NBA 2025 Free Agency: Team-by-Team Cap Space and Target Player Breakdown

As the dust settles from the NBA Draft, franchises are now squarely focused on free agency and potential trades. This comprehensive breakdown assesses the financial flexibility of all 30 teams, identifying their key needs, potential targets, and possible moves this offseason.

Understanding the Landscape

Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the terminology:

• ETO: Early Termination Option
• P: Player Option
• R: Restricted Free Agent
• T: Team Option

Tier 1: The Cap Space Kings

Currently, only the Brooklyn Nets are projected to have significant cap space exceeding $20 million. This scarcity of spending power is due to the surge in rookie and veteran extensions signed in the past year.

Teams must spend at least 90% of the $154.6 million salary cap by the start of the regular season. Failure to do so results in financial penalties and a reduced cap space calculation for the team.

Brooklyn Nets

• Projected Room: $35 million

After accumulating a record number of first-round picks, the Nets are now poised to leverage their cap space to acquire talent. While re-signing restricted free agents Cam Thomas and Day'Ron Sharpe is a priority, Brooklyn could also be a destination for teams looking to shed salary in exchange for draft compensation.

• 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, Oscar Tshiebwe
• Potential Moves: Consider signing restricted free agent Santi Aldama to an offer sheet and prioritize re-signing Thomas.
• 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, 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 at a Price

The Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies could potentially join the Nets in Tier 1, but doing so would require renouncing their own free agents or executing trades.

Detroit Pistons

• Projected Room: TBD

Creating up to $17 million in cap space would necessitate renouncing key free agents like Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder. The Pistons could re-sign these players and utilize the $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception instead.

• 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.
• Potential Moves: Prioritize re-signing Beasley to bolster their perimeter shooting.
• Under Contract: Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Ronald Holland II, Simone Fontecchio, Jalen Duren, Marcus Sasser, Bobi Klintman
• Key Free Agents: Hardaway, Schroder, and Beasley
• Other Free Agents: Lindy Waters III and Paul Reed

Memphis Grizzlies

• Projected Room: $5 million

The Grizzlies are likely to use their limited cap space to renegotiate and extend Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract. Trading reserves Anthony and John Konchar could free up additional space.

• 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
• Potential Moves: Trade Anthony and future second-round picks to create additional cap space for Jackson's extension.
• Under Contract: Morant, Jackson, Caldwell-Pope, Anthony, Brandon Clarke, Konchar, Zach Edey, Vince Williams Jr., Scotty Pippen Jr., Jay Huff, GG Jackson, Jaylen Wells, 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 encompasses teams with access to the full $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception and the $5.1 million biannual exception.

Atlanta Hawks

• Below the Tax: $31 million
• Below the First Apron: $39 million

The Hawks have been active this offseason, trading for Porzingis and acquiring a valuable 2026 first-round pick. They have flexibility below the luxury tax and first apron to add backcourt depth.

• 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
• Potential Moves: Use the non-tax midlevel exception to sign Jerome and acquire Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade.
• 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 assets to pursue an All-Star if available, but they are committed to a patient rebuild.

• 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
• Potential Moves: Sign Paul to a one-year 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 non-tax midlevel exception to improve the roster. The next contract for Giddey and expiring contracts for Nikola Vucevic and Coby White are key storylines.

• 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
• Potential Moves: Sign 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 acquired Kevin Durant and re-signed key players. Finding a replacement for Brooks and weighing rookie extensions for Smith Jr. and Eason are priorities.

• 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.
• Potential Moves: 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 acquired Poole and Bey. The future of Zion Williamson and building a roster around him remains a key question.

• 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
• Potential Moves: Guarantee the 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 Thunder's focus is on extensions for Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren. They also need 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
• Potential Moves: Trade Dieng to the Hawks to open a roster spot, in addition to extending Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Williams.
• 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

Portland traded Simons for Holiday and is positioned to compete for a play-in spot. Extensions for Sharpe and Camara are moves to watch.

• 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
• Potential Moves: Sign Camara to an 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. While they lack cap space, they have contracts to trade and the non-tax midlevel exception.

• 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
• Potential Moves: Use part of the non-tax midlevel to sign Payton.
• 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 have the assets to acquire an All-Star-level player. Year 3 of Wembanyama's rookie contract puts them in a position to take back salary.

• 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
• Potential Moves: Trade 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 will not deliberately bottom out for a top draft pick. They will look to develop their draft picks or use expiring contracts and assets to acquire win-now players.

• 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

• Potential Moves: Sign Walker Kessler to an 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

Will the Wizards take back contracts that stretch past this season if draft picks are attached? They have 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
• Potential Moves: Sign veteran Looney.
• 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

The salary cap flexibility of these teams hinges on the decisions of their own free agents.

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. Kuminga's free agency is crucial.

• 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. A new contract for Turner is the focus, but at what cost?

• 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 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

Harden's next contract impacts the Clippers' flexibility.

• 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 non tax mid level 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 Doncic deal, the Lakers were aggressive at the trade deadline. Expect the same approach.

• 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 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.

• 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 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
• Key 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

Continue building a championship roster around Antetokounmpo.

• Team needs: Lead guards and bigs
• Free agents who fit: Trent, Myles Turner, Lopez, Portis, Ty Jerome, Tyus Jones, Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon, Larry Nance Jr., Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Dennis Schroder, Gary Payton II, Bruce Brown, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Trey Lyles, Chris Boucher, Trendon Watford, Lindy Waters III, Alec Burks, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Santi Aldama, Tre Mann, Reece Beekman, Micah Potter, Branden Carlson
• Moves I would make: Acquire Duncan Robinson from Miami in a sign-and-trade for Pat Connaughton. Then, sign Schroder to a contract. Sign Portis to an extension. (As part of the agreement, Portis is opting-in.) Finally, sign Kornet to a contract.
• Under contract: Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Kuzma, Portis (P), Connaughton, (P), Kevin Porter Jr., Tyler Smith, AJ Green, Chris Livingston, and Andre Jackson Jr.
• Key free agents: Portis, Lopez, and Trent
• Other free agents: Connaughton, Porter, Taurean Prince, Ryan Rollins (R), and Jericho Sims

Minnesota Timberwolves

• Above the Tax: $15 million
• Above the First Apron: $10 million
• Below the Second Apron: $2 million

Decisions on the roster must be made under new ownership. Randle and Alexander-Walker could become free agents.

• Team needs: A reserve big and wing shooting
• Free agents who fit: Randle, Alexander-Walker, Larry Nance Jr., Al Horford, Luke Kennard, Gary Trent Jr., Jake LaRavia, Trey Alexander, Riley Minix, Luke Kornet, Sam Merrill, Mason Plumlee, Trey Lyles, Taurean Prince, Amir Coffey
• One move I would make: Have Randle opt-in to his contract and sign him to an extension.
• Under contract: Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Randle (P), Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, Luka Garza (T), Leonard Miller, Josh Minott (T), and Joan Beringer
• Key free agents: Randle and Alexander-Walker
• Other free agents: Garza, Minott, and Joe Ingles

Orlando Magic

• Above the Tax: $5.5 million
• Below the First Apron: $1.5 million
• Below the Second Apron: $13 million

The trade for Bane shows Orlando sees an opening in the Eastern Conference. The offseason now focuses on a rookie max extension for Banchero.

• Team needs: A reserve lead guard and wing shooting
• Free agents who fit: Tyus Jones, Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Paul, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroder, Gary Trent Jr., Landry Shamet, Jake LaRavia, Garrison Mathews, Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Alexander, Mason Jones, Cam Thomas, Keion Brooks
• One move I would make: Sign Jones to a contract.
• Under contract: Wagner, Suggs, Bane, Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, Carter, Goga Bitadze, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, Tristan da Silva, Moritz Wagner (T), Caleb Houstan (T), Jase Richardson
• Key free agents: Wagner and Houstan
• Other free agents: Harris and Cory Joseph

Philadelphia 76ers

• Below the Tax: $1.8 million
• Below the First Apron: $9.8 million
• Below the Second Apron: $21.7 million

Expect a quieter summer. The priority ranges from Embiid's health to re-signing Grimes and Yabusele.

• Team needs: A reserve lead guard and perimeter defenders
• Free agents who fit: De'Anthony Melton, Tyus Jones, Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon, Tre Jones, Javonte Green, Gary Payton II, Braxton Key, Amir Coffey, Gary Trent Jr., Bruce Brown, Lamar Stevens, Delon Wright, Grimes, Guerschon Yabusele, Keaton Wallace, Reece Beekman, Dru Smith, Daniss Jenkins, Taran Armstrong
• One move I would make: Sign Grimes to a contract.
• Under contract: Embiid, George, Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr. (P), Andre Drummond (P), Jared McCain, Eric Gordon (P), Adem Bona, Ricky Council IV, Lonnie Walker IV (T), Justin Edwards (T), and VJ Edgecombe
• Key free agents: Yabusele and Grimes (R)
• Other free agents: Oubre, Drummond, Gordon, Walker, and Jared Butler

Tier 5: The First-Apron Teams

These teams face roster restrictions due to exceeding the first apron ($194.5 million).

Dallas Mavericks

• Above the Tax: $11 million
• Above the First Apron: $4.6 million
• Below the Second Apron: $7.3 million

After Irving's injury, the Mavericks are positioned to sign a temporary replacement.

• Team needs: Lead guard and perimeter scoring
• Free agents who fit: Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroder, Chris Paul, Al Horford, Mason Plumlee, Bol Bol, Paul Reed, Jericho Sims, Thomas Bryant, Collin Gillespie, Keaton Wallace, Reece Beekman, Branden Carlson, Oscar Tshiebwe, PJ Hall
• One move I would make: Sign Paul to a contract.
• Under contract: Anthony Davis, Irving, Washington, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, Max Christie, Jaden Hardy, Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Brandon Williams, and Cooper Flagg
• Key free agents: None
• Other free agents: Dante Exum and Spencer Dinwiddie

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