NBA free agency 2024: Biggest need for all 30 teams

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.

The 2024 NBA Draft is in the books, teams have already been busy re-signing their own players and as of 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, they've begun negotiating with free agents around the league.

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

After two seasons of the Trae Young and Dejounte Murray experience, the Hawks decided it was time for a shakeup. Sending the latter of their former backcourt ton the Pelicans for Larry Nance, Dyson Daniels and two firsts.

It helped Atlanta recoup a bit of the cost they paid San Antonio to acquire Murray but it'll take time before we stamp it as an "addition by subtraction" type of move. The Hawks need more glue guys to connect the lineup between the back and frontcourt talent, and although first-overall pick Zaccharie Risacher could turn into that with time, it's asking a lot of a rookie right away.

Potential targets: 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: Timeline-appropriate point guard

"By most accounts, the Nets seem hellbent on keeping status quo and not entertaining trades for Mikal Bridges" is what I wrote four days before the Nets said to hell with all that and sent the two-way wing to their rival Knicks.

Brooklyn was heavily compensated in the deal, getting five first-round picks (four unprotected), a second-rounder, a pick swap and forward Bojan Bogdanovic. Re-filling the treasure chest they emptied in order to form the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving-James Harden trio. The Nets also took care of some more business by retaining Nic Claxton (UFA) on a four-year, $100 million deal.

With plenty of cap space and draft capital, Brooklyn looks poised to begin what now appears to be a full rebuild. And bringing in a younger and more available floor general — than the combo of Dennis Schroeder and Ben Simmons — to command the troops and grow alongside a soon-forming core will be a solid first step.

Potential targets: Tyrese Maxey (RFA), Tyus Jones (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: 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: 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: 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), Goga Bitadze (UFA)

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: 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), 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)

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: 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 Clippers went .500 on re-signing their aging hometown free agents and it means their offseason plans are going to have to change. James Harden will reportedly return on a two-year, $70 million deal, but Paul George has told Los Angeles he won't return.

Not wanting to give the nine-time All-Star a fourth year as part of a new deal appeared to have cost the Clippers his services altogether. They now have to find another running mate to pair Harden and Kawhi Leonard with but will have more financial flexibility to do so.

Potential targets: Dario Saric (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA), Nicolas Batum (UFA), Kyle Anderson (UFA)

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.

Adding Canadian Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the draft will surely help their rebounding woes, but Memphis can use all the help they can get considering they were bottom-five in both defensive (27th) and total rebounds (24th).

Potential targets: Goga Bitadze (UFA), Jonas Valanciunas (UFA), Kyle Anderson (UFA), James Wiseman (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: Precious Achiuwa (UFA-TO), Isaiah Hartenstein (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA), James Wiseman (UFA)

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)

New Orleans Pelicans: Rim-protection

Trading for Dejounte Murray was a tidy bit of business that addressed the Pelicans' top need. Now they have a table-setting point guard to pair with Zion Williamson, and potentially Brandon Ingram as well (barring a trade).

Now they can turn their focus to area of need No. 2, which is more size in the frontcourt. After losing Jonas Valanciunas to the Wizards and trading Larry Nance Jr. to the Hawks, the only realistic centre option on the roster is rookie Yves Missi.

Potential targets: Isaiah Hartenstein (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA), Precious Achiuwa (UFA), Mason Plumlee (UFA), James Wiseman (UFA)

New York Knicks: Frontcourt depth

Retaining OG Anunoby was top priority for the Knicks, given his impact and what it cost to acquire him. Re-signing the 3-and-D specialist while also acquiring Mikal Bridges was dazzling but it reinforces the fact New York will need affordable frontcourt options. Re-signing Isaiah Hartenstein no longer appears to be feasible, given, what his market value will be, and an extension with Julius Randle seems less certain.

Potential targets: Naji Marshall (UFA), Dario Saric (UFA), James Wiseman (UFA), Goga Bitadze (UFA), Mason Plumlee (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: Isaiah Hartenstein (UFA), Thomas Bryant (UFA-PO), Goga Bitadze, James Wiseman (UFA)

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 who 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), 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), James Wiseman (UFA), Precious Achiuwa (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.

Signing Chris Paul for one year will likely address a lot of that in the short term but does little for the future besides mentorship. San Antonio still needs someone to pair the Rookie of the Year with for years to come.

Potential targets: Tyrese Maxey (RFA), Tyus Jones (UFA)

Toronto Raptors: Floor spacers

With Toronto taking care of it's two most pressing pieces of off-season business (after the Scottie Barnes extension) — picking up Bruce Brown's $23 million team option and re-signing Immanuel Quickley — their free agent options become much clearer.

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. After accounting for their deal with the Kings for Davion Mitchell and Sasha Venekov (and barring a Brown trade) they have just under $12 million to add more talent.

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), Caleb Martin (UFA), De'Anthony Melton (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA), Saddiq Bey (UFA), Jalen Smith (UFA)

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), 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.

They did have a positive draft, getting Alexandre Sarr, Carlton Carrington and Kyshawn George all within the top 25 — but it'll be on Washington to surround their promising rookie class with a group of veterans that'll instill the type of good habits that haven't been apparent with the team thus far.

Potential targets: De'Anthony Melton (UFA), Naji Marshall (UFA), Precious Achiuwa (RFA), Derrick Jones Jr (UFA), Gary Trent Jr. (UFA), Caleb Martin (UFA)

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.