The beginning of the NBA offseason often directs fan attention towards a select group of teams: those potentially trading superstars (like Milwaukee with Giannis Antetokounmpo or Phoenix with Kevin Durant), those possessing the assets to acquire them (such as the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs), and contenders aiming for a final piece to push them over the top (like the New York Knicks).
However, the ongoing NBA Finals offer a different perspective. Last summer, seemingly less prominent teams significantly impacted the finalists. The Chicago Bulls sent Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a crucial addition for their success. OKC also gained its starting center when New York couldn`t re-sign Isaiah Hartenstein. The Indiana Pacers strategically built their roster piece by piece, acquiring promising young players like Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin when opportunities arose, assembling a strong team unexpectedly.
This demonstrates a common pattern in offseasons. The teams that truly define the landscape are frequently not the obvious ones. They are often teams with valuable, underrated role players to trade, or teams closer to contention than public perception suggests. As the intense period of player movement in late June approaches, let`s explore four such teams operating beneath the main spotlight.
1. Brooklyn Nets
Several immediate and tangible factors make Brooklyn`s upcoming offseason one to watch:
- Their short-term strategy is unclear. Will they actively pursue star players, or focus on organic rebuilding? How much is their approach dictated by specific circumstances?
- They possess numerous valuable role players desired by other teams. Players like Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton could realistically command offers starting at one first-round pick, potentially more.
- They hold the rights to two of the most interesting restricted free agents available: Cam Thomas and Day`Ron Sharpe. Without knowing Brooklyn`s priorities, their availability is uncertain.
- Reports have already surfaced about their desire to trade up in the draft, either to secure a higher-ranked prospect or potentially acquire a second lottery pick.
While these points are valid, Brooklyn`s most significant asset is its substantial cap space. At a minimum, they are projected to have around $28 million in space. By taking all possible measures to maximize flexibility, they could potentially generate up to $80 million. The final amount will likely fall somewhere in between, depending on the scope of their planned moves.
Given the current free agency market lacks many exceptionally enticing stars, the Nets are unlikely to cause league-wide disruption with a max offer to a player like Myles Turner, for instance. Instead, they are uniquely positioned to capitalize on other teams` financial struggles under the new CBA`s stringent apron rules, effectively squeezing desperate teams needing financial relief.
Their situation is particularly fascinating because it`s so early in this new CBA cycle. The true value of cap space in this environment is untested. Brooklyn is the first team operating with this degree of flexibility since the rules changed in 2023. Currently, they are the only major player with significant cap space. Detroit might eventually reach a similar position, but likely in pursuit of a specific target rather than acting as a general facilitator. While the new rules allowing the mid-level exception to be used in trades offer some flexibility, teams seeking to save money or facilitate complex deals will realistically call Brooklyn first.
This dynamic matters immensely because it will establish crucial precedents. How many millions in salary savings are equivalent to a first-round pick in this “apron world”? How far are teams willing to go to clear salary off their books? The Nets` offseason decisions will provide the answers. They are essentially the guinea pigs for testing cap space utilization in this new era of roster building, making them arguably the most intriguing team of the summer.
2. Detroit Pistons
While the Nets are the undisputed cap space team, the Pistons represent a team with the *potential* for significant cap space. Detroit faces two plausible paths this summer. They could choose to largely run it back with last year`s roster, operating above the salary cap, retaining rights to players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schröder, and Malik Beasley, and simply paying what`s required to keep them. Beasley`s situation is slightly complicated by Non-Bird Rights limiting his raise, but this is the path of least resistance. This approach prioritizes continuity and player development, potentially using a mid-level exception to add a solid role player.
However, what if the Pistons decide to be more aggressive? Reports suggest they are considering precisely this, with potential interest in shooting big men like Myles Turner or Naz Reid. This path involves renouncing the rights to all their free agents, which would generate approximately $16.9 million in cap space – interesting, but not much better than the mid-level exception alone. But if they could also offload Simone Fontecchio`s $8.3 million salary?
That changes the picture. Suddenly, the Pistons would have around $25 million in cap space, granting them significant power in free agency. This isn`t enough for a max-level player like Turner, but it is sufficient for someone like Reid. They could pursue Reid while retaining the cap room mid-level exception (roughly $8.8 million) to potentially re-sign one of their own free agents. This is just one possibility among several intriguing options.
Their financial flexibility also allows them to assist other teams via trades. They could absorb contracts to help teams like the Celtics avoid second-apron penalties, potentially taking on Kristaps Porziņģis – a questionable fit due to his injury history and age, but he fits the “shooting big man” profile. John Collins represents another avenue they could explore for a similar archetype. Inevitably, one or two unexpected All-Stars will become available; Detroit could use its space to make an asset-light offer for such a player. They could even act as trade facilitators, potentially acquiring a veteran role player they value who becomes available as a byproduct of larger deals like the Kevin Durant negotiations.
The Pistons could credibly bring back their core, aim for a significant improvement next season, and take a natural step forward in their rebuild. However, with traditional Eastern Conference powers potentially facing challenges, teams from the middle tier will aggressively compete to rise. Orlando recently made such moves; Detroit could be next in attempting a similar leap.
3. Utah Jazz
Utah`s recent decision to shake up its front office has largely gone unnoticed, perhaps because the new president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, shares a last name with CEO Danny Ainge. This might create the impression of a predetermined internal step, reinforcing the organization`s existing direction. However, the reality is likely more complex. As noted by Zach Lowe, the Jazz also dismissed two lead scouts before hiring Austin Ainge. Following a season with only 17 wins that resulted in just the No. 5 overall pick, there`s likely understandable frustration within the organization.
What does this upheaval truly signify? Austin Ainge has publicly stated the Jazz won`t intentionally tank next season. However, given the competitive landscape of the Western Conference, they are likely to miss the playoffs comfortably even by simply running back last year`s roster and managing player minutes appropriately, potentially still landing a high draft pick without deliberately trying. Their goal is almost certainly still focused on acquiring future assets, not becoming surprise contenders. The primary question isn`t whether they`ll buy, but whether they`ll make *more* rebuilding trades.
Key questions revolve around existing player contracts. Walker Kessler is now eligible for an extension. Does it make strategic sense for a team currently lacking young players trending towards stardom to commit significant money to a rim-protecting center with limited offensive contribution? That`s a valid point for consideration. A bigger question concerns Lauri Markkanen`s trade value now that he`s on a max contract. The Jazz have historically been demanding in veteran trade negotiations, and Danny Ainge`s reputation precedes him. However, Markkanen`s current price and a recent down year will likely narrow his market. Receiving two or three first-round picks seems plausible, though matching salary might be challenging; demanding four or five picks at his $46 million cap number is highly unrealistic.
Expect the usual trade rumors to resurface. It wouldn`t be an NBA offseason without John Collins rumors. Collin Sexton is a player ready to contribute to a winning team. And one of these days, someone might finally manage to acquire Jordan Clarkson. But the changes at the top of the organization suggest a degree of dissatisfaction with the current trajectory. While the Jazz`s exact plans remain somewhat unclear, they don`t appear to be a team content with standing still.
4. New Orleans Pelicans
Speaking of teams whose offseason objectives are mysterious, the New Orleans Pelicans` direction is currently baffling many observers. They recently hired Joe Dumars, who hasn`t held a prominent NBA front office role in over a decade. Yahoo reported that no player on the roster is considered untouchable. While Dumars stated Zion Williamson will continue to be a “focal point,” can the franchise truly withstand further seasons plagued by his injuries?
While Williamson`s availability might be uncertain, many other Pelicans players are highly appealing to the rest of the league. Teams would eagerly line up to trade for Trey Murphy. His unique combination of athleticism and shooting is highly coveted, and he demonstrated potential as a primary option last season when injuries forced him into a larger role before his own season-ending shoulder surgery. Herb Jones isn`t a star, but his defense against top players is elite, and he`s on a remarkably team-friendly contract below the mid-level exception for the next two years, making him a godsend for numerous teams needing defensive help. Looking for a tenacious, defensive-minded backup point guard? Jose Alvarado is one of the NBA`s most underrated players and a valuable asset.
Are any of these players explicitly available for trade? It`s difficult to say definitively because the Pelicans` overall goals are currently unclear. Is the primary objective to win next season (a challenging task given Dejounte Murray`s Achilles injury)? Are they aiming to reshape the roster with a longer-term window in mind? Or is financial consideration a significant factor? Historically, New Orleans has been one of the league`s more cost-conscious teams, a possibility that should not be overlooked.
The Pelicans are a complicated team to project. Building a winning roster around Zion Williamson is immensely difficult. He requires significant shooting around him to maximize his effectiveness scoring near the basket, but their center position often features players who don`t space the floor effectively. Herb Jones`s shooting is also inconsistent. Point guard issues persisted to the point they traded for Dejounte Murray, a move now complicated by his injury. The decisions they *should* make depend heavily on whether Williamson is a reliable long-term piece. Furthermore, the intense competition in the Western Conference might lead them to the conclusion that a full roster reset is the most sensible option while their current core is still relatively affordable. This makes the Pelicans the offseason`s “mystery box.” Nearly any outcome feels possible, as they possess desirable players coveted by many teams and could pivot in almost any strategic direction.
Jasper Hawthorne