If there was any thought the NBA Finals concluding would signal some sort of grace period in basketball action, think again.
Just ask Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who was already thinking about draft workouts mere moments after helping Beantown capture banner No. 18.
And although welcoming rookies is usually the first order of off-season business —given the free agency negotiation window doesn’t open till June 30, and teams can’t officially ink deals until July 6 — a new wrinkle has been added to the fold.
Organizations can now negotiate with their own expiring players the day after the Finals end. Meaning, even before prospects shake Adam Silver’s hand or franchises start throwing money around, notable names could be off the board. Pascal Siakam and Malik Monk already agreeing to deals with the Pacers and Kings being exhibit A and B.
With no time to waste and plenty of rosters to improve, here are the top needs for all 30 NBA teams heading into free agency.
TO = Team Option, PO = Player Option
Atlanta Hawks: Primary wing
One would think having the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft would solve a lot of a team’s problems — but that won’t be the case for the Hawks. Atlanta has one first-round pick in the next four years (thank you Dejounte Murray), and the roster costs more than a 10th seed ought to.
Unless Atlanta cuts the cord and builds around supposed first-overall pick Alex Sarr, they’ll have to find ways to shed salary while upgrading the roster. The easiest option would be via trades, likely using De’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela, to bring someone to fit between the backcourt and young bigs to glue it all together.
Potential targets: Bruce Brown (UFA-TO), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (UFA-PO), Naji Marshall (UFA), Kelly Oubre Jr. (UFA), De’Anthony Melton (UFA), Derrick Jones Jr. (UFA)
Boston Celtics: Al Horford replacement
When a team caps off an 80-21 season by winning a championship, it’s hard to find ways to improve it. Especially when most of the core is locked up for at least one more season. Still, it benefits the Celtics to look for someone to slot in for their 38-year-old big man once he calls it quits — preferably on the same timeline as the “two Jays.”
Potential targets: Luka Garza (RFA), Isaiah Mobley (RFA), Mo Bamba (UFA)
Brooklyn Nets: All-Star calibre playmaker
By most accounts, the Nets seem hellbent on keeping status quo and not entertaining trades for Mikal Bridges. Brooklyn needs to figure out what to do with the seldomly available Ben Simmons (and his $40.3-million cap hit this upcoming season) and how to retain Nic Claxton, who’ll have plenty of pursuers. But after that, they have the cap space and future capital to at least try to get an All-Star type.
Potential targets: Paul George (UFA-PO), DeMar DeRozan (UFA)
Charlotte Hornets: Anything and everything
A core of Bradon Miller alongside LaMelo Ball and a possibly re-signed Miles Bridges is a foundation to build upon, albeit a thin one. The Hornets were a bottom-three offence and defence. So when it comes to off-season targets, beggars can’t be choosers.
Potential targets: OG Anunony (UFA-PO), Patrick Williams (RFA), Tyus Jones (UFA), Caleb Martin (UFA-PO), Gary Trent Jr. (UFA), Luke Kennard (UFA-TO)
Chicago Bulls: Wing shooting
A team stuck in middle-of-the-pack limbo with no signs of wanting to change that — and few options even if they did. At least that was until they traded Alex Caruso to the Thunder for Josh Giddey on Thursday. The Bulls got younger and saved some money in the long term.
They can now feel less strapped when presumably re-signing Patrick Williams (RFA) and deciding on DeMar DeRozan (UFA), while still figuring out a Zach Lavine trade. Giddey’s playmaking will be welcomed, but it compounds Chicago’s lack of spacing and three-point production.
Potential targets: Buddy Hield (UFA), Caleb Martin (UFA-PO), Naji Marshall (UFA), Malik Beasley (UFA), De’Anthony Melton (UFA), Gary Trent Jr. (UFA)
Cleveland Cavaliers: A spacing big
Cleveland arguably has bigger concerns than figuring out free-agent targets. There’s still uncertainty around a backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, along with the overlapping skillsets of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Talent that hasn’t translated to synchronicity — are the Cavs in need of a missing piece or an overhaul?
Potential targets: Obi Toppin (RFA), Precious Achiuwa (RFA), Jalen Smith (UFA-PO), Dario Saric (UFA)
Dallas Mavericks: 3-and-D depth
A run to the Finals, especially in a loaded Western Conference, doesn’t happen by accident. Yet, it’ll take even more if Dallas wants to come away with a Larry O’Brien. The Mavericks’ depth on both ends, especially on the perimeter, let them down — even if it was against a near-perfect Celtics squad.
Potential targets: Bruce Brown (UFA-TO), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (UFA-PO), Gary Trent Jr. (UFA), Caleb Martin (UFA), De’Anthony Melton (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA)
Denver Nuggets: Backups
A team two years removed from a title and headlined by arguably the best player in the world doesn’t need to panic much after a second-round exit. What the Nuggets will need to do is add much-needed depth to the rotation. Especially if Caldwell-Pope doesn’t pick up his player option and leaves. Denver may not have a ton of cap space but upgrading on aging backups Reggie Jackson and DeAndre Jordan will make an immediate difference.
Potential targets: Monte Morris (UFA), Delon Wright (UFA), Mason Plumlee (UFA), Andre Drummond (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA-TO)
Detroit Pistons: Spacing wing
Not much went right for the Pistons, setting a franchise record for fewest wins in a season (14) while simultaneously setting a new single-season mark for consecutive losses (28). Oh yeah, they also fired their head coach on Wednesday — one season into a six-year, $78.5-million deal. A trio of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren is enticing enough to buy into but will require their new leadership to add the right pieces in between.
Potential targets: OG Anunoby (UFA-PO), Caleb Martin (UFA-PO), Buddy Hield (UFA), Tobias Harris (UFA), De’Anthony Melton (UFA), Isaiah Joe (UFA-TO), Derrick Jones Jr. (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA)
Golden State Warriors: Low-cost depth
Strapped for cash is an understatement when talking about the 2022 champs. The Warriors have $174 million tied up before potentially re-signing Klay Thompson or considering rookie-scale extensions for the likes of Moses Moody or Jonathan Kuminga. Moving Andrew Wiggins’s contract (easier said than done) or waiving Chris Paul before June 28 when his $30 million guarantees would help, but even then, options are limited.
Potential targets: Spencer Dinwiddie (UFA), Kyle Anderson (UFA), Mason Plumlee (UFA), Andre Drummond (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA)
Houston Rockets: Catch-and-shoot guys across the board
A team in a precarious spot. The Rockets can keep building patiently around their young core along with the No. 3 pick in 2024, or try to cash in some of their resources to go all-in on an All-Star type. Either way, they need more efficient shooting from all areas of the lineup.
Potential targets: Tyus Jones (UFA), Gary Trent Jr. (UFA), Luke Kennard (UFA-TO), Simone Fontecchio (RFA), Malik Beasley (UFA), Alec Burks (UFA-TO)
Indiana Pacers: Experienced 3-and-D wings
They’ve already knocked down one of the market’s first dominoes by retaining Siakam. But the Pacers still have room to improve, especially on defence. Even if Indiana retains Obi Toppin — which they likely will barring an egregious overpay by a suitor — they’ll still have a mid-level exception to work with.
Potential targets: Patrick Williams (RFA), Miles Bridges (UFA), Kelly Oubre Jr. (UFA), De’Anthony Melton (UFA), Nicolas Batum (UFA), Torrey Craig (UFA-PO), Derrick Jones Jr. (UFA)
Los Angeles Clippers: Low-cost front-court depth
The 2024 off-season can go in two drastically different directions for the Clippers. If they lose both James Harden (UFA) and Paul George (UFA-PO) in free agency, LA will have two starting spots to fill but flexibility to do so. If both are retained, however, like the Clippers presumably hope, it’ll put the team over the second apron and leave minimal wiggle room for additions.
Potential targets: Kevin Love (UFA-PO), Dario Saric (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA-TO)
Los Angeles Lakers: Two-way depth
The Lakers got their coach in JJ Redick and considering his relationship with LeBron James, it makes sense the latter would either opt-in to his player option or sign an extension. However, even after checking those boxes, they have to improve a roster that had to fight its way to the playoffs via the play-in for the second year in a row.
Finding players at any position who can perform on both sides of the ball — rather than one or the other, as they have now — will go a long way. It’ll require bargain hunting though, since the Lakers expect to be a luxury-tax team and can sign one player to a $5.2-million taxpayer mid-level exception. Besides that, they’ll have to look for players on veteran minimums.
Potential targets: Kyle Lowry (UFA), Delon Wright (UFA), Monte Morris (UFA), Kelly Oubre Jr. (UFA), Torrey Craig (UFA-PO), Naji Marshall (UFA)
Memphis Grizzlies: Competent rebounding
Surprisingly, a team that finished with 27 wins and the No. 9 pick doesn’t have a ton to figure out in free agency. The Grizzlies, if healthy (and on their best behaviour), should be back to competing near the top of the Western Conference.
Potential targets: Andre Drummond (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA-TO), Jonas Valanciunas (UFA), Kyle Anderson (UFA)
Miami Heat: Youth and size
All the buzz surrounding Miami is usually about what mega-trade for a superstar Pat Riley and the front office can pull off next — even though it seldom happens. And unless the Heat actually pull off a blockbuster deal, they have serious concerns to address. Jimmy Butler is not aging gracefully and a majority of Miami’s rotation could opt out of their player options and walk this summer.
Potential targets: Obi Toppin (RFA), Precious Achiuwa (UFA-TO), Isaiah Hartenstein (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA-TO)
Milwaukee Bucks: Young-ish depth across the board
It’s safe to say Year 1 of the Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo pairing wasn’t a success. Injuries aside, the team started woefully on defence and by the end of the year got to middle-of-the-pack, but had to sacrifice offensive production to do so. Granted, the Bucks did still finish third in the East. Either way, they’re old, expensive and have about six realistic rotation players.
Potential targets: Jae’Sean Tate (UFA-TO), Josh Okogie (UFA-PO), Lamar Stevens (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA)
Minnesota Timberwolves: Backup facilitator or offensive wing
Anthony Edwards lifted this team to heights it hasn’t reached since Kevin Garnett was leading the charge, highlighted by the fact the Wolves took down the 2023 champion Nuggets in the second round. Yet, with that success now comes real expectations. Minnesota needs to improve upon the margins, but that’s easier said than done given they’re one of the most expensive teams in the league.
Potential targets: Delon Wright (UFA), Spencer Dinwiddie (UFA), Kyle Lowry (UFA), Torrey Craig (UFA-PO), Eric Gordon (UFA-PO), Naji Marshall (UFA-TO)
New Orleans Pelicans: Starting calibre point guard
Decision No. 1 for the Pelicans will be deciding whether or not they believe Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson can co-exist. After that, it’ll be finding a real facilitator so Williamson can play closer to the basket where he’s strongest and C.J. McCollum can go back to his preferred off-ball style of play.
Potential targets: Tyus Jones (UFA), D’Angelo Russell (UFA), Spencer Dinwiddie (UFA), Immanuel Quickley (RFA)
New York Knicks: Front-court depth
Retaining OG Anunoby is the top priority for the Knicks, given his impact and what it cost to acquire him. The decisions don’t stop there, however, as New York has to figure out if outbidding the market for Isaiah Hartenstein will be viable and if a Julius Randle extension makes sense. Depending on how all that goes, they could use more reliable bodies in the front-court.
Potential targets: Naji Marshall (UFA), Dario Saric (UFA), Andre Drummond (UFA)
Oklahoma City Thunder: Rebounding rim-protection
Someway, somehow the Thunder got better without giving up any of their many draft picks. Sam Presti may actually be a magician for getting Caruso without relinquishing future capital. The guard’s defensive versatility will bolster their already-vaunted wing defence, but it doesn’t address the lack of size and strength needed alongside Chet Holmgren.
Potential targets: Nic Claxton (UFA), Isaiah Hartenstein (UFA), Andre Drummond (UFA), Thomas Bryant (UFA-PO)
Orlando Magic: Playmaking + shooting
The hard part is done: Paolo Banchero looks like a player you can build a title contender around and Franz Wagner has the makings of an elite co-star. But since neither are traditional facilitators nor knockdown shooters from range, the offence often sputtered while spacing issues were evident.
Potential targets: Klay Thompson (UFA), Gary Trent Jr. (UFA), Luke Kennard (UFA-TO), Isaiah Joe (UFA-TO)
Philadelphia 76ers: Primary wing
It’s a no-brainer that decision No. 1 for Philadelphia is retaining Tyrese Maxey (RFA). Outside of him and Joel Embiid though, the roster is practically wiped. The 76ers will have plenty of cap space and an intense desire to maximize their MVP’s window. Getting a third piece that fits — one that can impact the game on both ends and act as a spacer between Philly’s guard-centre pairing — is likely the direction they go.
Potential targets: Paul George (UFA-PO), OG Anunoby (UFA-PO), DeMar DeRozan (UFA), LeBron James (UFA-PO), Derrick Jones Jr. (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA)
Phoenix Suns: Low-cost starting point guard
The Suns needed a true facilitator around their Big 3. Neither Devin Booker nor Bradley Beal are traditional point guards and using them as such limited their upside. But it’s also widely known how expensive Phoenix’s roster is. As a second-apron team, they’ll have to rely on veteran minimums to get their glue guy.
Potential targets: Kyle Lowry (UFA), Patrick Beverly (UFA)
Portland Trailblazers: Two-way wings
Despite being in full rebuild mode, the Blazers don’t have the cap freedom of other teams in the same boat. Portland will have to rely on modest acquisitions, likely taking advantage of the mid-level exception to add some defensive depth on the perimeter.
Potential targets: De’Anthony Melton (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA), Royce O’Neale (UFA), Kelly Oubre Jr. (UFA)
Sacramento Kings: Defensive-minded backup big
Retaining Malik Monk was a tidy bit of business by the Kings. Arguably locking up the Sixth Man of the Year runner-up for less than what he could’ve garnered on the open market. Even at that bargain, the deal locks Sacramento in as a luxury-tax team, so they’ll need to improve their front-court depth with some cost-effective acquisitions.
Potential targets: Goga Bitadze (UFA-TO), Andre Drummond (UFA)
San Antonio Spurs: A running mate for Victor Wembanyama
If it were up to me (it’s not), I’d get Trae Young on the Spurs faster than Kyrie Irving tweeting after a Finals loss. There were far too many times Wembanyama’s freakish brilliance was wasted because his teammates failed to find him on the floor … which is wild since he’s 7-foot-4. They need a facilitator that compliments the Rookie of the Year’s strengths and build alongside him.
Potential targets: Tyrese Maxey (RFA), Immanuel Quickley (RFA), Tyus Jones (UFA), D’Angelo Russell (UFA)
Toronto Raptors: Floor spacers
What the Raptors do with Bruce Brown’s $23-million team option and how much they end up re-signing Immanuel Quickley for will obviously impact how they can approach free agency. Even if (when) they retain Quickley, Toronto could have around $28 million in cap space should they decline Brown’s option and renounce all other free agents.
The Raptors have a plethora of needs to address (such as backup point guard, size and shooting) as they enter the first full year of their rebuild. One need that can’t be ignored is players who can stretch the floor and give Scottie Barnes room to operate and facilitate while Jakob Poeltl lumbers around the paint.
Potential targets: Tyus Jones (UFA), Monte Morris (UFA), Malik Beasley (UFA), De’Anthony Melton (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA), Patrick Williams (RFA)
Utah Jazz: Veteran point guard
If the Jazz are ready to take a step up and compete (which is still up for debate), they’ll need leadership out of the backcourt. A go-to playmaker who can elevate others on the roster.
Potential targets: Tyus Jones (UFA), D’Angelo Russell (UFA), Monte Morris (UFA), Delon Wright (UFA), Spencer Dinwiddie (UFA), Cameron Payne (UFA)
Washington Wizards: Anyone who cares to play defence
I’ll hold my hand up and say I severely overestimated Washington entering this past season. Their lack of even the slightest commitment to defence (outside of Bilal Coulibaly) outweighs whatever offensive upside Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma provided. The Wizards leaned into youth which is a step in a direction, but it remains to be seen if it’s the right mix.
Potential targets: Nic Claxton (UFA), De’Anthony Melton (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA), Patrick Williams (RFA), Precious Achiuwa (RFA)
To help navigate the always-rapid NBA off-season here are some key dates:
June 18: Teams can negotiate with their own free agents.
June 26-27: NBA Draft.
June 29: Last day for team or player option to be exercised, last day for RFA’s to receive a qualifying offer.
June 30: Negotiations with free agents not on your own team can begin at 6 p.m. ET.
July 6: Signings, extensions and trades can be made official and announced at 12:01 p.m. ET.
