The NBA is bracing for potential roster shakeups as teams navigate financial pressures. The Thunder are likely to exercise Lu Dort’s $17 million option, but may subsequently trade him to save costs, as they are over budget. In contrast, the Hornets aim to maintain their promising roster built around stars like LaMelo Ball, while the Hawks consider two strategies: creating up to $32 million in cap space for free agency or focusing on internal retention and trades.

By the Numbers
  • The Thunder are $28 million over next year’s second apron even without Lu Dort.
  • The Hawks have the potential to create $32 million in cap space this offseason.
State of Play
  • The Thunder plan to trade Lu Dort after exercising his option to alleviate financial strain.
  • The Hornets are expected to retain key players like Coby White and Moussa Diabate for future growth.
  • The Hawks are weighing options between cap space for free agents or retaining current players through trades.
What's Next

With the draft and free agency looming, teams like the Thunder and Hawks must make critical decisions that could reshape their rosters. The Thunder may prioritize draft compensation for Dort, while the Hawks could target frontcourt depth through their two first-round picks.

Bottom Line

As teams look to enhance their competitive edge, financial strategies will dictate roster moves, particularly for the Thunder and Hawks. Balancing budget constraints with the need for talent will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season.