While matching the intensity of the trade deadline might be challenging, the summer could still deliver major shakeups, especially after the league-altering moves we’ve already witnessed. Stars like LeBron James, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving are among those eligible to enter free agency, but will they stay put or explore new opportunities?
On the team side, the list of franchises with significant cap space is surprisingly short: the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies are the only teams currently operating under the salary cap. This raises questions about which players and teams will emerge as key players in the offseason and how new salary cap restrictions will impact roster-building strategies.
Though it’s only February, the groundwork is already being laid for the storylines that will dominate the summer months. From LeBron’s next move to Luka Doncic’s future, Kevin Durant’s situation, and the development of Victor Wembanyama with the San Antonio Spurs, here’s a preview of what to watch as the NBA heads into another pivotal free agency and trade season.
