(The original article was published on June 28, and the author is Robby Kalland of CBS Sports. The content of the article does not represent the translator's views)

With the end of this year's NBA Draft, the league teams have turned all their attention to the free agent market and the new league year. The multiple trades that broke out before and after the draft have already caused a stir, including several major deals that completely change the prospects of some teams next season.

Now that the draft results have been settled, the relevant trading agreement has been reached, the teams' primary goals after the free agent market has begun have gradually become clear. As most big-name free agents choose to execute player options or plan to renew contracts with the original team, there is no signing frenzy in the free agent market this year. But the possibility of signing and exchange transactions remains with other potential operations, and as the new league year begins, we will analyze the biggest demands of 30 teams.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder: The only thing the Thunder needs to worry about this summer is to decide where to put the O'Brien Cup on the team's base. Is it displayed in the foyer where players and employees enter the door? Or is it placed in the training hall as a training motivation? This is probably Presti's most difficult choice this summer, although you will never guess when the general manager will make some icing on the cake.

Houston Rockets: Another veteran

gets Durant's Rockets through a trade, and are obviously ready to compete with the Thunder in the new season in the West. Despite their overwhelming talent in the lineup, they still need to add a veteran who can enter the playoff rotation. Jaylen Green freed up playing time for Shepard and other defenders, but the rookie last year has hardly played at the NBA level this season. If possible, the Rockets may also need to introduce a more experienced shooter.

Los Angeles Lakers: The situation of the center

is clearer: The Lakers needed to strengthen the center long before trading Davis, and Ma Wei's trading farce has caused them to not fill this vacancy so far. The entire league knows that the Lakers need a threat-threatening center with strong defense, and they know their bottom line of negotiations because of the Mawei trade - Kneckett and the first round pick in 2031. Although General Manager Pelinka will be in a weak position, considering the low cost of getting Doncic, the Lakers are fully capable of finding a suitable inside partner for the team's new nuclear program.

Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter's next home (or Bruce Brown has a significant salary cut)

The Nuggets don't have many choices to improve their lineup. After two consecutive years of sprint to the Western Conference semi-finals, they obviously need to strengthen, but Michael Porter, the most trade-worthy core lineup, lacks market appeal due to his remaining two years of 71 million contract (combined with injury history and sluggish playoff performance). However, as long as a team looks at Porter Jr.'s shooting ability, the Nuggets have the opportunity to reorganize the lineup. Another way out is to convince players to reduce their salaries significantly. This year, the only old player Bruce Brown meets this condition. The wing of the Pacers who turned to the championship after winning the Nuggets, after winning the championship, may be willing to sacrifice part of their salary to return to the championship place after moving to the Raptors and the Pelicans.

Los Angeles Clippers: Replenishing young blood

The Clippers are one of the most aging teams in the league, and Zubac and Derek Jones, the youngest in the rotation lineup, are both 28 years old. To borrow baseball terms, they urgently need one or two players who can "digest the number of regular season games" to relieve the burden on veterans. Especially when the depth of the frontcourt is weak, injecting young vitality will be of great benefit.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Strengthening point guards

Timberwolves must not start the new season with Conley and Dillingham as point guards. This season has proven Conley is beginning to show his age, and Dillingham is not ready to be the main controller of the championship team. The Timberwolves are expected to reach a team-stay agreement with Randall first, and then they must decide what to do with Naz Reed and Alexander Walker. The latter could become a victim, partly because he can get the most reward through signing. If you take this route, changing back to a point guard who can enter the playoff rotation should become the top priority.

Golden State Warriors: Sign first and then trade Kumingga

Warriors should fully grasp the final championship window for Curry, Butler and Mengmeng Green, which means that more veterans need to be introduced to help. They may become Vucevic's suitors (there were rumors with the Bulls center before the trade deadline this year), but the Warriors' most pressing task at the moment is to completely solve the problem of staying or leaving Kuminga. The talented striker has never been able to integrate into the Warriors system and has obviously not gained the trust of Cole's coaching staff. This summer, we will find a new owner for him and exchange it for immediate combat power, which is the best solution for both sides.

Memphis Grizzlies: After renewing the contract with Jaren Jackson Jr.

, some people believe that the Grizzlies may also be open to other stars' deals. But all signs indicate that management has no intention, but the call for the price will not stop until Jaren Jackson Jr. completes the contract renewal. As for other aspects of the lineup, the Grizzlies hope to fill Bain's vacancy with Pope (bounced from the Magic's sluggish season) and rookie Coward (38.8% from three-point shooting in college). There are still variables in the frontcourt: How to deal with restricted free agent Aldama? Is Clark's return enough to improve his defense after Zach Eddie exposed his defensive loophole in the playoffs? Or should Aldama exchange for veteran centers to completely solve the legacy of Adams' two-year departure?

Sacramento Kings: The point guard and trading DeRozan

Kings are in chaos, but this summer is more low-key than some teams (Pelicans!!). Since trading Fox to the Spurs, they have no real point guards in the team and must solve this problem before the new season begins.. Perhaps DeRozan's trade can be a breakthrough, and the veteran striker is completely valuable in the trading market. DeRozan is seriously incompatible with the combination of Raven and Sabonis, and the king can only hope to find the next home that appreciates his scoring talent.

Dallas Mavericks: A point guard worth $5.7 million has basically taken shape, and the only gap is the starting point guard candidate before Irving's comeback. Although Flag officially joined, Irving is about to renew his contract, and Gafford also stayed in the team in a tradeable contract renewal, the Mavericks can only use the $5.7 million mini middle class special case to find a transition point guard candidate. The point guard needs to start at the beginning of the season and will be replaced by a substitute after Irving returns. The first-line point guard choices at this price are extremely limited, so Russell became the number one target. No matter which player you choose in the end, filling the point guard vacancy is the Mavericks' current priority.

Phoenix Suns: Bill gave up the trade veto (plus strengthening point guard)

Speaking of teams with limited operating space, the Suns can be called a classic! They were always passive in Durant's trade negotiations and eventually had to get limited returns from the Rockets. The Suns took MaluAchi in 15 minutes and traded to get a sensation of the center crisis. But the point guard gap still exists, and whether it is trying to recall the struggling Tyame Jones or looking for another method, it needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

Frankly speaking, the only hope that the Suns want to break through the playoffs in the next one or two years is that Bill suddenly changes his mind on the trade veto. The combination of Bill, Booker and Jaylen Green is really unimaginable. Not only will Booker not be traded, it is reported that he is also close to signing a huge contract renewal. Jaylen Green's market value is not high under his existing contract, and the Suns are probably only interested in his potential upper limit. Bill's contract locks in the reinforcement space, and the star has a rare trade veto in the league, and he has a comfortable life in Phoenix.

Portland Trail Blazers: Finding the next one for Ayton or Rowe

The previous article has mentioned several teams that need centers, and the Trail Blazers are looking forward to one of the teams becoming interested in Ayton. After surprisingly choosing Yang Hansen at the 16th pick, the Trail Blazers have selected centers with their first round picks for two consecutive years. For teams that already have Ayton and Rowe, this will inevitably lead to severe saturation of the inside, and 1-2 players must be cleaned up to free up playing time. But the problem is: Ayton's league reputation is not good, and Rowe's injury history is prohibitive. Perhaps a team like the Hornets are willing to gamble on Ayton's talent (or other Lakers' signing plans failed), after all, although Ayton's concentration is questionable, his strength is unquestionable.

San Antonio Spurs: Strengthen the inside

Spurs have participated in the Durant battle, but refused to pay important assets. As Wenban Yama continues to grow next season, the most obvious weakness of the lineup is the frontcourt lineup configuration around him. Although Dylan Harper was selected to add talent in the backcourt and Carter Bryant could also enhance the wing, Vinban Yama is still the only center in the team, and this situation must be changed. The Spurs, which hold rich assets and have top star in the league, may launch major transactions at any time. They may sign well-known insiders in the free agent market, or they may use high quotations to poach unexpected candidates.

New Orleans Pelicans: Stop letting Dumas call (plus strengthening center)

I really can't understand the Pelicans' current team building ideas. Although he is very optimistic about Derek Quinn's potential, he is difficult to maximize his development around Zion, and giving the Hawks an unprotected first-round pick is reckless. It is not bad to trade McCollum for Poole, but the compatibility between Poole and Dejunta Murray is questionable, not to mention that he chose Fels. Murphy has the potential to become a super giant, but the current lineup configuration is obviously not conducive to his growth. In short, I can't predict what the Pelicans will do next. If I were a Pelicans fan, I would be panicked about Joe Dumas' next move. But they do need to add to the inside, and hopefully this time don't get a pick that may become a high pick.

Utah Jazz: Looking for a deal for veterans

As long as Es Bailey participates in the Jazz's summer league training camp as scheduled, the concerns about the stalemate of the strike can be eliminated. If such situations can be avoided, the Jazz will fully sell veterans whose contracts are about to expire this summer. Sexton, John Collins and Clarkson will all become free agents next summer, and the Jazz will actively find new owners for them from now until February next year.

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers: Confidence reshapes

After being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, I firmly believed that the Cavaliers needed to make major adjustments this summer to reverse the decline. But with half of the Eastern Conference championship teams losing an All-Star next season, the Cavaliers are likely to choose to keep their core roster and look forward to staying healthy in the playoffs. Without big deals, this lineup has limited operational space, and the Cavaliers management may give the existing team another one-year chance. But the key is how to reshape the confidence of the team in the playoffs. They are invincible in the regular season, but even considering the injury factor, they still showed negative mentality many times in the series against the Pacers. Although this is not a specific tactical issue, how to break this psychological curse will become the biggest challenge for coach Atkinson during the offseason and next season.

Boston Celtics: Center (and perhaps a big deal)

The Celtics successfully cut salaries through the deal between Porzingis and Ju Holiday without losing important assets. This is obviously the top priority in the offseason, and now they are about to get rid of the terrifying second-rich line. Although Tatum's injury makes the Celtics seem to have little hope next season, this talented team still has the strength to enter the Eastern Conference playoffs. It is urgent to fill the lineup vacancy, and the focus is on strengthening the inside line.. Both Cornett and Horford will be free agents, with other teams poaching higher offers that the Celtics don’t want to match; while Horford may be willing to accept a team-friendly contract return, but he needs to weigh his willingness to continue to fight: playing for another year for a non-title team is obviously unattractive.

New York Knicks: The most urgent need for the new head coach

The Knicks is to determine the candidate for the head coach. After fired Coach Thibodeau, they seemed to have called every team in the league to ask for an interview with the current coach, and only turned to actual contact candidates such as Taylor Jenkins, McArthur Norry and James Borrego after being rejected. The reason why coach selection has become the top priority is that this team, which is regarded as one of the two favorites in the Eastern Conference championship, will both build and in-depth supplementation of the lineup will depend on the new coach's tactical blueprint.

Indiana Pacers: The first priority for renewing the contract with Turner this summer is to keep Turner. This center who once had a trade rumor every January has become an indispensable pillar of the team. After all, the Pacers can't find a replacement with similar strength. In addition to renewing the contract with Turner, even in the face of Halliburton's injury, the Pacers are unlikely to make big moves. Their most important topic is how to gradually transition the offensive core from Halliburton to Siakam, while relying on Nemhard and Mathering to share the backcourt organization tasks.

Milwaukee Bucks: A small restructuring lineup

Although other teams in the league are looking forward to Antetokounmpo applying for a deal after Lillard's Achilles tendon injury, the superstar seems to have expressed his intention to stay in the team. The Bucks' challenge now is how to re-create the championship window around Antetokounmpo in the next few years. The existing lineup is obviously not capable. They must find a way to increase talent and depth without completely turning it down and rebuilding, and make arrangements for the 2026-27 season and beyond. Connaughton and Portis (if the player option is executed) may become trading chips, while Lopez is expected to get some returns through signing and trading. Gary Trent Jr. should be the number one target in terms of signing. The Bucks will not have earth-shaking moves this summer, and all operations will accumulate strength for next season.

Detroit Pistons: The space-type inside line

Pistons seem to intend to continue the current lineup, considering their success this season and the Eastern Conference pattern, this choice is understandable. Although they will face a battle between Schroder and Malik Beasley in the free agent market, even if these two are retained, the team still needs to replenish their outside firepower. Jaden Ivey's return can certainly improve his offense, but in addition to Tobias Harris (only 34.5% of his three-point shooting percentage this season), a big man who can open up space is needed in the frontcourt rotation. Despite rumors about having had acquaintances with Naz Reed and Turner, even if a second-level player is introduced, a space-type insider can optimize the balance of the lineup.

Orlando Magic: Adding another three-point shooter

The introduction of Bain has been a major upgrade for the Magic, which has long focused on internal training. They took decisive action after they exposed problems in the playoffs. But even if you get a top shooter and deputy attacker like Bain, this team with a three-point shooting percentage (31.8%) at the bottom of the league still needs more firepower. Considering the desire of the league teams for the inside, the Magic should try to exchange the surplus center resources for the shooter. After all, one person alone cannot solve all the offensive problems.

Atlanta Hawks: The offseason starts perfectly. They got Porzingis at a very small price, and also obtained a valuable future draft pick through downward trading on draft night, while also choosing rookie Asa Newell as he wished. But if you want to break through the sixth ceiling of the Eastern Conference, the lineup still needs to be strengthened. Jaylen Johnson and Rissache have weak wing reserves behind him. Considering Porzingis' injury history, it is imperative to add another inside player. There are rumors that if the Timberwolves cannot retain all the lineup, the Hawks may win Alexander Walker through the signing. Eagles with big deal exceptions and salary space below the luxury tax line are likely to be radical this summer.

Chicago Bulls: Trading Vucevic

The Bulls' formation enters the contract year, and Vucevic is the object that must be cleaned up. This team, which has finally started to rejuvenate, needs to adapt to the fast-paced play that matches the existing lineup, and the 35-year-old center is obviously contrary to this. As mentioned above, in the current market environment where centers are scarce, the Bulls can fully find the next one for this high-quality space-type No. 5 position. If Vucevic is successfully sent away, the already thin center rotation needs to be strengthened, but the first priority is to find a new boss for the veteran.

Miami Heat: Looking for a big deal

Pat Riley will never be willing to leave the game with a mediocre lineup, and will not let Butler's farce be the end of his presidential career. Although building a championship roster requires some miracles, he must give it a try. This team needs to improve their talent comprehensively. Although they missed Durant, they will still pursue heavy trading goals this summer. Kumingga may become the target of the Heat's sign-up transaction, but it is expected that the Heat will make more bold attempts.

Toronto Raptors: Increase the depth of substitute

Raptors President Ujeri leaves office at a delicate opportunity, but it is still interesting. During the search for a new president, General Manager Bobby Webster, who remained, is working hard to strengthen the depth of the lineup. In addition to the high-paying starting five tigers composed of Quickley, Barrett, Ingram, Scotty Barnes and Pearl, in addition to Dick and Abakkey occasionally having highlights, there are serious hidden dangers on the bench. This team that has invested too much in the starting lineup needs to avoid making the bench a test ground for cultivating new players. It is expected that the Raptors will create a more holistic lineup structure through trades this summer.

Brooklyn Nets: More team-breaking trades

The Nets who chose five first-round picks obviously will only continue to move forward on the road to reconstruction. Veterans on the team such as Clarkston and Cameron Johnson will spark interest from multiple teams, and although management has previously refused to trade them (both triggered a chase before the trade deadline but eventually stayed), it is difficult for Clarkston to not be sent away now, given the urgent need for centers at the playoff level teams. Cameron Johnson's contract is only two years away, and this summer is also a golden opportunity to realize the value of his transaction.

Philadelphia 76ers: Home Stadium Exorcist Ceremony

Although "staying healthy" is the universal answer, I would like to recommend that 76ers seek higher-dimensional power blessings. VJ Edgecom is a good rookie choice, but rookies usually struggle to contribute instantly to winning. The Sixers do need to add depth (especially frontcourt rotation). If you want to become an Eastern Conference contender, Embiid, Paul George and Maxi must play healthy and in good shape at the same time. To achieve this, I am afraid that some divine power intervention is required. This summer, the management of the 76ers should consider asking several exorcists.

Charlotte Hornets: After the center

sent away the squad on the draft night, the Hornets' center option is only Nurkic or a small lineup. Kniper and McNeley were selected in the first round to supplement the young wing, but the frontcourt still needs to be upgraded urgently. On the premise that LaMelo Ball and Brandon Williams are back to health, introducing one or two high-quality players to test whether the team can enter the Eastern Conference play-offs is a reasonable choice. Perhaps the Hornets will lie dormant for another year to seek qualitative change, but no matter what, they need to install a strong man in the team who can take on the inside time.

Washington Wizards: Looking for a takeover for a high-paying veteran

Wizards are in a similar situation to the Jazz, but the problem is that their expiration contract amount is even larger. Middleton (33.3 million), McCollum (30.7 million) and Smart (21.6 million) will all be put on the shelves before the trading deadline this summer and next year, but the transaction is much more difficult than the situation facing the Jazz. The Wizards' greatest hope is that one or two of them can perform well at the beginning of the season to increase the value of the deal.

Original text: Robby Kalland

Compiled by: Li Taibai