NBA free agency 2026: How all 30 teams can ace their offseason - ESPN

The NBA offseason has barely begun, but blockbuster moves are already swaying the league's balance of power. Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Austin Reaves' new max deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

But plenty of offseason work remains across the NBA. With the 2026 draft complete, here's how each franchise can ace the rest of its summer.

ESPN's NBA insiders are breaking down the key decisions facing each team's front office — signings, trades and cost-cutting maneuvers to sneak under the luxury tax and apron — heading into next week's official start to free agency (Tuesday, 6 p.m. ET).

Note: Team order is based on ESPN's post-Finals NBA Power Rankings.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NYK | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
More: Latest free agency, trade buzz

How they ace their offseason: Trim the tax payment and make room for the rookies on the roster without significantly impacting the team's ability to succeed. The Thunder have already added Michigan center Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 option against West nemesis Victor Wembanyama, for extra frontcourt help. The trade of Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta made space, but OKC also drafted Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz, meaning at least another player must be moved (or a team option declined). Veteran stopper Lu Dort and reserve guard Isaiah Joe appear to be the most vulnerable. Both have been valuable rotation players, so GM Sam Presti is being tasked with finding young, cost-controlled options to fill their void. Acing this offseason is probably dependent on whether Presti aced the Mara and Stirtz picks.

One move they should