Rim protector, frontcourt depth, athleticism and shooting

Free agents who fit: Kuminga, Malik Beasley, Ty Jerome, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones, Brook Lopez, Kevon Looney, Luke Kornet, Luke Travers, Sam Merrill, Gary Payton II, Gary Trent Jr., Luke Kennard, Taurean Prince, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Bruce Brown, Trendon Watford, Alec Burks, Keaton Wallace, Quentin Grimes, Davion Mitchell, Jalen Bridges

Under contract: Curry, Butler, Green, Buddy Hield, Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos (T) and Quinten Post (T)

Key free agent: Kuminga

Other free agents: Payton, Looney, Braxton Key, Kevin Knox II and Pat Spencer

Indiana Pacers

Below the tax: $20 million

Below the first apron: $27 million

Below the second apron: $39 million

The Pacers have 11 players under contract. All-Star Tyrese Haliburton is out indefinitely because of a torn Achilles.

The focus is a new contract for Myles Turner. A new deal could affect the futures of playoff contributors Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith. Both are extension-eligible this offseason, and Mathurin is a restricted free agent next summer if a contract isn't reached.

Team needs: Frontcourt and wing depth

Free agents who fit: Turner, Kevon Looney, Ben Simmons, Mason Plumlee, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Branden Carlson, Isaiah Jackson, Micah Potter, Jabari Walker, PJ Hall, Al Horford, Larry Nance Jr.

One move I would make: Sign Turner to a three-year, $75 million contract.

Under contract: Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, Mathurin, Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, Johnny Furphy, Tony Bradley (T)

Key free agent: Turner

Other free agents: Bradley, Thomas Bryant, James Johnson and Jackson (R)

LA Clippers

Below the tax: $12 million

Below the first apron: $20 million

Below the second apron: $32 million

James Harden's next contract plays into how much flexibility the Clippers have. If Harden opts in or signs a new deal with a comparable first-year salary, the Clippers will have access to their non-tax midlevel exception and also flexibility to be aggressive in trade talks.

Team needs: Reserve lead guard and big

Free agents who fit: Tyus Jones, Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon, Larry Nance Jr., Al Horford, Dennis Schroder, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, Clint Capela, Dru Smith, Collin Gillespie

Moves I would make: Split the $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception to sign Chris Paul and Clint Capela.

Under contract: Kawhi Leonard, James Harden (P), Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum (P), Kobe Brown, Cam Christie, Drew Eubanks, Jordan Miller and Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Key free agents: Harden and Batum

Other free agents: Amir Coffey, Patty Mills and Ben Simmons

Los Angeles Lakers

Above the tax: $4 million

Below the first apron: $4 million

Below the second apron: $16 million

Beyond the Luka Doncic deal, the Lakers were aggressive at the trade deadline to shore up the center position. Expect that same approach this offseason.

Though the Lakers don't have cap space to sign a free agent big man, Los Angeles does have a 2031 or 2032 first-round pick, five years of pick swaps, former first-round pick Dalton Knecht and over $70 million in expiring contracts to use in a trade.

The Lakers will continue to juggle two timelines: a win-now approach with LeBron James; and building a team that is sustainable for the future centered on Doncic.

Doncic is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $229 million extension. The Lakers could have most of their $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception but only if Finney-Smith declines his option and doesn't re-sign.

Team needs: Rim protector, frontcourt and wing depth

Free agents who fit: Clint Capela, Al Horford, Larry Nance Jr., Kevon Looney, Brook Lopez, Mason Plumlee, Day'Ron Sharpe, Isaiah Jackson, Branden Carlson, Micah Potter, Dorian Finney-Smith, Javonte Green, Jabari Walker,

Moves I would make: Build depth at center, starting with trading Vincent, Jordan Goodwin and a second-round pick to Portland for Robert Williams III. Sign Lopez to a one-year, $5.7 million contract.

Under contract: James (P), Doncic, Finney-Smith (P), Hachimura, Reaves, Kleber, Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Knecht, Bronny James, Shake Milton and Goodwin (T)

Key free agent: Jaxson Hayes

Other free agents: Goodwin, Markieff Morris and Alex Len

Miami Heat

Below the tax: $5.8 million

Below the first apron: $11 million

Below the second apron: $23 million

Patience will play a role in how aggressive Miami should be in building the roster around Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Kel'el Ware.

The Heat will have the flexibility to go after free agents in the 2026 offseason while being active in trade discussions using expiring contracts. If the goal is to sign restricted free agent Davion Mitchell, then a priority is to take back less money in a trade.

Team needs: Backcourt depth and a reserve big

Free agents who fit: Mitchell, Tyus Jones, Malcolm Brogdon, De'Anthony Melton, Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder, Gary Payton II, Bruce Brown, Gary Trent Jr., Kevon Looney, Luke Kornet, Al Horford, Precious Achiuwa, Mason Plumlee, Chris Boucher

Moves I would make: Sign Mitchell to a three-year, $25 million contract. Have Robinson decline his early termination option and then work out a sign-and-trade with the Hawks.

Under contract: Adebayo, Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Haywood Highsmith, Nikola Jovic, Ware, Kevin Love, Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Robinson (ETO), Keshad Johnson, Pelle Larsson, and Kasparas Jakucionis

K**ey free agent:** Mitchell (R)

Other free agents: Alec Burks

Milwaukee Bucks

Below the tax: $23 million

Below the first apron: $29 million

Below the second apron: $41 million

Like any offseason, there is an awareness to continue building a championship roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. How Bucks GM Jon Horst identifies players to complement Antetokounmpo in light of the Achilles injury to Damian Lillard is a combination of free agency and trades.

As a result of the swap, the Bucks can use the $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception to sign free agent Gary Trent Jr. or a temporary replacement for Lillard.

The futures of Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis will need to be addressed. It is unlikely that the Bucks can retain both players, use their non-tax midlevel exception and also add salary in a trade.

**Team needs