How All 30 NBA Teams Can Ace Their Offseason

As NBA free agency officially begins, the focus shifts to how each team can make the most of the offseason. ESPN's NBA insiders have mapped out the perfect summer for every team, highlighting key moves and strategies that could set them up for success in the upcoming season.

Oklahoma City Thunder

How they ace their offseason: With all 15 players under contract through 2025-26, the Thunder's main priority is securing extensions for their core players, including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

One move they should make: Persuade Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams to take slightly less than their max contracts to ensure the team's financial flexibility.

Minnesota Timberwolves

How they ace their offseason: With Naz Reid returning on a new five-year deal, the Timberwolves must navigate a tricky financial situation, focusing on retaining key players like Julius Randle.

One move they should make: Replace Randle's player option with a three-year pact to balance present competitiveness with future flexibility.

Denver Nuggets

How they ace their offseason: Improve team depth by signing a reliable backup center to support Nikola Jokic.

One move they should make: Use the tax midlevel exception to sign Luke Kornet to a two-year, $11.7 million contract.

Cleveland Cavaliers

How they ace their offseason: Trim payroll to avoid the luxury tax, potentially moving key rotation players like Jarrett Allen or Max Strus.

One move they should make: Trade at least one key rotation player to alleviate the cap crunch.

Houston Rockets

How they ace their offseason: Build on their recent acquisitions by signing key players to extensions and adding depth.

One move they should make: Sign Dorian Finney-Smith to a two-year, $28 million contract and extend Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason.

Indiana Pacers

How they ace their offseason: Ensure Myles Turner returns by negotiating a new long-term deal.

One move they should make: Re-sign Turner for three years and $80 million.

New York Knicks

How they ace their offseason: Add depth to the bench and resolve Mikal Bridges' contract situation.

One move they should make: Use the $5.7 million exception to sign a sharpshooter like Luke Kennard or a wing like Bruce Brown.

Golden State Warriors

How they ace their offseason: Re-sign key veterans and maintain financial flexibility.

One move they should make: Re-sign Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II for one year at the veterans minimum.

Los Angeles Lakers

How they ace their offseason: Find a reliable center to complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

One move they should make: Trade for Robert Williams III and sign Brook Lopez to the tax midlevel exception.

LA Clippers

How they ace their offseason: Extend James Harden and improve backcourt depth.

One move they should make: Bring back Chris Paul to reunite with Harden.

Detroit Pistons

How they ace their offseason: Prioritize retaining key free agents and add a difference-maker.

One move they should make: Sign Santi Aldama to bolster the backup power forward position.

Boston Celtics

How they ace their offseason: Stay below the second apron and fill the hole left by Kristaps Porzingis.

One move they should make: Re-sign Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

Orlando Magic

How they ace their offseason: Sign a veteran playmaker to improve team assists.

One move they should make: Sign Tyus Jones to a two-year, $14 million contract.

Dallas Mavericks

How they ace their offseason: Address the frontcourt logjam and add ballhandling depth.

One move they should make: Trade for Derrick White to provide ballhandling support.

Memphis Grizzlies

How they ace their offseason: Secure an extension for Jaren Jackson Jr. and retain key players.

One move they should make: Extend and possibly renegotiate Jackson's contract.

Milwaukee Bucks

How they ace their offseason: Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy by building a competitive roster.

One move they should make: Trade for Dean Wade to bolster the frontcourt.

San Antonio Spurs

How they ace their offseason: Keep the path clear for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.

One move they should make: Sign Guerschon Yabusele to pair with Victor Wembanyama.

Miami Heat

How they ace their offseason: Acquire Jonathan Kuminga to add athleticism to the lineup.

One move they should make: Trade for Kuminga, potentially involving a third team.

Atlanta Hawks

How they ace their offseason: Extend Trae Young and add a veteran backup point guard.

One move they should make: Trade for Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Sacramento Kings

How they ace their offseason: Improve team defense by adding quality defenders.

One move they should make: Trade DeMar DeRozan for P.J. Washington and draft picks.

Philadelphia 76ers

How they ace their offseason: Retain key players and explore a trade for Michael Porter Jr.

One move they should make: Re-sign Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele.

Portland Trail Blazers

How they ace their offseason: Find a new home for Jerami Grant and extend Toumani Camara.

One move they should make: Extend Camara for as long as possible.

Chicago Bulls

How they ace their offseason: Extend Josh Giddey and avoid overpaying for free agents.

One move they should make: Extend Giddey without overcommitting financially.

Phoenix Suns

How they ace their offseason: Find a way to reduce Bradley Beal's contract burden.

One move they should make: Sign Chris Paul to a one-year, $3.6 million contract.

New Orleans Pelicans

How they ace their offseason: Add depth at power forward to support Zion Williamson.

One move they should make: Sign Jake LaRavia to bolster the frontcourt.

Toronto Raptors

How they ace their offseason: Reduce salary commitments and improve roster balance.

One move they should make: Trade RJ Barrett for future assets and smaller contracts.

Brooklyn Nets

How they ace their offseason: Maximize draft assets and ensure a high lottery pick.

One move they should make: Trade Cameron Johnson to acquire more assets.

Charlotte Hornets

How they ace their offseason: Improve health outcomes for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

One move they should make: Announce Moussa Diabate as the starting center.

Utah Jazz

How they ace their offseason: Focus on developing young talent and securing key extensions.

One move they should make: Sign Walker Kessler to a five-year, $130 million extension.

Washington Wizards

How they ace their offseason: Utilize cap space to build for the future.

One move they should make: Trade Khris Middleton for Michael Porter Jr. and Dario Saric.