The offseason has already shifted the NBA hierarchy. Giannis Antetokounmpo landed in Miami, LaMelo Ball joined Minnesota and Austin Reaves secured a max contract with Los Angeles. With the 2026 draft concluded, ESPN’s insiders outline each franchise’s must‑do moves—signings, trades, and tax‑saving maneuvers—before free agency opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.

Oklahoma City must trim its luxury‑tax bill while preserving depth. The Thunder added 7‑foot‑3 Michigan center Aday Mara and traded Aaron Wiggins, yet veterans Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe remain expendable. Bringing back Isaiah Hartenstein on a renegotiated deal could free $28.5 million and give the club a proven frontcourt piece for the postseason.

San Antonio’s next step hinges on securing Victor Wembanyama long‑term; a five‑year rookie extension could exceed $300 million. The Spurs also need a versatile power forward to counter OG Anunoby’s exposure of their undersized wings. By locking in their franchise cornerstone and adding a proven wing, the Spurs position themselves to translate a Finals run into a title bid.

Boston faces a roster crunch as Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White command a combined $145 million next season, leaving little room for upgrades. Trading Brown, the most marketable piece, emerges as the logical route to free cap space and rebalance a frontcourt that struggled against Denver’s big men in the playoffs.