While the 2026 NBA Finals are still ongoing, the offseason is officially here. And this year’s version could be one of the most fun and volatile in recent memory.<\/p>\n
“The\u00a0<\/span>2026 NBA offseason\u00a0<\/span>has the opportunity to provide plenty of fireworks,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Tim Bontemps said<\/a>. “There’s the possibility that\u00a0<\/span>Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>could\u00a0<\/span>finally be traded. Plus, there are the ripple effects of the\u00a0<\/span>San Antonio Spurs\u00a0<\/span>storming through the Western Conference.<\/p>\n “Similarly, the Eastern Conference is looking up at the <\/span>New York Knicks, who should have their entire core group back…” the duo continued. “And then there’s LeBron James<\/a>, whose free agency status could allow him to change teams for the first time since 2018.”<\/span><\/p>\n The offseason fun and wildness could start in the next week or so. The 2026 NBA draft — considered one of the best in a decade due to the depth and quality of the guards — is on June 23-24.\u00a0 So, there is likely going to be lots of trades leading up to or on draft day. Plus, the Bucks have set a deadline<\/a> to have a decision on Antetokounmpo by the draft.<\/p>\n Following the draft,\u00a0 several players and teams have decisions to make whether to exercise their respective options.\u00a0 Trae Young<\/a>, Zach LaVine<\/a>, Austin Reaves<\/a>,\u00a0 Draymond Green<\/a> and Andrew Wiggins<\/a> are some of the bigger names with player options. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a>, Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>, Lu Dort<\/a>, and Bogdan Bogdanovic<\/a> have team options.<\/p>\n There are not many teams with cap space. In fact, nine teams led by Brooklyn, Detroit, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte, and Utah have at least a decent amount of cap space.\u00a0 Conversely, eight teams will begin the offseason over the tax line. In the same token, six teams have set financial goals that may dictate how they approach the offseason, according to Yossi Goslan of the Third Apron<\/a>.<\/p>\n “There are a handful of teams, like the Thunder, Nuggets, Magic, Suns, Kings, and Sixers, who need to reduce payroll to fulfill offseason goals,” Goslan wrote. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n OKC has been on quite a run the last three seasons. Since the beginning of the 2023 campaign, the Thunder owns the NBA’s best record at 189-57. The Thunder have won 50 games in each of the three seasons and 60 in the last two. They also won their first NBA title last season and nearly missed reaching the NBA Finals for the second straight season — falling to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.<\/p>\n Now, the Thunder has to pay for their success. The Thunder begin the offseason with a salary cap allocation of over $250,000.\u00a0 Thus, putting them around $41.5 above the first apron.<\/p>\n OKC has 15 players under contract for next year. Jalen Williams<\/a> and Chet Holmgren<\/a> will make $41.2 million as their extensions begin. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> will also make over $40 million this upcoming season. All told, they have four players slated to make over $28 million and six slated to earn $17 million or more.<\/p>\n However, the Thunder do have some flexibility. Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> ($28.5 million), Lu Dort<\/a> ($17.7 million) and Kenrich Williams<\/a> ($7.16 million) have club options. Ajay Mitchell<\/a> has a $1.5 million partial guarantee, while his $2.85 million salary is fully guaranteed at the end of the month.\u00a0 The Thunder will definitely guarantee Mitchell’s deal.<\/p>\n OKC has three draft picks in the upcoming draft, including two first-round selections (No. 12 and No. 17). The Thunder have already made it known that they have no intention of making both of their first-round picks<\/a>. The Thunder can get close to the tax line by declining the options of Hartenstein and Dort and letting them become free agents. If they opted to decline Hartenstein’s and Dort’s options, the Thunder could do the same with Kenrich Williams’ option and re-sign him at a more friendly deal.<\/p>\n The Thunder may decide to trade Hartenstein for future assets. But only the Bulls, Nets, Pistons, and Lakers could potentially absorb his salary.<\/p>\n OKC Receives<\/p>\n Isaiah Stewart\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Detroit Receives<\/p>\n Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a><\/p>\n 2026 No. 17 Pick<\/p>\n The Thunder would save $13.5 million in cap space and receive a solid backup big who excels at protecting the rim. Meanwhile, the Pistons would get an asset at No. 17 and add an offensive big man, which they desperately need. In this case, the Thunder would still need to waive Dort and Williams to get below the second apron.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Denver has been one of the top teams in the league over the last eight seasons. During this stretch, the Nuggets own the second-best record in the league at 409-228 and have made the playoffs in each of those seasons. While the Nuggets have won 50+ games in each of the last four seasons, they haven’t been back to the Western Conference since surprisingly winning the 2022-23 NBA title. They were ousted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round this season.<\/p>\n Denver has 10 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $219.4 million, thus putting them $2.5 million below the second apron. Jonas Valanciunas<\/a> has a partial guarantee ($2 million of $10 million), and Jalen Pickett<\/a> has a club option ($2.4 million). Valanciunas isn’t expected to return<\/a>, though the Nuggets have to find a way to exile him.<\/p>\n “What makes things tough for the Nuggets is that they\u2019ve stretched their cap sheet about as far as they seem willing to stretch it, said Keith Smith of Sportac. “Denver has done everything they can over the years to avoid going deep into apron territory and triggering a massive tax bill.”<\/span><\/p>\n The Nuggets have five players who make over $20 million, and two — Jamal Murray<\/a> and Nikola Jokic<\/a> are set to make at least $50 million. More problematic, Peyton Watson<\/a>, whom the Nuggets like, is a restricted free agent<\/a> and is likely to draw significant interest on the open market. They own the No. 26 and No. 49 picks in June’s draft.<\/p>\n Cam Johnson<\/a>, who is on a $23.0 million expiring contract, is the most likely player to be dealt. However, Christian Braun<\/a> or Aaron Gordon<\/a> may have to be moved as well.<\/p>\n If he is placed on the trade block, Johnson is expected to draw interest. The Los Angeles Clippers, LA Lakers, and the Golden State Warriors.<\/p>\n Cam Johnson<\/p>\n Isaiah Jackson<\/a><\/p>\n Derrick Jones Jr.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n 2026\u00a0 No. 56 pick\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2031 second-round pick (swap)<\/p>\n The Nuggets would save about $5.6 million with the trade. Jackson would replace Valanciunas as Jokic’s primary backup. Jones is a 3-and-D forward who would likely come off the bench for the Nuggets.<\/p>\n Cam Johnson<\/p>\n Jared Vanderbilt<\/a><\/p>\n Dalton Knecht\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n The Nuggets would cut $6.4 million in this deal. It is possible that the Lakers could make the deal just for Vanderbilt, and that would increase their savings to $10.6 million.<\/p>\n Warriors Receive<\/p>\n Cam Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n Nuggets Receive<\/p>\n Moses Moody\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Will Richard\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Orlando has made three straight playoff appearances, though the Magic have been ousted in the first round each time. The Magic will be under the direction of rookie head coach Sean Sweeney<\/a>.<\/p>\n Orlando has 12 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $218.3 million. Thus, leaving the Magic just $3.6 million below the second apron. Paolo Banchero’s<\/a> $41 million extension kicks in this year, giving the Magic four players making over $30 million, with Franz Wagner<\/a> making $41.7 million. Jamal Cain<\/a> has a team option ($2.5 million), while Jonathan Isaac<\/a> has a partial guarantee ($8 million of $14.5 million).<\/p>\n Cain is expected to return. Meanwhile, Isaac’s status is more up in the air as waving and stretching him would save the Magic over $11 million and put them under the first apron. The Magic owns the No. 46 pick in this year’s draft.<\/p>\n If the Magic don’t stretch Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr.<\/a>, Anthony Black<\/a>, or Goga Bitadze<\/a> would likely have to be traded.\u00a0 According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm<\/a>, the Magic are among the teams that are suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo.<\/a><\/p>\n “Per league and team sources, the Bucks appear to be seeking clarity from several suitors as to what they would be willing to offer before making a final decision,” the pair wrote. “The Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Orlando Magic, the sources say, are among them. The Portland Trail Blazers are known to be interested in trading for Antetokounmpo.”<\/span><\/p>\n The Magic trading for Antetokounmpo isn’t really practical, as they don’t have much draft capital and would have to send out at least $58 million in salary. A deal for Antetokounmpo could conceivably cost the Magic Carter Jr., Isaac, and Jalen Suggs<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unlike the Thunder, Nuggets, Kings, and Magic, Phoenix isn’t facing a huge financial crisis. But the Suns do need to stay under the luxury tax this season to reset the repeater tax payer clock. They accomplished the feat this past season, marking the first time in four years that the Suns didn’t have to pay the tax.<\/p>\n “The work isn’t over, as the Suns will need to also stay under the luxury tax line next season (2026-27) to reset their repeating taxpayer clock,” Donnie Druin of Yahoo Sports said.<\/a> “Doing so will allow Phoenix to be aggressive in terms of free agency and trades (next summer).”<\/span><\/p>\n Phoenix is committed to building around Devin Booker<\/a>. The Suns have 11 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $186.1 million, largely due to $23.1 million in dead money. Therefore, the Suns will begin the offseason $15.3 million clear of the luxury tax. They do have some flexibility, with Haywood Highsmith<\/a> on a partially guaranteed deal ($1 million of $3.018 million) and Jamaree Bouyea<\/a> on a nonguaranteed deal ($2.5 million). Highsmith is expected to return.<\/p>\n The biggest decision for the Suns this offseason is what to do with restricted free agent Mark Williams.<\/a> Williams, who has a qualifying offer of $9.6 million, is coming off a solid season, was extremely efficient, and is expected to draw interest from other teams. The Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Bulls are expected to be suitors.<\/p>\n “Three years, $42 million. The contract would start at $13 million and increase to $15 million in the third season,” Bobby Marks said of his valuation of Williams’ projected salary. “The first year is $2 million less than the non-tax midlevel exception.”<\/span><\/p>\n With Colin Gillespie<\/a> and Jordan Goodwin<\/a> also free agents, the Suns may allow Williams to walk or work out a sign-and-trade. The Suns own Williams’ bird rights. The Suns have the No.47 pick in June’s draft.<\/p>\n If the Suns do re-sign Williams, Royce O’Neale<\/a> or Grayson Allen<\/a> may be on the trade block.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sacramento finished with the league’s fourth-worst record at 22-60, marking the franchise’s fewest victories since 2007-08, when they won 17 contests. The Kings have 11 players under contract and are over the first apron. Killian Hayes<\/a> ($3.0 million) is the only player with a nonguaranteed contract, though DeMar DeRozan<\/a> has a partially guaranteed deal ($10 million of $ 25.7\u00a0million).<\/p>\n The Kings own the No.7 pick, No. 34, and No. 45 picks in June’s draft. The Kings have said they want to move off of two of their three big contracts — Zach LaVine<\/a> ($48.9 million), Domantas Sabonis<\/a> ($47.4 million), and DeRozan. De’Andre Hunter<\/a> ($24.9), Keegan Murray<\/a> ($24.1), and Malik Monk<\/a> ($20.1) are others making over $20 million. Monk has been dangled before, but the Kings have yet to find any takers.<\/p>\n LaVine has a player option, which he will surely exercise, and is projected to remain with the Kings, as he really doesn’t have any value. Likewise, DeRozan doesn’t have any real trade value. So, the Kings could cut him and trade Sabonis<\/a>.<\/p>\n Charlotte, Toronto, and the Los Angeles Lakers have been floated around as possible trade partners.<\/p>\n Domantas Sabonis<\/p>\n Miles Bridges<\/a><\/p>\n Josh Green<\/a> or Grant Williams<\/a><\/p>\n 2027 First-Round Pick (via Miami top-14 protected)<\/p>\n 2028 First Round Pick<\/p>\n Bridges, Green, and Williams are on expiring contracts. The Kings would save $8 million on the trade.<\/p>\n Domantas Sabonis<\/p>\n Jakob Poeltl<\/a><\/p>\n Gradey Dick<\/a><\/p>\n 2027 First Round Pick<\/p>\n 2029 First Round Pick<\/p>\n Toronto would receive a reliable offensive center. The Kings would save over $18 million in the trade. Dick is on an expiring contract.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The 76ers are stuck this offseason. The 76ers plan on building around Tyrese Maxey<\/a> and VJ Edgecombe<\/a> in the future. But the Sixers appear stuck with Paul George<\/a> and Joel Embiid<\/a>, at least at the start of the season. Embiid, George, and Maxey are all making over $40 million and combine for $143 million of the 76ers’ $182 million salary cap hit.<\/p>\n Philadelphia finished with a 45-37 record this past season, a 21-game improvement over the previous season, and finished sixth in the Eastern Conference despite Embiid, George, and Kelly Oubre Jr<\/a> combining to miss 121 games. The 76ers upset the Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. But we were swept in the conference semis by the New York Knicks.<\/p>\n The 76ers have a new general manager in Mike Gansey, and he has decisions to make about whether to keep unrestricted free agents Quentin Grimes<\/a> and Oubre. Dominick Barlow<\/a>, Jabari Walker<\/a> and Adem Bona<\/a> are among the five Sixers who either hold team options or nonguaranteed contracts and are expected to return.<\/p>\n The Sixers have the No. 22 pick in June’s draft. They have the non-tax mid-level exception and a couple of small trade exceptions.<\/p>\n “That\u2019s a lot for a team changing leadership at the very top of the front office, which is why [Bob]Myers said he ideally wanted someone in place before the draft,” Tony Jones of The Athletic said<\/a>. “Gansey said on Monday that a focus for the Sixers will be adding as much depth as possible. The 76ers are top-heavy, even if they have four guys at the top. They need more guys who are playable in the postseason. By the time they were eliminated in the second round, they had around seven guys who were credibly able to get onto the floor with the Knicks. That\u2019s not enough. These days, a good playoff team has at least nine playable guys.”<\/span><\/p>\n Dustin Safranek, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0An In-Depth Look at the 6 NBA teams That Need To Reduce Payroll<\/span><\/h3>\n
Oklahoma City Thunder<\/h4>\n
Possible Potential Trade<\/h4>\n
Denver Nuggets<\/h3>\n
Possible Potential Trades<\/h4>\n
Clippers Receive<\/h5>\n
Nuggets Receive<\/h4>\n
Lakers Receive<\/h4>\n
Nuggets Receive<\/h4>\n
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Orlando Magic<\/h3>\n
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Phoenix Suns<\/h3>\n
Sacramento Kings<\/h3>\n
Possible Potential Trades<\/h4>\n
Hornets Receive<\/h5>\n
Kings Receive<\/h5>\n
Raptors Receive<\/h5>\n
Kings Receive<\/h5>\n
Philadelphia 76ers<\/h3>\n