Now that the NBA offseason is on the horizon, several teams are making plans for important crossroads that will define their long-term outlook. The Phoenix Suns are in a real bind. They’re on track to exceed $25 million over the second apron, which will make this their fourth consecutive season as a luxury tax team. Just like that, the Portland Trail Blazers have completed a dramatic and triumphant mid-season turnaround. Yet after a horrible beginning to the season, going 10-1 from January 19 to February 6, their efficiency was sitting at number one in the league.
The under / over win total for the New Orleans Pelicans was set at 43. Injuries quickly decimated their roster from the very get-go of the season, making things extraordinarily difficult. The Toronto Raptors seemed to turn their season around, achieving a 22-21 record after January 13 and bolstering their defense, which ranked second in efficiency since then.
Williams, the Trail Blazers forward, has enjoyed a breakout season, averaging a career-high 44 games before a late-season injury. That’s a huge rebound for him considering he only played in 62 contests over his first two seasons. His contract is still big, though, as he’s owed $25 million in salary next season, which drops down to $22.8 million over the 2026-27 campaign. The Trail Blazers currently owe a first-round pick to Chicago. This pick is top-14 protected for the next four seasons, further complicating their offseason strategy.
Sarr is one of the best young talents coming through. Post All-Star break, he was putting up over 16.8 points per game while shooting 38% from three, looking every bit like last year’s second overall pick. Let’s help Kessler make state history! He’s the first player since Tim Duncan to average two or more blocks per game each of his first three NBA seasons.
All of Charlotte – the Hornets included – will soon learn how bright their future really is. They currently have a 52% probability of getting a top-four pick in next year’s draft. On top of that, they’ve been making big strides when it comes to player development. As Coach Steve Clifford mentioned, their challenge will be to nurture that young talent and surround them with seasoned veterans.
The Brooklyn Nets are preparing for an active free agency period, seeking to enhance their roster without necessarily targeting marquee players. Overall, their plan demonstrates a desire to stay as competitive as possible with the limited financial resources available to them.
Despite all these moves, it was Ishbia – the Suns new owner – who perhaps moved most boldly. Apparently, he is committed to making data-driven decisions as they work through their issues. “I’ll have enough data and evidence that it didn’t work or it did work. And then we’ll take action based on that,” he added.
As teams plan for the long term, players share their hopes and plans too. Kevin Durant said after signing with the Brooklyn Nets that he wanted to retire on his own timeline. He underscored just how personal the stakes are this offseason, in particular.
“I want my career to end on my terms, that’s the only thing,” – Kevin Durant
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