This is an unpredictable draft with players ranges being much wider than other years. Teams may draft for upside late in the draft and fit early which is the reverse of typical drafts.

This order is the one used for every offseason plan I've published. While not every player received a blurb all of the traded picks did along with a link to their offseason.

I'm not really looking for opinions as much as I am making something for people to reference but if you'd like to share your opinion I'm all ears. Thank you!…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

As a part of the 5 team Jimmy Butler the Jazz trade away Jordan Clarkson, and picks 10 and 32. In return they receive Pick 12, Duncan Robinson, AJ Griffin, a 2027 Clippers SRP, and the better of the Hawks/Jazz 2029 FRP. Explanation: Moving back 2 spots in the draft and trading away an early SRP gets the Jazz into a better draft position in the future. It also gives them a pure shooter on the wing and a prospect who was a good shooter his rookie year. Kenneth Lofton Jr's non guaranteed contract is waived Darius Bazley's non guaranteed contract is waived Omer Yurtseven's non guaranteed contract is waived

Draft

Pick 12 the Jazz select Ja'Kobe Walter Pick 29 the Jazz select Tyler Kolek

Explanation: The Jazz select a pure shooter in Walter, showing a very clear sign of targeting shooting this offseason. Danny Ainge also selects Kolek who may remind him of Payton Pritc…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

No actions

Draft

Pick 30 the Celtics select Carlton Carrington Pick 54 the Celtics select Coleman Hawkins

Explanation: A pick for the future for the Celtics as Carrington provides depth at the guard position. He could be a solid playmaker off the bench in a few years. A potential pick and pop sleeper that can be added on a two way contract is who they target at the end of the second round.

Free Agency

Sign Gary Harris to a 1 year minimum contract. Sign Marcus Morris to a 1 year minimum contract.

Leaving one roster spot open for a rotating bigs as needed.

Start of Season

Starting lineup:

White Holiday Brown Tatum Porzingis

The bench is improved with Harris and Morris joining PP and Horford. Hauser still comes in as an elite shooter. Their 3rd string is full of youth splitting some time in the g-league.

During the season

The Celtics roll on to another 55+ win se…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Waive Ricky Council's non guaranteed contract. Decline Jeff Dowtin's team option.

Draft

Pick 16 the 76ers select Devin Carter Pick 41 the 76ers select Alex Karaban

Explanation: Devin Carter could very well be taken before this but I have him falling to the 76ers due to the big men surge in the late lottery. He's an obvious pick but Karaban shows some solid 2 way ability during his college years. A cheap wing is exactly what the 76ers will need to help build out their roster.

Free Agency

Trading Paul Reed to the Raptors for a future SRP. He was going to be waived to free up salary but since the Raptors called they made the deal creating a TPE instead. Trading the 2026 Thunder FRP along with the 2027 76ers SRP and 2027 Bucks SRP they acquire Jerami Grant from the Blazers making them officially a Room team. The first free agent they go after is the affordable Tyus Jones…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Resign Kyle Anderson to a 3 year deal worth 33 million. Resign Monte Morris to a 2 year deal worth 15 million. The second year is a player option giving Morris essentially a no trade clause for this year. Resign Luka Garza to a 2 year deal worth 6 million. The second year is non guaranteed.

Draft

Pick 27 the Wolves select Payton Sandfort Pick 37 the Wolves select KJ Simpson

Explanation: The Wolves don't need to draft immediate impact players but do anyway. Sandfort comes into the league with a very specific role and that is shoot the ball. Simpson comes in as a scorer off the bench but most importantly he gets the benefit of sitting behind Conley and Morris for at least part of the year to learn how the game is played.

Free Agency

The Wolves took care of things early and their only move is signing Simpson to a 4 year deal starting at 1.7 million. It includes a 3rd ye…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Damion Lee opts out of his contract

Draft

Pick 22 the Suns select Kyshawn George

Explanation: The Suns seek out a connector with size that can shoot and that is what George is. He doesn't offer much upside but can likely play alongside stars, which Phoenix has.

Free Agency

The Suns resign Royce O'Neale to a 2 year 27 million dollar deal starting at 13 million, just over the MLE. This allows them to trade Royce midseason for someone signed to a MLE contract this offseason. Signing Robert Covington to a 2 year deal starting at the minimum with a player option in the final year gives the Suns some versatility up front. Signing Spencer Dinwiddie to a 2 year deal starting at the minimum with a player option in the final year gives the Suns a veteran point guard that can step in during crucial moments. After losing Bol Bol to a team capable of paying more, the Suns target …

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Waive Jock Landale's non guaranteed contract saving 8 million this year and 24 million over the next 3 years

Draft

Pick 3 the Rockets select Zaccharie Risacher Trade Jae'Sean Tate to the Magic and pick 44 to the Wizards in exchange for pick 47 and a SRP next year. Pick 47 the Rockets select Justin Edwards Explanation: The Rockets take the best player on their board rather than going for fit. Risacher should be capable of stepping in immediately as a 3&D player but has upside to be more. Justin Edwards was once viewed as a potential lottery pick but falls to the back half of the 2nd round allowing for the Rockets to gamble on him.

Free Agency

The Rockets target sharp shooter Luke Kennard with a 3 year 38 million dollar deal with no options. Resigning Boban Marjanovic to a 1 year minimum. Resigning Aaron Holiday to a 1 year minimum. Signing Lindy Waters to a 1 year m…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Waive Lindy Waters non guaranteed contract to allow him to seek opportunity elsewhere As a part of a much larger 5 team deal the Thunder acquire Clint Capella from the Hawks in exchange for a 2025 Heat FRP and also move from pick 12 to pick 10.

Draft

Pick 10 the Thunder select Donovan Clingan Explanation: The Thunder luck into the best big man on the board. He gets to sit a year behind Capella and Holmgren getting accustom to the physicality and game before being really relied upon.

Free Agency

The Thunder spend a good amount of time not really taking action before eventually agreeing to trade Josh Giddey for Deni Avdija. They also swap out the better of the Thunder/Clippers/Nuggets 2027 pick with the Wizards pick. Explanation: While Giddey has been good on the Thunder he was unable to close games in the playoffs. Deni Avdija brings a high IQ and great defensive…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Waive Landry Shamet's non guaranteed contract saving 11 million

Draft

Pick 2 the Wizards select Rob Dillingham Pick 26 the Wizards select Terrence Shannon Jr. Wizards trade Corey Kispert and pick 51 to the Magic in a 3 team deal that lands them pick 44 and 3 future SRPs Pick 44 the Wizards select PJ Hall Explanation: The Wizzards take the guy they view to have the most potential in Dillingham. They then take a wing who they think could pair with Coulilbaly. This selection frees up Kispert to be moved which brings back a good amount of draft capital.

Free Agency

The Wizards primary focus is retaining flexibility so they target Markell Fultz giving him a 3 year deal worth 45 million dollars. However, this deal includes a team option in year 2 and a non guaranteed year 3. They then sign Reggie Bullock to a 2 year 10 million dollar deal with the 2nd year being a team o…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Spurs waive Devonte' Graham's partial guaranteed contract saving nearly 10 million in salary Trading Keldon Johnson to the Raptors for Bruce Brown Explanation: Spurs get out of the contract they signed Johnson to for one year of Bruce Brown. He adds a little defense, playmaking, and most importantly experience winning.

Draft

Pick 4 the Spurs select Nikola Topić Pick 8 the Spurs select Reed Sheppard Pick 35 the Spurs select Ajay Mitchell Pick 48 the Spurs select Jaxson Robinson Spurs take the predictable route of selecting Topic. They double down on improving playmaking by taking Reed Sheppard. They then triple down on guard play by taking Mitchell but then add some shooting with Robinson. Their philosophy here could be called the shotgun approach hoping that one of these picks hits and they now have a playmaker that fits long term.

Free Agency

The Spurs top targ…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Pelicans opt to take the 2025 Lakers FRP instead of the 2024 FRP

Draft

Pick 21 the Pelicans select Tristan da Silva Pelicans take advantage of Silva falling to 21 by selecting the wing in hopes he can help them immediately

Free Agency

Start of Season**

Starting lineup:

CJ McCollum Trey Murphy Herb Jones Zion Williamson Brook Lopez

The bench has a different look with neither Murphy or Jones there. The back court is a bit small with Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado getting the minutes here. De'Anthony Melton and Dyson Daniels both get minutes here as well. Silva, Larry Nance, and Bol Bol get minutes in the front court. Jett Howard and EJ Liddel both spend some time down in the g-league.

During the season

The biggest issue for this team is health and which of their many rotational pieces get minutes. They're exciting style works on both sides of the ball and have…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Jalen Smith opts out of his contract

Draft

Pick 36 the Pacers select Ulrich Chomche Pick 49 the Pacers select Hunter Sallis Pick 50 the Pacers select Jalen Bridges Pacers fail to move up in the draft by pairing their SRPs together leaving them gambling on multiple prospects. Chomche happily fell to them but both Sallis and Bridges are viewed as players who won't help immediately

Free Agency

Pacers sign Pascal Siakam to a max deal getting the free agency period started immediately After allowing Obi Toppin to shop around they informed him they'd match whatever he was offered elsewhere but prefer to make a deal together allowing for specific terms. They wait to see how much room they have below the luxury before signing Toppin to a 4 year 87 million dollar contract with no options. Chomche signs a 4 year deal with the final year being a team option Pacers target a 3r…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

No moves made pre draft

Draft

Trade up from 13 to 6 by shipping out Kevin Huerter, a 2025 SRP, and a 2027 FRP swap for Seth Curry and Cody Martin Explanation: Going up from 13 to 6 allows the Kings to select the wing they want to be a long term answer. Pick 6 the Kings select Cody Williams Pick 45 the Kings select Jamal Shead Kings view Williams as a perfect compliment to Fox, Sabonis, and Keegan so they go up and select him.

Free Agency

The obvious most important and first thing the Kings do is resign Malik Monk to a maximum 4 year 78 million dollar deal. This does include a player option in the final year. The Kings needing to decrease payroll trade off Chris Duarte and Davion Mitchell to the Jazz in a 3 team deal that includes sending Sasha Vezenkov to the Spurs. It costs the Kings a 2029 FRP swap to the Jazz. They also receive a 2029 SRP from the Spurs. Afte…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Waive Davis Bertans partially guaranteed contract saving 10.75 million in salary Waive Aleksej Pokusevski's non guaranteed contract

Draft

Trade Cody Martin, Seth Curry, a future FRP swap and Pick 6 to the Kings for Kevin Huerter and Pick 13. Explanation: The drop off from 6 to 13 isn't much so adding a known shooter with size and a future swap is a good return for the Hornets. Pick 13 the Hornets select Stephon Castle Pick 42 the Hornets select Baylor Scheierman Explanation: Castle falls out of the top 10 and Hornets luck into a guy they would have considered at 6. His size and defense pair nicely with Lamelo and Miller for their future.

Free Agency

After losing Miles Bridges the Hornets go out and pay for a replacement in Tobias Harris. They sign him to a 3 year 75 million dollar deal with a player option in the final year. Sign Baylor Scheierman to a 4 year de…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Guarantee Dante Exum and Jaden Hardy's contracts

Draft

Trade pick 58 and 2028 Heat SRP to the Bucks for Marjon Beauchamp. This includes absorbing his contract via a TPE created by the Bertans trade last offseason Explanation: Getting a wing with size who can potentially defend and score in case DJJ doesn't resign is a no brainer.

Free Agency

Resigning Derrick Jones Jr to a 3 year 17 million dollar deal with a player option on the final year. This starts at the full taxpayer mid level exception allowing the Mavs to go into the apron throughout the year and not hard capping them. Trading Tim Hardaway Jr plus a 2025 Raptors pick to the Blazers in a 3 team deal that lands them Bojan Bogdanovic. Explanation: While the SRP is expected to be a good one the added shooting, size, and experience will benefit them immediately

Start of Season

Starting lineup:

Luka Kyrie …

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Accept team option for Mo Wagner Accept team option for Joe Ingles

Draft

Pick 18 the Magic select Kel'el Ware Trade pick 47 and a plethora of SRPs for Corey Kispert, Jae'Sean Tate and pick 51 in a 3 team deal Pick 51 the Magic select Adem Bona Explanation: Magic take a big who projects to be a good shooter and defender fitting their style perfectly. They trade future assets to add shooting and wing depth. They add a little more front court depth with Bona with the expectation of Goga leaving in free agency.

Free Agency

Trade Wendell Carter Jr, Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, 2025 Magic and Nuggets FRPs and the 2026 Magic SRP for Paul George. They immediately extend George to a 4 year deal taking him to age 38. Sign Gordan Hayward to a 2 year 10 million dollar contract with a team option on the 2nd year. Sign Skylar Mays to a 2 year minimum deal with a team option on the…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Waive Mamadi Diakite's non guaranteed contract Decline DaQuan Jeffries team option OG Anunoby opts out and resigns a 4 year 117 million dollar contract with a player option for the final year.

Draft

Pick 24 the Knicks select DaRon Holmes II Pick 25 the Knicks select Johnny Furphy Pick 38 the Knicks select Ryan Dunn Explanation: The Knicks have some depth questions on the front line so adding Holmes simply makes sense. They also have the luxury of being extremely deep so taking Furphy to develop makes sense as well. Adding Dunn as a potential defensive player could be an underrated move for them.

Free Agency

Targeting their important big man is the main goal here. Resigning Isaiah Hartenstein to a 4 year 64 million dollar deal helps solidify the best big man duo in the league. This deal does include a player option in the final 2 years allowing Hartenstein the abili…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Heat make a major move trading Jimmy Butler in a 5 team trade. This includes sending out Terry Rozier, Thomas Bryant and Duncan Robinson but brings in Dejounte Murray, Andrew Wiggins, Jordon Clarkson, a 2029 lesser FRP of the Jazz and Hawks, 2 FRP swaps with the Hawks in 2026 and 2028, 3 SRPS, and a lot of cap flexibility. Explanation: Jimmy is 35 years old and the Heat are deep into the luxury as an 8 seed. The decision to reset where they are doesn't come lightly but the addition of good players and draft capital on top of reduced cap makes perfect sense for this team.

Draft

Pick 15 the Heat select Isaiah Collier Pick 43 the Heat select Melvin Ajinça Explanation: One of the most talented players in Collier falls to the Heat allowing them to take a new guard that the Heat can mold. Ajinca has shown potential to be a shooter and with a 6'7 frame could be a future …

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Hawks make a splash move with a 5 team trade for Jimmy Butler. In the process they trade away Dejounte Murray, Clint Capela, A.J. Griffin, 2 FRP swaps, their 2029 FRP swap, and 3 SRPs. In exchange they receive Butler, Thomas Bryant and pick 32 this year. Waive Garrison Mathews' non guaranteed contract

Draft

Pick 1 the Hawks select Alex Sarr Pick 32 the Hawks select Jaylon Tyson Explanation: Sarr doesn't make perfect sense with Jalen Johnson on the roster but his physical tools are too much to pass on here. Tyson ends up falling out of the first round and the Hawks jump at the opportunity to take him.

Free Agency

Resign Saddiq Bey to a 4 year 50 million dollar deal starting at 10 million in year 1. Trade De'Andre Hunter to the Blazers in part of a 3 team deal resulting in Hawks getting multiple SRPs. Sign Kira Lewis to a 3 year deal starting at the minimum. This inc…

In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

Paul George forces a trade by threatening to opt out of his contract and walking for nothing if not traded. The Clippers agree to trade George but convinces him that they can't complete the deal until post draft so he opts in. Westbrook opts out of his contract James Harden agrees to a 4 year extension worth 140 million with no options.

Draft

Pick 46 the Clippers select Pelle Larsson

Free Agency

Trading Paul George to the Magic in a 8 player deal. Normal Powell is also dealt in the deal to the Bucks. In return the Clippers get Zach Lavine, Wendell Carter, Cole Anthony and draft capital. As a 2nd apron team the Clippers have no mid level exception but have early bird rights to resign Mason Plumlee to a 3 year 20 million dollar deal. Jae Crowder signs a 1 year minimum contract. Even Fournier signs a 1 year minimum contract. Pelle Larsson signs a 2 year 2.5 million dolla…