NBA Teams Face Burning Questions and Uncertainty in 2023

Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Several clubs have more issues than solutions as the NBA's 2023 off season is in full swing. Numerous variables, including roster makeup, salary cap circumstances, upcoming free agency, and challenging offseason decisions, contribute to the uncertainty surrounding these organizations. We'll focus on a few of these teams and the major issues they must resolve.

Atlanta Hawks

Payroll issues plague the Hawks. They must carefully balance meeting the necessities of their roster with their pay cap scenario. Dejounte Murray cost the Hawks a lot, but he is unlikely to sign a deal at that cost and is bound for unrestricted free agency in 2024. The 26-year-old's trade request may theoretically result from initial discussions with the team if both parties aren't on the same page.

Boston Celtics

Jaylen Brown's probable contract extension and Grant Williams' restricted free agency provide the franchise with two crucial choices. The Celtics will likely reinvest in Brown, an All-Star and second-team All-NBA performer. Williams' situation has been made more challenging by the harsh terms of the new collective bargaining agreement.

To free up space for Williams, Boston may move Danilo Gallinari's $6.8 million (if he chooses to participate in the transaction). Williams might become a former Celtic if a team with cap space extends a sizable enough offer sheet—possibly the Houston Rockets with former Boston head coach Ime Udoka.

Brooklyn Nets

As a restricted free agent searching for a hefty salary, Cam Johnson, one of the main players returned from the Phoenix Suns for Durant, will be available. The Nets will incur a significant tax penalty and have little room for flexibility if he receives a new contract with a starting salary of close to $20 million, which may make them reluctant to use any of the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (TMLE). Many rival executives anticipate Johnson returning to Brooklyn along with a cost-cutting move, maybe bringing back Dorian Finney-Smith with a meager contract for the Nets.

Charolette Hornets

The San Antonio Spurs are predicted to select Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick, and the Charlotte Hornets select second. It is likely that the G League Ignite's Scoot Henderson (6'2" ball-handling guard) or Brandon Miller (6'9" forward) from Alabama will join the Hornets. That choice will affect the team's course, assuming they don't trade the pick.

Although the Hornets could stay under the salary ceiling, general manager Mitch Kupchak has said the team's long-term strategy is likely to involve keeping its free players. The difficulty will be finding room on the roster with five draft picks.

Chicago Bulls

Nikola Vučević is a free agent. The last year of DeMar DeRozan's contract allows him to request an extension. Some speculate about Lonzo Ball's potential return to play, considering his knee injury.

The general consensus is that Chicago will attempt to put together a team capable of making the playoffs (or at least the play-in round), but there is always a chance that things might change. If the Bulls were interested in trading, players like Alex Caruso, DeRozan, and others would be available.

Golden State Warriors

In the wake of Bob Myers' resignation as the team's leading front-office official, the Golden State Warriors must make a number of crucial decisions this summer. As the Steph Curry/Klay Thompson/Green era may be coming to an end, Draymond Green has the option to opt out of his contract and sign a new long-term deal with Golden State, depart if a better offer comes up, or play out his last season.

Cost-cutting must occur someplace else if the Warriors want to maintain Green and extend Thompson (who is also extension-eligible). The free spending of Golden State was taken into consideration while creating the new collective bargaining procedures. Paying Green a long-term contract at a cheaper rate—perhaps $87 million over five seasons—could be one solution. This would instantly pay for itself in 2023–24 luxury tax savings. The long-term effects on taxes and resources (frozen draft selections, etc.) for the future rebuild will be enormous if the Warriors are willing to maintain their present payroll level.