This is one of the most anticipated weeks on the NBA calendar. Not only have the playoffs reached the second round, but the offseason has already begun for 22 of the 30 teams in the NBA. Not to mention, every team's leadership and front office are about to see one another once they make their grand expedition to Chicago for the NBA Draft Lottery and Combine, a time for plenty of intel to go around.
In what is viewed to be a very deep draft class with high-level, potentially All-Star-level prospects at the very top in AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, a lot is at stake for every lottery team on Sunday once the ping-pong balls are drawn. Who ends up with the No. 1 pick and who potentially moves up could change the course of the league as we know it, especially since many teams with lottery odds are teetering with multiple paths they can go down.
But aside from the draft, scouting, and evaluations set to take place among the 30 teams in Chicago over the next 10 days, plenty of noise is already making its way around the NBA for the eight teams that failed to make it out of the first round of the playoffs.
The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, two teams with title aspirations, saw their seasons abruptly end in heartbreaking fashion. Will either team enter the offseason motivated to make a substantial roster change, possibly pursuing a star available on the market to pair with their All-NBA talents?
Then there are the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks — two teams who outperformed expectations in the Eastern Conference and could again take a major leap in the offseason. What major question does each of these teams face entering draft season and beyond?
Of course, there are then the Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers facing coaching questions regarding Jamahl Mosley being fired by Orlando and questions being raised about whether Portland has already silently moved on from interim head coach Tiago Splitter.
With the first round of the playoffs in the rear-view mirror and team executives flocking to Chicago, there will be plenty of intel to talk about across the NBA over the next few weeks. However, now is the perfect time to preview the offseason for each of the eight teams eliminated so far in the playoffs and dive into the biggest questions each organization faces, starting with the Celtics.
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) congratulate
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For years, many have questioned whether Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could succeed and lead the Celtics back to championship glory playing alongside one another. Those questions grew louder after Boston lost in the 2022 NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors, but those talks have been silent since the Celtics won a championship in 2024, with Brown being named Finals MVP.
After losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Philadelphia 76ers despite leading the series 3-1 after four games, many around the league are once again questioning the dynamic duo in Boston.
Change is clearly necessary for the Celtics.
This is not because their roster is a mess and their players don't fit together, but because of the way Boston lost to Philadelphia and collapsed in the series by losing three games on their home floor. Whether or not this change will involve key players like Brown or Derrick White is the ultimate question.
Right off the bat, the Celtics will not be considering anything that involves Tatum this offseason. He is the face of the franchise, and after returning earlier than many thought from his Achilles injury, Tatum has regained the mantle as the leader of the team. So what does that mean for Brown, who is coming off his best season in the league and will likely be named All-NBA First or Second Team as a result?
Rival front offices are already preparing for a big change to happen to the Celtics' roster this offseason, and team president Brad Stevens will evaluate the market for what upgrade he could possibly make in a trade involving Brown, sources said. However, this is not to say definitively that the Celtics will even consider trading Brown, as Stevens' comments in his end-of-season interview didn't hint one way or the other.
“We've been here 10 years together, and I do think that, obviously, I love JB,” Stevens stated. “Everybody around here loves JB, and I think, just like any of our other guys, as we get to the end of the season, I'll be here, and my door is always open.”
Stevens went on to say how rumors from Tracy McGrady stating that Brown is frustrated with the organization and that there is a lot of internal stuff going on behind the scenes are false, claiming that his conversations with the All-Star have been “nothing but positive.”
Brown also addressed these rumors on a Twitch live stream, saying that he has a “great” relationship with Stevens.
“I love Boston,” Brown said. “If it were up to me, I would play in Boston for the next 10 years.”
Between his outspokenness on live streams and speculation that the Celtics could be involved in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chatter this offseason, there is a growing skepticism among rival teams that Brown will remain in Boston for the foreseeable future.
The ultimate truth to what lies ahead for Brown will be determined in the offseason when he is eligible for a two-year, $141.9 million extension in July. If this deal is offered to Brown and he signs it, that is all we need to know about whether Brown is happy. However, if he doesn't sign this deal and leaves everything open for interpretation, the Celtics will need to seriously consider trading the All-NBA wing.
Nuggets prioritizing Peyton Watson?
Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
It is important to understand that the Denver Nuggets do not want to make any major changes this offseason, but they have no other choice. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon both signed nine-figure contract extensions with the team before the 2024-25 season, and Christian Braun signed a five-year $125 million rookie scale contract extension before this past season.
As a result, Michael Porter Jr. ended up being the odd man out, which led Denver to trade him to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson. That near-$17 million difference in salary allowed the Nuggets to remain in decent financial standing and add pieces like Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown to their roster. It also allowed the Nuggets to even offer the deal they did to Braun and keep him around.
But once again, the Nuggets enter the offseason with cap problems, as they are flirting with once again being an apron team. The team could decline Jalen Pickett's $2.4 million option and waive Jonas Valanciunas to save over $10 million in flexibility, yet Denver will need a lot more to fulfill their ultimate goal of bringing back restricted free agent Peyton Watson.
League sources have told ClutchPoints that after agreeing to a new extension with Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets' top priority is keeping Watson on the roster. In order to do so, the Nuggets will need a chunk of financial flexibility since teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets could look to sign Watson to an offer sheet and drive up his price for Denver to match in free agency.
As a result, Johnson, who sources say the Nuggets originally traded for with the mindset of utilizing as a one-year rental, is the most likely player to be traded over Murray, Gordon, or someone else this offseason. Johnson will be entering the final year of his contract at $23 million and would free up the funds Denver needs to allocate to Watson.
Between now and the NBA Draft in June, the Nuggets will engage in trade conversations with several teams expected to show interest in Johnson, a versatile wing who has shot 40 percent from 3-point range over the last three seasons. The LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets all previously expressed interest in trading for Johnson when he was with the Brooklyn Nets.
There will be no shortage of teams interested in Johnson this offseason since he will be entering the final year of his contract and is well-suited to join a win-now situation. The Nuggets will also be able to trade the 26th pick in this year's draft, which could possibly help them finally move off Zeke Nnaji, who is on the books at $7.5 million for the 2026-27 season.
The Nuggets' offseason will be about restructuring their roster financially and retaining Watson, who is expected to make at least $25 million in annual value on his new contract. It would come as a surprise if Denver moved Murray or Gordon, but that won't stop teams from calling them and the Nuggets from listening to the value rival front offices present to them.
Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court in the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Is there already tension brewing between Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets after just one year? It depends on who you ask.
Internally, the Rockets hold no immediate intention of trading Durant this summer, sources told ClutchPoints. Rafael Stone and the Rockets' front office targeted Durant with the idea of him not only elevating their championship expectations but also helping guide this young core forward.
Playing in 78 games this season, his most since the 2018-19 season with the Golden State Warriors, Durant certainly contributed at a high level and proved to be the missing weapon on offense that Houston traded for him to be. Unfortunately for the Rockets, nothing really came together for them all year as far as consistency goes, which led to a lot of finger-pointing from the outside.
Obviously, it didn't help that Fred VanVleet missed the year with a torn ACL, and the Rockets did not make a mid-season move to add backcourt depth, putting all their faith in Reed Sheppard to emerge as a leader in their backcourt. Sheppard showed flashes of what he can be, but he was nowhere close to being the lead guard Houston needed.
This was their biggest flaw all season, as it put way too much pressure on Durant to carry the offense, which he actually did at an extremely high level and on Sengun to play out of his comfort zone when KD wasn't on the court.
Durant signed a two-year, $90 million extension with the Rockets in October, a deal that runs through the 2027-28 season with a $46.1 million player option. This extension was a team-friendly deal in the sense that Durant took less money to allow Houston to build out the roster in other ways, and it essentially puts the superstar forward on a year-to-year basis that allows him to decide what he ultimately wants to do.
Will Durant put pressure on the Rockets' front office this summer since he basically has an “expiring contract,” and does he ultimately want another change of scenery? Can he trust those around him on this roster?
That final question is perhaps the biggest one of them all, especially considering the alleged burner account Durant has been accused of using to talk down on some of his teammates and questioning the intelligence of some of them. Whether this was actually Durant or not, some of the things said were accurate, but you just can't say them.
Although Durant has downplayed the situation, this has no doubt caused friction in the locker room and internally with the organization. And after saying he “can't trust Jabari [Smith] to make a f*****g shot or get a stop,” it's clear to see why Durant and Smith seem to have this weird vibe between them.
In terms of Houston's offseason as a whole, sources said the Rockets will be more reserved this summer compared to making major changes last year. The hope is that Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams will be back at full health — two essential veteran contributors the Rockets were missing greatly during the second half of the season.
The Rockets will also hold contract-extension talks with Amen Thompson, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, as well as restricted free agent forward Tari Eason.
As far as Durant goes, the Rockets will obviously receive calls from rival teams inquiring about his availability this summer. However, there is nothing to suggest at this time that the Rockets are even considering the idea of trading Durant, and he's given zero indications as of right now that he doesn't want to be there.
Magic, Blazers face critical coaching decisions
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Both the Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers are prepared to conduct coaching searches for two different reasons.
After leading the 1-seed Detroit Pistons 3-1 in the first round, the Magic lost three straight games and ultimately fell in Game 7 to the Pistons. What made this series loss hurt even more is that Orlando basically had the Pistons on the ropes up 22 in Game 6 before ending the game shooting 1-of-27 and scoring just 19 points in the second half.
This was by far the worst collapse I have ever witnessed in the NBA Playoffs, and it makes sense why Jamahl Mosley was ultimately fired. But this was just the cherry on top for Mosley and everything that had gone wrong this year, as his relationship with the locker room, specifically Paolo Banchero, had fractured, sources told ClutchPoints.
Banchero has grown unhappy with the way he was being utilized during the second half of the year and had been voicing his opinion of Mosley's deficiencies to others in the locker room, who backed the star player over the coach. Even if the Magic had defeated the Pistons, sources close to the situation said the Magic still likely would've removed Mosley as the head coach.
So what's next for the Magic entering the offseason? Sources say the Magic are expected to evaluate several experienced coaching candidates for their head coaching vacancy, including former Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan. Former New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has also been linked to Orlando by Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Other names rival front offices are bringing up as possible options for the Magic are long-time NBA assistant Sam Cassell, former New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green, and former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer.
The Magic are in a win-now position, which is why the expectation is that they will bring in a coach with years of experience who is ready to put this team in contention with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Aside from their coaching search, the Magic will enter the offseason with over $210 million on their books.
Keep an eye on Orlando possibly looking to cut some salary and make a minor adjustment to their starting lineup, possibly moving on from two-way guard Jalen Suggs after Anthony Black's breakout 2025-26 campaign.
As for the Trail Blazers, it should be a given that Tiago Splitter earns a new contract to become the head coach of the team after the marvelous job he did as the interim coach. Taking over for Chauncey Billups, who was arrested by the FBI right at the start of the season, Splitter not only further developed this young Blazers core, but he also led them to a 42-40 record and the 7-seed in the West.
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This was the best season Portland has had since they posted a 42-30 record during the shortened 2020-21 season, which is also the last time they made the playoffs.
Well, Splitter's status is very much in doubt at this moment, with new owner Tom Dundon wanting to cut costs regarding the head coach position. Sources say the Blazers and Splitter discussed a contract before the conclusion of the regular season that was described as “well below” the average coaching salary across the league.
It is no surprise that Splitter's relationship with the new ownership is on thin ice, especially since the feeling from his side is that they do not appreciate him for the job he did. What complicates this situation even more is that almost the entire locker room has stated their support for Splitter, with Matisse Thybulle claiming the interim coach did “an amazing job” and that nobody could “replicate” what he accomplished.
Perhaps the Blazers will circle back to Splitter and find common ground at some point this offseason, but it continues to look like Splitter's time with the franchise is over after a very successful 2025-26 season. Portland is prepared to conduct a widespread coaching search that will involve experienced, past NBA coaches, current NBA assistants, and possibly collegiate coaches as well.
Do Raptors pursue an all-in move?
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5) talks to forward Brandon Ingram (3) in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
After being involved in trade chatter for Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis at the deadline, making it clear to teams that Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl were available on the trade market, the Toronto Raptors held off on making a big move.
General manager Bobby Webster has always been very selective when it comes to trades and utilizing future assets, and when value did not present itself in February, the Raptors ultimately decided to wait and stick things out with their roster that exceeded expectations entering the year.
Battling through injuries, the Raptors claimed the East's 5-seed and took the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games. As Toronto enters the offseason, those same questions about making a big move will appear once more, only this time there is a need for change.
The Raptors own their first-round picks for the next seven years, including the 19th pick in this year's draft. This organization has always been delicate when it comes to trading draft capital, and the Raptors will not do so this offseason unless a clear opportunity to vastly improve their roster comes about.
Then again, it may take a pick to move on from Quickley, Poeltl, or former first-round pick Gradey Dick, who has likely played his final games in Toronto.
The emergence of rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has made Poeltl expendable, and Jamal Shead, who is eligible for an extension after the 2026 NBA Finals conclude, has made Quickley expendable. There are also questions about RJ Barrett's future as he enters the final year of his contract and will make $29.6 million next season.
Expect the Raptors to address their shooting needs both in the draft with the 19th overall selection and by seeking to buy low on the trade market based on who becomes available. Not that there is known interest at this time, but take a player like Cam Johnson from the Nuggets, for example.
Could Toronto strike a deal with the Nuggets and another team to move Quickley and bring in an established veteran two-way wing like Johnson, who will be entering the final year of his contract? These are the types of scenarios Toronto is expected to be involved in as the offseason begins, rather than again pursuing big stars like Davis and Sabonis.
There is not a sense of urgency to make a significant upgrade right now, but the Raptors are open to exploring what Quickley and Poeltl could get them on the trade market.
Will Hawks bring Jonathan Kuminga back?
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) dribbles during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jonathan Kuminga was the Atlanta Hawks' big trade deadline addition in their deal with the Golden State Warriors that involved Kristaps Porzingis. Immediately, Kuminga made an impact with the Hawks by scoring 37 points through his first two games in Atlanta, and he again stepped up in a big way during the playoffs against the New York Knicks.
In this series, Kuminga averaged 13.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the floor.
Although he is still growing and figuring out how to consistently contribute to his team, Kuminga has established himself as an intriguing part of the Hawks' bench. Has he done enough for the team to want to keep him long-term?
The Hawks find themselves in a great spot as an organization. Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels are both under contract for the foreseeable future, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker's deal, which he signed last offseason, looks like the best in the league. Atlanta also has two first-round picks this year and holds mutual interest with veteran free agent guard CJ McCollum.
It is expected that McCollum returns to the Hawks on a new short-term deal, sources said.
The questions for the Hawks revolve around their forward depth with Kuminga, Corey Kispert, and former first-overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. This will be a big summer for Risacher to prove himself, as talk of the organization possibly moving on from him will grow louder should his struggles on both ends of the court persist.
In terms of Kuminga, there really isn't a reason for the Hawks to decline his $24.3 million team option. By picking up the final year of his deal, the Hawks can not only continue to develop Kuminga, but he could also wind up being the key piece to an in-season trade during the 2026-27 season since he will be an expiring salary.
As far as possible upgrades go, the Hawks will operate a lot like the Raptors in the sense that they will be selective on the trade market and not force any action.
Atlanta is not a team that will be in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, sources said, and if the franchise looks to make a trade, they will do so looking at the contracts of Kuminga, Kispert, Risacher, and/or Buddy Hield, whose $9.7 million salary is only guaranteed for $3 million until June 25.
Will the Hawks look to utilize some of these declining value salaries in a trade to find a secondary upgrade this summer? His name has come up a lot in this story, but one player sources say the Hawks will hold exploratory interest in is Cam Johnson, assuming Denver looks to move the experienced shooting wing in a salary-saving trade.
The Hawks are expected to pursue guard depth this offseason and a long-term replacement at point guard after trading Trae Young at the deadline, specifically in the NBA Draft with their lottery pick coming from either New Orleans or Milwaukee.
Does Dillon Brooks get a new extensions?
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This was a great season for Dillon Brooks and the Phoenix Suns. After trading Durant and moving on from Bradley Beal, the Suns' “Big 3” era ended in disappointment and with a roster many expected to be near the bottom of the West standings.
Well, first-year coach Jordan Ott was the perfect fit in the desert, and the Suns put together a 45-37 season that likely would've been better if Brooks, Jalen Green, and Mark Williams were healthy down the stretch run of the season.
The Suns will enter the summer in great financial standing after working their way out of the aprons last year, and this team now has the flexibility to retain talent. Collin Gillespie is Phoenix's priority, sources said, as he enters unrestricted free agency following his career year, averaging 12.7 points per game and shooting 40.1 percent from 3-point range.
Williams is another player the Suns would like to retain in free agency after his productive year as the anchor of the team's frontcourt.
Keeping both players on team-friendly deals still puts the Suns in good financial standing, which then leads to questions about a potential extension with Brooks. Entering the summer, sources say Phoenix is prepared to conduct extension talks with the 30-year-old wing after he averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game alongside Devin Booker.
Brooks' leadership and secondary production are highly valued by the Suns' front office, and he will be eligible for an extension around four years and $125 million in total. A possible deal for Brooks will be very telling as to what the future of this organization looks like, specifically regarding potential trades to improve their potential.
The Suns should have access to their full mid-level exception in free agency, and they will look to see what options are available in free agency, specifically on the wing and at the power forward positions. Sources say San Antonio Spurs veteran forward Harrison Barnes and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade are two free agents Phoenix will have early interest in when free agency begins.
Do not expect major changes to the Suns' core, as this front office wants to see Booker, Green, Brooks, and secondary depth have a full season of health to compete in the West.
This is one of the most anticipated weeks on the NBA calendar. Not only have the playoffs reached the second round, but the offseason has already begun for 22 of the 30 teams in the NBA. Not to mention, every team's leadership and front office are about to see one another once they make their grand expedition to Chicago for the NBA Draft Lottery and Combine, a time for plenty of intel to go around.