NBA draft: One big question facing every lottery team's offseason - ESPN

A year ago, the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks were preparing for the playoffs.

This season, after roster turnover and injuries to All-Stars Tyrese Haliburton and Giannis Antetokounmpo derailed their chances, Indiana and Milwaukee will join the group of teams that begins the 2026 offseason on April 12.

The next step for the Pacers, Bucks and eight other lottery-bound teams is the arduous process of draft preparation, free agency discussions and trade market evaluation. (Or, in the case of Milwaukee, a franchise-altering decision on Antetokounmpo's future.)

To get an early start to the offseason, let's examine the big question facing each bottom-10 team and how it could be addressed this summer. (Note: No. 1 pick odds and 2026 draft picks are based on league standings heading into Monday's games.)

Jump to a team:
BKN | CHI | DAL
IND | MEM | MIL | NO
SAC | UTAH | WAS

No. 1 pick odds: 14%
2026 draft picks: Nos. 3, 33, 43 (via LAC)

The big question: Should the Nets extend or trade Michael Porter Jr.?

Porter's first season in Brooklyn — Denver sent the forward and a 2032 unprotected first-round pick to the Nets for Cameron Johnson this past July — has featured a career-high 24.2 points per game and a fourth straight season of better than 36% 3-point shooting.

And prior to a strained left hamstring suffered March 19, Porter had missed just 14 games since the 2023-24 season, a trend in the right direction after injuries hampered him early in his career.

His impact on the court, durability and age — Porter will turn 28 in June — should warrant discussions on a new contract. He will be eligible to sign a four-year, $234 million deal.

It's important to note that Brooklyn has no incentive to tank next season, as Houston has