For 10 NBA franchises, the 2026 offseason has already begun.
Which teams are ready to take the next step in their rebuilds? Which have massive draft and trade decisions ahead? Will stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant be on the move this summer?
We're breaking down the potential moves for each eliminated franchise, including a look at the state of the roster, finances, front office priorities, extension candidates to watch, team needs and future draft assets. (Note: 2026 draft picks are based on current league standings.)
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Washington Wizards
2025-26 record: 17-64 Draft picks in June: No. 1, No. 51 (via MIN), No. 60 (via OKC) Odds at the No. 1 pick: 14%
2026 free agents
Anthony Gill D'Angelo Russell ($6 million, player option) Jamir Watkins ($2.2 million, team option) Trae Young ($49 million, player option) Sharife Cooper (restricted) State of the roster
After 21 trades in less than three years, there is a strong foundation in place. Since taking over in May 2023, president of basketball operations Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins have carefully built up Washington's draft assets, financial flexibility and expiring contracts for when the next star player becomes available -- such as Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
The Wizards took advantage of the financial flexibility created when Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole were traded for expiring contracts (CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton) that were sent to acquire Young and Davis. And the two first-round picks sent to Dallas were acquired in previous trades, which meant the franchise wasn't mortgaging its future by sending out its own draft picks or former first-rounders Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr and Tre Johnson.