The NBA offseason is officially underway after the Knicks' Finals victory, with teams racing toward the June 30 extension deadline. Zach Kram grades the early free agency moves, starting with CJ McCollum's one-year, $21 million return to Atlanta. The veteran guard exceeded expectations last season, delivering clutch performances that helped the Hawks surge after the All-Star break.

McCollum's fit with Atlanta's unconventional lineups proved surprisingly effective. The five-man unit featuring McCollum alongside Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu posted a plus-21.4 net rating, ranking second among high-usage lineups. His versatility playing on- and off-ball makes him valuable whether starting or mentoring a potential rookie point guard selected with the No. 8 pick.

Phoenix re-signed guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, with Gillespie landing a four-year, $48 million extension after his breakout 12.7-point season. Goodwin inked a three-year, $19 million deal, bringing elite offensive rebounding ability for a guard at 6-foot-3. Both moves address specific needs alongside Devin Booker.

However, these signings complicate Phoenix's offseason math. The Suns entered just $18 million shy of the luxury tax line and now face restricted free agent Mark Williams negotiations. After winning 45 games but getting swept in the first round, Phoenix lacks clear paths to contention while potentially accepting luxury tax penalties.