Non-playoff teams’ to-do list With the draft lottery set to shape much of the offseason, planning remains uncertain for now. As the 2025–26 NBA regular season winds down, 20 teams are still competing, but the bottom 10—Pacers, Wizards, Nets, Bulls, Bucks, Kings, Jazz, Mavericks, Grizzlies and Pelicans—have already shifted their attention toward the 2026–27 season.
Figuring out their next steps isn’t straightforward. Many of these franchises are effectively in limbo, as their roster decisions depend heavily on lottery outcomes that won’t be determined for another month. Until they know their draft positions, concrete planning is difficult.
Still, these teams have a general sense of their direction. They understand their needs, priorities, and controllable factors. With that in mind, here’s a look at each team’s offseason checklist—focusing only on moves that don’t rely on lottery results. While the draft may influence some decisions, these are the core issues each team must address regardless…Read more
Non-playoff teams’ to-do list Indiana Pacers: Explore trades to reduce salary
From a basketball standpoint, Indiana doesn’t have many gaps to fill. Most key contributors from their 2025 Finals run remain, and Ivica Zubac has stepped in for Myles Turner. If Tyrese Haliburton performs at his usual level, the Pacers should remain contenders Non-playoff teams’ to-do list.
The real concern is financial. The franchise has historically avoided paying the luxury tax, and that likely influenced Turner’s departure. Even after roster changes, they’re projected to exceed the tax threshold next season. If they lose their first-round pick, the issue may resolve itself. However, keeping a top-four selection would push them further above the limit, potentially forcing them to trade a notable player.
That said, a high draft pick could soften the blow of moving someone like Obi Toppin or T.J. McConnell. While avoiding the tax isn’t urgent compared to other contenders, Indiana’s cost-conscious approach makes trimming salary a reasonable goal. For now, they can only assess potential trade options until their draft situation is clear…Read more
Brooklyn Nets: Decide on Michael Porter Jr.’s future
Earlier in the season, trading Michael Porter Jr. seemed likely as the Nets leaned into rebuilding. However, Brooklyn has a history of holding out for significant returns, which has paid off in past deals.
Non-playoff teams’ to-do list Now, the urgency to move him has decreased. Without control of their 2027 first-round pick, winning games has value, making Porter’s presence beneficial. If the Nets plan to keep him, it would make sense to negotiate an extension while they still have cap flexibility, potentially structuring the deal to take advantage of their current financial situation.
Washington Wizards: Resolve Trae Young’s contract situation
Like Brooklyn, Washington faces a key contract decision, but with more uncertainty. Unlike Porter, Trae Young is ball-dominant, making his fit with the team harder to evaluate after only a handful of games.
Non-playoff teams’ to-do list The upcoming draft adds another layer, as many prospects are point guards who could eventually compete with Young. While reports suggest the Wizards may offer him an extension, committing at a high price this early could be risky. Whether through an extension or a “prove-it” season, the team needs clarity to map out its financial future.
Milwaukee Bucks: Get clarity on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term plans
The Bucks must resolve Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future this offseason. Ownership has made it clear: he will either sign an extension or be traded.
Although he isn’t eligible for an extension until October, Milwaukee can’t afford to wait that long. A decision should ideally come before the NBA Draft Combine in May, when offseason activity ramps up. If no agreement is reached by then, the team may need to proceed with a trade. Prolonging the situation is no longer viable.
Chicago Bulls: Define Billy Donovan’s role
After dismissing their top executives, the Bulls must first determine Billy Donovan’s future. The organization has expressed interest in keeping him as head coach, but other possibilities exist, including a front-office role or a departure to another team.
This uncertainty complicates broader decisions. Organizational alignment is critical, and bringing in a new general manager while Donovan’s role is unclear could create tension. Whether he remains coach, moves to management, or leaves, the Bulls need a definitive plan before proceeding Non-playoff teams’ to-do list.
Sacramento Kings: Bring in an experienced head coach
Recent in-game mistakes, including a questionable foul situation, highlight the need for more experienced leadership. Sacramento’s only recent success came under veteran coach Mike Brown, and the team now appears to need a similarly seasoned figure.
Doug Christie, who stepped in as interim coach, oversaw a disappointing season. Given the team’s struggles, the Kings should prioritize hiring a proven coach to stabilize the organization.
Utah Jazz: Add a perimeter defender
Utah’s core roster is largely in place, with strong frontcourt talent and multiple offensive threats. However, the team lacks effective perimeter defense.
Their size provides advantages, but players like Lauri Markkanen and Ace Bailey are not ideal for guarding smaller opponents. The Jazz need a reliable point-of-attack defender who can adjust to different matchups. Fortunately, with available assets, this is a manageable issue to address.
Dallas Mavericks: Secure Dereck Lively with a team-friendly extension
After reshaping their finances through the Anthony Davis trade, Dallas now has greater flexibility. This opens the door to calculated risks, such as extending Dereck Lively.
Despite injury concerns, Lively showed All-Star potential early in his career. A long-term deal could benefit both sides, especially if structured favorably for the team. Locking in Lively alongside Daniel Gafford would help solidify the Mavericks’ foundation moving forward.
Memphis Grizzlies: Move on from Ja Morant
Memphis has already parted ways with two key players from its previous core and attempted to trade Ja Morant at the deadline without success.
As the team shifts toward rebuilding, Morant’s ball-dominant style conflicts with the development of younger players. While his contract is a factor, the larger issue is roster direction. The Grizzlies need to create opportunities for their future core, which likely requires moving on from Morant.
New Orleans Pelicans: Acquire a defensive center
The Pelicans appear committed, for now, to pairing Zion Williamson with Derik Queen. However, their on-court fit has been problematic on both ends.
Given defensive struggles—particularly around the rim—the team must add a true rim protector. While they may eventually need to choose between Williamson and Queen, there’s no urgency to make that decision yet. In the meantime, improving interior defense is essential to making the roster functional.
