Complete 2018 NBA Free Agency primer for OKC Thunder and all 30 teams

As the NBA Free Agency moratorium looms this primer offers a complete list of all teams and offers insight for the OKC Thunder and each NBA squad.

With the playoffs and draft complete the league moves into the guts of the offseason – NBA Free Agency. This segment of the calendar is arguably the most hectic and stressful as every squad has free agents in the mix, salary restrictions, and desires to improve their roster.

Over the last couple of days, fans got clarification on all players and team options. With few big-name stars available the fact both LeBron James and Paul George opted out has all NBA fans in full on speculation mode.

UPDATE:  For Thunder Nation and NBA fans glued to their phones or NBA TV they learned Paul George announced he’ll re-sign even prior to the moratorium officially kicking off.

Salary Cap announcement:

UPDATED: Although the numbers were anticipated to be $101 million (M) with a tax threshold of $123 M the official numbers confirmed the exact figures.

What this means is several teams enter the moratorium already exceeding the threshold. And, only a handful of teams enter the moratorium with open negotiating cap to parlay.

What does this mean for teams during NBA free agency? Well, for the OKC Thunder it puts them up against the wall since as you’ll note below the squad is already locked into contracts for nine players.

As Zach Lowe points out, however, the biggest takeaway may come in a buried tidbit of the financial news. And that means the cap will be higher than anticipated. This in turn already means before this 2018 NBA free agency begins we are already looking ahead to next summer.

It will also affect negotiations this summer as teams recognize they’ll have approximately a million extra to spend. than previously budgeted for. That may seem like a moot point, but I’ve witnessed teams release a player who earned minimal money just to get under the cap.

Salary will limit majority of teams:

The OKC Thunder aren’t alone in their salary cap troubles. Very few teams enter this offseason with money to play with and even fewer have the cap available to sign free agents, particularly the big-name talents.  And this fact is sure to create an interesting scenario for the 2018 NBA Free Agency period.

Salary influencing player options:

Although anything can happen with trades and signings we are anticipating a few differences to this summer. First of all, you’ve probably witnessed a bunch of players opting into their contracts in the last few days. In previous years many of these players would’ve elected to test the waters of free agency. But, with so few teams having available cap many are foregoing the process with the hope there will be more teams in the mix next summer.

The other action I’m expecting is for many of the bigger name talents to negotiate two-year contracts (or 1  plus 1). In this scenario, for example, Paul George could sign with the OKC Thunder (or LeBron could sign with a team) for two years with a player option in the second year. With the updated financial projections it only increases these odds.

In essence that would offer a secure one year period. This would allow George to see how the second year of the process in OKC plays out. Moreover, it should allow for greater competition for his services in 2019 when more teams can maneuver to free cap space.

And, there are hopes from the players that an influx of lottery money will find it’s way to teams meaning each franchise would get an uptick in available cash flow.

Offseason and free agency outline for every NBA team:

The team by team profiles offer the following segments:

Free Agents

Each squad’s free agents are listed and noted as restricted or unrestricted. Further clarification is provided for player or team options. The list reflects the status of all teams as NBA Free Agency launches at midnight Eastern. But, keep it bookmarked as frequent revisions will update throughout the process

Team Profile and Ranking:

A brief situational analysis by team is provided with emphasis on each of the following areas:

Key Ranking Stats to end season:

• Offense
• Defense
• Net

NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end

ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs

Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26

Committed Salary

Average attendance

Attendance rank

Arena

Management and tenure:

• General Manager
• Head Coach

Salary Profile:

Each team’s current situation is outlined noting which members on the roster are locked in and total salary commitments.

Draft Picks:

Selections made in the recent June 21st NBA 2018 Draft (noted by pick and round).

Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

A broad-based preview outlining key issues and opportunities accompanied by presumption and/or proposals on how teams might achieve their objectives. Rookie profiles and free agent previews are also contained (and will be added as completed).

The 30 team primer:

Let this primer serve as your one-stop shop. Bookmark this handy guide and please make a point of revisiting it frequently for ongoing updates and revisions which will keep you on top of every offseason move.

Note each team is listed alphabetically.

Atlanta Hawks

Free Agents:

• Tyler Cavanaugh (UFA )
• Malcolm Delaney (UFA following Hawks not extending offer)
• Damion Lee (UFA following Hawks not extending offer)
• Josh Magette (UFA following Hawks not extending offer)
• Andrew White III (RFA – 2-way FA)

Notes: Mike Muscala and Dewayne Dedmon both opt into final year electing to remain in Atlanta. And as expected Hawks don’t extend offers to any of Delaney, Lee, or Magette shifting them all to unrestricted status.

Team Profile and Ranking:

Key Ranking Stats to end season:

• Offense: 26th  (102.4)
• Defense: 22nd (108.1 )
• Net: 26th (minus -5.7)

NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 23rd

ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 30th

Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500  to 1

Committed Salary: $70,456,108.00 as of June 30th

Average attendance: 14,409

Attendance rank: 30th

Arena: Philips Arena

Management:

• General Manager: Travis Schlenk  – 2017
• Head Coach: Lloyd Pierce – 2018  hired at season end)

 Salary Profile:

Atlanta will be one of the few squads who’ll have ample cap space. Yet, being in a rebuilding phase they won’t be rushing out to land a top free agent.  With the 10 confirmed roster spots and three rookies, the Hawks arrive at the moratorium with 13 cemented positions.

Three players are on non-guaranteed contracts Isaiah Taylor ($1,544,951), as well as Antonius Cleveland and Jaylen Morris (both $1,378,242). The Hawks have a $4.4 million midlevel room exception.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/28/2018.

Draft 2018:

Round 1:

• Trae Young – Oklahoma point guard selected fifth by Mavericks and traded to Dallas in exchange for rights to Luka Doncic as well as the Mavericks 2019 first-round top-five protected draft pick.
  • Rookie Profile:  The enigma Trae Young – deciphering guard’s superstar potential
• With the 19th pick, the Hawks selected Maryland guard Kevin Huerter
  • Rookie Profile: Kevin Huerter stock rises after stellar combine performance
  • With the 30th pick, the Hawks selected Villanova  power forward Omari Spellman 
    • Rookie Profile: Omari Spellman tantalizing skillset and upside are ideal for OKC

    Round 2:

    Devonte’ Graham – Kansas point guard selected  34th and traded him to Charlotte in exchange for two future second-round picks (2019, 2023). 

    GM Schlenk tips his hand in the draft:

    Schlenk probably made what will be his biggest mark of the offseason on draft night when he chose to create a Warriors ‘lite’ squad. My apologies to Hawks fans who’ll have to watch the ascent of Luka Doncic, from Dallas.

    This was the Hawks’ GM big move as the third pick was then swapped for Trae Young (the Mavericks fifth pick).  Still, the Hawks didn’t leave with a simple swap. They also nabbed a first-round (protected) pick of the Mavericks in 2019. It’s a calculated move from both sides.

    Keven Huerter who was climbing boards after a strong Draft combines experienced a slight drop in stock because of surgery to fix torn ligaments in his right hand. The Maryland guard is expected to miss two months for the procedure on his wrist.

    The draft steal Schlenk nabbed (in my opinion) was Omari Spellman who jumped from his mid 40’s projection to 30th. Thunder fans likely recall I earmarked him as a target for Sam Presti to pair the OKC picks to land.

    Hawks forward Mike Muscala has exercised his $5M player option, source tells ESPN. He will be back with Atlanta.

    — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2018

    Free Agency – offseason mandate:

    For the Hawks, a new process is just beginning. Unlike most squads, Atlanta will enter their summer looking to focus on building a new culture and formulating a team for the future. New Hawks General Manager Travis Schlenk arrived this season after honing his skills with the Warriors under Bob Myers.

    His immediate plan seems to get some people in the often empty seats of Phillips Arena (30th rank in NBA). There are no delusions this Hawks team expects to be title-chasers next season. Rather, the plan will be to build a new mindset and develop internally.

    The onus for the Hawks appears to be building an exciting team of the Warriors ilk. Many are suggesting Schlenk’s vision is for Young, Huerter, and Spellman to emulate Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. This may be a massive stretch for the youngsters to live up to. Still, factoring in John Collins, the Hawks youthful core has a solid start to their rebuild.

    Roster Questions:

    With the drafted players and roster commitments, the Hawks are three deep in the backcourt and center with two each on the wing and at power forward.

    The two players on the hot seat are Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore. Schroder has his own personal off-court legal issues to address. This situation isn’t driving teams’ interest in the point guard despite rumors he’d prefer to be on a competitor. Bazemore was one of the lucky players who collected bank in the short-sighted summer of 2016.

    As the Hawks look to the future watch for Schlenk to continue adding depth particularly on the wings and in the frontcourt. With full out tanking off the table, the Hawks can’t take that route.

    Therefore, expect Atlanta to make the product as entertaining as possible while developing the core’s chemistry and identity. All while doing so well under the salary cap. Although the Hawks are in a prime position to take on an expiring contract to stockpile draft picks.

    

    Boston Celtics:

    Free Agents:

    • Aron Baynes (UFA)
    • Jonathan Gibson (RFA)
    • Shane Larkin (UFA)
    • Greg Monroe (UFA)
    • Marcus Smart (RFA)
    • Jabari Bird (RFA  – 2-way FA)

    The Boston Celtics have tendered a qualifying offer to Marcus Smart. He's now a restricted free agent. The Celtics can match any offer sheet Smart signs with another team.

    — Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 29, 2018

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end the season:

    • Offense: 18th (105.3)
    • Defense: 1st (101.5)
    • Net: 6th (plus +3.6)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 8th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 4th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 5.5 to 1

    Committed Salary: $107,433,526.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance: 18,624

    Attendance rank:11th

    Arena: TD Garden

    Management:

    • General Manager: Danny Ainge – 2003
    • Head Coach: Brad Stevens – 2013

    Salary Profile: 

    Boston enters the moratorium with two players on partially guaranteed  (Abdel Nader and Semi Ojeleye)  and one non-guaranteed contract for Daniel Theis all for the same amount ($1,378,24).

    As for exceptions, the Celtics have an $8.6 million non-tax midlevel and $3.4 million bi-annual available to utilize.

    The Celtics enter the moratorium with continuity at its center with 12 players guaranteed as well plus Williams the rookie.

    Payroll Table

    		Salary
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Gordon Hayward	28	$31,214,295	Cap space	$93,642,885
    Al Horford	32	$28,928,710	Cap Space	$56,663,115
    Kyrie Irving	26	$20,099,188	Bird Rights	$38,967,813
    Jayson Tatum	20	$6,700,800	1st Round Pick	$12,346,200
    Marcus Morris	28	$5,375,000	Bird Rights	$10,375,000
    Jaylen Brown	21	$5,169,960	1st Rd pick	$10,126,440
    Guerschon Yabusele	22	$2,667,600	1st Round Pick	$4,915,080
    Terry Rozier	24	$3,050,390	1st round pick	$5,038,910
    Semi Ojeleye	23	$1,378,242		$2,193,857
    Abdel Nader	24	$1,378,242		$1,617,333
    Daniel Theis	26	$1,378,242	Minimum Salary	$815,615
    Demetrius Jackson	23	$92,857		$650,000
    Team Totals		$107,433,526		$252,925,702

    Provided by Basketbal,l-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/26/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 27th pick, the Celtics selected Texas A&M big man Robert

    Rookie profiles: Translating Robert Williams raw defensive tools into pro success

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Of the 30 teams entering free agency, the Celtics are one of very few who could make no moves and be fine. Considering  Boston returned to the East finals and did so without the two players they entered the season expecting to lead them speaks to precisely how deep this squad is.

    Danny Ainge has all the tools to work with including existing stars and young talent. Certainly, Ainge will test the waters to add more depth with an eye set on those Warriors in the West. To that end, the expectation is Boston will make the calls regarding brokering a trade for Kawhi Leonard.

    They’ll also likely request meetings with Paul George and yes even LeBron James (regardless of the Irving situation). Ironically what Boston has in spades are talented wings who can score and defend. Yet, with the league in an era of positionless ball add more players who can play multiple positions is at a premium.

    It’s anyone’s guess just how dynamic and dominant the Celtics will be with a healthy Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back this coming season. Brad Stevens has a great dilemma to figure out with so much talent. In fact, if this past season proved anything it was rookie (Jayson Tatum) is headed for superstardom and will push the All-Stars for top billing.

    Of the free agents Boston has in house, priority should be given to retaining Marcus Smart. He may not be the most talented guard on the squad. But much like Lance is synonymous with Indy, Smart is the heart of the Celtics, their spirit animal if you will. Likewise, secondary emphasis should be put on keeping Aron Baynes at an economical rate. With rookie Williams, they have a little leeway, however.

    Danny Ainge said today that it’s unlikely that the Celtics will make a major trade this offseason. You should believe him. Go back and look at his track record: he’s very, very honest on these fronts.

    — Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) June 29, 2018

    Marc Davis may be pulling our leg with his tweet, but again, Boston enters the moratorium as the strongest club in the East.

    

    Brooklyn Nets:

    Free Agents:

    Of note, the team has extention options to decide upon for D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.  The franchise advised they will buy out the contract of Dwight Howard who was recently added in a trade to swap players neither the Hornets or Nets wanted on their rosters.

    • Quincy Acy (UFA)
    • Dante Cunningham (UFA)
    • Joe Harris  (UFA)
    • Jahlil Okafor (UFA)
    • Nik Stauskas (RFA)
    • Dwight Howard – team announced they will buy out Howard

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 21st (104.3)
    • Defense: 24th (108.6)
    • Net: 23rd  (minus -4.3)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 22nd

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 25th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500  to 1

    Committed Salary: $84,344,764.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance: 15,556

    Attendance rank: 29th

    Arena: Barclays Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Sean Marks – 2016

    Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson – 2016

    Salary Profile:

    The Nets have until June 30th(today) to make a decision on Isaiah Whitehead and either retain his $1,544,951 million salary or waive it. Also Spencer Dinwiddie’s contract this season of $1,656,092 is non-guaranteed. Notably, no qualifying offer was extended to Nik Stauskas either.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Allen Crabbe	26	$18,500,000	Cap Space	$37,832,500
    Timofey Mozgov	31	$16,000,000	Cap Space	$15,280,000
    DeMarre Carroll	31	$15,400,000	Cap Space	$30,200,000
    Jeremy Lin	29	$12,516,746	Cap Space	$24,516,746
    D’Angelo Russell	22	$7,019,698	1st round pick	$12,582,058
    Jarrett Allen	20	$2,034,120	1st Round Pick	$3,747,840
    Caris LeVert	23	$1,702,800	1st Round pick	$3,335,280
    Spencer Dinwiddie	25	$1,656,092	Minimum Salary	$1,524,305
    Rondae Hollis-Jefferson	23	$2,470,357	1st Round pick	$3,941,739
    Isaiah Whitehead	23	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$1,312,611
    Deron Williams	34	$5,500,000		$16,500,000
    Team Totals		$84,344,764		$165,023,955

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 29th pick, the Nets selected European forward Dzanan Musa

    Rookie Profile: Dzanan Musa – The Streakiest Scorer in Europe

    Round 2:

    With the 40th pick (from Lakers via Magic, Raptors) the Nets selected European forward Rodions Kurucs.

    Rookie Profile:  Rodions Kurucs seeks to prove his assets are more than projections

    With their last pick, the Nets got Hamidou Diallo and then traded him to the Thunder

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    First of all, Sean Marks must be jumping up and down for joy over the Nets finally having ownership of their draft picks back in hand. I don’t anticipate big moves this offseason by Marks.

    Rather, he’ll set his sights on next summer when Brooklyn can pony up for two large contracts. Don’t be surprised if DeMarre Carroll who is in his final contract year gets traded, although it’s more likely to come near the trade deadline.

    What Marks will need to do this summer is to figure out the glut of guards the Nets employ. Among the many questions:

    • Will Jeremy Lin remain in the mix?
    • Should Marks shop Dinwiddie to grab value in the frontcourt?
    • What happens with D’Angelo Russell?
    • Is Staukas destined to be a journeyman?
    • Can Allen Crabbe discover consistency?
    • And can Caris LeVert continue to ascend?

    Clearly, the Nets need to fill in depth up front, but again, don’t expect Marks to be chasing big-time free agents. Instead, like Atlanta, the Hawks will shed the big Dwight Howard contract, reset and look to add more draft picks as they prepare to kick their future process in gear.

    

    Charlotte Hornets:

    Free Agents:

    • Treveon Graham (RFA)
    • Michael Carter-Williams (UFA)
    • Marcus Paige (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 14th (106.8)
    • Defense: 16th (107.1)
    • Net: 20th (minus -0.3)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 21st

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 21st

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500 to 1

    Committed Salary: $119,578,294.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance:16,375

    Attendance rank: 26th

    Arena: Spectrum Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Mitch Kupchak – 2018

    Head Coach: James Borrego – 2018

    Salary Profile:

    The Hornets have one non-guaranteed contract for Julyan Stone for $1,656,092. Mitch Kupchak has plenty to work with in terms of exceptions. At his disposal are a trade exception ($7.8 million), a bi-annual ($3.4 million), and a non -tax midlevel ($8.6 million).

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Nicolas Batum	29	$24,000,000	Cap Space	$72,000,000
    Marvin Williams	32	$14,087,500	Cap Space	$27,256,250
    Michael Kidd-Gilchrist	24	$13,000,000	1st Round Pick	$26,000,000
    Cody Zeller	25	$13,528,090	1st Round Pick	$56,000,000
    Kemba Walker	28	$12,000,000	1st Round Pick	$24,000,000
    Jeremy Lamb	26	$7,488,372	Rookie scale extension	$14,488,372
    Malik Monk	20	$3,447,480	1st Round Pick	$6,351,960
    Frank Kaminsky	25	$3,627,842	1st round pick	$6,475,442
    Julyan Stone	29	$1,656,092	Minimum Salary	$1,524,305
    Willy Hernangomez	24	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$2,980,701
    Dwayne Bacon	22	$1,378,242	MLE	$2,193,857
    Team Totals		$119,578,294		$266,883,498

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/30/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 12th pick  (from Pistons via Clippers) the Hornets selected Michigan State forward Miles Bridges.

    Rookie Profile:  Miles Bridges the sophomore sensation

    Round 2:

    With the 34th pick (from Hawks) the Hornets selected Kansas guard Devonte Graham

    Rookie Profile: Devonte Graham is a perfect fit for the OKC Thunder

    With the 55th pick (from Cavs via Nets, 76ers) the Hornets selected European forward Arnoldas Kulboka.

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Perhaps the greatest mystery entering this offseason is what the Hornets plans are. Will they blow it up or go all in to lock in Kemba Walker and build around him? The squad has come up short repeatedly so something has to give. Some pundits saw the Dwight Howard move as a sign. I’m not sure I agree. Remember Kupchak was the man in charge in LA when Howard was making life challenging for Kobe and his teammates.

    Sources: There have been some talks between the Magic and Hornets involving Kemba Walker and Nikola Vucevic. Hornets want to attach Nicolas Batum in any deal.

    — Mike Ortiz Jr. (@TrustOrtiz) June 29, 2018

    If Kupchak and the brain trust elect to restructure than Kemba will likely be on the trade block.  Conversely, if the plan is to lock him in than the next question will be which current assets the Hornets should stay vested in. Walker’s core partners have been Williams and Batum.

    The pair each own player options in their final contract years. Williams has two seasons remaining and Batum three. The latter signed the contract with visions of him providing the same production he did in Portland, but sadly he’s come up well short and his contract won’t be easy to shop.

    One thing the Hornets should consider (if they invest in Walker) is finding a larger guard to work in concert with Kemba as he was at his best with Jeremy Lin and the floor spacing also brought out the best in Batum and Williams.

    

    Chicago Bulls:

    Free Agents:

    • Zach LaVine (RFA)
    • David Nwaba (RFA)
    • Noah Vonleh (RFA)
    • Ryan Arcidiacono (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Sources: Chicago has extended the qualifying offer to guard David Nwaba, making him a restricted free agent.

    — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2018

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 28th (101.4)
    • Defense:  26th (108.9)
    • Net: 28th (minus -7.4)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 27th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 22nd

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500 to 1

    Committed Salary: $61,024,439.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance: 20 776

    Attendance rank: 1st

    Arena: United Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Gar Forman – 2009

    Head Coach: Fred Hoiberg – 2015

    Salary Profile:

    The Bulls have two non-guaranteed contract salaries: Sean Kilpatrick ($2,054,8560 and Paul Zipser ($1,544,951).

    Like many of the lottery teams, the Bulls have ample exceptions at their disposal. Chicago possesses two trade exceptions of $8,.9, and $1.4 million. Additionally, the Bulls own a bi-annual exception of $3.4 million and a non-tax midlevel exception of $7.6 million. Eleven players are locked in with two incoming rookies.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Robin Lopez	30	$14,357,750	Cap Space	$28,146,250
    Omer Asik	31	$11,286,516	Bird Rights	$24,882,021
    Cristiano Felicio	25	$8,470,980	Cap space	$32,000,000
    Justin Holiday	29	$4,384,616	MLE	$9,000,001
    Kris Dunn	24	$4,221,000	1st Round pick	$8,267,760
    Lauri Markkanen	21	$4,536,120	1st Round Pick	$8,357,760
    Cameron Payne	23	$3,263,295	1st round pick	$5,466,735
    Denzel Valentine	24	$2,280,600	1st Round pick	$4,467,000
    Jerian Grant	25	$2,639,314	1st Round pick	$4,353,154
    Bobby Portis	23	$2,494,346	1st Round pick	$4,010,666
    Paul Zipser	24	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$1,312,611
    Kay Felder	23	$1,544,951		$456,529
    Team Totals		$61,024,439		$165,205,888

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/26/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the seventh pick, the Bulls selected Duke center Wendell Carter

    Rookie Profile: Wendell Carter Jr. could be next Nikola Jokic

    With the 22nd pick (from Pelicans) the Bulls selected Boise State guard/forward Chandler Hutchison

    Rookie Profile: Chandler Hutchison’s hard work equals metamorphic rise

    Bulls planning wait-and-see approach to Zach Lavine's restricted free agency after organization's “near universal support” just isn’t there anymore, per @NickFriedell https://t.co/Rnejm5WTno pic.twitter.com/KVewtzkchA

    — Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) June 22, 2018

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    The Bulls have some quality pieces in house and if Wendell Carter proves to be as productive at the pro level could be the perfect complement to Lauri Markkanen. What is missing is depth and the uncertainty of the ceilings for players like Kris Dunn and Denzel Valentine.

    Surely the priority this summer should be to retain Zach LaVine. That said Gar Forman hasn’t demonstrated a desire to spend large. LaVine is one of the few free agents who’ll get looks from multiple teams. Hints to the direction the franchise is taking and the timelines will be on display via how they handle LaVine’s free agency.

    At this stage, it still feels like the Bulls are building and therefore will choose to build the youthful talent, stockpile draft picks, and to aim for at least one more season of futility.

    

    Cleveland Cavaliers:

    Free Agents:

    • Jose Calderon (UFA)
    • Jeff Green (UFA)
    • Rodney Hood (RFA)
    • LeBron James (UFA -James informs Cavs of opt-out, removing sign and trade possibility for now)
    • London Perrantes (UFA)

    New story: The Cavs are picking up Kendrick Perkins’ option, sources tell ESPN, as a potential contract added to a trade as the team continues to explore ways to improve ahead of LeBron’s decision https://t.co/gogHdcNfiX

    — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 27, 2018

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 5th (110.7)
    • Defense: 20th (109.5)
    • Net: 13th (plus +1.2)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 7th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 17th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 24 to 1

    Committed Salary: $137,976,709.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance: 20,562

    Attendance rank: 2nd

    Arena: Quicken Loans Arena-Management:

    General Manager: Koby Altman – 2017

    Head Coach: Tyronn Lue – 2016

    Salary Profile:

    Despite picking up Perkins option $2,445,085 remains non-guaranteed. Okaro White also has $1,544,951 of non guaranteed salary. As for exceptions the Cavaliers own a $5.3 million mid-level exception and several trade exceptions picked up via their revolving door last season.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Kevin Love	29	$24,119,025	Bird Rights	$46,761,375
    George Hill	32	$19,000,000	Cap space	$40,000,000
    Tristan Thompson	27	$17,469,565	Bird Rights	$52,408,695
    J.R. Smith	32	$14,720,000	Bird Rights	$32,350,000
    Jordan Clarkson	26	$12,500,000	Cap Space	$37,500,000
    Kyle Korver	37	$7,560,000	Bird Rights	$18,000,000
    Cedi Osman	23	$2,775,000	MLE	$8,325,000
    Ante Zizic	,21	$1,952,760	1st Round Pick	$3,597,960
    Larry Nance	25	$2,272,391	1st Round pick	$3,743,773
    Kendrick Perkins	33
    Team Totals		$137,976,709		$282,929,701

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 8th pick, the Cavaliers (from Nets via Celtics) select Alabama guard Collin Sexton.

    Rookie Profile: Collin Sexton draws intriguing pro comparison

    LeBron James, free agent. pic.twitter.com/kmCdBsadZ7

    — ESPN (@espn) June 29, 2018

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    With LeBron James lowering the boom on Friday the first shoe dropped. By opting out of his contract, he at the very least made a sign and trade extremely unlikely. That takes a ton of teams out of the mix as potential landing spots. Who Cleveland remains in the picture by virtue of holding his bird rights and the Lakers as well as the 76ers remain viable options.

    Depending on who you ask and what day you’ll get a different answer as to where the King will play next season. There are those firmly in the Lakers camp. But, given the flurry of activity in La La land to get a trade for Kawhi Leonard working it seems that isn’t such a certainty. There are equally mixed feelings on whether LeBron requires another star lined up prior to putting pen to paper. Some feel it doesn’t matter because the ‘Field of Dreams’ will inevitably follow LeBron.

    I’ve maintained all along the fit just doesn’t seem right in Philly or in Houston. The latter would be seemingly off the table now with the opt-out.  The Lakers at least have young talented assets and most importantly cap space. And, while it may not make financial sense to work for the team I feel he is best suited to excel with is the Pelicans because the combo of LeBron and the Brow (and Jrue Holiday) not only makes great court sense the marketing opportunities with branding boggle the mind.

    .@KingJames' next stop? pic.twitter.com/cm44tlC3C8

    — ESPN (@espn) June 29, 2018

    What is clear after the sweep in the postseason is without LeBron it’s doubtful the Cavaliers are competing for higher than the eighth seed. Rodney Hood is just as frustratingly inconsistent in Cleveland as he was in Utah and Jordan Clarkson has zero basketball I.Q.’

    Still, it’s not definite James won’t re-sign however it’s doubtful he extends beyond a one plus one opt out if he does.

    Regardless of what Decision 3.0 is. the Cavaliers desperately need to shore up their depth, find players who aren’t allergic to the spotlight and join the current era of positionless players who are equally adept at both ends of the floor.

    

    Dallas Mavericks:

    Free Agents:

    • Seth Curry (UFA)
    • Yogi Ferrell (RFA)
    • Aaron Harrison (RFA)
    • Doug McDermott (RFA)
    • Salah Mejri (RFA)
    • Nerlens Noel (UFA)
    • Dirk Nowitzki (UFA – Team Option)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 22nd (104.2)
    • Defense: 17th (107.1)
    • Net: 22nd (negative -2.9)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 26th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 27th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500 to 1

    Committed Salary: $69,610,040.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance: 19,791

    Attendance rank: 5th

    Arena: American Airlines Center

    Management:

    General Manager:  Donnie Nelson – 2005

    Head Coach: Rick Carlisle 2008

    Salary Profile:

    Wesley Matthews opted into his contract, the Mavericks still have a team option on Dirk Nowitzki  ($5 million) who has been known to accept a reduced deal to help Dallas. Three players are on non-guaranteed contracts Dorian Finney-Smith ($1,544,941) in addition to Kyle Collinsworth and Maxi Kleber who are both contracted at $1,378,242.

    In spite of Dirk and the Mavs mutually agreeing to rescind his opt-in he’s not going anywhere. As for exceptions the Mavs have a bi-annual $3.4M and an $8.6 non-tax midlevel exception at their disposal.

    .

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Harrison Barnes	26	$24,107,258	Cap Space	$47,219,262
    Wesley Matthews	31	$18,622,514	Cap Space	$36,506,690
    Dwight Powell	26	$9,631,250	Cap Space	$18,634,375
    Dirk Nowitzki	40	$5,000,000	Cap space	$10,000,000
    J.J. Barea	34	$3,710,850	Cap Space	$7,614,750
    Dennis Smith	20	$3,819,960	1st Round Pick	$7,038,240
    Dorian Finney-Smith	25	$1,544,951	Minimum Salary	$1,312,611
    Maxi Kleber	26	$1,378,242	Minimum Salary	$815,615
    Jeff Withey	28	$1,795,015		$350,000
    Team Totals		$69,610,040		$149,415,634

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/26/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 5th pick, the Mavericks selected Trae Young and traded hi to the Hawks for Real Madrid guard Luka Donic.

    Rookie Profile: Luka Doncic – Human Rorschach Test

    Round 2:

    With the 33rd pick, the Mavericks selected Villanova guard Jalen Brunson

    Rookie Profile: Mr. Steady Jalen Brunson offers reliable skillset worthy of Presti magic deal

    With the 56th pick, the Mavericks (from 76ers)  selected Louisville forward Ray Spalding

    Rookie Profile: Ray Spalding – A work in progress

    With the 60th pick, the Mavericks (from Rockets via 76ers) selected Dayton forward (Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo brother) Kostas Antetokounmpo

    Rookie Profile: Why OKC Thunder should pick the baby freak Kostas Antetokounmpo

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    While the NBA is in the ‘era of the player’ how refreshing is it to witness a throwback of Dirk’s ilk? If for no other reason than to see him rewarded for his leadership and loyalty I hope Luka is everything I imagine him capable of being. In fact, I’m a big fan of the Brunson pick as well. I can envision lineups with Brunson playing with Luka and Smith to close out games. The question will lie in who is tasked with defending.

    The Mavericks did not want to surrender draft compensation in a potential trade with the Clippers for DeAndre Jordan and prefer instead to pursue him in free agency, league sources say

    — Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 29, 2018

    So, with DeAndre Jordan opting out Friday at least part of that equation got answered. If he does end up in Dallas it won’t be via sending assets back to LA. Hunting for relevant tweets it turned out that may well have been the very reason Jordan did opt-out, so Dallas can retain assets and not give up draft picks.

    Landing Jordan will go a long way to fixing the frontcourt, but the Mavs still need to add depth at power forward which should be a priority along with wings.

    

    Denver Nuggets:

    Free Agents:

    • Will Barton (UFA)
    • Devin Harris  (UFA)
    • Richard Jefferson (UFA)
    • Nikola Jokic (RFA – team option – see tweet below)
    • Torrey Craig,  (RFA – 2-way  FA)

    Sources: Franchise star Nikola Jokic expected to agree on five-year, $146.5M max deal with the Nuggets after team option is declined.https://t.co/cFn4v8yaEJ

    — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2018

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 6th (109.9)
    • Defense: 27th (109.1)
    • Net: 15th (plus +0.7 )

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 13th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 9th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 100 to 1

    Committed Salary: $107,475,362.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance: 17,141

    Attendance rank: 20th

    Arena: Pepsi Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Arturas Karnisovas – 2013

    Head Coach: Michael Malone – 2015

    Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur has exercised his $7.4M player option for the 2018-19 season, league sources tell Yahoo.

    — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2018

    Salary Profile:

    Wilson Chandler and Darrell Arthur opted in and the Nuggets are reportedly moving quickly to secure a five-year maximum extension for Nikola Jokic.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Paul Millsap	33	$29,730,769	Cap space	$61,000,000
    Mason Plumlee	28	$12,917,808	Cap space	$41,000,000
    Kenneth Faried	28	$13,764,045	1st Round Pick	$26,685,393
    Wilson Chandler	31	$12,800,562		$12,016,854
    Darrell Arthur	30	$7,464,912	Cap Space	$14,929,824
    Jamal Murray	21	$3,499,800	1st Round pick	$6,855,120
    Gary Harris	23	$16,517,857	1st Round Pick	$76,550,055
    Trey Lyles	22	$3,364,249	1st round pick	$5,805,649
    Juan Hernangomez	22	$2,166,360	1st Round pick	$4,243,200
    Malik Beasley	21	$1,773,840	1st Round pick	$3,474,480
    Tyler Lydon	22	$1,874,640	1st Round Pick	$3,454,080
    Nikola Jokic	23	$1,600,520		$1,471,382
    Team Totals		$107,475,362		$272,586,618

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/26/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 14th pick, the Nuggets selected Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr.

    Rookie Profile: Michael Porter Jr. prospect profile: Backing up the bravado

    Round 2:

    With the 41st pick, the Nuggets (from Hornets via Magic, Grizzlies, Suns) selected Kentucky forward Jarred Vanderbilt

    Rookie Profile:Jarred Vanderbilt – Built for OKC Thunder

    With the 43rd pick, the Nuggets (from Clippers via Knicks) selected Maryland forward Justin Jackson

    Rookie Profile: Justin Jackson wants out of the shadows

    With the 58th pick, the Nuggets (from Warriors) selected UCLA center, Thomas Welsh

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Denver has been on the precipice for the past few seasons and maintained one of the deepest squads throughout these years. Now they will be arriving at the moratorium locking up Jokic while simultaneously potentially losing some of that much-desired depth due to the numerous free agents. Ideally, the Nuggets would want to retain Will Barton (or at the very least should have gotten assets for him).

    There's strong momentum with the Denver Nuggets and their free agent guard Will Barton to get a deal done quickly after the start of free agency at 12:01 AM, league sources tell ESPN.

    — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2018

    Still, the club brings back basically the same squad having gained another year of constancy and growth. The key will be improving defensively and seeing precisely who to keep for the future as several of the players will either be in final seasons or entering next summer in team option years.

    The Nuggets are uncertain if Michael Porter Jr. will play at all during the ‘18-‘19 season, reports @MarcJSpearsESPN.

    — Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 23, 2018

    The big question is what the Nuggets will get out of Michael Porter Jr. Of all the draft picks made the MPJ pick was a swing worth making, especially at 14. If he comes even remotely close to returning to the player he was projected to be then this Nuggets starting five could be scary good. That said, there are rumblings his back isn’t right and won’t be, so we’ll have to wait and see if he plays at all and if he does how durable he is.

    Presumably, the core is Jokic, Murray, Harris, and Millsap (MPJ?). Moving into free agency the decision needs to be made whether to trade Wilson Chandler and /or Kenneth Faried to get more defensive-minded assets or wait either til the trade deadline and gauge where the team is or next summer.  Besides defense, the Nuggets still need to add depth at center and the point.

    

    Detroit Pistons:

    Free Agents:

    • James Ennis (UFA)
    • Jameer Nelson (UFA)
    • Anthony Tolliver (UFA)
    • Kay Felder (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 19th (104.6)
    • Defense: 11th (104.9)
    • Net: 19th (minus -0.3)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end:19th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 19th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500 to 1

    Committed Salary: $117,754,336.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance: 17,413

    Attendance rank: 19th

    Arena: Little Caesars

    Management:

    General Manager: Ku Khahil – new hire to replace Van Gundy

    Head Coach: Dwane Casey assumes the position after Stan Van Gundy was released and Casey himself was fired from Raptors

    Salary Profile:

    The Pistons carry three non guaranteed salaries into the moratorium: Reggie Bullock, ($2,400,00), Eric Moreland ($1,826,300) and Dwight Buycks ($1,600,520).

    Detroit arrives at free agency with three trade exceptions wand an $8.6M non-tax mid-level.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Blake Griffin	29	$31,873,932	Bird Rights	$132,217,792
    Andre Drummond	24	$25,434,263	Cap Space	$76,302,788
    Reggie Jackson	28	$17,043,478	Bird Rights	$51,130,434
    Jon Leuer	29	$10,002,681	Cap Space	$30,008,043
    Langston Galloway	26	$7,000,000	MLE	$21,000,000
    Ish Smith	29	$6,000,000	Cap Space	$12,000,000
    Stanley Johnson	22	$3,940,402	1st round pick	$7,038,202
    Luke Kennard	22	$3,275,280	1st Round Pick	$6,034,560
    Reggie Bullock	27	$2,500,000	Cap space	$2,500,000
    Henry Ellenson	21	$1,857,480	1st Round pick	$3,638,280
    Eric Moreland	26	$1,826,300	MLE	$1,739,333
    Dwight Buycks	29	$1,600,520	Two-Way Converted	$748,160
    Josh Smith	32	$5,400,000		$16,200,000
    Team Totals		$117,754,336		$370,165,932

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Dwane Casey, head coach of the Detroit Pistons, wins the 2017-18 Coach of the Year award for the work he did…for the Toronto Raptors. And handles it with class, as he always does.

    — David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 26, 2018

    Draft 2018:

    Round 2:

    With the 38th pick, the Pistons (from Nets via Sixers) selected Creighton guard Khyri Thomas

    Rookie Profile: Khyri Thomas the definitive 2-way role player

    With the 42nd pick, the Pistons selected Miami guard Bruce Brown Jr.

    Rookie Profile: Bruce Brown sophomore regression is cause for concern

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    The Pistons enter the offseason with an entirely new brain trust. What Dwane Casey is capable of getting out of a full season of Blake Griffin and a healthy season with all the pieces will determine a lot.

    Through the Drummond, Jackson era they’ve never been fully healthy together. More than anything this team feels like it needs a culture reset and Casey may well be the man to do it. Then again, I’ve given up expecting this team to perform to its potential.

    Even though the Pistons have three designated point guards on staff they still need to find the right guy to play behind Jackson. Ditto for Drummond.

    

    Golden State Warriors:

    Free Agents:

    • Kevin Durant (UFA -following opt-out)’
    • Kevon Looney (UFA)
    • Patrick McCaw (RFA)
    • JaVale McGee (UFA)
    • Zaza Pachulia (UFA)
    • David West (UFA)
    • Nick Young (UFA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 2nd (112.7)
    • Defense: 8th (104.0)
    • Net:  2nd (plus +8.6 )

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 3rd

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 1st

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 1 to 5

    Committed Salary: $102,091,465.00 as of June 30th

    Average attendance: 19,596

    Attendance rank:7th

    Arena: Oracle Arena

    Management:

    General Manager: Bob Myers – 2012

    Head Coach: Steve Kerr – 2014

    Salary Profile:

    Warriors expected to pull out the cash drawer and hand Kevin Durant what he asks for.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Stephen Curry	30	$37,457,154	Bird Rights	$201,158,790
    Klay Thompson	28	$18,988,725	1st Round Pick	$36,814,875
    Draymond Green	28	$17,469,565	Bird Rights	$52,408,695
    Andre Iguodala	34	$16,000,000	Bird Rights	$48,000,000
    Shaun Livingston	32	$8,307,692	Bird Rights	$18,000,000
    Damian Jones	22	$1,544,951	1st Round pick	$2,857,562
    Jordan Bell	23	$1,378,252	Minimum Salary	$2,193,867
    Jason Thompson	31	$945,126		$1,890,252
    Team Totals		$102,091,465		$406,429,711

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/27/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 28th pick, the Warriors selected Cincinnati guard/forward Jacob Evans

    Rookie Profile: Jacob Evans is potentially the best value pick of 2018 class

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Amid Stephen A. Smith endeavoring to create fake news Kevin Durant opted out and contrary to Smith’s assertions will not even entertain an LA market. Rather, he’ll name his price to Bob Myers who’ll subsequently back up the Brink’s trunk and appease KD.

    News players like Jamal Crawford and Rudy Gay may follow David West’s lead only serve to make pundits and fans grit their teeth. I mean, if I wanted to just watch a team All-Stars I’d go to the Globetrotter games and not bother with 82 games a year. Fortunately, I gain as much joy watching up and coming squads.

    The Warriors know this has a marginal chance of success, but league sources say they intend to at least explore their free-agent chances with DeAndre Jordan, who is not only close pals with Kevin Durant but also one of GM Bob Myers' former clients

    — Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2018

    Still enough already Golden State, you’re quickly becoming the team true NBA fans love to hate. For those in this camp, one thing to keep an eye on is the number of frontcourt players who are free agents (JaVale McGee, David West, Kevon Looney, and yes even  Zaza).

    Let that sink in for a moment and then realize they’ll probably all come back for a fast-food order from Oracle. Although, if I was a competitor I’d consider throwing a  little bit of money at JaVale & Looney just to mess them up.

    

    Eric Gordon, Chris Paul, James Harden, and Nene attend the 2018 NBA Awards. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Turner Sports)

    Houston Rockets:

    Free Agents:

    • Trevor Ariza (UFA)
    • Tarik Black (UFA)
    • Clint Capela (RFA)
    • Gerald Green (UFA)
    • Joe Johnson (UFA)
    • Luc Mbah a Moute (UFA)
    • Chris Paul (UFA)
    • Markel Brown (RFA: 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 1st (112.7)
    • Defense:7th (103.9)
    • Net: 1st (plus +8.8 )

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 1st

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 2nd

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 5 to 1

    Committed Salary: $80,442,936.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 17,900

    Attendance rank:16th

    Arena:  Toyota Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Daryl Morey  – 2007

    Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni 2016

    Salary Profile:

    The Rockets exercised their option on Aaron Jackson ($1,378,242). And, Zhou Qi is non-guaranteed ($1,378,242).

    They enter the moratorium with $5.3M in tax exceptions.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    James Harden	28	$30,431,854	Bird Rights	$181,203,253
    Ryan Anderson	30	$20,421,546	Cap Space	$61,264,636
    Eric Gordon	29	$13,500,375	Cap Space	$40,501,125
    P.J. Tucker	33	$7,969,537	MLE	$26,477,799
    Nene Hilario	35	$3,651,480	Non-Bird Rights	$10,954,440
    Chinanu Onuaku	21	$1,544,951	Minimum Salary	$2,857,562
    Zhou Qi	22	$1,378,242	MLE	$815,615
    Aaron Jackson	32	$1,378,242
    Troy Williams	23	$1,544,951		$2,085,087
    Team Totals		$80,442,936		$367,421,271

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 2:

    With the 46th pick, the Rockets (from Heat via Grizzlies) selected USC guard De’Anthony Melton

    Rookie Profile: De’Anthony Melton – The road back from NCAA scandal

    With the 52nd pick, the Rockets selected Purdue forward Vince Edwards

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    So the Rockets pushed the Warriors to seven games and played them tougher than anyone in the past two seasons. The problem is they did it utilizing only seven players and three of those guys are free agents.

    The biggest concern from my perspective is Chris Paul (the NBPA President came to Houston under the premise he would get paid a max deal by doing the sign and trade. I bring up the President thing because he is the face for all his peers to look up to and make sure they are getting bank. On the other hand, there is a solid reason why the Rockets should not be giving CP3 this monster deal especially the multiple years.  The uncertainty of his durability looms large.

    Nets targeting Clint Capela & Julius Randle, according to @stephenasmith https://t.co/JizilYqASe

    — Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) June 27, 2018

    The other two players Trevor Ariza and Clint Capela were essential to the Rockets’ success and unless they both are willing to take less than they are due I can’t see a way Morey is able to give CP3 the max and still retain them.

    Let’s see how smart the Rockets competitors are and whether they can apply some pressure on Houston. And, for all the Morey lovers out there let me just remind you Ryan Anderson still has two $20M plus seasons on the tab without opt-outs. That said the Eric Gordon deal was far superior in price and in production.

    As for what Morey does beyond these three it seems obvious adding depth in terms of serviceable players who can stay on the floor in the playoffs is essential.

    

    Indiana Pacers:

    Free Agents:

    • Trevor Booker (UFA)
    • Glenn Robinson III (UFA)
    • Lance Stephenson (UFA -team decline opting for salary flexibility)
    • Joe Young (RFA -team decline option)

    ESPN story on Thaddeus Young returning to Pacers: https://t.co/dakJZgPeQb https://t.co/hvIkHpBvNd

    — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense:10th (107.3)
    • Defense: 12th (105.4)
    • Net:11th (plus +1.9 )

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 9th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 11th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 100 to 1

    Committed Salary: $92,815,802.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 16,051

    Attendance rank: 27th

    Arena: Bankers Life Fieldhouse

    Management:

    General Manager: Chad Buchanan- 2012

    Head Coach: Nate McMillan – 2016

    Salary Profile:

    Thaddeus Young opting in may have led to the Pacers not picking up Lance Stephenson’s option although they stated it wasn’t an easy decision. Then again, since Lance doesn’t seem to be able to channel the inner beast for anyone other than Indiana maybe it isn’t a big concern. Cory Joseph also opted in.

    Four players are on partially guaranteed contracts: Bojan Bogdanovic ($10,500,000), Darren Collison ($10 million), Al Jefferson ($10 million), and Ike Anigbogu ($1,378,242). Alex Poythress is on a non-guaranteed contract ($1,544,951). And Joe Young awaits the team’s decision on his option.

    In terms of exceptions, the Pacers have an $8.6M non-tax midlevel and $3.4M bi-annual to utilize in free agency.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Victor Oladipo	26	$21,000,000	1st Round Pick	$84,000,000
    Thaddeus Young	30	$13,764,045	Bird Rights	$14,796,348
    Bojan Bogdanovic	29	$10,500,000	Cap space	$12,000,000
    Darren Collison	30	$10,000,000	Cap space	$12,000,000
    Al Jefferson	33	$10,000,000	Cap Space	$13,769,821
    Cory Joseph	26	$7,945,000	Cap Space	$15,575,000
    Myles Turner	22	$3,410,284	1st round pick	$5,980,204
    Domantas Sabonis	22	$2,659,800	1st Round pick	$5,209,800
    T.J. Leaf	21	$2,407,560	1st Round Pick	$4,435,920
    Ike Anigbogu	19	$1,378,242	Cap space	$1,640,000
    Alex Poythress	24	$1,544,951	Two-Way Converted	$778,668
    Monta Ellis	32	$2,245,400		$11,227,000
    Team Totals		$92,815,802		$187,411,695

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 23rd pick, the Pacers selected UCLA guard Aaron Holiday

    Rookie Profile: Guard Aaron Holiday brings strong lineage to pros

    Round 2:

    With the 50th pick the Pacers selected Missouri State forward Alize Johnson

    Rookie Profile: 2-way versatility adds to the intrigue of Alize Johnson

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Making news to start the week the Pacers declined their team option on uber pest Lance Stephenson. This likely points to the team looking to be active in the free agent sweepstakes for a big name.

    Rumor is the Pacers will actively target some big names like Aaron Gordon and Clint Capela this NBA free agency. After a season of playing the role of Cinderella team, it will be interesting to see what the next step will be for Indiana and how they’ll process not being overlooked.

    If Indy adds one of their two targets they could be a viable home court seed entering next season.  McMillan got his squad to buy in and all play gritty tough-nosed ball. Now Buchanan needs to add another star and more depth at the wing position.

    

    LA Clippers:

    Free Agents:

    • Avery Bradley (UFA)
    • Montrezl Harrell (RFA)
    • DeAndre Jordan (UFA – opts out)
    • Tyrone Wallace (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 8th (108.0)
    • Defense: 19th (107.6)
    • Net:18th (plus +0.4)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 18th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 20th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 100 to 1

    Committed Salary: $112,999,949.00 as of June 230th

    Average attendance: 17,019

    Attendance rank: 22nd

    Arena: STAPLES Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Dave Wohl – 2015

    Head Coach: Doc Rivers – 2013

    Salary Profile:

    Milos Teodosic opted into his contract removing what might have been a very interesting free agency recruitment period. The Clippers enter the moratorium in a rather unique situation having assumed DeAndre Jordan might opt in to enable the franchise to complete another sign and trade, but he chose to opt-out.

    Of note, the Austin Rivers for Marcin Gortat trade didn’t add too much in salary ($915,218).  Also of note although Milos Teodosic opted in his salary is only partially guaranteed ($.3 million).  C.J. Williams is also partially guaranteed ($1,378,242) while Patrick Beverley’s contract is non-guaranteed ($5,027,028).

    The Clippers have exceptions via the bi-annual ($3.4M), non-tax midlevel ($8.6), and small trade exceptions.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Danilo Gallinari	29	$21,587,579	Sign and Trade	$64,762,737
    Tobias Harris	25	$14,800,000	Bird Rights	$30,800,000
    Marcin Gortat	34	$13,565,218	Bird Rights	$26,347,827
    Lou Williams	31	$8,000,000	Cap Space	$23,000,000
    Boban Marjanovic	29	$7,000,000	Cap Space	$14,000,000
    Milos Teodosic	31	$6,300,000	MLE	$8,100,000
    Wesley Johnson	30	$6,134,520	Cap Space	$12,015,780
    Patrick Beverley	29	$5,027,028	Bird Rights	$5,513,514
    Sam Dekker	24	$2,760,095	1st Round pick	$4,554,695
    Jawun Evans	21	$1,378,242	MLE	$2,193,857
    Sindarius Thornwell	23	$1,378,242	MLE	$2,193,857
    Carlos Delfino	35	$650,000		$1,300,000
    Miroslav Raduljica	30	$300,000		$600,000
    Team Totals		$112,999,949		$230,011,989

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 11th pick, the Clippers (via Hornets) selected Kentucky guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

    Rookie Profile: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander offers elite role player potential

    With the 13th pick, the Clippers selected Boston College guard Jerome Robinson

    Rookie Profile: Playmaking sharpshooter Jerome Robinson climbs ranking lists

    Among the various options DeAndre Jordan has been weighing, according to league sources, is opting into the final season of his current contract (at $24.1 million) before Friday's midnight deadline to facilitate a trade -- with Dallas, sources say, among the teams interested

    — Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 26, 2018

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    The Clippers got the better end of the Wizards trade for Gortat who can immediately play at center regardless of what DJ does. Although the Robinson draft pick confused me I loved the move to get Gilgeous-Alexander. It has Jerry West’s fingerprints all over it.

    It’s too bad the Clippers don’t have the same pull the Lakers do because in many ways they are set up better in terms of depth and proven talent.

    I think the writing is on the wall for DJ to leave which makes retaining Montrezl Harrell imperative.  I’m intrigued to see what direction the Clippers go in and which players they target in free agency. LA is overflowing at the point and seemingly will need to move at least one point guard and perhaps Patrick Beverley’s durable has caught up to him. Where the Clippers definitely need to add depth is upfront. The question is whether they’ll target a star or practice patience to build a new core.

    One has to wonder if Kawhi cares whether he plays for the Lakers or the Clippers. If it isn’t an issue then the Clippers need to sidle up to the Spurs dinner table. DJ opting out makes it less doable, but if the Clippers can involve a third team then they need to take the shot.

    

    LA Lakers:

    Free Agents:

    • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (UFA)
    • Channing Frye (UFA)
    • Andre Ingram (RFA)
    • Brook Lopez (UFA)
    • Julius Randle (RFA)
    • Isaiah Thomas (UFA)
    • Travis Wear (RFA)
    • Gary Payton Jr (RFA  2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 23rd (104.2)
    • Defense: 13th (105.8)
    • Net: 21st (minus -1.6 )

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 20th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 13th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26:  5 to 1

    Committed Salary: $39,143,365.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 18,934

    Attendance rank: 10th

    Arena: STAPLES Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Rob Pelinka – 2017

    Head Coach: Luke Walton – 2016

    The $1.5M Tyler Ennis contract would have been guaranteed had the guard been on the roster past July 5. The Lakers now must decide by June 30 on the $1.5M contract of Ivica Zubac and by July 5 (8PM ET) for the $1.4M Thomas Bryant salary.

    — Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 29, 2018

    Salary Profile:

    It seems Magic and Co. are amping up their efforts to facilitate a Kawhi trade to LA. Yet with news Friday, LeBron opted out of his contract it makes it extremely difficult for teams other than the Lakers, 76ers or Cavaliers to outright sign LeBron. In essence, the King has narrowed the playing field. At least in terms of where teams stand entering the moratorium.

    Still the Lakers won’t stop with their efforts to lure a star in order to sweeten the pot for LeBron. LA is keeping all their options open and to that end released Tyler Ennis.

    Also of note, the Lakers have two non-guaranteed contracts in Ivica Zubac ($1,544,951) and Thomas Bryant ($1,378,242) which they can still utilize to create more flexibility.

    The Lakers have the capacity to add two big-name stars and several exceptions with non-tax midlevel ($8.6M), bi-annual ($3.4) and a trade exception ($1.6M).

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Luol Deng	33	$18,000,000	Cap Space	$54,000,000
    Lonzo Ball	20	$7,461,960	1st Round Pick	$13,748,520
    Brandon Ingram	20	$5,757,120	1st Round pick	$11,276,520
    Kyle Kuzma	22	$1,689,840	1st Round Pick	$3,113,400
    Josh Hart	23	$1,655,160	1st Round Pick	$3,049,680
    Ivica Zubac	21	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$1,312,611
    Thomas Bryant	20	$1,378,242	Minimum Salary	$815,615
    Team Totals		$39,143,365		$154,835,890

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 25th pick, the Lakers (from Cavs via Blazers) selected Michigan State forward/center Moe Wagner

    Rookie Profile: Mortiz Wager checks boxes of OKC Thunder frontcourt needs

    Round 2:

    With the 39th pick, the Lakers (from Knicks via Sixers) selected German forward Isaac Bonga.

    Rookie Profile: Isaac Bonga needs more time to develop

    With the 47th pick, the Lakers (from Nuggets via Jazz, Bulls) selected Kansas guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk.

    Rookie Profile: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is set to be a sharp shooting sixth man

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    One of the only teams who can offer not one, but two max contracts. With Magic Johnson back in the fold the Lakers are expected to make big plays for all the big-name stars available with LeBron James and Paul George at the top of their list.

    Although it’s felt like Kawhi is on this list let’s not forget he’s not a free agent until next summer, so unless the Spurs want to play ball they may have to wait another year to land the Claw.

    The torn meniscus Lonzo Ball reportedly has is not a new injury, which makes the timing of the injury coming to light all the more interesting.https://t.co/wdTYmquXII pic.twitter.com/fvuAxdxOlR

    — Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) June 30, 2018

    Arguably the big news out of Lakers nation on Friday was learning Lonzo Ball had a torn meniscus. More accurately, did the Lakers purposely keep this news on the down-low until LeBron opted in? Or has Lonzo’s camp leaked it in order to turn off Lonzo being moved as part of a trade package?

    What we do know is Magic must have received a commitment from some star to state he’ll quit if he doesn’t bring a star to the Lakers within the next two seasons. The question is whether it will be this season or next.

    Given the LeBron dynamics, it’s hard to say what or who the Lakers need because everything will revolve around Decision 3.0. At this point, it seems likely LeBron is bringing his talents to La La land.

    

    Memphis Grizzlies:

    Free Agents:

    • Mario Chalmers (UFA)
    • Tyreke Evans (UFA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 27th (101.8)
    • Defense: 21st (108.0)
    • Net: 27th  (minus -6.3)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 29th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 23rd

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500 to 1

    Committed Salary: $103,259,866.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 15,947

    Attendance rank: 28th

    Arena: FedEX Forum

    Management:

    General Manager: Chris Wallace – 2007

    Head Coach: J. B. Bickerstaff – 2017 took over as interim coach from fired David Fizdale and was made official after season end.

    Salary Profile:

    The Grizzlies have two flexible contracts via a non-guaranteed $1,544,951 owed to Andrew Harrison and a partially guaranteed contract to Wayne Selden ($1,544,951).

    Memphis has an $8.6 mid-level exception and two trade exceptions.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Mike Conley	30	$30,521,115	Cap Space	$113,989,729
    Chandler Parsons	29	$24,107,258	Cap Space	$72,321,773
    Marc Gasol	33	$24,119,025	Bird Rights	$46,761,375
    JaMychal Green	28	$7,866,667	Bird Rights	$16,400,000
    Ben McLemore	25	$5,460,000	MLE	$10,660,000
    Jarell Martin	24	$2,416,222	1st Round pick	$3,887,604
    Wayne Selden	23	$1,544,951		$2,085,087
    Deyonta Davis	21	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$2,857,562
    Andrew Harrison	23	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$1,312,611
    Ivan Rabb	21	$1,378,242	MLE	$2,328,242
    Dillon Brooks	22	$1,378,242	MLE	$2,193,857
    Rade Zagorac	22	$1,378,242		$2,328,242
    Team Totals		$103,259,866		$291,007,809

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/27/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 4th pick, the Grizzlies selected Michigan State forward/center, Jaren Jackson

    Rookie Profile: Prospect Jaren Jackson Jr. – The quintessential modern big

    Round 2:

    With the 32nd pick, the Grizzlies selected West Virginia guard Jevon Carter

    Rookie Profile: Jevon Carter is a potential backup point guard for Thunder to target

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Not that it’s ever wise to bet against the Grizzlies being competitive I still can’t help but feel this squad has witnessed their apex with Conley and Gasol. Sure, they’ll start the season on fire — but then what?

    Memphis are over the cap and arguably haven’t had anything but bad luck since signing the every unplayable Chandler Parsons.

    Push has come to shove and it’s time to rebuild in my humble opinion. I say this still feeling Mike Conley is an extremely talented point guard who changes pace better than any of his counterparts and has demonstrated the ability to deliver under the lights. The question is his durability and whether the Grizzlies can afford another season of Conley and Gasol.

    Memphis is an amazing fanbase which even in a season like 2017-18 still loudly supported their squad. My direction would be rip off the band-aid and if you can get something for Gasol or Conley do it now.

    Outside of that expect the Grizzlies to prioritize re-signing Evans.

    

    Miami Heat:

    Free Agents:

    • Luke Babbitt (UFA)
    • Wayne Ellington (UFA)
    • Udonis Haslem (UFA)
    • Jordan Mickey (RFA  – Heat declined the team option)
    • Dwyane Wade (UFA)
    • Derrick Jones (RFA: 2-way FA)
    • Derrick Walton (RFA: 2-way FA)
    • Team Profile and Ranking:

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 20th (104.5)
    • Defense: 6th (103.9)
    • Net: 17th (plus +0.7)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 15th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 18th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 55 to 1

    Committed Salary: $145,760,423.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 19,631

    Attendance rank: 6th

    Arena: American Airlines Arena

    Management:

    • General Manager: Andy Elisburg – 2013
    • Head Coach: Eric Spoelstra – 2008

    Salary Profile:

    Rumors out of Miami are that the end of an era may be in the works. Like Nick Collison, Udonis Haslem has spent his entirety (15 years) with the same organization. Reports indicate he may be headed overseas. Miami also must either waive Rodney McGruder on June 30 or his salary gets locked in ($1,544,951).

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Hassan Whiteside	29	$25,434,263	Cap Space	$49,209,769
    Goran Dragic	32	$18,109,175	Bird Rights	$35,109,625
    James Johnson	31	$14,651,700	Cap space	$43,955,100
    Dion Waiters	26	$11,550,000	Cap space	$47,300,000
    Kelly Olynyk	27	$11,137,527	Cap space	$33,412,581
    Tyler Johnson	26	$19,245,370	Cap Space	$25,126,630
    Justise Winslow	22	$3,448,926	1st round pick	$6,153,966
    Bam Adebayo	20	$2,955,840	1st Round Pick	$5,446,200
    Josh Richardson	24	$9,300,000	Minimum Salary	$31,671,382
    Rodney McGruder	26	$1,544,951	Minimum Salary	$1,312,611
    Chris Bosh	34	$26,837,720		$52,127,110
    A.J. Hammons	25	$1,544,951		$2,857,562
    Team Totals		$145,760,423		$347,168,302

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/27/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    No draft picks

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    For the first time in a long time, the Heat feels like they are sans stars. Sure, Wade will likely  Miami (as he should. The problem is the Heat have a number of great bench guys playing starters minutes. Josh Richardson has potential, but he’s the guy the Heat need to keep.

    In one of the few times I can recall, the Heat seemed to overpay for mid-level talent and now with the majority of the league not having disposable income are mired in those contracts.

    

    Milwaukee Bucks:

    Free Agents:

    • Shabazz Muhammad (UFA)
    • Jabari Parker (RFA)
    • Jason Terry (UFA)
    • Xavier Munford (RFA: 2-way FA)
    • Marshall Plumlee (RFA: 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 7th (108.2)
    • Defense: 18th (107.3)
    • Net: 14th (plus 0.9)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end:16th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 12th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 100 to 1

    Committed Salary: $105,506,093.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 16,714

    Attendance rank: 24th

    Arena: BMO Bradley Harris Center  (new arena is Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center)

    Management:

    • General Manager: Jon Horst  – 2017
    • Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer  – 2018 (replace interim coach Joe Prunty who took over from Jason Kidd who was fired in season)

    Salary Profile:

    The Bucks have three non-guaranteed contracts. Brandon Jennings ($2,222,803) must be waived by July 1st or he’ll get locked in. Tyler Zeller  ($1,933,941) and Malcolm Brogdon ($1,544,951 are the other two).

    Milwaukee has a bi-annual ($3.4M, non-tax midlevel ($8.6M), and a few trade small trade exceptions.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Giannis Antetokounmpo	23	$24,157,303	1st Round Pick	$100,000,000
    Eric Bledsoe	28	$15,000,000	Bird Rights	$29,500,000
    Khris Middleton	26	$13,000,000	Bird Rights	$27,100,000
    John Henson	27	$10,577,466	1st Round Pick	$31,732,398
    Tony Snell	26	$10,607,143	Cap space	$31,821,429
    Matthew Dellavedova	27	$9,607,500	Cap Space	$28,822,500
    Thon Maker	21	$2,799,720	1st Round pick	$5,483,880
    D.J. Wilson	22	$2,534,280	1st Round Pick	$4,669,320
    Tyler Zeller	28	$1,933,941		$1,709,538
    Malcolm Brogdon	25	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$1,312,611
    Sterling Brown	23	$1,378,242	MLE	$2,193,857
    Mirza Teletovic	32	$10,500,000		$21,000,000
    Larry Sanders	29	$1,865,547		$9,327,735
    Team Totals		$105,506,093		$310,717,460

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/27/2018.

    Draft 2018:   Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 17th pick, the Bucks selected Villanova guard Donte DiVincenzo

    Rookie Profile: Scrappy NBA Draft prospect Donte DiVincenzo refuses to be ignored

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    For years the league has been in a holding pattern awaiting the moment Giannis Antetokounmpo would make a deep run with his Bucks. I wonder if it doesn’t happen in this next season under new coach Budenholzer if the narrative will move off him onto one of the young rising stars.

    The Bucks should conceivably be better than they are on both ends and particularly on defense. But, when push comes to shove they don’t seem to be able to clear the hurdle. They arrive at free agency needing to decide on how much they are willing to give Jabari Parker after two serious knee injuries.

    Furthermore, the Bucks went out and nabbed Eric Bledsoe whose best-known play in the postseason was his back and forth with Terry Rozier. Worse the Bucks enter the moratorium with Bledsoe, Dellavedova, Jennings, Brogdon, and newly acquired DiVincenzo. I’m on the record as being very psyched about Double D so I wonder what move Milwaukee will make given they are desperate for help at the forward position and upfront, but theoretically shouldn’t be overpaying Parker.

    Fortunately, there is a glut of bigs available few teams looking to add them or with money to spend so perhaps they’ll luck out. Still, I won’t be surprised if DiVincenzo is the most exciting thing that happens for the Bucks this season.

    

    Minnesota Timberwolves:

    Free Agents:

    • Nemanja Bjelica (RFA)
    • Aaron Brooks (UFA)
    • Jamal Crawford (UFA – opted out )
    • Marcus Georges-Hunt (RFA)
    • Amile Jefferson (RFA)
    • Derrick Rose (UFA)
    • Anthony Brown (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 4th (110.7)
    • Defense: 25th (108.6)
    • Net:  9th (plus +2.1)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 14th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs:10th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 75 to 1

    Committed Salary: $116,928,995.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 17,056

    Attendance rank: 21st

    Arena: Target Center

    Management:

    • General Manager: Scott Layden – 2016
    • Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau – 2016

    Salary Profile:

    Jamal Crawford opted out and will test the waters of free agency. Cole Aldrich is on a partially guaranteed contract of$6,956,021 that will lock in if not waived by July 1st.

    As for exceptions, the Wolves have an $8.6 non-tax midlevel and $3.4M bi-annual to work with.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Jimmy Butler	28	$20,445,779	Bird Rights	$39,746,849
    Jeff Teague	30	$19,000,000	Cap space	$38,000,000
    Gorgui Dieng	28	$15,170,787	1st Round Pick	$62,800,000
    Taj Gibson	33	$14,000,000	Cap space	$28,000,000
    Andrew Wiggins	23	$25,250,000	1st Round Pick	$154,024,322
    Cole Aldrich	29	$6,956,021	Cap Space	$9,356,021
    Karl-Anthony Towns	22	$7,839,435	1st round pick	$6,216,840
    Justin Patton	21	$2,667,600	1st Round Pick	$4,915,080
    Tyus Jones	22	$2,444,053	1st Round pick	$3,915,435
    Shabazz Muhammad	25	$1,795,015		$1,577,230
    Kevin Martin	35	$1,360,305		$2,720,610
    Team Totals		$116,928,995		$374,629,952

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/27/2018.

    This assumes the buyout of Shabazz Muhammad stretches the charge of $1,795,01 forward. If not, it would mean this amount is off the overall count.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 20th pick, the Wolves (from Thunder via Jazz)  selected Georgia Tech guard/forward Josh Okogie

    Rookie Profile: Guard Josh Okogie skillset parallels Robert Covington

    Round 2:

    With the 48th pick, the Wolves selected Ohio State forward Keita Bates-Diop

    Rookie Profile: Keita Bates-Diop – talented prospect with imperfect fit at the pro level

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    It may seem odd after the Wolves just got back into the playoffs and were lights out offensively to say they could be in trouble. Yet, they are up against it and haven’t shown any ability to defend. Although Wiggins made more sense playing alongside Butler than KAT did he regressed this past season.

    As much as it pains me to say he just doesn’t do enough off the ball. With his skill set, it makes zero sense he can’t average five rebounds and close to that many assists or be of the same equivalent to Jimmy defensively. With his physical ability, he needs to take advantage of and punish his opponents.

    As for KAT it also became abundantly clear he hasn’t come close to tapping into utilizing his body in terms of his paint moves. and is abysmal defensively.

    So what do the Wolves do with this trio of contracts? To improve they need depth and it likely will mean picking one of the two youngsters to build around. Butler will need to see growth or he’ll bolt next summer. Wiggins’ contract may be unmovable and KAT will be due his payday next summer too.

    All this with the Nuggets, Jazz, Lakers and Suns likely taking strides beside the existing favorites and it looks like an uphill battle for a team with three players all making over $18 million when you Teague, $16 when you include Dieng. All this while you structure financing KAT’s extension, need to dramatically improve the bench and find perimeter shooting (Wolves ranked 30th in 3-point attempts and makes).

    Not to suggest both Wiggins and Towns can’t ascend, but something has got to give.

    

    New Orleans:

    Free Agents:

    • Ian Clark (UFA)
    • DeMarcus Cousins (UFA)
    • Jordan Crawford (UFA)
    • Rajon Rondo (UFA)
    • Charles Cooke (RFA: 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 9th (107.5)
    • Defense: 14th (105.9)
    • Net: 12th (plus+1.7)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 11th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 8th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 75 to 1

    Committed Salary: $96,040,574.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 16,437

    Attendance rank: 25th

    Arena: Smoothie King Center

    Management:

    • General Manager: Dell Demps – 2010
    • Head Coach: Alvin Gentry – 2015

    Salary Profile:

    Not surprisingly the Pelicans will retain the services of Nikola Mirotic who provided quality floor spacing and production in the postseason. In addition Cheick Diallo  is on a partially guaranteed contract of $1,544,951 and three non-guaranteed contract held by Emeka Okafor ($2,445,085),  Darius Miller ($2,205,000) and DeAndre Liggins  ($1,795,015).

    In terms of extentions much of what the Pelicans have access to depends on whether they offer DeMarcus Cousins the max contract.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Jrue Holiday	28	$26,131,111	Bird Rights	$104,080,000
    Anthony Davis	25	$25,434,263	1st Round Pick	$76,302,788
    Nikola Mirotic	27	$12,500,000	Cap space	$25,000,000
    Solomon Hill	27	$12,752,928	Cap Space	$38,248,244
    E’Twaun Moore	29	$8,808,685	Cap Space	$25,918,637
    Alexis Ajinca	30	$5,285,394	Early Bird Rights	$10,247,192
    Darius Miller	28	$2,205,000	MLE	$2,100,000
    Cheick Diallo	21	$1,544,951	Minimum Salary	$1,812,611
    Frank Jackson	20	$1,378,242	MLE	$2,699,857
    Team Totals		$96,040,574		$311,950,891

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/27/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 2:

    With the 51st pick, the Pelicans (from Bulls via Pelicans, Heat) selected Penn State guard Tony Carr.

    Rookie Profile: Tony Carr could be the next two-way guard in OKC

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Even prior to DeMarcus Cousins tearing his Achilles tendon there were justifiable arguments whey he shouldn’t get the max. Despite being perhaps the best center in the NBA, he did so almost on natural talent alone. I often wondered how high he could have risen had he invested in being in shape, improving his game, playing better defense, and channeling his leadership qualities. I’d wager a top-three player.

    The irony is both Boogie and Anthony Davis prefer to play the power forward yet both are better at the five. To close out the season fans got to appreciate just how special Anthony Davis is. Like the Wolves the Pelicans are up against it because they need to decide what to do about Boogie and also keep the perspective of what will happen with Davis if the Pelicans slip at all.

    Might he demand a trade? He loves playing with Cousins, so can they afford not to bring him back? And, if Cousins is true to his word then it will have to before the max.

    I still think the reunion of Wall and Cousins might occur and maybe if Demps is on the ball he could work a sign and trade to bring back either Beal or Porter plus other assets to make that happen.

    It’s a tightrope this team is walking because they need to add depth while likely being a luxury tax team. Pay Cousins and have no money to add depth? Or release him and risk upsetting Davis but have money to address other needs? It’s the max million dollar question.

    

    New York Knicks:

    Free Agents:

    • Ron Baker (RFA -player option)
    • Michael Beasley (UFA)
    • Jarrett Jack (UFA)
    • Kyle O’Quinn – Note: opted out
    • Luke Kornet (RFA – 2-way FA)
    • Isaiah Hicks (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 24th (104.0)
    • Defense: 23rd (108.4)
    • Net: 24th (minus -4.4)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 25th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 24th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 150 to 1

    Committed Salary: $99,972,105.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 19,331

    Attendance rank: 9th

    Arena: Madison Square Garden

    Management:

    •  General Manager: Steve Mills – 2017
    • Head Coach: David Fizdale – 2018 (replaces fired Jeff Hornacek)

    Enes Kanter will exercise his $18.6M option to return to the Knicks next season, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/wU0JaPzgU2

    — Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) June 29, 2018

    Salary Profile:

    OKC Thunder friend Enes Kanter opted into returning to New York. Meanwhile, Kyle O’Quinn elected to opt-out of his contract and test free agency. Ron Baker. also opted in. The Knicks have one partially guaranteed contract $1,544,951 partially guaranteed salary with Troy Williams ($1,544,951 )and a non-guarantee with Trey Burke  ($1,795,015).

    All the key tax exemptions exist with no need to utilize them.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Enes Kanter	26	$18,622,514	Bird Rights	$20,566,802
    Joakim Noah	33	$18,530,000	Cap Space	$55,590,000
    Tim Hardaway	26	$17,325,000	Cap space	$51,975,000
    Courtney Lee	32	$12,253,780	Cap Space	$36,761,340
    Lance Thomas	30	$7,119,650	Cap Space	$13,774,975
    Kristaps Porzingis	22	$5,697,054	1st round pick	$10,200,654
    Ron Baker	25	$4,544,400	Room Exception	$8,872,400
    Frank Ntilikina	19	$4,155,720	1st Round Pick	$7,656,840
    Emmanuel Mudiay	22	$4,294,480	1st round pick	$7,675,960
    Damyean Dotson	24	$1,378,242	Minimum Salary	$2,478,242
    Trey Burke	25	$1,795,015	Minimum Salary	$784,160
    Team Totals		$95,715,855		$231,996,625

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 9th pick, the Knicks selected  Kentucky forward Kevin Knox

    Rookie Profile: School of hard Knox -Kevin Knox is ready to prove he is pro-ready

    Round 2:

    With the 36th pick, the Knicks (from Bulls via Thunder) selected center Mitchell Robinson.

    Rookie Profile: After a year off Mitchell Robinson leaves us guessing

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Enes toyed with the Knicks fans but opted into his final year. Not much to say here other than the future is looking up for the Mecca as they’ll have ample money to throw around in one year (although the Joakim Noah contract remains an albatross).

    Better to take a season to see what you have in your youngsters and then when Porzingis returns prepare to make a mark and bring the Mecca back to prominence. Maybe it’s because I’m on the East Coast, but I think more NBA fans are desirous of New York being viable again than they are the Lakers.

    Also looking forward to Kevin Knox making some of the Knicks loyalists regret booing him on draft night.

    

    OKC Thunder:

    Free Agents:

    • Corey Brewer ( UFA)
    • Raymond Felton  (UFA)
    • Paul George (UFA – opts out)
    • Jerami Grant (UFA)
    • Josh Huestis (UFA) Fourth-year restriction
    • Daniel Hamilton (RFA – 2-way FA)
    • PJ Dozier  (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 11th (107.2)
    • Defense: 10th (104.7)
    • Net: 8th (plus +2.6)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 10th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs:14th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 80 to 1

    Committed Salary: $137,538,745.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 18,203

    Attendance rank: 13th

    Arena: Chesapeake Energy Arena

    Management:

    • General Manager: Sam Presti – 2007
    • Head Coach: Billy Donovan – 2015

    The Spurs are fully engaged in trade talks with several teams on Kawhi Leonard, including the Lakers and Celtics, league sources tell ESPN. Boston has long had the assets that the Spurs most covet in a potential Leonard trade.

    — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018

    OKC Thunder players status to be determined :

    For example, the Carmelo Anthony contract was locked in Saturday when he elected to opt-in.  OKC has four more outstanding issues to clarify prior to the July 1st moratorium. Each of these will be decided by June 29th.

    It’s also the deadline for the Thunder to tender a qualifying offer to Jerami Grant.  In addition, OKC has until then to decide if they want to retain their two-way contracts of Daniel Hamilton and PJ Dozier. If they do the franchise will need to extend offers on or prior to this date

    The salary cap hit:

    Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Alex Abrines, Patrick Patterson, Kyle Singler, Terrance Ferguson, and Dakari Johnson are the players already locked into 2018-19. Those nine players account for $116,835,361.00 in salary.

    OKC is sitting within $6,164,639.00 of the threshold prior to adding Paul George (fingers crossed) along with four other players minimum. This pretty much paints a clear picture of a season of luxury tax for the OKC Thunder. And, heaven forbid if George elects to go elsewhere it puts major pressure on Sam Presti to make it work.

     Salary Profile:

    Carmelo Anthony opted into his contract as everyone in the free world expected. As was also expected Paul George opted out of his contract.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Russell Westbrook	29	$35,350,000	Bird Rights	$186,912,608
    Carmelo Anthony	34	$27,928,140	Bird Rights	$26,243,760
    Steven Adams	24	$24,157,303	1st Round Pick	$100,000,000
    Andre Roberson	26	$10,000,000	Bird Rights	$30,000,000
    Alex Abrines	24	$5,455,236	Cap Space	$11,180,236
    Patrick Patterson	29	$5,451,600	MLE	$10,643,600
    Kyle Singler	30	$4,996,000	Bird Rights	$9,662,500
    Terrance Ferguson	20	$2,118,840	1st Round Pick	$3,903,840
    Dakari Johnson	22	$1,378,242		$2,193,857
    Team Totals		$137,538,745		$410,444,805

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/27/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 2:

    With the 53rd pick, the Thunder selected Virginia guard Devon Hall

    Rookie Profile: Senior sniper Devon Hall could fill OKC perimeter needs

    With the 57th pick, the Thunder (from Celtic) selected Texas Arlington forward, Kevin Hervey

    Rookie Profile: Kevin Hervey arrives with an injury-prone reputation

    Traded with Nets to get Kentucky guard Hamidou Diallo

    Rookie Profile: Hamidou Diallo rolled the dice and lost

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    We’ve waxed poetic about this all year. Bringing back Paul George is essential for this squad to contend and for the franchise to prove they can land the big stars and keep them. Failing to do so will only serve to re-ignite the commentary about Westbrook not being a team player, OKC not being a desirable market, etc.

    The unfathomable point in this discussion is how lucky the franchise has been in such a young existence. They’ve never had to endure multiple losing seasons. Nor have they ever not had at least one superstar on the team. Seldom not been featured on Christmas or in multiple Nationally televised games each season. The decade this franchise has been in existence is the same amount of time some of their counterparts have been lying in perennial lottery obscurity.

    Since we’ve touched on this repeatedly, I’ll simply say bringing back Paul George seems to be trending up. Suffice to say failure to do so will result in opening cans of worms that won’t sit well in Thunder Nation.  Let’s hope that’s a post I don’t have to deliver.

    One sad fact is Jerami Grant is likely lost, though there will be other young talents to consider. Billy Donovan is hopefully madly at work coming up with actual systems to employ which include methods to help his bench succeed.   Even if George returns the players who provided the best minutes in a reserve role may all be lost so there is plenty of work for Sam Presti to complete.

    

    Orlando Magic:

    Free Agents:

    • Arron Afflalo (UFA)
    • Aaron Gordon (RFA)
    • Mario Hezonja (UFA)
    • Shelvin Mack (UFA) – waived
    • Marreese Speights (UFA)
    • Jamel Artis (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense:  25th (103.1)
    • Defense: 20th (108.0)
    • Net: 25th (minus -5.0)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 28th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 28th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500 to 1

    Committed Salary: $84,558,897.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 17,893

    Attendance rank: 17th

    Arena: Amway Center

    Management:

    General Manager: John Hammond – 2017

    Head Coach: Steve Clifford – 2018 (replaces fired Frank Vogel)

    Salary Profile:

    The Magic waived Shelvin Mack making him an unrestricted free agent. Although the Magic continue their rebuild the move to cut Mack may be to open up salary in an effort to pursue a star talent in free agency. The Magic have two non-guaranteed contracts in Khem Birch and Rodney Purvis, both for $1,378,242.

    Orlando has the bi-annual ($3.4 M) and the non-tax midlevel ($8.6 M) exceptions at their disposal.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Evan Fournier	25	$17,000,000	Cap Space	$51,000,000
    Bismack Biyombo	25	$17,000,000	Cap Space	$34,000,000
    Nikola Vucevic	27	$12,750,000	Bird Rights	$25,000,000
    Terrence Ross	27	$10,500,000	Rookie scale extension	$21,000,000
    D.J. Augustin	30	$7,250,000	Cap Space	$21,750,000
    Jonathon Simmons	28	$6,000,000	Cap space	$13,300,000
    Jonathan Isaac	20	$4,969,080	1st Round Pick	$9,155,400
    Wesley Iwundu	23	$1,378,242		$2,428,242
    Khem Birch	25	$1,378,242	Minimum Salary	$815,615
    C.J. Watson	34	$333,333		$1,000,000
    Team Totals		$78,558,897		$199,577,604

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 6th pick, the Magic selected Texas center Mo Bamba

    Rookie Profile: Mohamed Bamba: The ultimate boom or bust prospect

    Round 2:

    With the 35th pick, the Magic selected Tuane guard/forward Melvin Frazier

    Rookie Profile: Athletic Melvin Frazier is the ultimate risk versus reward prospect

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Re-signing Aaron Gordon is imperative for the Magic. Almost equally so is new head coach Steve Clifford finally employing him as a full-time power forward which is where his skill set is best utilized.

    The other priority is finding a point guard who can captain this squad and be competitive nightly. I don’t blame the Magic brain trust for selecting Bamba given his potential upside.

    It seems idiotic to state the Magic are in a rebuilding season for the umpteenth time, but that is precisely where they are. One good note is Clifford recognized immediate success in Charlotte, so hopefully, he’ll have the same experience in Orlando. And, hey if the Hornets don’t want to invest in Kemba long term may be sending a few pieces and/or draft picks in exchange for reuniting him with Clifford might not be a bad idea.

    

    Philadelphia 76ers:

    Free Agents:

    • Marco Belinelli (UFA)
    • Ersan Ilyasova  (UFA)
    • Amir Johnson (UFA)
    • JJ Redick  (UFA) Noah
    • James Young  (UFA)
    • Demetrius Jackson (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 12th (107,.2)
    • Defense: 3rd (102.2)
    • Net: 4th (plus +5.0 )

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 5th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 3rd

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 6 to 1

    Committed Salary: $70,593,287.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 20,329

    Attendance rank: 3rd

    Arena: Wells Fargo Center

    Management:

    • General Manager: No General Manager in place after Bryan Colangelo Twittergate
    • Head Coach: Brett Brown – 2013

    Salary Profile:

    Philly has two non-guaranteed contracts: Richaun Holmes ($1,600,520) and T.J. McConnell ($1,600,520) although the 76ers did pick up their options. Philly has the bi-annual ($3.4M) and the non-tax midlevel ($8.6) exceptions at their disposal.

    Sixers pick up the options on Richaun Holmes and TJ McConnell for 18-19. Both are non guaranteed until January 10th though so they could still be cut for space in case a certain free agent wants to come join the process.

    — 76ers Sports Spot (@76ersSportsSpot) June 13, 2018

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Robert Covington	27	$10,464,092	Cap Space	$63,577,230
    Jerryd Bayless	29	$8,575,916	Cap Space	$17,575,916
    Markelle Fultz	20	$8,339,880	1st Round Pick	$15,366,120
    Ben Simmons	21	$6,434,520	1st Round pick	$12,603,360
    Joel Embiid	24	$25,250,000	1st Round Pick	$6,100,266
    Dario Saric	24	$2,526,840	1st Round pick	$4,949,400
    Justin Anderson	24	$2,516,048	1st Round pick	$4,095,488
    T.J. McConnell	26	$1,600,520	Minimum Salary	$3,071,902
    Richaun Holmes	24	$1,600,520	Cap Space	$3,071,902
    Furkan Korkmaz	20	$1,740,000	1st Round Pick	$3,205,920
    Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot	23	$1,544,951	1st Round pick	$2,931,551
    Team Totals		$70,593,287		$181,274,055

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 16th pick, the 76ers (from Heat via Suns) selected Texas Tech guard Zhaire Smith

    Rookie Profile: Zhaire Smith projects to be an offensive Andre Roberson

    With the 26th pick, the 76ers selected Wichita State guard Landry Shamet

    Rookie Profile: Landry Shamet offers Harden-esque capabilities for OKC

    Round 2:

    With the 54th pick, the 76ers (from Bvia Mavs, Nuggets) selected SMU guard Shake Milton

    Rookie Profile: Shake Milton hopes to play close to home in Oklahoma

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    With LeBron James opting out the assumption is that the Lakers took a stronghold on landing him. The 76ers are in the mix however given the cap space they have available, not to mention two emerging superstars. At issue is whether his game works well with   Simmons though as they are extremely similar players in style.

    Pointing out the obvious, much of the 76ers success came via the marriage between the youngsters and veterans. Yet almost every single vet is on the NBA Free Agency block.  If Philly can’t land LeBron, don’t get Paul George and are antsy to risk giving up youngsters on a one-year tryout for Kawhi then how will this summer be graded?

    Moreover, can they be as successful if J.J. Redick, Ersan Ilyasova, and Marco Belinelli don’t return?  Even Amir Johnson who doesn’t put up big numbers was a huge factor off the court for the young squad.

    They’ll also be a hunted team now and not taking anyone by surprise this season. With so many moving parts and copious youngsters, the question is precisely what stage of the process is the 76ers at?

    Regardless of whether they land another big name to pair beside Embiid and Simmons, I think the larger more imminent question will be whether they can bring back the vets who helped push them over the top. And, if they can’t, is it as simple as finding new veterans to play those roles?

    

    Phoenix Suns:

    Free Agents:

    • Alex Len (UFA)
    • Elfrid Payton (RFA)
    • Danuel House (RFA – 2-way FA)
    • Alec Peters (RFA – 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 30th (100.5)
    • Defense: 30th (110.7)
    • Net: 30th (negative -10.2)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 30th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 26th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 250 to 1

    Committed Salary: $78,421,308.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 16,866

    Attendance rank: 23rd

    Arena: Talking Stick Resort Arena

    Management:

    • General Manager: Ryan McDonough  – 2013
    • Head Coach: Igor Kokoškov – 2018 (replaces interim coach Jay Triano who subbed in for fired coach Earl Watson)

    Salary Profile:

    The Suns hit the moratorium with one partially guaranteed contract (Davon Reed – $1,378,242) and three players with non-guaranteed salaries: Alan Williams ($5,520,000), Tyler Ulis ($1,544,951) and Shaquille Harrison ($1,378,242). These contracts will give the Suns flexibility should they elect to pursue free agents and not extend an offer or release them outright.

    UPDATE: Suns waived Tyler Ulis  – June 30th

    Phoenix has the bi-annual ($3.4 M) and the non-tax midlevel ($8.6) exceptions at their disposal.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Brandon Knight	26	$14,631,250		$43,893,750
    Tyson Chandler	35	$13,585,000	Cap Space	$26,585,000
    Jared Dudley	32	$9,530,000	Cap Space	$19,530,000
    Alan Williams	25	$5,520,000	Cap space	$6,000,000
    Josh Jackson	21	$6,041,520	1st Round Pick	$11,131,560
    Dragan Bender	20	$4,661,280	1st Round pick	$9,130,080
    Troy Daniels	26	$3,258,540	Cap Space	$6,667,060
    T.J. Warren	24	$11,750,000	1st Round Pick	$50,152,931
    Marquese Chriss	20	$3,206,160	1st Rd pick	$6,279,960
    Devin Booker	21	$3,314,365	1st round pick	$5,633,725
    Tyler Ulis	22	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$1,312,611
    Davon Reed	23	$1,378,242	Minimum Salary	$1,504,736
    Team Totals		$78,421,308		$215,024,548

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the1st pick, the Suns selected Arizona center Deandre Ayton

    Rookie Profile: Deandre Ayton has the skill-set to be the next generational big man

    With the 10th pick, the Suns (from Lakers via 76ers) selected Villanova guard/forward Mikal Bridges

    Rookie Profile: Mikal Bridges prospect profile: A bridge to success

    Round 2:

    With the 31st pick, the Suns selected French guard Elie Okobo

    Rookie Profile: Frenchman Elie Okobo could be the hidden gem in this class

    With the 59th pick, the Suns (from Raptors) selected Colorado forward, George King

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Uncertainty looms over the Suns who made a risky move in the draft to give away a future first-round pick which could coincide with the first season high school players could re-enter the draft.

    That leaves questions on whether they’ll go full bore into free agency looking to add some wily vets and nab a star talent to pair with all their promising youngsters.

    As Phoenix continues to load up on salary cap space, Suns are waiving point guard Tyler Ulis, league sources tell ESPN. Ulis, 22, will join the free agent market upon clearing waivers.

    — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2018

    As per the above Woj tweet, it tends to suggest the Suns plan to gun for a quality free agent. On the positive side, there is depth at every position except the point. And now with them cutting Ulis, the signs would seem to suggest a point guard will be their desired free agent target. Could they be gunning for someone in particular? Kemba Walker? Kyle Lowry?

    On the negative side, all of the talent is extremely young. Can they play with an immediacy without a few vets there to help lead the way? And, can Phoenix wait for Okobo to ascend into the starting point position? With the updated news on Ulis, that answer would appear to be no on all counts and I would expect to see a point guard be the Suns’ main focus.

    

    Portland Trail Blazers:

    Free Agents:

    • Pat Connaughton (RFA)
    • Ed Davis (UFA)
    • Shabazz Napier (RFA)
    • Jusuf Nurkic (RFA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    Offense: 15th (106.5)

    Defense: 9th (104.5)

    Net: 106.5 (15) DefRtg: 104.5 (9) NetRtg:+2.0 (10)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 6th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 15th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 100 to 1

    Committed Salary: $112,000,975.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 19,398

    Attendance rank: 8th

    Arena: Moda Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Neil Olshey – 2010

    Head Coach: Terry Stotts – 2012

    Salary Profile:

    The Blazers will need to extend an offer to Wade Baldwin prior to the moratorium launch to retain him as a restricted free agent. Two other contracts are currently non-guaranteed: Jake Layman  ($1,544,951) and Georgios Paagiannis ($1,544951) which Portland has a bit longer (July 19th) to make a decision on.

    In addition to the bi-annual ($3.4 M) and the non-tax midlevel ($8.6) exceptions, the Blazers have a healthy $12.9 M and $3.4 M trade exception they can utilize.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Damian Lillard	27	$27,977,689	1st Round Pick	$115,560,020
    CJ McCollum	26	$25,759,766	1st Round Pick	$106,633,450
    Evan Turner	29	$17,868,852	Cap Space	$53,606,557
    Maurice Harkless	25	$10,837,079	Cap Space	$32,511,235
    Meyers Leonard	26	$10,595,506	Cap Space	$31,786,516
    Al-Farouq Aminu	27	$6,957,105	Cap Space	$14,276,140
    Zach Collins	20	$3,628,920	1st Round Pick	$6,686,160
    Caleb Swanigan	21	$1,740,000	1st Round Pick	$3,205,920
    Jake Layman	24	$1,544,951	Cap Space	$1,312,611
    Andrew Nicholson	28	$2,844,429		$19,911,003
    Anderson Varejao	35	$1,913,345		$7,653,380
    Festus Ezeli	28	$333,333		$1,000,000
    Team Totals		$112,000,975		$407,325,570

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 24th pick, the Blazers selected IMG Academy guard Anfernee Simons

    Rookie Profile: Anfernee Simons – the wild card

    Round 2:

    With the 37th pick, the Blazers (from Kings) selected Duke guard Gary Trent Jr.

    Rookie Profile: Gary Trent Jr. could be perimeter sniper OKC Thunder need

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Clearly the Blazers are stuck in a bad situation with an extremely high salary but mired with players who can’t push them over the top. Because of this CJ McCollum’s name has been rumored as being shopped in order for the Blazers to reconfigure and add players around their star Damian Lillard.

    One free agent sure to get some attention is Ed Davis who often provided better frontcourt activity on the boards and rim protection than his counterpart (Nurkic) in the starting unit. As for their own needs, the Blazers need to address their main big man questions and add serviceable depth off the bench.

    

    Sacramento Kings:  

    Free Agents:

    • Bruno Caboclo (RFA)
    • Vince Carter (UFA)
    • Garrett Temple  (UFA – Player Option) 

    Team Details and Rankings

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 29th (101.2)
    • Defense: 28th (109.2)
    • Net: 29th (minus -8.0)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 24th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 29th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 500 to 1

    Committed Salary: $75,370,952.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 17,555

    Attendance rank: 18th

    Arena: Golden 1 Center

    Management:

    General Manager: Vlade Divac – 2015

    Head Coach: David Joerger – 2016

    Salary Profile:

    Iman Shumpert, Kosta Koufos, and Garrett Temple each opted into their final contract year. Nigel Hayes  ($1,378,242 ) contract is non-guaranteed.

    The Kings are one of the squads who’ll have disposable income, however, they aren’t expected to be a player in free agency as they focus on a rebuild.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Zach Randolph	36	$11,692,308	Cap space	$24,000,000
    Iman Shumpert	28	$11,011,234	Bird Rights	$21,348,313
    Bogdan Bogdanovic	25	$9,000,000	Cap space	$27,000,000
    Kosta Koufos	29	$8,739,500	Cap Space	$17,132,500
    Garrett Temple	32	$8,000,000	Cap Space	$8,000,000
    De’Aaron Fox	20	$5,407,920	1st Round Pick	$10,017,120
    Willie Cauley-Stein	24	$4,696,875	1st round pick	$8,401,035
    Buddy Hield	24	$3,833,760	1st Round pick	$7,509,240
    Justin Jackson	23	$2,807,880	1st Round Pick	$5,173,440
    Harry Giles	20	$2,207,040	1st Round Pick	$4,066,440
    Skal Labissiere	22	$1,544,951	1st Round pick	$2,857,562
    Frank Mason	24	$1,378,242		$2,562,627
    Georgios Papagiannis	20	$2,400,480		$4,701,840
    Matt Barnes	38	$2,133,542		$6,400,625
    Caron Butler	38	$517,220		$1,034,440
    Team Totals		$75,370,952		$173,761,407

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 2nd pick, the Kings selected Duke forward Marvin Bagley

    Rookie Profile: Marvin Bagley III has the talent and potential to be a top pick

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Although Marvin Bagley is slated to be an impressive rookie, why does it feel like this is yet another year for the Kings to produce a wash, rinse, repeat year?

    

    San Antonio Spurs:  

    Free Agents:

    • Kyle Anderson (RFA)
    • Davis Bertans (RFA)
    • Bryn Forbes (RFA)
    • Rudy Gay Note: opting out (UFA)
    • Joffrey Lauvergne (UFA – opts out)
    • Tony Parker (UFA)
    • Matt Costello (RFA – 2-way player)
    • Darrun Hilliard  (RFA – 2-way player – issued qualifying offer)

    Report: Spurs' Green exercises $10M 2018-19 player option https://t.co/ZxVZHQP5M2 pic.twitter.com/k0eKz3K46X

    — theScore NBA (@theScoreNBA) June 25, 2018

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 17th (105.7)
    • Defense: 4th (102.3)
    • Net: 7th (plus +3.4)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 12th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 6th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 18 to 1

    Committed Salary: $90,645,328.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 18,403

    Attendance rank: 12th

    Arena: AT&T Center

    Management:

    • General Manager: R.C Buford – 2002
    • Head Coach: Gregg Popovich – 1996

    Salary Profile:

    The Spurs issued qualifying offers to four players: Kyle Anderson, Bryn Forbes, Darrun Hillard, and Davis Bertans. This keeps them all restricted free agents and allows the Spurs to match any offers fro other squads.  Joffrey Lauvergne hasn’t officially opted out, but rumors are that is his intention. Of the remaining roster players, Brandon Paul is on a non-guaranteed contract ($1,378,242).

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    LaMarcus Aldridge	32	$22,347,015	Cap Space	$76,808,025
    Kawhi Leonard	27	$20,099,189	Bird Rights	$38,967,814
    Pau Gasol	37	$16,000,000		$38,700,000
    Patty Mills	29	$11,571,429	Bird Rights	$48,000,000
    Danny Green	31	$10,000,000	Bird Rights	$20,000,000
    Manu Ginobili	40	$2,500,000		$5,000,000
    Joffrey Lauvergne	26	$1,656,092		$1,524,305
    Derrick White	23	$1,667,160	1st Round Pick	$3,071,760
    Dejounte Murray	21	$1,544,951	1st Round pick	$2,857,562
    Brandon Paul	27	$1,378,242	Minimum Salary	$815,615
    Tim Duncan	42	$1,881,250		$3,762,500
    Team Totals		$90,645,328		$269,278,833

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 18th pick, the Spurs selected Miami guard Lonnie Walker

    Rookie Profile:  Lonnie Walker IV: Energetic prospect draws Corey Brewer comparison

    Round 2:

    With the 49th pick, the Spurs selected USC forward/center Chimezie Metu

    Rookie Profile:  Chimezie Metu -raw skillset could project into 2-way capabilities

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Proving our point that players aren’t as invested in testing a muddled free agency with few teams having cap space Danny Green opted into his contract. Rudy Gay hasn’t made it official but is expected to opt-out of his contract. In Gay’s situation, he is likely to garner a better contract on the open market given his last negotiations had to include teams viewing how he recuperated from his Achilles injury. Lauvergne also has a player option to which is still to be decided.

    https://twitter.com/JoshEberley/status/1008771315258421248

    Notably, some critics are either surmising or joking that Rudy Gay and Jamal Crawford of the Wolves are headed for Golden State to help make the Super Team even more Super. If this is the reality than the NBA is in for it over the next several years since they will be like one big Super Team and everyone else. Read: TERRIBLE for the sport.

    The obvious elephant in the room is what the Spurs do about Kawhi Leonard. Did LeBron opt-out to make their life more difficult to move Leonard and get anything close to the comparable value in return? Or can Pops summon the same B-Ball whisperer technique he utilized on Aldridge this past offseason?  The other interesting note is the last big-time trade the Spurs made ironically occurred when they sent Georgie Hill to Indy and brought Kawhi to San Antonio.

    If death and taxes are two certainties in life the other for as long as I can remember has been the Spurs competing for a top Western seed.  I’ve been burned way too often for suggesting the run was over, so I’ll give Pops the benefit of the doubt that he’ll either garner a fair trade or somehow turn the Kawhi tide.

    

    Toronto Raptors:

    Free Agents:

    • Lorenzo Brown (UFA)
    • Lucas Nogueira (RFA)
    • Fred VanVleet (RFA)
    • Malcolm Miller (RFA: 2-way FA)

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 3rd (111.0)
    • Defense: 5th (103.2)
    • Net: 5th (plus +7.8)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 2nd

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 7th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 66 to 1

    Committed Salary: $127,576,032.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 19,839

    Attendance rank: 4th

    Arena: Air Canada Centre

    Management:

    President, Alternate NBA Governor: Masai Ujiri

    • General Manager: Bobby Webster  – 2017
    • Head Coach: Nick Nurse 2018 (just hired after Dwane Casey post playoff firing, was the lead offensive assistant coach on Casey’s staff)

    Salary Profile:

    Notably, the Raptors extended qualifying offers to Fred VanVleet, Malcolm Miller, and Nando De Colo. The one non-guaranteed contract on the roster is Alfonzo McKinnie, his contract won’t become fully guaranteed until July 20th giving the Raptors options and flexibility.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Kyle Lowry	32	$31,000,000	Bird Rights	$93,000,000
    DeMar DeRozan	28	$27,739,975	Cap Space	$83,219,925
    Serge Ibaka	28	$21,666,667	Cap space	$65,000,000
    Jonas Valanciunas	26	$16,539,326	1st Round Pick	$32,000,001
    C.J. Miles	31	$8,333,333	MLE	$16,269,842
    Jakob Poeltl	22	$2,947,320	1st Round pick	$5,772,960
    Delon Wright	26	$2,536,898	1st Round pick	$4,182,098
    OG Anunoby	20	$1,952,760	1st Round Pick	$3,597,960
    Malachi Richardson	22	$1,569,360	1st Round pick	$3,073,920
    Norman Powell	25	$9,367,200	Cap Space	$31,821,110
    Pascal Siakam	24	$1,544,951	1st Round pick	$2,857,562
    Alfonzo McKinnie	25	$1,378,242	Minimum Salary	$815,615
    Justin Hamilton	28	$1,000,000		$3,000,000
    Team Totals		$127,576,032		$347,758,298

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/29/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    No draft picks this year.

    Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Brown was upgraded to a full roster player leaving just Miller on the 2-way contract. The Raptors are another squad locked into big salaries and enter NBA Free Agency needing to nail down Fred VanVleet. Barring some silly contract options, they’ll be able to match any offer and are likely to do so given how important VanVleet is to their reserve unit and clutch time.

    With Nick Nurse now in charge the expectations are for Jonas Valanciunas to take on a bigger role. That means there may be the potential for trades in order to offer the Raptors some flexibility. Watch for Serge Ibaka and Norm Powell to be shopped as ways to get there.

    

    Utah Jazz:

    Free Agents:

    • Dante Exum (RFA)
    • Derrick Favors (UFA)
    • Raul Neto (RFA )

    After being in Salt Lake City for seven-plus #NBA seasons, @dfavors14 can leave to a more diverse and bigger city as a first time free agent. But if the Atlanta native does leave the Jazz, it won’t be because of his beloved beautiful Utah. https://t.co/xUZPIWXRXe #nbafreeagency

    — Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) June 27, 2018

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end season:

    • Offense: 16th (106.2)
    • Defense: 2nd (101.9)
    • Net: 5th (plus +4.4)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 4th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs: 5th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 100 to 1

    Committed Salary: $89,333,610.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 17,922

    Attendance rank: 15th

    Arena: Vivint Smart Home Arena

    Management:

    • General Manager: Dennis Lindsey –  2012
    • Head Coach: Quin Snyder – 2014

    Salary Profile:

    Notably, the Jazz has several players with non guaranteed contracts which depending on Utah’s decision could provide salary flexibility.

    Thabo Sefolosha ($5,250,000 )

    Jonas Jerebko ($4,200,000 )

    Ekpe Udoh ($3,360,000 )

    Royce O’Neale ($1,378,242 ) *Note: ESPN doesn’t list O’Neale as  non-guaranteed, but both Sportrac and HoopsRumors do)

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Rudy Gobert	26	$23,491,573	1st Round Pick	$97,000,000
    Ricky Rubio	27	$14,975,000	1st Round Pick	$29,250,000
    Joe Ingles	30	$13,045,455	Bird Rights	$50,000,002
    Alec Burks	26	$11,536,515	1st Round Pick	$22,382,021
    Jae Crowder	27	$7,305,825	Bird Rights	$21,917,475
    Thabo Sefolosha	34	$5,250,000	Cap space	$5,250,000
    Jonas Jerebko	31	$4,200,000	Cap space	$4,000,000
    Ekpe Udoh	31	$3,360,000	Room Exception	$3,200,000
    Donovan Mitchell	21	$3,111,480	1st Round Pick	$5,732,760
    Tony Bradley	20	$1,679,520	1st Round Pick	$3,094,440
    Royce O’Neale	25	$1,378,242	Cap space	$815,615
    Team Totals		$89,333,610		$264,685,646

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/28/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 21st pick, the Jazz selected Duke guard Grayson Allen

    Rookie Profile: Grayson Allen – Prototypical Duke shooting talent

    Round 2: No picks

    Free Agency  – Offseason Mandate:

    Based on Quin Snyder, rookie Donovan Mitchell and Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert representing a trio of talent at the NBA Awards show perhaps this squad should be deemed a bigger threat than they’ve been heading into free agency.

    Although Favors is a player who provided big minutes and production for the Jazz they’ll have some money to throw at NBA free agents this summer.

    

    Washington Wizards:

    Free Agents:

    • Tim Frazier (UFA)
    • Ty Lawson (UFA)
    • Chris McCullough (UFA)
    • Mike Scott (UFA)
    • Ramon Sessions (UFA)

    Jodie Meeks and  Jason Smith both opted into their final contract year. As for Rivers, he opted in on June 23rd prior to the trade which brought him to Washington.

    The Clippers are trading Austin Rivers to the Wizards for Marcin Gortat, per @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/iPfHFJ1x3F

    — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 26, 2018

    Team Profile and Ranking:

    Key Ranking Stats to end the season:

    • Offense: 13th (107.1)
    • Defense: 15th (106.4 )
    • Net:16th  (plus +0.7)

    NBA Power Ranking at 2017-18 season end: 17th

    ESPN Power Ranking post playoffs:16th

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26: 100 to 1

    Committed Salary: $123,882,447.00 as of June 29th

    Average attendance: 17,973

    Attendance rank: 14th

    Arena: Capital One Arena

    Management:

    • General Manager: Ernie Grunfeld – 2003
    • Head Coach: Scott Brooks – 2016

    No sentient person is surprised the Wizards are moving Gortat. He and Wall were oil and water. Washington needs a center, though. Would not be shocked if Wizards consider UFA Nerlens Noel (Dallas).

    — David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 27, 2018

    Salary Profile:

    As per below the Wizards enter the moratorium locked into $123,882,447 million. Notably, the Martell Webster charge is the final year of the stretch provision the team took on when they waived him. Austin Rivers salary of $12,650,000 replaces Marcin Gortat salary of $13,565,218

    The meager shift in the difference between the two contracts contract doesn’t move the needle much. The Wizards committed salary ranks fifth overall entering the moratorium.

    Payroll Table

    		Sala
    Player	Age	2018-19	Signed Using	Guaranteed
    Otto Porter	25	$26,011,913	Bird Rights	$78,035,739
    Bradley Beal	25	$25,434,263	Cap Space	$105,054,563
    John Wall	27	$19,169,800	Bird Rights	$159,705,650
    Ian Mahinmi	31	$15,944,154	Cap Space	$48,055,846
    Austin Rivers	25	$12,650,000	Cap Space	$24,475,000
    Markieff Morris	28	$8,600,000	Bird Rights	$16,600,000
    Jason Smith	32	$5,450,000	Cap Space	$10,675,000
    Jodie Meeks	30	$3,454,500	Bi-annual Exception	$6,744,500
    Tomas Satoransky	26	$3,129,187	Cap Space	$6,129,187
    Kelly Oubre	22	$3,208,630	1st round pick	$5,301,670
    Martell Webster	31	$830,000		$1,660,000
    Team Totals		$123,882,447		$467,908,977

    Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 6/28/2018.

    Draft 2018:

    Round 1:

    With the 15th pick, the Wizards selected Oregon guard Troy Brown

    Rookie Preview: Troy Brown offers youth and versatility with major upside

    Round 2:

    With the 44th pick, the Wizards selected guard Issuf Sanon of Ukraine

      Free Agency – Offseason Mandate:

    Jason Smith and Jodie Meeks have two players still to make decisions on their options. Washington is once again hamstrung by their salary situation and will likely need to make a trade if they want to add depth to their roster. Could fans witness the potential for Bradley Beal to be moved in order to re-unite Wall and Cousins?

    More from Thunderous Intentions

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    The other two core players who could find themselves part of trade rumors to help reconstruct the Wizards depth are their wingmen Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre. Markieff Morris is another player who the Wizards would get bites on. The Morris twins demonstrated grit in the postseason which many teams will covet.

    Outside of these three, there isn’t much flexibility the Wizards can offer. Not unless you project Tomas Satoransky to be a starting point guard. He certainly did an excellent job in the absence of John Wall, but his contract is still in his rookie negotiations, leaving not much latitude to bargain with.

    On the opposite end of the spectrum is the underperforming Ian Mahinmi and another two seasons of close to $16 and $15.5 million remaining.

    Bookmark this:

    That wraps up all 30 teams’ positions as they prepare for the moratorium and NBA Free Agency. Again, please make a point of bookmarking this primer and utilize it frequently to help you through this process.

    Reference Notes:

    All salary tables pulled from basketball reference

    Information for the team and player option updates, qualifying offers, financial exceptions, and all things salary  via basketball reference,  Sportrac, and HoopsRumors

    Audience statistics per ESPN

    Power Ranking to end 2017-18 season as per NBA

    Power Ranking entering offseason/free agency as per ESPN

    Vegas odds to win 2018-19 title as of June 26  (as per OddsShark