{"id":204612,"date":"2026-07-21T21:04:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T01:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=204612"},"modified":"2026-07-21T21:04:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T01:04:41","slug":"nba-work-rosters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/21\/nba-work-rosters\/","title":{"rendered":"Analyzing The NBA Teams Who Still Have Work To Do With Roster"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The NBA is just a month into its 2026 offseason, and boy has it been exciting, with 30-plus trades and several star players switching teams.<\/p>\n<h2>Analyzing The NBA Teams Who Still Have Work To Do With Roster<\/h2>\n<p>Of the 30 NBA teams, only four have 15 players on standard contracts and don&#8217;t need to do any work. These teams are the Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz. Granted, some teams have more than 15; thus, they have work to do to get down to the minimum before opening night\/<\/p>\n<p>There is a caveat to the Pistons&#8217; situation as they are expected to re-sign <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/06\/28\/jalen-duren-ceiling\/\" target=\"_self\">restricted free agent Jalen Duren<\/a> at some point before the season. However, according to ESPN&#8217;s Ramona Shelbourne, the Pistons and Duren are at a standstill.<\/p>\n<p><span>&#8220;I just talked to someone who said that negotiations on Jalen Duren are at a standstill right now, could take deep into August, could take quite a while,&#8221; Shelbourne said on NBA Today.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Ramona Shelburne on Jalen Duren:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I just talked to someone who said that negotations on Jalen Duren are at a standstill right now, could take deep into August, could take quite a while&#8221; <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/WnsJzil8qu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/WnsJzil8qu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Oh No He Didn&#8217;t (@ohnohedidnt24) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ohnohedidnt24\/status\/2079644092024131608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The Nets have an open two-way spot left. Meanwhile, the\u00a0Pistons, Suns,\u00a0 and Jazz have all three of their minor league spots filled.<\/p>\n<h3>Atlanta Hawks<\/h3>\n<p>The Hawks have 17 players on standard contracts and are $11.2 million under the luxury tax after trading <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/risacza01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zaccharie Risacher<\/a> in a three-team deal that brought in <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/n\/nembhry01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Nembhard<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dortlu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Lu Dort<\/a>. The Hawks have been linked to unrestricted free agent <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/10\/hawks-jump-into-fray\/\" target=\"_self\">Jonathan Kuminga, whether keeping him or moving him in a signing and trade<\/a>. Regardless, they will have to make roster moves before the start of the season. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gueyemo02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mouhamed Gueye, <\/a>who fractured<span> his left foot during a workout last Wednesday and subsequently underwent surgery on Tuesday, and<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hieldbu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buddy Hield<\/a> ($9.6 million) are the main candidates to be waived, if it comes down to that.<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wilsoja03.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Wilson<\/a> inked a two-way deal yesterday. Thus, filling the Hawks&#8217; last two-way spot with the others: <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dennira01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">RayJ Dennis<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gilbeke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Keshon Gilbert<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Boston Celtics<\/h3>\n<p>The Celtics have one open roster spot on their 15-man roster. However, the Celtics are $1.7 million below the luxury threshold. So, the Cs may decide to open the season with a roster spot open to give them flexibility. The Cs are also over $10 million below the first apron, where they are hardcapped.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Miami and Boston are potential landing spots for Bradley Beal, per <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JakeLFischer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JakeLFischer<\/a><\/p>\n<p>(Via <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BleacherReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@BleacherReport<\/a> ) <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/NFpmXyOWo6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/NFpmXyOWo6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TheDunkCentral\/status\/2079710440108470330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/william01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amari Williams<\/a> returns for a second season a two-way contract though he was promoted to a standard contract at the end of last season. Thus leaving Boston with open minor league roster spots.<\/p>\n<h3>Charlotte Hornets<\/h3>\n<p>Charlotte was very active early in the offseason and has 17 players on standard deals to show for their aggressiveness. Therefore, the Hornets will have to make two roster moves before training camp. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/diabamo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Moussa Diabate<\/a>&#8216;s $2.4 million contract doesn&#8217;t fully guarantee until January 10, but he is not going anywhere. The Hornets have plenty of wiggle room as they are $27 million under the luxury tax threshold.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/17\/hornets-tidjane-salaun\/\" target=\"_self\">Tidjane Salaun, the Hornets<\/a>&#8216; 2024 first-round pick, could be in jeopardy of not making the team if he doesn&#8217;t impress during training camp. The Hornets have two of their three minor league spots filled with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/ajayimi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Michael Ajayi<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hallpj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> PJ Hall<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Chicago Bulls<\/h3>\n<p>The Bulls have brought in just four newcomers. The Bulls have one open spot on their 15-man roster and still have $1.9 million in cap space. They could use another combo guard who can handle the ball and score a little.<\/p>\n<p>Chicago also has an open two-way spot.<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/tobe-awaka-1\/gamelog\/2026\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Tobe Awaka<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/selleja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Jaylin Sellers<\/a> are on minor league deals.<\/p>\n<h3>Cleveland Cavaliers<\/h3>\n<p>Cleveland has three open roster spots, though the Cavaliers have at least two players at the top of their wish list. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hardeja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Harden,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/27\/cavs-james-harden-trade\/\" target=\"_self\">who opted out of his player option<\/a> to give the Cavs some flexibility, is expected to re-sign with the team once<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> LeBron James<\/a> makes his decision. Speaking of James, the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/12\/lebron-james-return\/\" target=\"_self\"> Cavs are one of the favorites<\/a> to land himThe Cavs may enter the season with just 14 players on standard contracts.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">ESPN reported this afternoon that it&#8217;s realistically down to Cleveland, Heat, Philadelphia for LeBron.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/flasportsbuzz\/status\/2078226439477031347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>If the Cavaliers lose out on James, they could pivot to <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kuminjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>. The Cavs have filled all three of their two-way spots.<\/p>\n<h3>Dallas Mavericks<\/h3>\n<p>The Mavericks have added three players, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/cissemo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Moussa Cisse,<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/risacza01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zaccharrie Risache<\/a>r and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/howarje01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jett Howard<\/a> (2-way), to their ledger over the last few days. The Mavs now have 16 players on standard deals and are $2.2 million below the tax line. They also now have all three of their minor league spots spoken for with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/poulajo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Poulakadis<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lawalto01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Tobi Lawal<\/a> joining Howard.<\/p>\n<h3>\u00a0Denver Nuggets<\/h3>\n<p>Denver also has three open roster spots. The Nuggets are in the LeBron James sweepstakes, though they are a long shot to sign him. They are also optimistic about re-signing restricted free agent<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/watsope01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Peyton Watson<\/a>. The problem is that the Nuggets are $3.9 million below the second apron. Given their financial constraints, they will enter the season carrying 14 players.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The Nuggets, according to those league sources, value Watson significantly,&#8221;<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7451203\/2026\/07\/17\/peyton-watson-nuggets-free-agency-bucks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Tony Jones of The Athletic wrote<\/a>. &#8220;They feel they are in a good spot to retain his services and just need to let the restricted-free-agency process play out. The three teams registering interest in Watson will almost certainly have to go the sign-and-trade route, which brings its own set of complications.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Denver\u2019s conundrum is finding a potential contract resolution that\u2019s good for Watson while also keeping the team in a good financial space,&#8221; Jones continued. &#8220;Because the Nuggets have invested heavily in <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jokicni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">[Nikola] Joki\u0107,<\/a><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gordoaa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> [Aaron] Gordon<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/murraja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> [Jamal] Murray,<\/a> an expensive contract with Watson would likely yield significant luxury tax penalties, something Denver has been loath to do in the past.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonessp01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spencer Jones<\/a> is also a restricted free agent. The Nuggets have filled just one of their three two-way spots. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/simpskj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">KJ Simpson<\/a> is returning to the franchise for a second season on a minor league deal.<\/p>\n<h3>Golden State Warriors<\/h3>\n<p>Golden State was hoping to be a serious suitor for James. Part of the reason that <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/greendr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Draymond Green<\/a> opted out of his $27.5 million player option was to give the Warriors a legitimate chance at securing &#8220;The King&#8217;s&#8221; services. However, that is unlikely to come to fruition.<\/p>\n<p>The Warriors have 11 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $185.2 million. The Warriors are $35.9 million below the second apron threshold, where they are hardcapped. Green will likely re-sign for around $20 million for the upcoming season, giving the Dubs plenty of flexibility to make a big-time move at some point during the season, if they so choose. They have the league&#8217;s bi-annual and $9.6 million of their Mid-level exception left.<\/p>\n<p>The Warriors have one open two-way spot.<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/cryerlj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> LJ Cryer<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/leonsma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malevy Leons<\/a> are the players on a minor league deal.<\/p>\n<h3>Houston Rockets<\/h3>\n<p>Houston has two open roster spots, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/davisjd01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">JD Davison&#8217;<\/a>s $2.5 million is nonguaranteed until January 10. The Rockets are also $2.3 million below the tax line so that they may start the season with 14 players. They could use another wing. However, their only tool, besides signing a player to the league minimum, is a $13.3 million trade exception.<\/p>\n<p>The Rockets have two of their two-way spots filled: <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/quadir-copeland-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Quadir Copeland<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/n\/newtotr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tristen Newton<\/a>. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/crawfis01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Crawford,<\/a> who was on a two-way contract last season, is a restricted free agent.<\/p>\n<h3>Indiana Pacers<\/h3>\n<p>The Pacers figure to enter the regular season with 14 players as they are in the luxury tax and $2.2 million from being hardcapped at the first apron. The Pacers have two of their two-way spots filled after waiving <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/peterta01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taelon Peter<\/a> yesterday.\u00a0 The Pacers filled their last open two-way spot today by inking <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/slawsja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Slawson<\/a>, who was on a two-way deal last season.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Indiana Pacers and Jalen Slawson have agreed to a two-way deal, league sources told <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hoopshype?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@hoopshype<\/a>. Slawson averaged 7.3 points on 44.2% shooting from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 13 games for Indiana last season <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/G8p9gyrGmL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/G8p9gyrGmL<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MikeAScotto\/status\/2079629256120762681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownko01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kobe Brown<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompet01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ethan Thompson<\/a> are the players with minor league pacts.<\/p>\n<h3>Los Angeles Clippers<\/h3>\n<p>The Clippers have an upcoming decision to make on<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/chrisca02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Cam Christie&#8217;<\/a>s $2.29 million contract, due on October 15, about whether to guarantee it. The Clippers have been linked to Peyton Watson, though they are in a holding pattern until<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/leonaka01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Kawhi Leonard<\/a>&#8216;s situation is cleared up.\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mathube01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Bennedict Mathurin<\/a> is a restricted free agent.<\/p>\n<p>If the Clippers guarantee Christie&#8217;s deal, they will have one spot left on the 15-man roster while being$40 million under the tax threshold. The Clippers have filled all three of their minor league deals with their latest signing today with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sharpja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamarion Sharp<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Los Angeles Clippers and Jamarion Sharp have agreed to a two-way deal, agent Scott Nichols of <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Rize_Management?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Rize_Management<\/a> told <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hoopshype?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@hoopshype<\/a>. Sharp was last year\u2019s G League Defensive Player of the Year and blocks leader (4.1). With Yanic Konan Niederhauser hurt, Sharp adds frontcourt depth <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/L2ExtXjn1C\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/L2ExtXjn1C<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MikeAScotto\/status\/2079666122953986455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/martini01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Martentelli<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pedulse01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sean Pedulla<\/a> are the other Clippers on two-way deals.<\/p>\n<h3>Los Angeles Lakers<\/h3>\n<p>The Lakers added their 16th player yesterday with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thybuma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matisse Thybulle<\/a>&#8216;s signing (1-year for $3.3 million).\u00a0 The Lakers, hardcapped at the first apron, are $469,322 over the luxury tax. The Lakers have all three of their 2-way spots filled:\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kalumar01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Arthur Kaluma<\/a>,<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/manonch01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Chris Manon<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/o\/okereak01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AK Okereke.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Memphis Grizzlies<\/h3>\n<p>Memphis has plenty of upcoming decisions to make with 20 players on standard contracts. So, the Grizzlies will need to waive or trade five players in a salary dump before the season opener.<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wellsja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0Jaylen Wells<\/a> has a nonguaranteed deal, though he is part of the Grizzlies&#8217; young core, so he isn&#8217;t going to be waived. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gibsota01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taj Gibson<\/a>&#8216;s deal doesn&#8217;t guarantee until January 10, so he projects to get his walking papers unless there are trades<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/russeda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">. D&#8217;Angelo Russell<\/a> is a candidate to get bought out or traded.<\/p>\n<p>The Griz have all three two-way spots filled with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/carson-cooper-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carson Cooper,<\/a><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mashaja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Jahmai Mashack<\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/smallja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Javon Small<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Miami Heat<\/h3>\n<p>Miami<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/09\/miami-heat-giannis-2\/\" target=\"_self\"> is another team waiting for James<\/a>&#8216; decision. Despite being $2 million below the tax line, the Heat project to fill only two of their three open roster spots, as they are $10 million from being hardcapped at the first apron. The<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/09\/miami-heat-giannis-2\/\" target=\"_self\"> Heat have been linked<\/a> to <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bealbr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bradley Beal,<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/strusma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Max Strus<\/a> (if Cavs trade him), and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/derozde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DeMar DeRozan<\/a>, among others. They have one open two-way spot with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/donaltr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tre Donaldson<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/goldivl01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vlad Goldin<\/a> holding minor league deals.<\/p>\n<h3>Milwaukee Bucks<\/h3>\n<p>The Bucks have been making some surprising decisions since trading <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/antetgi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> to the Heat. The Bucks have 17 players on standard deals, including <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/trentga02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gary Trent Jr<\/a>, so they may have to make tough decisions before opening night. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/12\/bucks-something-brewing\/\" target=\"_self\">Trent&#8217;s new four-year,<\/a> $64 million deal is under review with the league. They also have all three of their two-way spots filled with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/joneska03.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kam Jones<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/rafael-castro-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rafael Castro<\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/ryanco01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cormac Ryan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Minnesota Timberwolves<\/h3>\n<p>One of the finalists for James, Minnesota is another team facing financial issues as they are $3.98 million from being hardcapped at the second apron. Therefore, the only player the Wolves can afford is at the veteran minimum. They have all three of their two-way players under contract: <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/freemen01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Enrique Freeman<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pullizy01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zyon Pullin,<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/z\/zikarro01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rocco Zikarsky<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>New Orleans Pelicans<\/h3>\n<p>New Orleans has an open roster spot and is $8.2 million below the tax line. The Pelicans have their entire bi-annual and $7.1 million of their non-taxpayer exception. Acquiring another point guard should be a priority for the Pelicans. Meanwhile, the Pels have filled just one of their two-way spots, and that is <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dickihu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hunter Dickinson<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>New York Knicks<\/h3>\n<p>The Knicks&#8217; attempt to fill their last roster spot with Moussa Cisse was foiled by the Mavericks, who matched the offer. The Knicks are $3.2 million below the second apron and have 13 players on standard deals, though they will likely fill just 14 due to financial constraints. Finding a third center figures to be a priority for the Knicks for the final roster spot. They need to fill all three of their two-way spots.<\/p>\n<h3>Oklahoma City Thunder<\/h3>\n<p>OKC has cleared a lot of money off their books with their three trades. The Thunder&#8217;s roster now stands at 14 and is $5.7 million above the first apron. The Thunder are unlikely to fill the 15th spot before the start of the campaign. All three of the Thunder&#8217;s minor league spots are filled.<\/p>\n<h3>Orlando Magic<\/h3>\n<p>Orlando has 14 players on its ledger and is just $2.49 million from the second apron. Therefore, don&#8217;t expect the Magic to add anyone else on standard deals. All three of their minor league spots are spoken for as well.<\/p>\n<h3>Philadelphia 76ers<\/h3>\n<p>The last team on this list waiting for James. If James doesn&#8217;t head to the City of Brotherly Love, don&#8217;t expect the 76ers to add to their ledger, as they are $3.4 million from being hardcapped at the first apron. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/loveca01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Caleb Love<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/ruperra01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rayan Rupert<\/a> have signed with the Sixers on a two-way deal. Thus, leaving them with an open minor league spot.<\/p>\n<h3>Portland Trail Blazers<\/h3>\n<p>Portland has 14 players on standard contracts and is $8.2 million below the tax threshold. The Blazers could use another wing. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kentja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jayson Kent<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/y\/youngch01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Youngblood<\/a> are on two-way deals, leaving one open spot.<\/p>\n<h3>Sacramento Kings<\/h3>\n<p>While there is still time, the Kings have failed to accomplish their goals of slashing payroll. The Kings waived <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/derozde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DeMar DeRozan<\/a>, who had a $10 million guarantee ($25 million total), but <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sabondo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Domantas Sabonis<\/a> ($45.4 million) and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lavinza01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Zach LaVine<\/a> ($48.9 million) are still on the roster.\u00a0 They have two open roster spots and are $1.3 million into the luxury tax. All three of their minor league spots are accounted for.<\/p>\n<h3>San Antonio Spurs<\/h3>\n<p>The Spurs made some surprising moves this offseason by not only signing<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/harrito02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Tobias Harris,<\/a> but re-signing <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barneha02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harrison Barnes<\/a>. The Spurs also added depth to their frontcourt with the selection of <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jayden-quaintance-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jayden Quaintance<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reedjta01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tarris Reed<\/a> in the 2026 draft. All three of the two-way spots are filled.<\/p>\n<h3>Toronto Raptors<\/h3>\n<p>Toronto has two open roster spots, although they are likely waiting until<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/leonaka01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Kawhi Leonard&#8217;<\/a>s trade is finally finalized. The Raptors are $332,570 below the tax line. They have one two-way roster spot left, with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bradlja02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaden Bradley<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hepbuch01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chucky Hepburn<\/a> filling the others.<\/p>\n<h3>Washington Wizards<\/h3>\n<p>Washington has 14 players on standard contracts with nearly $11 million of luxury cap space. The Wizards also have all three of their two-way spots filled.<\/p>\n<p><span>Photo Credit: Jerome Miron, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NBA is just a month into its 2026 offseason, and boy has it been exciting, with 30-plus trades and several star players switching teams. Analyzing The NBA Teams Who Still Have Work To Do With Roster Of the 30 NBA teams, only four have 15 players on standard contracts and don&#8217;t need to do [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":205877,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,1608,5,6,7,8,9,30,20,10,2,25,31,11,27,26,32,16,15,21,62,33,12,3,22,17,13,28,23,29,34,14,24,18],"tags":[50506,4432],"class_list":["post-204612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hawks","category-basketball","category-celtics","category-nets","category-hornets","category-bulls","category-cavaliers","category-mavericks","category-nuggets","category-pistons","category-featured","category-warriors","category-rockets","category-pacers","category-clippers","category-lakers","category-grizzlies","category-heat","category-bucks","category-timberwolves","category-nba","category-pelicans","category-knicks","category-news","category-thunder","category-magic","category-76ers","category-suns","category-trailblazers","category-kings","category-spurs","category-raptors","category-jazz","category-wizards","tag-2026-nba-free-agency","tag-jalen-duren"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=204612"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":205883,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204612\/revisions\/205883"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/205877"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=204612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=204612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=204612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}