NBA preview 2026-27: What Bobby Marks is watching at 30 training camps
As training camps get underway across the league, Bobby Marks examines roster, contract and fit questions for all 30 teams.
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NBA training camps have officially begun!
Monday marked the arrival of media day for most of the league's 30 teams, with on-court practice beginning Tuesday -- exactly three weeks before the New York Knicks will raise their 2026 NBA championship banner.
We have you covered as you dig into the 2026-27 season, with roster breakdowns for all 30 teams, top storylines, decisions and lingering issues to watch over the next few weeks.
Jump to a team: ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN NO | NYK | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
NBA contract glossary Exhibit 9 Exhibit 9 protects a team in case a player is injured in training camp. For example, the Knicks signed Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet to Exhibit 9 contracts this offseason. If either player is injured during training camp and then waived, New York is responsible for only $15,000 in salary.
Exhibit 10 A player who signs an Exhibit 10 contract is eligible to receive up to a $91,000 bonus (on top of his G League salary) if he signs a contract with the team's affiliate upon being waived from the parent club. To receive the bonus, a player must remain with his G League team for at least 60 days.
Two-way Two-way contracts are considered an extension of the regular roster. Each team can have three players on two-way contracts without counting against the 15-man roster limit. Only players with three years of service or less can sign a two-way contract. A player with four years of service is allowed to sign a two-way contract only if he missed a season because of injury.
A two-way player will be paid a flat salary of $636,435 for the 2025-2026 season. The salary does not count toward the salary cap and luxury tax. No player on a two-way contract may be on the active list for more than 50 games during the regular season. The deadline to sign a two-way player is March 3. Two-way players are not eligible for the playoffs.
What to watch during training camp: the frontcourt
Despite the franchise's run to the Eastern Conference's No. 6 seed, Atlanta's lack of frontcourt size was a major weakness. The Hawks' defense ranked 18th in blocks and 29th in both second-chance and point paints allowed during the regular season. And in the playoffs, Atlanta trailed only the Denver Nuggets in second chance points allowed per game. Selecting forward Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23 in June's draft and re-signing center Jock Landale, who missed the Hawks' first-round defeat because of a right ankle sprain, will help. Mouhamed Gueye (fractured foot; might miss the start of 2026-27) and Henri Veesaar (torn right ACL; expected to miss the season).
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: Deadline to extend the contract of Onyeka Okongwu Nov. 2: Deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Asa Newell Extension candidates and eligibility
Gueye (four years, $95.5 million; through June 30) Okgonwu (three years, $76.6 million; through Oct. 19) Luguentz Dort (three years, $67 million; through June 30)
Boston Celtics
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed: 14 Partial/non-guaranteed: 0 Exhibit 10: 5 Two-way: 2 What to watch during training camp: the offense
Over the past four regular seasons, Boston has won 73% of its games while also ranking in the top four leaguewide in 3-point attempts. But the Celtics' first-round loss to the Philadelphia 76ers revealed cracks in the NBA's second-ranked offense.
"The biggest thing is can we generate looks at the rim?" Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said. "Everybody wants to do that, and every one of us would prefer a dunk over a 3. Every single one of us. Those are hard to get, and we struggle to generate them."
With Jaylen Brown replaced by Paul George and Mitchell Robinson signed to provide frontcourt help, will the Celtics adjust their philosophy? Per Cleaning the Glass, George ranked in the 90th percentile among wings in midrange attempts. For his part, George also shot better than 39% on 3s for the ninth time in his career last season.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Payton Pritchard Nov. 2: deadline to exercise team options of Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman Extension candidates and eligibility
Pritchard (three years, $69 million; Oct. 1-19) George (two years, $125 million; through June 30)
Brooklyn Nets
Contract snapshot:
Guaranteed contracts: 15 Partial/non-guaranteed: 0 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: former first-rounders, playmaking and rim protection
The Nets drafted an NBA-record five first-round picks in 2025. For the roster to grow, there needs to be positive development in their sophomore season. Of the five former first-rounders, only Egor Demin averaged at least 25 minutes.
Brooklyn added 2026 No. 6 pick Mikel Brown Jr. and traded for Julius Randle, but did those moves give the Nets enough playmaking to the roster? In his freshman season at Louisville, Brown averaged 4.7 assists per game. And in the lineups where Minnesota did not play with a point guard, Randle averaged 5.0 assists per game.
The Nets also lack rim protection after starting center Nic Claxton was traded to Chicago as part of the Randle deal. Day'Ron Sharpe and Moritz Wagner, the only centers on Brooklyn's roster, averaged a combined 1.0 block per 36 minutes last season. The Nets allowed the seventh most points in the paint in 2025-26.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: Deadline to extend the contract of Noah Clowney Nov. 2: Deadline to exercise the team options of Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf Extension candidates and eligibility
Michael Porter Jr. (four years, $234.3 million; through June 30) Terance Mann (three years $72.6 million' from Oct. 1 through Oct. 19) Clowney (rookie scale, through Oct. 19)
What to watch during training camp: the backcourt and Brandon Miller
Coby White will assume the starting role after Charlotte traded former franchise guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It should be a relatively smooth transition. White came off the bench in the 21 games after he was acquired from Chicago in February; but before the deal, he had started 97% of the games he played from 2023-24. And in the contests White played without Ball, the Hornets were plus-18.7 points per 100 possessions.
The Ball trade also was a bet on the development of Miller, who is currently rookie-extension eligible. Despite the 23-year-old forward needing offseason shoulder surgery, Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson said Miller should be a full participant in training camp.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contracts of Miller and Royce O'Neale Nov. 2: deadline to exercise team options of Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley and Tidjane Salaun Extension candidates and eligibility
Miller (rookie extension; through Oct. 19) O'Neale (two years, $56 million; through Oct. 19) Grant Williams (four years, $95 million; through June 30)
What to watch during training camp: perimeter shooting
Is there enough spacing on this roster to allow Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis to develop offensively? Jalen Smith and Norman Powell were the only players on the roster to average at least 37% shooting from deep on a minimum of three attempts per game last season. The Bulls should get a boost with the addition of Buddy Hield. Acquired in a trade from Charlotte, Hield is a 39.5% career shooter from 3. During Tiago Splitter's season as the interim coach in Portland, the Trail Blazers finished third in 3-point attempts but 27th in 3-point percentage.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Nic Claxton Nov. 2: deadline to exercise team options of Noa Essengue and Buzelis Extension candidates and eligibility:
Leonard Miller (three years, $52.4 million; through June 30) Claxton (two years, $52 million; through Oct. 19) Smith (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Isaac Okoro (four years, $95 million; through June 30)
Cleveland Cavaliers
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts:12 Partial: 2 Exhibit 10: 4 Two-way: 3 Editor's Picks NBA buzz: Latest news, updates and intel ahead of the regular season ESPN staff The NBA's eight most intriguing newcomers, ranked Ben Golliver NBA Rank: The new top 10 features a razor-thin race for No. 1 NBA insiders 2 Related What to watch during training camp: frontcourt depth
Does Cleveland have enough depth if Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen miss time? Allen and Watson combined to play 110 games with Denver last season. During the Cavaliers' postseason, frontcourt reserves Thomas Bryant (appeared in nine of 18 games) and Nae'Qwan Tomlin (appeared in seven) failed to reach five minutes per game. Because of the Watson acquisition, the Cavs have no financial flexibility to add a 15th player or even carry a non-guaranteed player. They are $45,000 below the first apron hard cap.
Dates to watch
Nov. 2: deadline to exercise team option of Jaylon Tyson Nov. 15: Mario Hezonja's contract becomes guaranteed Extension candidates and eligibility
Porter (four years, $95 million; through June 30)
Dallas Mavericks
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 14 Partial/non-guaranteed: 2 Exhibit 10: 1 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: return of Kyrie Irving and health of Dereck Lively II
Irving hasn't played since March 3, 2025, when he tore his left ACL in a home loss against the Sacramento Kings. A healthy Irving will improve an offense that ranked 22nd in assists and 29th in made 3s.
Lively has played 43 of 165 games over the past two seasons. Lively hasn't played since November due to a right foot injury that required surgery in December.
"[Lively] has been working his tail off. He's in the facility constantly, completely locked into everything we're doing and doing everything in his power to be his best self," Mavericks general manager Mike Schmitz told Dallas Hoops Journal in August. However, as ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported, Lively has not been cleared for training camp and his status for the season opener is uncertain.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: the last day to extend the contracts of Lively and Marcus Sasser Nov. 1: Moussa Cisse's contract becomes guaranteed Nov. 2: deadline to exercise team options of Cooper Flagg and Zaccharie Risacher Extension candidates and eligibility
Lively (rookie scale; through Oct. 19) Max Christie (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Caleb Martin (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Sasser (rookie scale; through Oct. 19)
Denver Nuggets
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 14 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 3 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: bench depth
The Nuggets return the same starting five that captured the Western Conference's No. 3 seed, including three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and first-time All-Star Jamal Murray. Denver's questions start with its depth. The Nuggets re-signed Spencer Jones and added veteran DeMar DeRozan but lost Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson and Jonas Valanciunas.
Hardaway ranked fifth on the Nuggets in points per game, while Watson ranked fifth in minutes per game. Jones is the only Denver reserve to average at least 20 minutes per game on a team that won at least half of its games since 2022-23.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Julian Strawther Nov. 2: deadline to exercise team option of DaRon Holmes II Extension candidates and eligibility
Jokic (four years, $278 million; through June 30) Cameron Johnson (four years, $144.7 million; through June 30) Zeke Nnaji (four years, $95 million, through June 30) Strawther (rookie scale; through Oct. 19)
Detroit Pistons
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 12 Partial/non-guaranteed: 2 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: Jalen Duren's restricted free agency. Duren remains unsigned despite coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game and became the first player since Charles Barkley in 1988-89 to record four games with 30 points, 10 rebounds on 80% shooting during the regular season.
If an agreement is not reached prior to Thursday, Duren could sign the $9.6 million one-year qualifying offer and enter unrestricted free agency in 2027. No player selected to an All-NBA or All-Star team has ever signed the qualifying offer. If Duren -- who was named All-NBA and selected as an All-Star last season -- becomes a free agent next summer, eight teams project to have enough cap space to sign him.
Dates to watch
Oct. 1: deadline for Duren to sign the Pistons' qualifying offer Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team option of Ron Holland II Extension candidates: None
Golden State Warriors
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 12 Partial/non-guaranteed: 4 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: extensions, injury returns and frontcourt depth
Extension talks between the Warriors and Brandin Podziemski are a headline entering training camp. The 23-year-old guard is rookie-extension-eligible until Oct. 19. After Golden State extended Stephen Curry, it projects to have between $38 million and $55 million in cap space next summer. If Podziemski extends for more than $17 million -- the amount of his free agent hold -- Golden State loses financial flexibility.
Elsewhere on the roster, expect an updated injury timeline soon on Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody; Butler tore his right ACL in January, while Moody ruptured his left patellar tendon in late March. Golden State was a plus-7.6 per 100 possessions when both players were on the court last season.
The Warriors extended Kristaps Porzingis and re-signed Al Horford. Even with both players returning, there are questions about the lack of frontcourt depth. And the health of Porzingis and Horford also is an area of concern, as the big man duo combined to miss nearly half of their games with the Warriors last season. (Porzingis is out indefinitely with a health issue.)
Unless coach Steve Kerr elects to go small with Draymond Green at the 5, Charles Bassey is the only other big on the roster. Bassey, a 25-year-old center, has yet to average more than 15.5 minutes per game, as he appeared in just 13 games last season between the Warriors, Celtics, 76ers and Grizzlies.
Date to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contracts of Podziemski and Moody Extension candidates and eligibility
Moody (three years, $67.1 million; Oct. 1-19) Podziemski (rookie extension; through Oct. 19)
Houston Rockets
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 12 Partial/non-guaranteed: 2 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: playmaking
Fred VanVleet's season-ending knee injury that he suffered before 2025 training camp played a major role in the Rockets' offensive regression. With VanVleet on the court in 2024-25, Houston ranked 12th in offense and was 26-18 in clutch games. With the veteran guard recovering from a torn right ACL, the Rockets ranked 20th in offense and were 18-19 in clutch games. After electing to not sign a fill-in facilitator, Houston ranked 24th in both assist-to-turnover ratio and in turnovers committed. VanVleet's return and the free agent signings of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic should help the Rockets' offense operate more smoothly.
Dates to watch
Oct. 20: Isaiah Crawford's contract guarantee increases from zero money to $1.2 million Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team option of Reed Sheppard Extension candidates and eligibility: None
Indiana Pacers
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 14 Partial/non-guaranteed: 0 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac
It is rare for a team that won 19 games the prior season to be considered a conference favorite. Indiana is different for multiple reasons.
The Pacers return 10 players, including All-Stars Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, from the roster that pushed Oklahoma City to seven games in the 2025 NBA Finals. Haliburton tore his right Achilles in Game 7 of that series and missed the entire 2025-26 campaign.
When Haliburton last played, the Pacers were plus-4.1 points per 100 possessions in the regular season and plus-7.8 in the postseason with their floor general on the court. He had 33 games with at least 10 assists and boasted a 5.6 assist-to-turnover ratio in 2024-25.
A healthy Haliburton will be tasked with reviving an offense that ranked 27th overall, 26th in field goal percentage, 20th in 3-point shooting and 18th in fast-break points -- while working alongside a non-shooting big man in Zubac.
Zubac, who was acquired from the Clippers at the 2025-26 trade deadline but played just five games with the Pacers, is 1-for-12 from beyond the arc in his 10-year career. Indiana likes to play at warp speed and kick out to shooters; its offense was ninth in pace even without Haliburton, while the Clips were 28th.
Date to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contracts of Haliburton, Siakam, Zubac, Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard Extension candidates and eligibility
Siakam (four years, $206.3 million; through Oct. 19) Toppin (three years, $72.7 million; through Oct. 19) Johnny Furphy (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Nembhard (three years, $95.2 million; through Oct. 19) Jay Huff (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Haliburton (two years, $121.6 million; through Oct. 19) Walker (rookie scale extension; through Oct. 19) Sheppard (rookie extension; through Oct. 19) Zubac (three years, $95.2 million; through Oct. 19)
LA Clippers
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 15 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 3 2026 NBA Rank: The league's top 100 players • Top 10: Mitchell, Tatum, Cade, Ant... • Nos. 50-11: Ranking LeBron, Curry, Durant, Kawhi • Nos. 100-51: Four rookies make the countdown • NBA Rank debate: Snubs, surprises, top 10 picks • 10 players to watch in NBA Rank... 2027 • NBA team rankings: Three-year outlooks for all 30
What to watch during training camp: the backcourt and the final roster spot
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue has options for the starting guard spot next to Darius Garland, a good problem on the court after the franchise's tumultuous summer off of it.
Lue has started Kris Dunn in 126 of his 156 games as a Clipper, mainly because Dunn's high-level defense has been invaluable. And he has his 3-point shot, shooting 37.4% last season, his best in any season he attempted at least two 3s per game.
But LA has plenty of backcourt depth. The Clippers drafted Keaton Wagler with the No. 5 pick, signed veteran Bradley Beal and traded for Max Strus this summer. Last year's second-round pick, Kobe Sanders, started 16 games in 2025-26.
The Clippers must reduce their roster to 15 by the start of the regular season. They currently have 15 guaranteed contracts and Cam Christie on a non-guaranteed deal.
Dates to watch
Oct. 15: Christie's contract becomes guaranteed Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Garland Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team option of Yanic Konan Niederhauser Extension candidates and eligibility
Dunn (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Derrick Jones Jr. (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Christie (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Garland (two years, $110.4 million; through Oct. 19) Gradey Dick (rookie extension; through Oct. 19) Strus (three years, $63 million; through June 30)
Los Angeles Lakers
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 16 Partial/non-guaranteed: 0 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: defensive identity
With 10 new players, expect a learning curve with the Lakers roster, especially defensively. That starts with new big men Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Los Angeles ranked 20th in defense and 19th in points in the paint allowed last season.
Kessler has missed 101 games in the past two seasons, including all but five in 2025-26 with the Utah Jazz. But two years ago, Kessler held opponents to 48% in the paint as the contesting defender, fifth best in the NBA, per GeniusIQ tracking. (On offense, Kessler averaged career highs with 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists with an NBA-leading 66.3% shooting from the field.)
Mamukelashvili played at his best when he was at the 5 and the only big on the court. In 2,159 possessions at center last season, lineups for Toronto ranked in the 89th percentile and were plus-9.4 per 100 possessions.
The Lakers also have 16 players on guaranteed contracts and will need to make a trade or waive a player by Oct. 12.
Date to watch
Nov. 2: the last day to exercise the team option of Dalton Knecht Extension candidates and eligibility
Jarred Vanderbilt (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Bronny James (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Jaden Hardy (three years, $57 million; through June 30)
Memphis Grizzlies
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 17 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 1 Two-way: 2 What to watch during training camp: Zach Edey and roster cuts
Edey played just 11 games last season before being sidelined with an ankle injury that required surgery in March. When he was healthy last season, Edey averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds (3.9 offensive) and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes. Memphis wisely bolstered their frontcourt, drafting Cameron Boozer (No. 3) and Karim Lopez (No. 21), trading for Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart and signing Quinten Post.
The Grizzlies took advantage of carrying 21 players in the offseason. But with 18 players on standard contracts, they will need to trade or waive three players by the start of the regular season.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contracts of Taylor Hendricks, Jordan Hawkins and Kris Murray Oct. 20: Jaylen Wells' contract becomes guaranteed Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Walter Clayton Jr., Cedric Coward and Edey Extension candidates and eligibility
Stewart (two years, $36.9 million; through June 30) Hendricks (rookie scale; through Oct. 19) Hawkins (rookie scale; through Oct. 19) Wells (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Scotty Pippen Jr. (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Grant (three years, $129 million; through June 30) Murray (rookie scale; through Oct. 19)
Miami Heat
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 12 Partial/non-guaranteed: 2 Exhibit 10: 4 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: the new offense
Since trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami has filled its most important need, perimeter shooting, by signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson. But to create even easier baskets for Antetokounmpo and incumbent star Bam Adebayo, Miami will need more from its backcourt.
Last year's duo of Davion Mitchell and Tyler Herro were effective because the latter handled much of the playmaking duties. With Herro and Norman Powell no longer on the roster, who takes on that responsibility when games get tight? The two players were top three on the Heat in clutch-time usage.
Date to watch
Oct. 20: Nick Richards' contract becomes guaranteed Extension candidates and eligibility
Antetokounmpo (four years, $276 million; Jan. 6 through June 30)
Milwaukee Bucks
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 16 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 2 What to watch during training camp: life after Antetokounmpo and the frontcourt
With Antetokounmpo now in Miami, no players remain from the Bucks' 2021 championship roster.
New coach Taylor Jenkins' revamped roster features a mix of established veterans (Herro, Kyle Kuzma, Caris LeVert, Myles Turner), scoring guards (AJ Green, Ryan Rollins) and recent first-round picks (Milwaukee has five players on first-round rookie contracts, including 2026 No. 10 selection Brayden Burries).
Besides integrating eight new players, the Kel'el Ware-Turner frontcourt will be worth monitoring. Last season, the Heat were plus-6.7 points per 100 possessions when Ware was on the court with another big, and minus-6.0 without. Will Milwaukee take that into account when pairing Ware with Turner?
The Bucks have 16 players on guaranteed contracts and will need to waive or trade a player before the start of the regular season.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Jaime Jaquez Jr. Oct. 19: Pete Nance's contract becomes guaranteed Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Kasparas Jakucionis and Ware Extension candidates and eligibility
Kuzma (four years, $125.5 million; after the Finals through June 30) Herro (three years, $124.7 million; through June 30) Jaquez (rookie scale; through Oct. 19)
Minnesota Timberwolves
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 13 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 4 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: lineup creativity and Joan Beringer
Julius Randle and Naz Reid are gone, replaced by LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. Ball's ability to rebound the basketball at point guard (5.7 rebounds per game throughout his six seasons) allows coach Chris Finch some flexibility with his lineups.
And against teams without a post scorer, Minnesota can experiment with Jaden McDaniels or Kuminga at center. That would allow the Wolves to push the pace on both sides of the ball.
With Randle and Reid no longer on the roster, expect Beringer's role to increase. In eight G League games last season, the 2025 No. 17 pick averaged 15.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. He played 40 games (three starts) for Minnesota as a rookie, including a 24-point, 13-rebound, seven-block outburst in the regular-season finale.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contracts of Anthony Edwards, Ball and McDaniels Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Beringer, Cody Williams and Terrence Shannon Jr. Extension candidates and eligibility
Donte DiVincenzo (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Edwards (two years, $121.6 million; through Oct. 19) Rudy Gobert (three years $165.6 million; Oct. 24 through June 30) McDaniels (two years, $86.6 million; Oct. 1-19) Ball (one year, $55.5 million; through Oct. 19)
New Orleans Pelicans
Guaranteed contracts: 14 Partial/non-guaranteed: 4 Exhibit 10: 0 Two-way: 2 What to watch during training camp: coach Jamahl Mosley and small ball
Will hiring Mosley make a difference to a roster that won 26 games last season and made no changes outside of signing Bennedict Mathurin? Mosley will have to weigh the upside of a healthy core with the idea of whether a shake-up is needed. Fourteen players from the current team are under contract next season, including Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
The lineup of Williamson, Murray, Jones, Murphy and guard Saddiq Bey played 230 possessions last season. That group ranked in the 71st percentile leaguewide, outsourcing opponents by 10.9 points per 100 possessions. Overall, New Orleans lineups ranked in the 37th percentile, getting outscored by 4.4 points per 100 possessions. Is health the only thing stopping New Orleans from a postseason push?
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Williamson Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Yves Missi and AJ Johnson Extension candidates and eligibility
Jordan Poole (four years, $213.5 million; through June 30) Karlo Matkovic (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Williamson (three years $180 million; through Oct. 19) Dejounte Murray (four years, $180.4 million; through June 30)
What to watch during training camp: the frontcourt and final roster spots
New York's lack of center depth is a concern. Mitchell Robinson, for years the Knicks' best rim protector and offensive rebounder, is gone. So is reserve Ariel Hukporti. Between the two, New York lost two of its top three rebounders and its top two shot blockers (per 36 minutes).
Last season, New York ranked third in paint points allowed and fourth in offensive rebounds per game. With Robinson on the court during the regular season, the Knicks were plus-6.7 points per 100 possessions.
New York hopes to remedy those losses by adding Andre Drummond, one of the league's best rebounders, and by re-signing Mohamed Diawara.
The Knicks filled out their roster with John Konchar, Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, Drew Eubanks and James Wiseman to training camp contracts. Unless there is a trade to clear out salary, the likelihood is that only one of those five players is on the roster to start the season. New York is $3.3 million below the second apron.
Dates to watch: None
Extension candidates and eligibility
Towns (four years, $276 million; through June 30) Miles McBride (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Josh Hart (four years, $131.2 million; through June 30 Tyler Kolek (four years, $95 million; through June 30)
Oklahoma City Thunder
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 14 Partial/non-guaranteed: 0 Exhibit 10: 1 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: Jalen Williams
Will hamstring injuries become a recurring issue for the Thunder star? After Williams played in at least 69 games in each of his first three NBA seasons, injuries to both hamstrings limited him to 33 regular-season contests. He missed an extra 10 in the playoffs, including four of seven in the conference finals loss to San Antonio. The Thunder were plus-11.9 points per possessions when Williams was on the court last season.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Cason Wallace Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Thomas Sorber, Jared McCain and Nikola Topic Extension candidates and eligibility
Wallace (rookie scale; through Oct. 19)
Orlando Magic
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 13 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 3 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: Sean Sweeney
Can Orlando's new coach fix an offense that has consistently ranked in the league's bottom 10 for the past decade?
The Magic's young stars staying healthy and sharing the court will help. After Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner played 40 games together in 2024-25, the duo appeared in just 24 in 2025-26. But in 914 possessions with both stars on the court last season, Orlando's lineups ranked in the 81st percentile at plus-6.6 points per 100 possessions.
Another potential boost is perimeter shooting. Last season, Desmond Bane was the only player on the roster to shoot over 38% on 3-pointers and average at least 15 minutes of playing time. The Magic finished the season with the league's fourth-worst shooting percentage from deep.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contracts of Anthony Black and Bane Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Jase Richardson and Tristan da Silva Extension candidates and eligibility
Black (rookie scale; through Oct. 19) Bane (two years, $121 million; through Oct. 19) Goga Bitadze (four years, $95 million; through June 30)
Philadelphia 76ers
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 13 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 4 Two-way: 2 What to watch during training camp: roster turnover
Led by two new starters in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown and a revamped bench, the 76ers have seven new faces on the roster.
"Obviously, on paper, we look great," Brown said in the offseason. "But let's all slow down. It takes real work every single day in order to make something like this happen."
It will be worth monitoring how much Philadelphia uses James as a point forward, the role he played with the Lakers during their run to the 2020 NBA title. James has averaged at least seven assists every season since 2014-15 and is coming off his fewest turnovers since 2012-13. The 76ers ranked 29th in assists last season.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Brown Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team option of VJ Edgecombe Extension candidates and eligibility
Brown (one year, $68.2 million; through Oct. 19) Adem Bona (four years, $95 million; through June 30)
Phoenix Suns
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 13 Partial/non-guaranteed: 2 Exhibit 10: 3 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: center
With Mark Williams out for an extended period with a torn labrum, expect Phoenix to lean on Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach at center. The Suns also signed Duop Reath to a non-guaranteed contract this offseason. (Phoenix went 11-11 without Williams and 34-26 when he played in 2025-26.)
When Ighodoro slid to center last season, Phoenix was plus-5.1 points per 100 possessions. Maluach, meanwhile, is coming off a summer league in which he averaged 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds. The Suns are hoping their young bigs can improve their 27th ranking in defensive rebound percentage and 22nd in offensive rebounds allowed.
Date to watch
Nov. 2: Deadline to exercise the team options of Maluach and Ryan Dunn Extension candidates and eligibility
Ighodaro (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Jalen Green (four years, $197 million; Oct. 1 through June 30) Miles Bridges (three years, $86 million; through June 30)
Portland Trail Blazers
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 11 Partial/non-guaranteed: 4 Exhibit 10: 0 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: Damian Lillard, Ja Morant and the guards
The last time Lillard suited up for Portland, he averaged a career-high 32.2 points and was named to the All-NBA third team. Since then, he has had two All-Star seasons in Milwaukee before missing the entire 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles. Due to health and suspension issues, Morant has yet to play more than 50 games since the 2022-23 season. He has yet to play more than 67 games in any of his seven NBA seasons. Last year, Morant played just 20 games, averaging a career low in minutes, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage with the second highest turnover rate of his career.
Lillard and Morant join a crowded backcourt that includes Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson. "If we are just doing the right thing, playing the right way... I think the balance will work itself out," Lillard said when asked how the team will maneuver its current guard logjam.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contracts of Morant, Henderson and Deni Avdija Oct. 21: Vit Krejci's contract becomes guaranteed Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Donovan Clingan, Yang Hansen Extension candidates and eligibility
Avdija (three years, $67.1 million; Oct. 1-19) Henderson (rookie extension; through Oct. 19) Krejci (four years, $95 million; through June 30) Morant (two years, $110.4 million; through Oct. 19)
Sacramento Kings
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 13 Partial/non-guaranteed: 2 Exhibit 10: 2 Two-way: 2 What to watch during training camp: young players and defense
The league's fourth-oldest roster has gotten significantly younger this offseason, a by-product of not re-signing 37-year-old DeMar DeRozan and drafting Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp. The three rookies join last year's draft selections, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud.
While the offense should improve with Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and De'Andre Hunter all healthy, questions remain on the defensive side. The Kings finished last season in the bottom of every defensive category, including transition points, second-chance points, 3-point percentage and points per game allowed.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Sabonis and Malik Monk Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team option of Clifford Extension candidates and eligibility
LaVine (four years, $276 million; through June 30) Hunter (four years, $156.2 million; through June 30) Sabonis (three years, $210 million; through Oct. 19) Monk (four years, $126.6 million; through June 30)
San Antonio Spurs
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 14 Partial/non-guaranteed: 0 Exhibit 10: 4 Two-way: 3 Play the No. 1 fantasy game for free
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What to watch during training camp: the starting power forward spot
The Spurs have a good problem to solve in camp: who to start at the 4? Incumbent Julian Champagnie or veteran addition Tobias Harris?
Champagnie started 68 games and appeared in all 82 games regular-season contests for a second straight season. San Antonio was plus-12.2 points per 100 possessions when he was on the court.
Harris, who signed a two-year, $30.8 million contract in the offseason, has started 913 of his 1,033 career regular-season games and hasn't come off the bench since 2016-17.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Devin Vassell Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant and Stephon Castle Extension candidates and eligibility
Vassell (two years, $78.6 million; Oct. 1-Oct. 19) Keldon Johnson (four years, $109.8 million; through June 30)
Toronto Raptors
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 14 Partial/non-guaranteed: 0 Exhibit 10: 4 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: spacing
With how much Kawhi Leonard likes to take advantage of single coverage, does this Toronto team have enough shooting around him to prevent additional defenders from impacting his shot? Leonard ranked ninth in isolation possessions per game (4.3) last season while Toronto ranked 26th in 3-pointers made and 21st in 3-point percentage.
Ja'Kobe Walter is the only returning player to average at least 10 minutes a game while shooting above 38% from deep.
In terms of the starting lineup, Immanuel Quickley shot 37.4% from 3 last season. Jakob Poeltl is an inside big, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett shot 30.4% and 33.9% from 3, respectively.
Date to watch
Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Collin Murray-Boyles and Walter Extension candidates and eligibility
Barrett (four years, $185.6 million; through June 30) Trayce Jackson-Davis (four years, $95 million; through June 30 ) Jamal Shead (four years, $95 million; through June 30)
Utah Jazz
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 13 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 4 Two-way: 3 What to watch during training camp: Ace Bailey
Depending on his role (either as a starter or sixth man), Bailey is the X factor on this Utah roster. Before the All-Star break, Bailey played 26.3 minutes per night averaging 11.7 points with 45/34/70 shooting splits and 3.9 rebounds. Post All-Star, Bailey's minutes were upped to 30.3 per night, and he responded by averaging 18.3 points off 43/35/80 shooting splits and 4.9 rebounds.
He scored 18.3 points per game post All-Star, the second-highest mark out of all rookies during that span, following only Cooper Flagg. In the games Utah won with Bailey on the court last season, he shot 47% from the field and 40% from 3 with a usage rate of 19.1%.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Brice Sensabaugh Oct. 20: Mo Bamba's contract increases from $250,000 to $500,000 Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of Bailey and Isaiah Collier Extension candidates and eligibility
Sensabaugh (rookie scale; through Oct. 19) Svi Mykhailiuk (four years, $95 million; through June 30 Kyle Filipowski (four years, $95 million; through June 30)
Washington Wizards
Contract snapshot
Guaranteed contracts: 13 Partial/non-guaranteed: 1 Exhibit 10: 4 Two-way: 2 What to watch during training camp: spacing
Will starting Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr together provide enough spacing? Sarr averaged 33.3% from 3 last season and Davis has yet to average better than 28.2% from deep since the 2019-20 season. Adding AJ Dybantsa to that equation also creates spacing concerns -- the No. 1 pick converted just 33% of his 3s as a freshman at BYU and went 1-for-11 in two summer league performances.
Guards Trae Young, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson should provide plenty of spacing. But having three players in your projected starting and closing lineups who shoot 33% or lower from deep will allow defenses to be more strategic. That could make the Wizards offense more challenging than it needs to be.
Dates to watch
Oct. 19: deadline to extend the contract of Bilal Coulibaly Nov. 2: deadline to exercise the team options of George, Johnson, Bub Carrington and Will Riley Extension candidates and eligibility
