NBA Teams Prepare for Next Season
The NBA Finals between the Spurs and Knicks has garnered a lot of attention, but many teams are already strategizing for the 2026-27 season beyond the spotlight.
With the NBA Draft just two weeks away, pre-draft workouts have been underway for almost a month, prompting a flurry of player activity across the league. Free agency is only three weeks away, too.
In just over a month and a half, teams will likely have a clearer picture of their rosters for next season.
Last year, for instance, the Magic traded for Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies in mid-June 2025, demonstrating their commitment to improvement. This kind of proactive approach suggests that some teams may move early, even before the Finals conclude.
Trading players is a primary method for roster improvement. However, it’s often complicated, requiring cooperation between multiple teams and often involving agents, contracts, and numerous other intricate details.
Interestingly, it’s been nearly four years since the Lakers last made an offseason trade. Their last was in August 2022, when they acquired Patrick Beverley from the Jazz, giving up Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson.
Now, the Lakers aim to build a roster that best supports superstar Luka Doncic, potentially breaking their trading drought.
Statistics for 2025-26:
Contract: Three years, $54.4 million. 2026-27: $17.3 million. 2027-28: $18.1 million. 2028-29: $18.9 million.
The Lakers need a starting center compatible with Doncic, who, unlike Deandre Ayton, might be more advantageous.
Could Daniel Gafford, a player who’s already worked with Doncic in Dallas, fill that role? He excels at rebounding and finishing around the rim, adding to the offensive dynamic while securing the defense.
However, Gafford’s career stats raise some questions. He has yet to average more than 24 minutes per game in a single season.
A potential snag could be whether the Mavericks would consider trading him to the Lakers again, especially after the backlash from trading Doncic to Los Angeles less than 18 months ago.
Statistics for 2025-26:
Contract: $23.1 million for one year. 2026-27: $23.1 million.
Cam Johnson, known for his shooting, might also be on the trade radar if the Nuggets seek to limit their luxury tax spending and address restricted free agent Peyton Watson’s situation.
The Lakers could ideally capitalize on this. They’re looking to move valuable players under the cap system, as noted by President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, hinting at strategic options.
Last season, Johnson boasted a career-high 43% from beyond the arc with the Nuggets, a notable increase compared to his early career of 39.2% in the first six seasons.
His role could vary from starter to bench player, depending on how Rui Hachimura’s free agency pans out.
Statistics for 2025-26:
Contract: Three years, $25.4 million. 2026-27: $9 million. 2027-28: $8.2 million. 2028-29: team option for $8.2 million.
With upcoming contract extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder might find themselves in a similar predicament as the Nuggets, needing to trim costs to manage their luxury tax bill.
Considering they have two first-round picks in the upcoming draft and numerous young players on rookie contracts eyeing more significant roles, the Thunder may be inclined to trade away one or two players.
Among potential trades, Wiggins and Isaiah Joe stand out as top candidates. Both have played key roles in the past but were absent from OKC’s playoff lineup this spring.
Notably, Wiggins has maintained a shooting percentage of 38% from three over five seasons, even hitting around 37.1% recently. He could serve as a valuable 3-and-D option for the Lakers off the bench.
